DE102018204685A1 - Hot beverage maker - Google Patents

Abstract

It is a hot beverage preparation device (10), in particular a coffee machine, with a Festwasseranschluss (2), indicated that a first pump for preparing a hot drink, especially coffee, at least one water tank (1) for receiving water, a drip tray (8). for collecting residual liquid (4b), and at least one discharge line (7) for discharging residual water (4a) from the hot beverage preparation device (10). Further, the hot beverage preparation device (10) has a drainage device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i) for ensuring the drainage function of the residual water (4a) from the water tank (1), the drip tray (8) and / or the drain line (7).

Description

The present invention relates to a hot beverage preparation device, in particular a coffee machine, with a fixed water connection, which has a pump for preparing a hot drink, a water tank, a drip tray and a drain line for discharging residual water.

Hot beverage preparation devices for the preparation of hot drinks, especially coffee, usually have a removable and refillable water tank, which can be removed in the empty state by a user and selectively filled, for example under a tap. Alternatively, there are hot beverage preparation devices on the market which have a fixed water connection. In this case, a water tank of the hot beverage preparation device is in direct and fluidic contact with the fixed water connection, so that the hot beverage preparation device can automatically draw water via the fixed water connection if required. Due to this automated process, it is imperative to avoid an overflow of residual water and residual liquid, at the same time to provide an automated drainage system in the hot beverage preparation device. For this purpose, for example, a drain line is fluidly connected to a drip tray of the hot beverage preparation device, by means of which the residual water or the residual liquid can be discharged directly. The removal of the residual water or the residual liquid is usually based on the principle of gravity. The wastewater flows purely by gravity. An additional controlled flushing of the individual components of the hot beverage preparation device is not provided.

A disadvantage of such known hot beverage preparation devices is that, for example, deposits in the drain line can not be removed specifically. The risk of contamination, and in particular clogging of individual components, which are provided for the discharge of residual water, there is.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a hot beverage preparation device which only reduces or does not have the abovementioned disadvantages, which is therefore characterized in particular by an additional improved, in particular controlled, rinsing of relevant components of the hot beverage preparation device.

This object is achieved by a hot beverage preparation device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a hot beverage preparation device, in particular a coffee machine, a fixed water connection, a first pump, at least one water tank, a drip tray and at least one drain line. The first pump is used to prepare a hot beverage such as coffee. The water tank is used to hold water, which is needed in particular for the preparation of the hot drink. The drip tray is used to catch residual liquid such as residual water or dripping coffee. The drain line is used for discharging residual water from the hot beverage preparation device, in particular for discharging residual water from the drip tray. According to the invention, the hot beverage preparation device further comprises an additional drainage device for ensuring the drainage function of the residual water from the water tank, the drip tray and / or the drain line.

By means of the drainage device, an additional controlled flushing can advantageously be provided and carried out. Components of the hot beverage preparation device, such as the water tank, the drip tray and / or the drain line can be selectively flushed, cleaned and emptied. For example, deposits from the drain line can be selectively removed optimally and reliably. It is not absolutely necessary for the user to take active action. The drain device is preferably automatically activated or based on an automatic principle. This means that the drain device automatically starts when needed and starts its service.

Under a hot beverage preparation device is in particular a beverage dispensing machine to understand, which is suitable to provide hot drinks at the touch of a button. For example, the hot beverage preparation device is a coffee machine, a coffee machine or a built-in coffee machine.

Under a water tank is in particular any container of the hot beverage preparation device to understand, which is intended to receive liquid and in particular water and output in the hot beverage preparation. Preferably, the water tank is detachably formed by the hot beverage preparation device so that the co-user can manually fill in water or another liquid such as milk and / or manually clean the water tank and remove residues.

In the context of the application, a fluidic connection is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a direct or indirect connection between connected components, through which a fluid, especially water, can flow without licking or leaking. For example, the components are directly connected with each other mechanically positively and / or non-positively. Particularly preferably, the compound is formed liquid-stable. This means that in particular no liquid can escape from the compound.

Under a drain line is in particular a conduit such as a hose to understand, which is intended to direct residual water of the hot beverage preparation device from this. For example, the drain line serves to drain excess water collected in the drip tray from the drip tray. Especially with built-in coffee machines a Festwasseranschluss is an advantage, in which case not only the water supply but also the drainage should preferably be done automatically, for example, by appropriate inlets or drains - realized via appropriately connected hoses. The drain line according to the invention thus serves to automatically dissipate any residual water arising from the hot beverage preparation device during the preparation of hot drinks, without making manual use of the user necessary.

A drip tray is to be understood, in particular, as any collecting unit which is designed and suitable for collecting and collecting residual water or residual liquid arising during the beverage preparation. Such drip trays are used, for example, in coffee machines, are known in the art and are therefore not explained in detail here.

A first pump is to be understood in particular to mean any pump which is designed and suitable for pumping liquids from and into components provided for this purpose in the hot beverage preparation device during the preparation of a hot beverage, such as, for example, coffee. Such pumps are used for example in coffee machines, are known in the art and are therefore not explained in detail here.

In particular, a fixed water connection of the hot beverage preparation device is to be understood as any water connection which is directly and fluidically connected to the hot beverage preparation device and permits automatic filling of water into the hot beverage preparation devices for the preparation of hot drinks. User-dependent actuation, such as filling water in a water tank, is not required. A preferably automated, reliable and error-reduced method makes this possible.

Under a drain device is any component to understand that serves to ensure the drainage function of the residual water or the residual liquid or to ensure reliable. The drainage device is integrated in the hot beverage preparation device and designed as a separate or additional component. Various embodiments and variants of the drain device are discussed in more detail below.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention is to ensure the drainage function of the residual water emptying of the water tank, a drainage of residual liquid from the drip tray and / or flushing of the drain line. Thus, any components of the hot beverage preparation device prone to deposits and contaminants may be cleaned, emptied and / or flushed by the drain device. A hygienic, constipation-friendly or even clogging-free drainage of the residual water or the residual liquid from the respective components such as the drip tray, the water tank and / or the drain line is possible with advantage.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drain device on a second pump, which is installed after the water tank. The hot beverage preparation device thus has at least two pumps, wherein the first pump is provided for the preparation of coffee and the second pump is intended for ensuring the drainage function of the residual water or the residual liquid.

For each separate pump function, a separate pump is therefore provided and used in the present case. By means of the second pump, it is advantageously possible to empty the water tank, and / or to flush the drain line in the form of a preferably regular and / or sequence-controlled function by means of pump delivery volume. An active contribution of the user, such as pressing a button or the like, is not necessary here. Deposits can be easily and reliably removed by means of the second pump. An additional drop distance to the fixed water connection is advantageously not necessary. In addition, advantageously, the life of the first pump, which is now required only for coffee production, be increased due to their reduced use. The additional drainage function is taken over here by the second pump, which is additionally integrated and arranged in the hot beverage preparation device.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention is between the second pump and the Drain line installed a bypass line. In particular, the bypass line preferably has a jet pump. In the present case, therefore, starting from the pump, the bypass line is installed to the drain line. Residual water or residual liquid can be actively removed from the drip tray by means of the jet pump. The risk of overflowing the drip tray is reduced with advantage.

In an alternative development of the invention, the drainage device is implemented via a height adjustment and / or tilting of the drip tray in order to generate and / or increase a gradient in the direction of the drainage line. The process or the discharge of the residual water or the residual liquid from the drip tray takes place as follows:

The drip tray fills with residual liquid and moves at a predetermined level of liquid in height or is tilted, whereby by means of the increased gradient, a discharge of this residual liquid is made possible by the drain line. The flow behavior of the residual liquid from the drip tray advantageously improves. A surge-like emptying of the drip tray can be provided or made possible, whereby the risk of contamination in the drain line is reduced compared to a continuous discharge of the residual liquid and thereby conditionally compared to a continuously lower waste water flow.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the height adjustment and / or tilting of the drip tray takes place automatically upon reaching a predetermined level of the residual liquid in the drip tray. For example, the level is detected via a sensor or via a mechanical switch. On a user-dependent actuation can be omitted with advantage, so that the error rate can be reduced overall. Large flush volumes can be realized without the user having to actively contribute.

The drip tray can be designed removable.

In an alternative development of the invention, the drainage device comprises an overflow basin integrated in the drip tray which, in addition to the drip tray, has an additional drainage connection to the drainage line. The drip tray accordingly has juxtaposed areas, the drip tray area and the overflow basin, which are arranged directly adjacent to each other. Each area has its own drain connection to the drain line. The residual water produced in the hot beverage preparation or the resulting residual liquid is collected in the drip tray area. If this drip tray area is full or sufficiently filled with residual liquid, it will run over into the overflow basin, from which point on the overflow basin will be filled up with residual liquid. Upon reaching a predetermined liquid level of the overflow basin, the overflow basin and the drip tray area are specifically emptied, which advantageously allows a surge-like emptying, whereby a removal of contaminants in the drain line can be performed improved.

The emptying of the drip tray and the overflow basin can take place via a second pump, as already discussed above, or via a valve based on the principle of gravity.

Advantageously, it can reliably and successfully remove deposits from the drainage system. An additional fall distance to the fixed water connection is not necessary with advantage. Targeted emptying of the drip tray is possible with advantage.

In a preferred development of the invention, a determination of the level of the residual liquid in the overflow basin takes place via a sensor or a mechanical switch. By way of example, the second pump, which serves as a dirty water pump, can be selectively activated via a signal generated in this way. This advantageously increases the service life of the second pump, since it is specifically controlled and thus does not operate in dry running. The liquid level can be variably set with advantage, thus possible condensate problems can be avoided.

In an alternative development of the invention, the drainage device comprises an additional compressor for generating compressed air, in particular to purge the drain line in a targeted manner via a pressure surge. Advantageously, deposits can be removed from the drain line with the generated pressure surge. An improved and reliable cleaning is possible with advantage. An additional drop distance to the fixed water connection is not necessary. The life of the first pump, which is needed for the coffee production, is not reduced, since so much lower flush volumes are sufficient for cleaning the drain line.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a check valve is disposed between the compressor and the drain line. As a result, the generated pressure surge can be specifically directed towards the drain line. An optimal cleaning of the drain line due to the largest possible pressure surge thus allows advantage.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the drainage device comprises a drainage channel, which is preferably connected so that leaking water frees the area or the drain line of impurities and in particular boosts the flow behavior. Thus it can be achieved with advantage specifically a cleaning cycle for the area of the drain line. For example, in a Ausschaltspülprozess in a certain period of time, the first pump to be fully activated and thus direct a water jet in or on the drain line. Advantageously, the drainage channel has no influence on the fluid system. Deposits in the area of the drain line and odor nuisance can advantageously be removed. Overall, the flow of residual water can be facilitated and in particular cranked. In addition, the user can ensure individually and in particular depending on the drinking behavior that the drain line does not become leaking or silting.

• 1: eine schematische Skizze eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Heißgetränkezubereitungsvorrichtung,
• 2: eine schematische Skizze eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Heißgetränkezubereitungsvorrichtung,
• 3: eine schematische Skizze eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Heißgetränkezubereitungsvorrichtung,
• 4: einen schematischen Querschnitt eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Tropfschale einer erfindungsgemäßen H ei ßgetränkezu bereitungsvorrichtu ng,
• 5A, 5B: je einen schematischen Querschnitt eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Tropfschale einer erfindungsgemäßen Heißgetränkezubereitungsvorrichtung,
• 6: einen schematischen Querschnitt eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Tropfschale einer erfindungsgemäßen Heißgetränkezubereitungsvorrichtung.

Further advantages, advantageous embodiments and further developments of the hot beverage preparation device will become apparent from the embodiments described below in conjunction with the figures. Show it:

• 1 FIG. 2: a schematic sketch of an embodiment of a hot beverage preparation device according to the invention, FIG.
• 2 FIG. 2: a schematic sketch of an embodiment of a hot beverage preparation device according to the invention, FIG.
• 3 FIG. 2: a schematic sketch of an embodiment of a hot beverage preparation device according to the invention, FIG.
• 4 FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross section of an embodiment of a drip tray of a high-pressure beverage preparation device according to the invention, FIG.
• 5A . 5B FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross section of an embodiment of a drip tray of a hot beverage preparation device according to the invention, FIG.
• 6 : a schematic cross section of an embodiment of a drip tray of a hot beverage preparation device according to the invention.

In the exemplary embodiments and the figures, identical or identically acting components may each be provided with the same reference numerals. The illustrated components and their proportions to each other are basically not to be considered as true to scale. Rather, individual elements such as layers, parts, elements, components and areas for exaggerated representability and / or for better understanding can be shown exaggerated thick or large dimensions.

1 shows a schematic diagram of a hot beverage preparation device 10 holding a water tank 1 , a fixed water connection 2 , a control valve 3 , a first pump for preparing the hot drinks (not shown) and a drain pipe for residual water 4a having. The hot beverage preparation device 10 is for example a coffee machine, in particular a built-in coffee machine, which is intended for the preparation of, for example, coffee. For this purpose, in the coffee machine on a designated area a cup 5 turned off and filled with the hot drink.

The hot beverage preparation device 10 has in addition to the above-mentioned components additionally a drain device for ensuring the drainage function of residual water from the water tank 1 on. For this purpose, the drainage device comprises an additional second pump 6a that the water tank 1 is subordinate. From the second pump 6a a bypass line to the drain line is installed. The bypass line has as a bypass, for example, a jet pump, which is suitable for actively dissipating residual water, for example, from a drip tray. With the second pump 6a and the bypass line it is possible to use the water tank 1 to empty at desired times or to flush the drain line in the form of a regular and / or flow-controlled function by means of pump delivery volume.

Through the second pump 6a For example, large amounts of purge may preferably be used in the hot beverage preparation device 10 be realized, without the need for an active contribution of the user is necessary. With the rinse function can advantageously the water tank 1 emptied, flushed the drain line and in particular deposits are removed from the drain line. For this purpose, advantageously no additional fall distance to the fixed water connection 2 needed. In addition, advantageously increases the life of the first pump, which is used for coffee production, since the rinsing function of the second pump 6a is taken over.

The second pump 6a thus allows a reliable and automated emptying of the water tank 1 , Active drainage of residual water from the drip tray and a reliable and automated cleaning and rinsing of the drain line. A user-dependent action is not necessary for this, whereby the risk of forgetting this action does not exist or too late success of this action does not occur with advantage. An optimal drain cleaning program may be based on the second pump 6a to be provided.

In 2 is another embodiment, in particular a further schematic sketch of a hot beverage preparation device 10 shown. The hot beverage preparation device 10 again has a fixed water connection 2 on and serves to prepare coffee and to dispense the coffee into a cup 5 , The drain device has no second pump in this embodiment, but includes a compressor 6b for compressed air generation. With the compressor 6b it is advantageously possible, the drain line and in particular residual water 4a the drain line to empty specifically by means of a pressure surge. To direct the pressure surge in the direction of drain line, this is a check valve 6c between drain line and compressor 6b advantageous.

With the from the compressor 6b generated pressure surges can be removed deposits and impurities from the drain line optimally, reliably and targeted. For this purpose, no additional fall distance to the fixed water connection with advantage 2 needed. The life of the first pump required for coffee production is advantageously not diminished because the purge system requires significantly less purge volume. In addition, advantageously, the control valve during the wash program is not additionally controlled. These functions are present through the additional compressor 6b accepted.

3 shows an alternative embodiment of a hot beverage preparation device 10 with an additional drainage function or drainage device. To ensure the drainage function of residual water from the hot beverage preparation device 10 is in this case a drainage channel 6y provided that a valve 3 for hot water / steam / air 9 is downstream and in a drain line 7 empties. The drainage channel 6y is doing so in the hot beverage preparation device 10 connected, that leaving residual water the area of the drain line 7 freed of impurities and boosts the flow behavior. Thus, a specific cleaning cycle for the area of the drain line 7 be achieved. Advantageously, in addition to the valve 3 for hot water / steam / air 9 no separate Dampfentspanner necessary because directly over the drainage channel 6y in the drain line 7 can be steamed. The user can do a domestic water supply to the hot beverage preparation device 10 provide fresh water specifically without having to clean the coffee spout.

4 shows an alternative embodiment of a hot beverage preparation device 10 with an additional drainage function or drainage device. To ensure the drainage function of residual water from the hot beverage preparation device 10 in the present case is a tiltable drip tray 8th intended. The drip tray 8th serves in particular to, in the preparation of the hot beverage resulting residual liquid 4b to catch and to a drain line 7 dissipate. For this purpose, the drip tray 8th in a lower area a connection for the drain line 7 on. The residual fluid 4b can so directly into the drain line 7 flow. To a gradient in the outlet direction for the residual liquid 4b to increase, and thus be able to improve a drain and operate more efficiently, is a tilting mechanism 6d provided that tipping the drip tray 8th in the direction of the drainage line 7 allows.

The drainage of the residual liquid 6b from the drip tray 8th takes place as follows: The drip tray 8th fills with residual fluid 4b , If a desired or predetermined liquid level has set, the drip tray tilts 8th to increase the slope in the outlet direction or even to produce. The desired or predetermined liquid level can be detected, for example, via a sensor or via a mechanical switch.

Preferably, the drip tray 8th from the hot beverage preparation device 10 designed removable for the user.

With the provided tilting mechanism 6d Thus, the liquid gradient can be increased and the discharge behavior can be improved overall. In addition, advantageously allows a gush-like emptying of the drip tray 8th , This reduces the risk of contamination and deposits in the drain line with advantage 7 in comparison to a continuous and in particular lower residual liquid flow. With this, large amounts of flushing can be realized without requiring an active contribution of the user.

In the 5A and 5B a similar principle is shown. Compared to the in 4 embodiment shown is the drip tray 8th of the embodiment of 5A . 5B not tiltable, but height adjustable. There is a height adjustment for this purpose 6e Use. Is present a desired or predetermined liquid level of the residual liquid 4b in the drip tray 8th reached, then moves the drip tray 8th by height adjustment 6e in height, which advantageously the liquid gradient in the outlet direction, in particular in the direction of the drain line 7 , increased or even generated. In order to damage the drain line 7 To avoid this, it is preferably flexible, so that when a height adjustment, the drain line 7 is not trapped, broken or otherwise damaged.

The desired or predetermined liquid level can in turn be detected via a sensor or via a mechanical switch. The drip tray 8th may in turn be designed removable for the user.

The height adjustment of the drip tray 8th in turn makes it possible to increase the liquid gradient and thereby to improve the run-off behavior of the residual liquid 4b from the drip tray 8th , By the height adjustment 6e allows a surge-like emptying of the drip tray 8th , which reduces the risk of contamination and contamination in the drain line 7 can be reduced. Large flush volumes can be realized without requiring an active contribution of the user.

6 shows a further embodiment of a hot beverage preparation device with a drip tray 8th for catching residual fluid 4b and a drain line 7 for draining residual fluid 4b or residual water. As an additional drain device for ensuring the drainage function has this drip tray 8th an overflow basin 6f on, which is an overflow or full filling of the drip tray 8th with residual fluid 4b crowded. This will be the overflow basin 6f , in particular the liquid level in the overflow basin 6f using a sensor 6g or a switch monitors. Upon reaching a certain residual liquid level in the overflow basin 6f can the overflow basin 6f and the drip tray 8th targeted and reliably emptied. For this purpose, both have the overflow basin 6f , as well as the drip tray 8th one drain connection each 6i . 6h on, which makes it possible, residual liquid 4b from the overflow basin 6f or from the drip tray 8th in the drain line 7 be reconciled. Advantageously, a non-return valve or a valve is arranged in the drain line (not shown), which is an overflow of water from the drain line 7 in the direction of drain connection 6h prevented.

Emptying the drip tray 8th or the overflow basin 6f can do this via a second pump 6a or via a valve. Overall, it is possible the drip tray 8th and the overflow basin 6f to empty specifically.

Through the additional overflow basin 6f Advantageously, large flush volumes can be realized without requiring an active contribution of the user. In particular, impurities and deposits from the drain line can be used with these large flush volumes 7 be removed reliably, optimally and user-independently. An additional drop route to the fixed water connection is not necessary. A targeted emptying of the drip tray 8th is possible with advantage. The second pump 6a which is used to drain off the residual fluid 4b is intended, is targeted via a signal from the sensor 6g driven. This targeted activation advantageously increases the service life of the second pump 6a , as a dry run can be avoided. By variably setting the predetermined liquid level in the overflow basin 6f can be avoided with advantage condensate problems.

The explanation of the hot beverage preparing apparatus according to the invention from the above-described embodiments is not to be considered as limiting the invention thereto. Rather, the invention encompasses any novel features as well as any combination of features, which in particular includes any combination of features in the claims, even if this feature or combination itself is not explicitly stated in the patent claims or the exemplary embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Hot beverage device

1

water tank

2

Fixed water connection

3

control valve

4a

residual water

4b

residual liquid

5

Cup

6a

second pump

6b

compressor

6c

check valve

6d

tilt mechanism

6e

height adjustment

6f

Overflow basins

6g

sensor

6h, 6i

drain connection

6y

drainage channel

7

drain line

8th

drip tray

9

Hot water / steam / air

Claims (10)

Hot beverage preparation device (10), in particular coffee machine, with a fixed water connection (2), comprising - a first pump for preparing a hot beverage, in particular coffee, - at least one water tank (1) for receiving water, a drip tray (8) for collecting residual liquid (4b), and - at least one discharge line (7) for discharging residual water (4a) from the hot beverage preparation device (10), characterized by a discharge device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i) for ensuring the drainage function of the residual water (4a) from the water tank (1), the drip tray (8) and / or the drain line (7). Hot beverage preparation device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that ensuring the drainage function of the residual water (4a) is emptying the water tank (1), discharging residual liquid (4b) from the drip tray (8) and / or rinsing the drain line (7). Hot beverage preparation device according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the drainage device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i) comprises a second pump (6a) installed after the water tank (1). Hot beverage preparation device according to Claim 3 , characterized in that between the second pump (6a) and the drain line (7) a bypass line is installed, which in particular has a jet pump. Hot beverage preparation device according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the drainage device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i) is realized by means of a height adjustment and / or tilting of the drip tray (8) in order to make a downward slope in the direction of the drain line (7). to generate and / or increase. Hot beverage preparation device according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the height adjustment and / or tilting of the drip tray (8) automatically upon reaching a predetermined level of the residual liquid (4b) in the drip tray (8). Hot beverage preparation device according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the drainage device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i) comprises an overflow basin (6f) integrated in the drip tray (8) which, in addition to the drip tray (8), has an additional drain connection (6h) to the drain line (7). Hot beverage preparation device according to Claim 6 or 7 , characterized in that the determination of the level of the residual liquid (4b) in the drip tray (8) or a determination of a level of the residual liquid (4b) in the overflow basin (6f) via a sensor (6g) or a mechanical switch. Hot beverage preparation device according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the drainage device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i) comprises an additional compressor (6b) for generating compressed air, in particular to purge the drain line (7) selectively via a pressure surge. Hot beverage preparation device according to Claim 9 , characterized in that between the compressor (6b) and the drain line (7), a check valve (6c) is arranged.

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