EP3405077A1

EP3405077A1 - Automatic tea-making machine, system and method for controlling an automatic tea-making machine

Info

Publication number: EP3405077A1
Application number: EP17700830.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Björn RENTZSCH; Sascha Groom
Original assignee: Vorwerk and Co Interholding GmbH
Current assignee: Vorwerk and Co Interholding GmbH
Priority date: 2016-01-20
Filing date: 2017-01-19
Publication date: 2018-11-28
Also published as: DE102016100948A8; WO2017125474A1; CN108471897A; DE102016100948A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an automatic tea-making machine (100, 100'), designed for automatically preparing tea beverages, wherein the automatic tea-making machine (100, 100') is designed to be filled with a portion of tea leaves (4) for brewing, wherein the automatic tea-making machine (100, 100') has a control device (114) which is designed to receive a value, which is detected by a weighing device (150, 350), for the weight of a portion of tea leaves (4) with which the automatic tea-making machine (100, 100') is filled and to control the automatic tea-making machine (100, 100') as a function of this value. The invention further relates to a system (10, 10') for preparing tea beverages using an automatic tea-making machine (100, 100') and comprising a tea strainer system (20, 20') for the automatic tea-making machine (100, 100'), wherein the tea strainer system (20, 20') comprises a tea strainer insert (200) which is designed to receive a portion of tea leaves and to be inserted into a brewing chamber (124) of the automatic tea-making machine (100, 100'), and wherein the automatic tea-making machine (100, 100') or the tea strainer system (20, 20') has a weighing device (150, 350) which is designed to ascertain a value for the weight of a portion of tea leaves (4) with which the tea strainer insert (200) is filled and to send said value to the control device (114) of the automatic tea-making machine (100, 100'). The invention further relates to a method for controlling the automatic tea-making machine (100, 100'), comprising the following steps: receiving a value for the weight of the portion of tea leaves (4) with which the automatic tea-making machine (100, 100') is filled, and controlling the automatic tea-making machine (100, 100') as a function of the received value for the weight.

Description

Tea machine, system and method for controlling a tea machine

The invention relates to a tea machine, set up for automatic

Preparation of tea beverages, the tea machine being adapted to be filled with a serving of tea leaves for an infusion. Furthermore, the concerns

The invention relates to a system for preparing tea beverages and to a method for controlling a tea machine.

While automatic coffee makers for automatic preparation of coffee drinks have long been known, only recently tea machines have been developed that are specifically intended for the automatic preparation of tea drinks.

Traditionally, tea beverages are often still made manually by placing a certain volume of hot water in a teapot and placing it in contact with a measured amount of tea leaves for a period of time.

When dosing the tea leaves, inaccuracies may occur, especially if a larger tea beverage volume is to be produced with a correspondingly larger amount of tea leaves. The amount of tea leaves is measured both in the manual production of tea drinks as well as in the known tea machines usually by the user, and usually with a spoon. Since the load of the spoon with tea leaves (e.g., painted or heaped) is judged differently by users, it may be too large in this dosing manner

Dosage inaccuracies come, so that made by different users tea drinks despite the same dosing instructions taste can vary greatly. The conventional dimension of the tea leaf quantity with a spoon is therefore not sufficient to achieve the best possible optimal tea quality.

Against this background, the invention is the object of a

To provide tea machines, a system for preparing tea drinks and a method for controlling a tea machine, with which a better and consistent tea quality can be achieved.

This task is done at a tea machine, set up for automatic

Preparation of tea beverages, wherein the tea machine is adapted to be filled with a serving of tea leaves for an infusion, according to the invention at least partially solved in that the tea machine has a control device which is adapted to a detected by a weighing device value for the weight of a To receive in the tea machine portion of tea leaves and to control the tea machine as a function of this value.

By having the controller of the tea maker adapted to receive a value for the weight of the portion of tea leaves filled in the tea machine, the weight of the portion of tea leaves can be taken into account in the control of the tea maker. In this way, an improved and consistent tea quality can be achieved. In particular, it is possible in this way, the

To brew the tea beverage to be made, depending on the weight of the portion of tea leaves, or to alert the user if too few or too many tea leaves are filled in the tea machine.

The tea maker is set up for the automatic preparation of tea beverages. For this purpose, the tea machine may in particular comprise a brewing chamber and a hot water supply with which a volume of hot water can be introduced into the brewing chamber in order to be brought into contact there with a portion of tea leaves to prepare a tea beverage. The control device of the tea machine is preferably set up, depending on a User input, for example via an operating element of the tea machine, to carry out the automatic preparation of a tea beverage.

The tea maker is set up to be filled with a serving of tea leaves for an infusion. For this purpose, the tea maker preferably has one

Pick up the portion of tea leaves filled in the tea machines or a tea strainer can be used for a serving of tea leaves in the tea machine. In the present case, an infusion is understood to mean the brewing process in which a predetermined volume of water for preparing a tea beverage is brought into contact with the portion of tea leaves for a specific time.

The tea machine has a control device. The control device may in particular comprise a microprocessor and a memory connected thereto. In particular, the memory may contain instructions whose execution on the microprocessor causes the control of the tea machine.

The control device is set up to record a value, recorded by a weighing device, for the weight of a portion filled in the tea machine

To receive tea leaves. For this purpose, the control device in particular has a signal input connected to a data line

Receiving a signal for the value via the data line. The signal input or the data line is in particular connected to a weighing device or can be connected via an interface in order to provide a signal for the value of the weight to the

Transfer control device. The weighing device may in particular be an electromechanical or electronic balance.

The value for the weight may in particular directly represent the weight of the portion of tea leaves, for example a numerical value for the weight of the tea leaves in grams, or alternatively the value of a measured variable which can be converted into the weight of the portion of tea leaves, for example by subtracting a predetermined value for the empty weight of a tea strainer insert. The controller is further configured to control the tea maker as a function of the value of the weight of the tea leaf portion being filled in the tea maker. In particular, the control device can do so

to be set up to adjust at least one process parameter in the preparation of the tea beverage, for example the volume of water used for the preparation, depending on the value for the weight. The control device can also be set up to compare the value for the weight with a predetermined threshold value and to exceed or fall short of the value

Threshold to initiate a predetermined control of the tea machine, for example, the output of a message to the user that too many or too few tea leaves were filled in the tea machine.

Furthermore, the above object is achieved according to the invention at least partially by a system for the preparation of tea beverages with the previously

and a tea strainer system for the tea maker, the tea strainer system comprising a tea strainer adapted to receive a portion of tea leaves and to be introduced into a brewing chamber of the tea maker, and wherein the tea maker or tea strainer system comprises a weighing device which is adapted to determine a value for the weight of a portion of tea leaves filled in the tea strainer insert and send it to the control device of the tea maker.

In such a system, the portion of tea leaves is not filled directly into the tea machine, but in the tea strainer of the tea strainer, which in turn can be used in the tea machine. Such a system facilitates the handling and cleaning of the tea machine, in particular the removal of tea leaves from the tea machine. The tea strainer is preferably configured to be completely in one

Brühkammer the tea machine to be introduced, and vorzusgweise one Tea strainer body, which surrounds an open to the top of Teesiebeinsatzes and the bottom of the tea strainer at least water-permeable interior for tea leaves, wherein the tea strainer preferably a tea strainer is attached or attached so that tea leaves are prevented from passing through the bottom of the tea strainer from the tea strainer insert to get out.

In order to determine a value for the weight of the portion of tea leaves filled in the tea strainer insert, the tea maker or the tea strainer system comprises a weighing device.

If the weighing device is arranged, for example, in the tea machine, the weight of the tea sieve system or of the tea sieve insert can be determined in particular with this, if the tea sieve insert is used in the tea dispenser. From this value, the control device can for example directly determine the weight of the portion of tea leaves by a stored or determined value for the

Tare weight of the tea screen system or the tea strainer is subtracted.

If the weighing device is provided in a component of the tea screen system, then the corresponding component and the tea machine have in particular

Coupling means, such as electrical contacts, to provide a signal for the value of the weight of the portion tea leaves from the weighing device to the

To be able to transfer control device of the tea machine. The transmission of the signal can also be wireless or by induction. For this purpose, in particular the tea strainer insert or the tea strainer system can have a transmitter and the tea machine a corresponding receiver. Preferably, the tea strainer or the tea sieve system and the tea machine may have mutually corresponding coils to the signal from the tea strainer or

To transfer the tea strainer system to the tea machine by induction. Such a wireless solution or induction solution has the advantage, in particular over galvanic contacts, that it is water-resistant or waterproof. Are to

Data transmission provided to each other corresponding coils, these can preferably be set up by induction simultaneously to the power supply of the weighing device.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the above-mentioned object is at least partially solved by a method for controlling the above-described automatic tea dispenser, in particular a tea dispenser of the system described above, comprising the following steps:

Receiving a value for the weight of tea leaves filled in the tea machine and

Controlling the tea machine as a function of the received value for the

Weight,

In the following, various embodiments of the tea maker, the system and the method will be described, wherein the individual embodiments are independently applicable to each other for the tea machine, the system as well as for the method. The embodiments may also

be combined with each other.

In one embodiment, the tea machine has a weighing device which is adapted to detect a value for the weight of a portion of tea leaves filled in the tea machine and to send this value to the control device. In this embodiment, the weighing device is thus in the

Integrated automatic tea machines, so that capturing the value of the weight in the

Tea machines themselves and can be done independently of the user.

In another embodiment, the tea machine has one or more feet to put the tea machine on a surface, and the

Weighing device is arranged in one or more of the feet. In particular, the weighing device arranged in one or more of the feet can be set up to determine the weight of the tea machine. The

Control device is preferably arranged in this case, the weight to determine the tea leaves from a difference measurement of the weight of the tea machine before and after filling the portion tea leaves in the tea machine.

In a further embodiment, the tea maker is adapted to receive a tea strainer set up to hold a serving of tea leaves or a tea strainer system comprising such a strainer

Tea machine has transmission means which are adapted to receive a value for the weight of a portion of tea leaves filled in the tea strainer insert and sent to the control device by a weighing device integrated in the tea strainer or tea strainer system. In a corresponding embodiment of the system, the tea strainer insert or the tea strainer system comprises the weighing device.

In this way, the weighing device can also be provided separately from the tea machine. This makes it possible to dispense with the installation of a weighing device in the tea machine and thereby produce cheaper. To use the weighing function, a corresponding tea sieve insert or a corresponding tea sieve system with integrated weighing device can then be used. The power supply of an integrated in the tea strainer or the Teesiebsystem weighing device is preferably carried out by induction. For this purpose, the tea strainer insert or the tea strainer system as well as the tea machine preferably have coils which correspond to one another in order to supply the weighing device with power from the tea machine by induction. Such an induction solution has the particular advantage over galvanic contacts that they are water resistant or

is waterproof.

The functioning of the weighing device integrated in the tea strainer insert or the tea strainer system can correspond, for example, to the functioning of a conventional household balance. The transmitting means preferably comprise electrical contacts arranged to be contacted with corresponding electrical contacts provided on the tea strainer insert when the tea strainer insert is in contact with the strainer

Tea machines is used. In this way, an electrical connection for transmitting a weight value signal from the weighing device in the tea strainer or tea strainer to the controller of the tea maker may be provided. Instead of electrical contacts and a receiver for an electromagnetic signal is conceivable, so that the transmission of a signal for the value of the weight between the tea strainer or tea strainer and the

Tea machines can also be done wirelessly. The tea strainer or the

Tea sieve system preferably has a corresponding transmitter for this purpose.

In a further embodiment, the tea machine is adapted to a tea strainer set up to hold a serving of tea leaves and a

To accommodate cuff for handling the tea strainer insert, wherein the

Tea machine has transmission means which are adapted to receive a value for the weight of a portion of tea leaves filled in the tea strainer insert sent by a weighing device integrated in the cuff and to forward it to the control device.

In a corresponding embodiment of the system, the tea strainer system comprises a cuff adapted to receive the tea strainer insert, the cuff comprising the weighing device, and wherein the weighing device is adapted to determine a value for the weight of a portion of tea leaves filled in the tea strainer insert. when the tea strainer is received in the cuff and sending the value for the weight to the controller of the tea maker. Such a cuff facilitates the handling of the tea strainer insert, in particular the insertion and removal of the tea strainer insert in or out the tea machine and can therefore also be referred to as a handling sleeve. Such a cuff preferably comprises a tea strainer insert adapted to receive a tea strainer insert, and preferably a bottom port through which a tea strainer insert is insertable into the strainer insert. In particular, the collar may include a locking mechanism that locks the tea strainer receptacle in a locked position such that a tea strainer insert received in the strainer insert receptacle is retained in the strainer insert and which releases the strainer insert in an unlatched position a tea strainer insert received in the tea strainer insert can pass out of the tea strainer insert through the opening.

Preferably, the sleeve has a support element on which the

Tea strainer rests when it is received in the cuff, and the

Weighing device is adapted to acting on the support element

Weight of the tea strainer to capture.

In a further embodiment, the tea machine has a brewing chamber for brewing a tea beverage with a portion filled in the tea machine

Tea leaves and the control device is adapted to adjust the volume of water to be introduced into the brewing chamber for infusion of the portion of tea leaves as a function of the received value for the weight of the portion of tea leaves. In a corresponding embodiment of the method, controlling the tea maker as a function of the received value for the weight comprises introducing a certain volume of water into a brewing chamber of the tea maker

Infusion of a tea beverage, the volume being adjusted as a function of the received value for the weight of the portion of tea leaves.

In this way, the volume of water can be adjusted to the tea leaf weight, so that a uniform tea quality can be achieved even with tea leaves portions with different weights. The control device can For example, be adapted to initiate a proportional to the weight of the serving tea leaves volume of water in the brewing chamber. Furthermore, the control device may be adapted to compare the value for the weight with a predetermined lower and / or a predetermined upper limit and to perform the brewing process only if the value for the weight above the predetermined lower and / or below the predetermined upper Limit value is.

In a further embodiment, the tea machine has a display device and the control device is set up as a function of the

received value for the weight to bring about an output on the display device. In a corresponding embodiment of the method, controlling the tea maker as a function of the received value for the weight comprises displaying an output on the display as a function of the received value for the weight.

In this way, information about the weight of the portion of tea leaves can be output to the user. For example, the control device may be configured to output the weight of the portion of tea leaves on the display device. The control device may alternatively or additionally be configured to output an indication on the display device if the value for the weight is below a predetermined lower and / or above a predetermined upper limit. In a further embodiment, the control device is configured to control the tea machine according to the described method or one of the described embodiment of this method.

For this purpose, the control device preferably has a

Microprocessor and associated memory on, the memory Contains instructions whose execution on the microprocessor causes the implementation of the described method or an embodiment thereof.

In the following, further embodiments 1 to 8 of the tea machine, further embodiments 9 to 11 of the system and further embodiments 12 to 14 of the method will be described. The following embodiments are each independent, but can also be used with each other and / or with others

combined embodiments described:

1. Tea machine, set up for automatic preparation of tea drinks, the tea machine is set to be filled with a serving of tea leaves for an infusion, the tea machine a

Control device which is adapted to receive a value recorded by a weighing device for the weight of a portion of tea leaves filled in the tea machine and to control the tea machine as a function of this value.

2. Tea machine according to embodiment 1, wherein the tea machine a

Weighing device which is adapted to detect a value for the weight of a filled in the tea machine portion tea leaves and send this value to the control device.

3. Tea machine according to embodiment 2, wherein the tea machine one or

Has several feet to put the tea machine on a surface can, and that the weighing device is arranged in one or more of the feet.

4. Tea machine according to one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the tea machine is adapted to a for receiving a portion of tea leaves

equipped tea strainer to accommodate that the tea machine

Transmission means, which are adapted to one of a in receive the value sent to the tea strainer integrated weighing device for the weight of a portion of tea leaves filled in the tea strainer insert and forward it to the control device.

A tea maker according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the tea maker is arranged to receive a portion of tea leaves

equipped tea strainer and a sleeve for handling the tea strainer, that the tea machine comprises transmitting means which are adapted to receive a value sent by a built into the cuff weighing device value of the weight of a filled in the tea strainer portion tea leaves and to the

Forward control device.

The tea maker according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the tea maker has a brewing chamber for brewing a tea beverage having one in the

Tea makers filled portion tea leaves and the

Control device is adapted to adjust the volume of water to be introduced for infusion of the portion tea leaves in the brewing chamber water as a function of the received value for the weight of the portion of tea leaves.

A tea maker according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the tea maker has a display and the controller is adapted to cause an output on the display as a function of the received value for the weight.

Tea machine according to one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the

Control device is adapted to control the tea machine according to a method according to one of the embodiments 11 to 13. System for preparing tea drinks,

with a tea machine according to one of the embodiments 1 to 8 and with a tea strainer system for the tea maker,

the tea strainer system comprising a tea strainer set to receive a serving of tea leaves and placed in a brewing chamber of the tea

Tea machines are introduced, and

wherein the tea maker or the tea screen system comprises a weighing device adapted to set a value for the weight of one of the

Tea strainer to determine filled portion tea leaves and to the

Control device of the tea machine to send. System according to embodiment 9, wherein the tea strainer insert the

Weighing device comprises. The system of embodiment 9 or 10, wherein the tea screen system further comprises a cuff configured to receive the tea strainer insert, and wherein the cuff comprises the weighing device and the weighing device is configured to provide a value for the weight of a portion of tea leaves filled in the tea strainer insert to determine if the

Tea sieve insert is received in the cuff, and to send the value for the weight to the control device of the tea machine. Method for controlling a tea machine according to one of

Embodiments 1 to 8, in particular a tea machine of a system according to one of the embodiments 9 to 11, comprising the following steps:

Receiving a value for the weight of tea leaves filled in the tea machine and

Controlling the tea machine as a function of the received value for the weight. The method of embodiment 12, wherein controlling the tea machine as a function of the received value for the weight comprises: Displaying an output on the display as a function of the received value for the weight.

14. The method according to embodiment 12 or 13, wherein controlling the

Tea machines as a function of the received value for the weight include:

Introducing a given volume of water into a brewing chamber of the tea maker for infusing a tea beverage, the volume being adjusted as a function of the received value for the weight of the portion of tea leaves.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following

Description of embodiments, reference being made to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing show

Fig. La-b an embodiment of the tea machine and the system for

Preparation of tea drinks, Fig. 2a-d another embodiment of the tea machine and the system for preparing tea drinks and

3 is a flow chart of an embodiment of the method. Figures la and lb show an embodiment of a system 10 for

Preparation of tea beverages with a tea screen system 20 and a tea machine 100. The tea machine 100 comprises a housing 110 in which a

Hot water supply 112, a control device 114, an operating device 116 and a shuttle 118 are housed. The hot water supply 112 may, for example, be connected to a water supply

Have flow heater. The control device 114 can in particular a microprocessor and a memory associated therewith, wherein the memory contains instructions whose execution on the microprocessor cause the control of the tea machine 100. The operating device 116 comprises

Controls that allow a user to access various options

Tea machines can access. For example, the operating device 116 may have a touchscreen.

A brewing unit 120 and a tea beverage dispensing station 122 arranged underneath are provided on the housing 110.

The brewing unit 120 comprises an upwardly open brewing chamber 124,

for example in the form of an upwardly open glass cylinder, and a

Spray head 126, which is arranged on a relative to the housing 110 pivotable lid 128.

At the bottom of the brewing chamber 124, an outlet 130 is provided with a controllable by the controller 114 valve 132. By opening the valve 132, a liquid from the brewing chamber 124 by a

Outlet ports 134 are directed to an outlet port 136 which is positioned above the tea beverage dispensing station 122.

The tea beverage dispenser 122 has a tea collection container receptacle 138 below the outlet opening 136 in the dispensing position

Tea collection container, such as a teacup 2 or a teapot, on. The tea beverage dispenser 122 preferably further includes a drip tray 140 in which liquid exiting the outlet port 136 can be collected when the tea tray receiver 138 is empty.

The spray head 126 serves to introduce water for a brewing process in the brewing chamber 124. For this purpose, a supply line (not shown) is provided in the housing 110, which runs from the hot water supply 112 to the spray head 126. With the spray head 126 can also be introduced into the water brewing chamber 124 to flush it. The spray head 126 may optionally also be supplied with cleaning fluid from a cleaning fluid reservoir to clean the brewing chamber 124.

The lid 128 with the spray head 126 can be pivoted between an open position (Figure la) and a closed position (Figure lb). In the open position, the brewing chamber 124 is accessible from above, so that the tea screen system 20 can be used in the tea machine 100. After inserting the

Tea sieve system 20, the user can pivot the lid 128 in the closed position, so that the spray head 126 is disposed above the brewing chamber 124 and thereby can introduce water into the brewing chamber 124.

Tea strainer system 20 includes a tea strainer insert 200 that is configured to be fully inserted into the brewing chamber 124. In other words, the outer contour of the tea strainer insert 200 is adapted to the inner contour of the brewing chamber 124 such that the tea strainer insert 200 completely into the brewing chamber 124

can slide into it. Furthermore, the tea strainer system 20 includes a cuff 300 configured to receive the tea strainer insert 200. In other words, the inner contour of the sleeve 300 is adapted to the outer contour of the tea strainer insert 200 so that the tea strainer insert 200 can be inserted into the sleeve 300. For the operation of the tea machine 100, the tea strainer insert 200 is inserted from below into the sleeve 300 and filled with tea leaves 4. The tea screen system 20 is then used in the open position of the lid 128 in the tea machine 100. By pivoting the lid 128 in the closed position (Fig. Lb), the sleeve 300 is pushed onto the brewing chamber 124, so that the tea strainer insert 200 comes with the tea leaves 4 in the brewing chamber 124 and a brewing process can be started. For the brewing process by the spray head 126 hot water in the

Brühkammer 124 initiated. During the brewing process, the tea strainer insert 200 is repeatedly moved up and down in the brewing chamber 124 by means of the traversing device 118, so that the tea leaves 4 are distributed in the water in the brewing chamber 124. The shuttle 118 and the tea strainer 200 are preferably

magnetically coupled with each other. For example, the traversing device 118 may comprise a magnet and the tea strainer insert 200 may comprise a magnetic material or vice versa, so that the tea strainer insert moves as the traversing device 118 moves up or down and thus travels in the brewing chamber 124.

At the end of the brewing process, the tea strainer insert 200 is again moved out of the brewing chamber 124 and into the cuff 300 with the traversing device 118. At the same time, by actuating the valve 132, the finished tea beverage from the brewing chamber 124 is conveyed through the outlet 130 into a tea collection container, such as a teacup 2 or teapot, located at the tea beverage dispenser

output. Subsequently, the lid 128 can be pivoted back into the open position and the tea screen system 20 are removed.

In an alternative embodiment of the tea maker, a serving of tea leaves may also be directly infillable in the tea maker without the need for a separate tea strainer system such as the tea strainer system 20. The control device 114 of the tea machine 100 is set up to receive a value, recorded by a weighing device, for the weight of a portion of tea leaves filled in the tea machine 100. For this purpose, the tea machine 100 may in particular comprise a weighing device 150, which is set up to give a value for the weight of a portion filled in the tea strainer insert 200

To capture tea leaves. The weighing device 150 may, for example, as shown in Fig. La in one or more feet 152 at the bottom of the tea machine 100 may be arranged, with which the tea machine 100 stands on a base such as a countertop. Via a data line 154, the weighing device 150 is connected to the control device 114 such that the

Control device 114 receives the weight detected by the weighing device.

The weighing device 150 may, for example, be adapted to the weight of the tea machine 100 with the tea screen system 20 inserted and filled therein

To capture tea leaves. The controller 114 may then by subtracting a tea leaf measured prior to filling the tea screen system 20

Determine the reference weight of the tea machine 100 of the weight of the portion of tea leaves in the tea screen system 20.

The controller 114 is further configured to control the tea machine 100 as a function of the value of the weight of the portion of tea leaves.

For example, the controller 114 may be configured to display the weight of the portion of tea leaves on a display 156 of the tea maker 100 or to issue a warning on the display 156 if the received value for the weight falls below a stored lower limit or exceeds a stored upper limit. ie too small or too large amount of tea leaves in tea strainer 200 is present. The display device 156 may in particular be a screen. In particular, the operating device 116 and the display device 156 can be formed by a component, for example a touch screen, or a projection.

Additionally or alternatively, the controller 114 may be configured to control a brewing operation depending on the value of the weight of the portion of tea leaves. For example, the controller may be configured to calculate from the value received from the weighing device 150 a volume of water suitable for the weight of the portion of tea leaves and the hot water supply To control 112 such that during brewing a corresponding volume of water is passed into the brewing chamber 124. In this way, the amount of water can be automatically adjusted to the tea leaf quantity. FIG. 2a shows a further embodiment of a system 10 'with a

Tea sieve system 20 'and a tea machine 100'. The system 10 'has a similar structure and operation as the system 10 of Figs. 1a-b. The same parts are therefore provided with the same reference numerals. The system 10 'differs from the system 10 in that the weighing device in the system 10' is not located in the tea machine 100 'but in the tea screen system 20'.

The tea screen system 20 'of the system 10' is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures 2b-d.

FIG. 2b initially shows the tea strainer insert 200 of the tea strainer system 20 'in a lateral sectional view. The tea strainer insert 200 has a tea strainer insert 202, which is substantially tubular in the illustrated embodiment and an open to the top of the tea strainer 200 interior 204 for

Tea leaves 4 surrounds. The interior 204 is to the bottom by an am

Tea strainer 202 attached rigid tea strainer 206 limited, so that

Tea leaves can not get down from the tea strainer 200 out. The tea strainer insert 202 has in the upper region a guide section 208, the outer cross section of which is adapted to the inner cross section of the brewing chamber 124. When the tea-sieve insert 202 is disposed in the brewing chamber 124, the guide portion 208 abuts the inner wall 144 of the brewing chamber 124. On the upper side, the tea-sieve insert body 202 has a stripping device 210, which in the present embodiment has an obliquely outwardly directed Wiper lip 212 includes. When the tea strainer insert 200 is disposed in the brewing chamber 124, the wiper lip 212 abuts the inner wall 144 of the brewing chamber 124 so that when the tea strainer insert 200 is raised in the brewing chamber 124 tea leaves are stripped from the inner wall 144 and slanted inwardly toward the interior 204 directed inner surface 214 of the wiper lip 212 are guided into the inner space 204.

FIG. 2c shows the sleeve 300 'of the tea screen system 20' in a lateral sectional view.

The sleeve 300 'is formed in the illustrated embodiment by a substantially tubular body 302 having a tea strainer insert

304 surrounds. The cuff 300 'has a bottom opening 306 through which the tea strainer insert 200 can be inserted into the tea strainer insert 304.

For this purpose, the internal geometry of the tea strainer insert 304 to the

External geometry of the tea strainer 200 adapted. Figure 2d shows the situation when the tea strainer insert 200 is received in the tea strainer insert 304 of the cuff 300 '.

For reversibly fixing the tea strainer insert 200 in the tea strainer insert 304, a locking mechanism 308 in the form of a plurality of locking fingers 310 is formed on the underside of the sleeve 300 ', reducing the cross section of the lower side opening 306 in the locked position shown in FIG the tea strainer insert 200 is held positively in the tea strainer insert 304. For this purpose, the latching fingers 310 upper abutment surfaces 312 and the tea strainer insert 200 has a lower abutment surface 216 which abut each other in the locked position as shown in Fig. 2d.

By the upper abutment surfaces 312, the tea strainer insert 304 is limited downwards. As the upper limit of the tea-sieve insert receptacle 304, the sleeve 300 'has an upper stop 314 which is for example annular. The height of the tea strainer insert 304, ie in the present embodiment, the distance between the upper abutment surfaces 312 and the upper stop 314, is adapted to the tea strainer insert 200 so that it is movable even in the locked position of the locking mechanism 308 in the sleeve 300 '. The height of the tea strainer insert 304 is thus greater than the height of the present case

Guide section 208.

The cuff 300 'is adapted to the brewing chamber 124 so that the cuff 300' can be placed on the brewing chamber 124. For this purpose, the lower-side opening 306 of the sleeve 300 'is dimensioned so that the sleeve can be slipped at least a little way over the brewing chamber. The

Accordingly, the bottom opening 306 simultaneously represents a brewing chamber receptacle 316. In the region of the brewing chamber receptacle 316, the latching fingers 310 are arranged, whose obliquely inwardly extending undersides form actuator surfaces 318 in order to spread open the latching fingers 310. By allowing the tea strainer insert 200 to be filled with a serving of tea leaves and allowing the tea strainer system 20 'to be inserted into the tea machine 100' as shown in Figs. 2a, the tea maker is adapted to serve with a serving of tea leaves for an infusion, i. for a brewing process in the brewing chamber 124 to be filled. The weighing device 350 is disposed in the system 10 'in the cuff 300' and includes the upper abutment surface 312 so that the tea strainer insert 200, when received in the cuff 300 'as shown in FIG

Weighing device 350 rests that the weight of Teesiebeinsatz 200 acts at least partially on the weighing device 350 and this can thus detect a value for the weight of the tea strainer 200 and thus a value for the weight of the absorbed in the tea strainer 200 portion tea leaves.

To transmit the value for the weight of the weighing device 350 to the control device 114 of the automatic teller 100 ', the sleeve 300' with the weighing device 350 electrically connected contacts 352 and the tea machine 100 'corresponding contacts 158, which via a data line 160 with the Control device 114 are connected. The contacts 352 and 158 are adapted to each other so that they as shown in Fig. 2a at the onset of

Tea sieve system 20 'in the tea machine 100' come into electrical contact with each other and thus produce an electrical signal connection between the weighing device 350 and the controller 114. The contacts 158 and the

The data line 160 thus forms transmission means 162 with which the tea machine 100 'can receive weight values transmitted by the weighing device 350 and forward them to the control device 114. Alternatively to the

Transmission means 162 are also conceivable wireless transmission means, in particular a transmitter in the cuff 300 'and a receiver in the tea machine 100' or mutually corresponding coils in the cuff 300 'and in the automatic teller 100' for wireless signal transmission by induction.

The control of the tea machine 100 'as a function of the value for the weight of the tea leaf insert 200 received portion tea leaves is analogous to the control of the tea machine 100 of FIG. La. In particular, the

Control device 114 may be configured to display the weight of the tea leaves on the display 156. The weight of the tea leaves can be the

Control device 114 in particular by subtracting a stored or measured before filling the tea leaves tare weight of the tea strainer 200 of a weight of the tea strainer 200 transferred from the weighing device 350 including the tea leaves determine. Alternatively, the subtraction in the

Weighing device 350 are performed. The controller 114 may be further configured to derive from the value received from the weighing device 350 a weight of the portion

Tea leaves suitable volume of water to calculate and the hot water supply 112 to control such that during brewing a corresponding volume of water is passed into the brewing chamber 124. In the following, the operation and operation of the tea machine 100 or 100 'still with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 for a

Embodiment of the method for controlling the tea machine 100 or 100 'explained.

A user of the tea machine 100 or 100 'can first of all insert the tea screen system 20 or 20' into the tea machine, as shown in FIG. 1a or 2a, whereupon the weighing device 150 or 350 has a reference weight of the tea machine 100 or the tea screen system 20 '. certainly. The user can then fill tea leaves from above into the tea strainer 200.

From the weighing device 150 or 350, a value for the weight of the tea leaves in the tea strainer insert 200 is determined in step 402. This value is over the

Data line 154 and the transmission means 162 to the control device 114 of the tea machine 100 or 100 'transmitted and received by the latter in step 404. The controller 114 calculates the weight of the tea leaves from the received value, in particular by subtracting the previously measured one

Reference weight, and outputs the weight via the display device 156, so that the user can recognize what weight have already filled in the tea strainer 200 tea leaves.

For example, steps 402-406 may be repeated until the desired weight of the tea leaves is reached, or until the user has reached the desired weight

Operating device 116 confirms the end of the filling process.

In the subsequent brewing operation performed with the tea leaves filled in the tea strainer insert 200, the controller 114 determines the volume of hot water to be introduced from the hot water supply 112 into the brewing chamber 124 in step 408 depending on the weight of the tea leaves and performs the brewing operation in step 410 with the accordingly set

Water volume through. For example, the volume of water can be proportional to Weight of tea leaves are adjusted so that, for example, for a double tea leaf weight according to a double volume of water is used.

The tea machine 100, 100 'is preferably adapted to receive additional parameters for the brewing process, in particular via the operating device 116. For example, can be adjusted in this way the water temperature for the brewing process depending on the type of tea used, so that a further improvement in quality of the tea beverage produced can be achieved. With the described tea machine, system and method can thus achieve a consistent tea quality, since the amount of tea leaves and the

Volume of water for an infusion can be matched and thus over and under doses of tea leaves can be avoided.

Claims

January 19th, 2017

P a n t a n s p r e c h e

1. Tea machine (100, 100 '), set up for automatic preparation of

Tea beverages, wherein the tea machine (100, 100 ') is adapted to be filled with a serving of tea leaves (4) for an infusion,

wherein the tea machine (100, 100 ') has a control device (114) which is set up to detect a value of the weight of a portion of tea leaves (4, 100') filled in the tea dispenser (100, 100 ') by a weighing device (150, 350) ) and to control the tea machine (100, 100 ') as a function of this value,

characterized,

that the tea machine (100 ') is adapted to receive a tea strainer (200) adapted to receive a serving of tea leaves (4), and in that the tea machine (100') comprises transmitting means (162) adapted to move one from an in to receive the value sent to the tea strainer (100) integrated weighing device for the weight of a portion of tea leaves (4) filled in the tea strainer insert (100) and to which

Forward control device (114).

2. Tea machine according to claim 1,

characterized in that the tea maker (100) comprises a weighing device (150) adapted to detect a value for the weight of a portion of tea leaves filled in the tea machine (100) and send that value to the controller (114).

3. Tea machine according to claim 2,

characterized in that the tea maker (100) has one or more feet (152) for placing the tea maker (100) on a surface can, and that the weighing device (150) in one or more of the feet (152) is arranged.

Tea machine according to one of claims 1 to 3,

characterized in that the tea maker (100) is adapted to receive a tea strainer (200) and a sleeve (300) for handling the tea strainer used to hold a serving of tea leaves (4) such that the tea maker (100 ') communicates (162) configured to be integrated into the cuff (300 ') by one

Weighing device (350) sent value for the weight of one in the

Tea sieve insert (200) filled portion tea leaves (4) to receive and forward to the controller (114).

Tea machine according to one of claims 1 to 4,

characterized in that the tea machine (100, 100 ') has a brewing chamber (124) for brewing a tea beverage with a portion of tea leaves (4) filled in the tea machine (100, 100') and the control device (114) is adapted to Volume of infusion of the portion of tea leaves (4) into the brewing chamber (124) to be introduced water as a function of the received value for the weight of the portion tea leaves (4).

Tea machine according to one of claims 1 to 5,

characterized in that the tea machine (100, 100 ') a

Display means (156), and the control means (114) is adapted to cause an output on the display means (156) as a function of the received value for the weight.

Tea machine according to one of claims 1 to 6,

characterized in that the control device (114) is adapted to control the tea machine (100, 100 ') according to a method according to one of claims 10 to 12. System (10, 10 ') for preparing tea drinks,

with a tea machine (100, 100 ') according to one of claims 1 to 7 and with a tea sieve system (20, 20') for the tea machine (100, 100 '), wherein the tea sieve system (20, 20') has a tea sieve insert (200). which is adapted to receive a serving of tea leaves and in a brewing chamber

(124) of the tea machine (100, 100 ') to be inserted, and

wherein the tea machine (100, 100 ') or the tea screen system (20, 20') a

Weighing device (150, 350) which is adapted to determine a value for the weight of a portion of tea leaves (4) filled in the tea strainer insert (200) and to send them to the control device (114) of the tea machine (100, 100 ') ,

System according to claim 8,

characterized,

the tea strainer insert (200) comprises the weighing device.

System according to claim 8 or 9,

characterized,

that the tea screen system (20 ') further comprises a cuff (300') adapted to receive the tea strainer insert (200), and

the cuff (300 ') comprises the weighing device (350) and the

Weighing device (350) is adapted to determine a value for the weight of a portion of tea leaves (4) filled in the tea strainer insert (200) when the tea strainer insert (200) is received in the cuff (300 ') and the value for the To send weight to the controller (114) of the tea maker (100 ').

11. A method for controlling a tea machine (100, 100 ') according to one of

Claims 1 to 7, in particular a tea machine (100, 100 ') of a system according to one of claims 8 to 10, comprising the following steps: Receiving a value for the weight of the tea leaves (4) and (4) filled in the tea dispensers (100, 100 ')

Controlling the tea machine (100, 100 ') as a function of the received value for the weight.

The method of claim 11, wherein controlling the tea machine (100, 100 ') as a function of the received value for the weight comprises:

Displaying an output on the display (156) as a function of the received value for the weight.

The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein controlling the tea maker (100, 100 ') as a function of the received value for the weight comprises:

Introducing a given volume of water into a brewing chamber (124) of the tea dispenser (100, 100 ') for infusing a tea beverage, the volume being adjusted as a function of the received value for the weight of the portion of tea leaves (4).