RU2575446C2 - Combined device comprising beverage preparation machine having milk dispenser, and milk cooling device having control means of milk level in milk container, and method of dispensing milk and/or milk froth by combined device of this type - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: personal use articles.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a machine for preparing beverages and a separate device for cooling milk for storage of the volume of milk in a cooled state. The beverage preparation machine comprises an electronic control system and a milk dispensing device for dispensing milk and/or milk froth. The milk cooling device comprises a housing, a milk container, a cooling unit for cooling milk volume, and a milk tube to remove milk from the milk container. The milk cooling device comprises a transmitter for transmitting an information signal on the filling condition to the beverage preparation machine by radio signal, and the beverage preparation machine comprises a receiver that receives a radio signal that is generated by the transmitter of the milk cooling device, and provides the transmitted information signal to the electronic control system of the beverage preparation machine. The transmitting is carried out using a combination of a wireless transmitter and a cable connecting the power supply to the milk cooling device that provides the ability of a separate use of a milk container during its cleaning, filling with milk or storage in a refrigerator at night.

EFFECT: consistency of contact resistance and voltage is ensured, which leads to preservation of the transmitted parameters.

13 cl, 12 dwg

Description

The invention relates to a combined device, including a machine for preparing drinks, equipped with a milk dispenser for dispensing milk and / or milk foam and a separate milk cooling device for maintaining the volume of milk in a cooled state, and a method for dispensing milk and / or milk foam by means of a combined apparatus of this kind of.

Machines for preparing drinks are known in which for the preparation of various coffee drinks, such as a latte, macchiato or cappuccino, milk and / or milk foam is created, for example, in a milk dispenser of a machine for preparing drinks. To this end, the volume of milk is sucked through the milk tube from the milk tank, for example, into the foaming device of the milk dispenser. Suction is implemented using the Venturi principle. When sucked into the foaming device, milk foam forms and / or the volume of milk is simply heated.

In the case when there is too little milk or there is no milk at all in the milk tank, but the cycle for obtaining the milk volume is invariably programmed in the control unit of the machine for making drinks, inappropriate coffee drinks are obtained. In other words, the user receives a normally prepared coffee beverage, but without or with too little milk and / or milk foam. This does not satisfy the user, because the entire process of preparing the desired coffee beverage must be repeated again. A properly prepared coffee drink can only be obtained if the milk container is sufficiently full.

Often, an incomplete coffee drink obtained earlier is poured. Resources, such as coffee beans, (insufficient) milk volume, water and energy, are wasted. In addition, it is assumed that the user will spend unnecessary time for the final preparation of the coffee beverage.

A particularly big inconvenience is that when a user pays a fixed amount of money in advance to receive the desired coffee drink, he still receives a coffee drink that is not properly prepared. In particular, in office buildings or in the field of food services, so-called coin-operated coffee machines are installed that dispense a coffee drink only after payment of the indicated amount of money. This payment can be made by inserting coins into the slot for lowering coins of the machine or by debiting the indicated amount of money from a virtual bank account, which is controlled by a magnetic card system. A dispensed inappropriate coffee drink, for which, however, has been paid enough in advance, leads to user dissatisfaction and to numerous time-consuming complaints. These coin-operated coffee machines can be rejected. An improperly made coffee drink, therefore, also has a negative financial impact.

During the preparation of the coffee beverage, insufficient filling of the milk container leads to an interruption in the flow of milk. Accordingly, the production of a uniform milk stream at the exit from the nozzle of the milk dispenser is interrupted. This interruption leads to uncontrolled dosing of milk / steam from the nozzle, whereby milk, water and steam are sprayed unpredictably in all directions. Because of this, parts of the user's clothing may get dirty. In addition, the user may be in direct contact with the hot milk / steam dispenser and may thereby receive contact burns or scald. A further inconvenience is that the working side of the beverage machine may be contaminated with splashes of milk, water and steam.

To solve this problem, the user can control the filling level of the milk container before preparing the desired coffee beverage. However, milk containers are usually not transparent, so that the user can only successfully control the state of filling of milk in the milk tank. In the case of coin-operated coffee machines in office buildings or in the food service sector, measures that allow the user to control the filling status of the milk container before preparing the desired coffee beverage are often not feasible.

The necessary milk should be kept refrigerated, if possible. For this purpose, in many cases an insulated container is used, for example, a double-walled structure including a vacuum space, or a refrigerator containing a small container, which includes a Peltier element, for example. In the case of these milk containers, however, monitoring the filling state is not possible at all without having to open the milk container each time for this purpose. If at all possible, this is impractical on the one hand and, in addition, the user in most cases forgets to do this.

WO 2008/077264 A1 discloses a method for dispensing portions of milk in beverage machines, including a device for monitoring the level of milk in a milk container in a conventional manner by means of a coffee machine for preparing a cappuccino, in combination with a milk container that can be placed separately, next to the appropriate coffee machine, as well as a device for monitoring the level of milk filling in the corresponding milk tank. The device for monitoring the level of filling of milk includes a state sensor filling, which covers an electrically conductive measuring rod, which is attached to the lid of the milk container. When the lid is attached to the milk container, the measuring rod enters the milk container so that its lower end covers a predetermined distance from the base of the milk container. Corresponding milk contained in the milk container can be sucked from the milk tank through a suction tube that includes a suction hole at the lower end, in which the suction hole is located closer to the base of the milk tank than the lower end of the measuring rod. The fill status sensor allows you to detect the fill level of milk in the milk tank by measuring the conductivity between the measuring rod and the second electrical conductor, which is still in contact with milk in the milk tank, when the milk filling level should fall below the lower end of the measuring rod. In this case, the container that contains milk or the suction tube may act as a “second electrical conductor” when the container or suction tube, respectively, is made of a suitable material (eg, metal). In this case, the electrical conductivity between the measuring rod and the second electrical conductor (capacity or suction tube, respectively) changes as a function of the level of milk filling, while the electrical conductivity drops sharply when the level of milk filling drops below the lower end of the measuring rod. In order to control the filling level, the conditions according to WO 2008/077264 A1 are met for two different variants.

In the first embodiment, the measuring rod and said second electrical conductor (capacity or suction tube, respectively) are electrically connected to the electronic control system of the coffee machine via a signal line so that the electronic control system of the coffee machine can determine and evaluate the conductivity between the measuring rod and the second electrical conductor (capacity or suction tube). In this case, the electronic control system of the coffee machine thus has a function of “electronic measurement of the filling status”, which serves to generate a “filling status information signal” in which the filling status information signal includes information regarding the filling level detected by the state sensor filling. This option has the advantage that the electronic control system of the coffee machine itself has an information signal of the filling state and can thus control the removal of milk from the milk container as a function of the milk filling level. Thus, milk is sucked from the milk container through a tube and fed to the frother of milk foam of the coffee machine, which, however, is only useful if the filling level is sufficient so that it is possible to remove the amount of milk that is required to make coffee from the milk container with whipped cream. The inconvenience of this option, however, is that the filling state sensor or measuring rod, respectively, and the second electrical conductor (container or suction tube, respectively) must be electrically connected to the electronic control system of the coffee machine via a signal line. This is inconvenient for the user, especially when cleaning the milk tank, because there is a risk of damage to the signal line or interruption of the electrical connection between the signal line and the coffee machine and / or the milk tank (so as a result, the electronic control system of the coffee machine will no longer be able to detect milk filling level). In addition, the freedom of positioning of the milk container is further limited by the signal line, in particular because the milk tank must be connected to the coffee machine through the pipe so that the user in each case pays attention to the location of the pipe and the signal line.

In a second embodiment of the milk level monitoring device according to WO 2008/077264 A1, an external electronic rating system is directly located in the milk container, and information about the filling status is displayed on the display of the electronic rating system. The display serves only to inform the user of the filling level so that the user can identify whether the milk container contains enough milk or should be filled. In this case, the filling status information is not used to control the coffee machine. This second option, therefore, has the disadvantage that the electronic control system of the coffee machine cannot automatically prevent the receipt of milk from the milk container when the level of milk filling has dropped to a lower level than necessary to prepare a particular drink.

The present invention is based on the task of eliminating the aforementioned drawbacks and providing a machine for preparing drinks in combination with a milk cooling device and a method for dispensing milk and / or milk foam using such a combined device so that it is possible to prepare a coffee drink with dispensing milk that is sufficient for this goals, while the delivery of milk and / or milk foam should be controlled automatically depending on the level of filling of milk in the milk container through an easy-to-use a control tool that is easy to use.

This goal is achieved through a combined device consisting of a machine for preparing drinks and a separate milk cooling device for maintaining the volume of milk in a cooled state, including the features of paragraph 1 of the claims. The objective is further provided by a method for dispensing milk and / or milk foam by means of a combination device including a beverage machine and a milk cooling device for maintaining the volume of milk in a cooled state according to claim 13.

The beverage machine thus includes an electronic control system and a milk dispenser including a milk inlet for dispensing milk and / or milk foam. The milk cooling device includes a housing, a milk container placed in the housing to accommodate the volume of milk, a cooling device for cooling the volume of milk, and a milk pipe including an end that projects into the milk container and an end that is in fluid communication with the cooling output of the milk device for removing milk from the milk tank, wherein the milk inlet of the milk dispenser is connected or may be associated with the milk outlet of the cooling device via the milk line.

Monitoring means for monitoring the filling state of the milk container, which includes a filling state sensor located in the milk container and / or in the housing of the milk cooling device for detecting the milk filling level in the milk container, and an electronic filling state measuring system, which is connected to the filling state sensor, to produce a fill status information signal, wherein said fill status information signal includes information regarding the fill level i, detected by the filling state sensor, whereby the electronic control system of the beverage machine can control the delivery of milk and / or milk foam from the milk dispensing device as a function of the filling status information signal generated by the filling filling state electronic system.

According to the invention, an electronic system for measuring the state of filling is located in or on the housing of the milk cooling device. In addition, the milk cooling device includes a transmitter for transmitting a filling status information signal sent remotely by the electronic filling status measurement system to the beverage machine by means of a radio signal that can be transmitted by the transmitter. Accordingly, the beverage preparation machine includes a transmitter / receiver, which is designed to receive a radio signal transmitted by the transmitter of the milk cooling device and to provide a filling status information signal transmitted by the radio signal to the electronic control system of the beverage preparation machine.

Due to the fact that the electronic system for measuring the state of filling is located in or on the housing of the milk cooling device, the level of milk filling can be detected by the sensor of the filling state and converted into the milk cooling device into a signal ("information signal of the filling status"), which contains information regarding filling level and which can be processed electronically. In this case, the information signal of the state of filling can, accordingly, be provided in the milk cooling device without a sensor of the state of filling, which must be connected to the machine for preparing drinks through the signal line. Thus, a condition has been created for transmitting information by means of a radio signal regarding the filling level that is detected by the filling state sensor to the beverage machine. In addition, it is not necessary that the electronic control system of the beverage machine detects the filling state, which can be detected by the filling state sensor by measuring equipment, and converts it into a filling state information signal that can be processed electronically.

Due to the fact that the milk cooling device includes a transmitter for transmitting a filling status information signal generated by an electronic filling status measurement system by a radio signal that can be generated by the transmitter, and the beverage machine includes a transmitter / receiver for receiving the radio signal sent by the transmitter of the milk cooling device, that information regarding the appropriate level of milk filling in the milk cooling device, m An electronic control system for the beverage machine can be provided without a signal line between the milk cooling device and the beverage machine.

Due to the fact that the distribution of milk and / or milk foam from the milk dispenser can be controlled by the electronic control system of the beverage machine as a function of the information signal of the filling state, which is produced by the electronic system for measuring the filling state, the filling state of the milk capacity of the cooling device is achieved milk is automatically controlled and signals that include information regarding the filling status are transmitted to the transmitter / receiver a machine for preparing drinks with a transmitter for a milk cooling device. The filling state of the milk container is thus monitored continuously. When the filling level of the milk volume in the milk container falls below the volume of milk required to prepare the selected coffee beverage, milk dispensing does not start. When the signal changes during milk production (“too little milk”), milk transmission can be stopped or interrupted immediately. Alternatively, a sufficient additional volume that is sufficient to be obtained can be provided, and thus the preparation of the coffee beverage can be guaranteed to be completed. After the milk is poured again, coffee drinks can then be prepared. In case of insufficient level of filling the volume of milk in the milk cooling device, it is still possible to obtain coffee products to which milk does not need to be added, for example, black coffee or espresso.

Thanks to the radio transmission between the transmitter of the milk cooling device and the transmitter / receiver of the beverage machine, the wire connection between the milk cooling device and the beverage machine can be avoided. It is particularly advantageous that it is thus possible to avoid the use of a cable that interferes with the opening and closing of the housing of the milk cooling device. Opening and closing the case is always necessary in order to fill the milk container or to refill the milk volume there. A further advantage of the radio transmission is that the beverage machine and the milk cooling device can be more flexibly mounted relative to each other. In addition, additional auxiliary devices that communicate with the machine for preparing drinks in two directions or which transmit data to the machine for making drinks in one direction can be turned on without any problems.

For example, a combination device includes a milk pipe that is connected between the milk outlet outside the milk cooling device and the milk inlet in the milk dispenser of the beverage machine. By this means, the volume of milk necessary for preparing the coffee beverage is reliably absorbed into the milk dispenser through the milk pipe. The milk pipe must be connected to the milk inlet, as well as to the milk outlet, with the possibility of replacement in a simple way. Through this, the milk tube can be easily removed and can be subjected to quick, but still complete cleaning. A further advantage of using the milk tube is that it is very flexible, so that the beverage machine and the milk cooling device can be easily and flexibly mounted relative to each other.

In the case of the embodiment of the milk cooling device, the housing of the milk cooling device encompasses the housing of the milk container, which includes a milk container and a lid in order to cover or close the milk container. The lid may thus be connected to one end of the milk dispenser so that the milk dispenser protrudes substantially completely into the milk container when the lid covers or closes the milk container. The milk dispenser is thus easily removed from the milk volume as soon as the lid is lifted from the milk container. One advantage of the milk sprayer, which is attached to the underside of the lid, is that it can be cleaned and washed quickly and easily, for example, with running water. Any closing mechanism, such as, for example, a screw cap or snap lock, can be used to close and open the lid.

The milk outlet is attached to the outer surface of the lid. Through this, a fluid channel is formed, starting in the milk container, through the milk dispenser to the milk outlet. The milk outlet can be connected to one end of the milk tube, the wider end of which can be connected to the dispenser of the beverage machine. The location of the milk outlet on the outer surface of the lid should be well accessible to the user so that the user can quickly and easily attach and disconnect the milk tube. To this end, a milk outlet can be attached to the peripheral region of the lid, for example.

For example, a fill state sensor may be attached to the peripheral region of the milk dispenser. Due to this, the filling state sensor is in constant contact with the milk volume and can thus reliably detect the filling state of the milk container when the lid covers or closes the milk container. The milk dispenser and filling status sensor can be cleaned during cleaning and rinsing.

For example, the entire fluid channel, starting from the absorption of milk to the exit of milk from the milk outlet, can be represented as a block, detachable from the lid body. This unit can be quickly and easily detached from the lid body and can be separately cleaned and rinsed separately. In particular, in this way, the fluid channel, access to which is difficult, can be washed and very reliably cleaned.

Preferably, the electronic filling state measurement system and / or transmitter are contained in the lid. By this, the filling state sensor can be continuously electrically connected without interruption to the electronic filling status measuring system, which is located in the lid. The electrical connection (for example, one or multiple circuits), which is necessary for this, has only a small length and is laid mainly along the milk dispenser. This compound can be attached to the peripheral region of the milk nebulizer. Alternatively, it may be embedded in a recess that is provided in the longitudinal direction of the milk dispenser. Alternatively, it can be fully integrated into the milk sprayer material. In the event that the electrical connection is not integrated into the milk sprayer material, it should be insulated to avoid measurement errors. An electronic system for measuring the state of the filling and / or the transmitter can be placed in a recess inside the lid, which is freely accessible, for example, being closed by means of a shutter. In the alternative, an electronic filling status measuring system and / or transmitter may be embedded in the lid material. In both examples, it is important that these electronic components are protected from moisture, such as milk or water. Moisture can penetrate quickly, especially in response to cleaning the lid with running water.

In the case of the aforementioned attachment of the milk dispenser to the appliance, which can be detached from the lid body, electrical interaction between the detachable device and the main body of the lid must be ensured, so that it is possible to establish an electrical connection between the fill status sensor and the electronic fill status measurement system.

Preferably, the filling state sensor is connected to a sensor spray gun that is fixed to the bottom side of the lid so that it protrudes substantially completely into the milk container when the lid covers or closes the milk container. The filling state sensor may be connected to the distal end of the sensor atomizer and be permanently electrically connected to the electronic filling status measuring system located in the lid. By this, the attachment of the aforementioned electrical interface between the detachable device and the main body of the lid can be avoided. A particularly simple and direct electrical connection, which is controlled without an interface, is possible through a particularly advantageous combination of electronic components (electronic system for measuring the state of the filling and the transmitter) in the lid and attaching the sensor of the state of the filling to the sensor spray. Possible sources of errors, for example, caused by contamination of the interface with milk residues, etc., are thus eliminated.

Preferably, the electronic filling state measuring system and / or the transmitter can be supplied with electrical energy through at least one source, in particular a battery or accumulator. The energy source may be located in or on the housing of the milk cooling device.

For example, the energy source may be located in the lid, and it may be electrically connected to an electronic filling state measurement system and / or transmitter. These electronic components thus directly receive their own low voltage power. One advantage of arranging the electronic components together with the low voltage power supply in the lid of the milk cooling device is that no interfaces or interface elements, respectively, are needed.

Preferably, the electronic filling state measuring system and / or the transmitter can be supplied with electrical energy through an external electrical energy source, which can be connected to the body of the milk container. One advantage is therefore that the aforementioned energy source, for example, a battery or a battery, can be eliminated, whereby the weight of the lid is significantly reduced. The heavy weight of the lid may annoy the user when filling or refilling the milk volume. In addition, this eliminates the replacement of used batteries or recharging the battery. In general, this example involves reducing the weight of the lid, as well as saving time and cost. In addition, the cooling device included in the body of the milk container for cooling the milk volume is usually still supplied with electric energy from an external source of electricity. An external power source is, for example, implemented as a supply voltage that is supplied through an electrical output. This supply voltage (for example, an alternating current voltage of 230 Volts / 50 Hertz) can be supplied directly through a power cable that can be connected to the body of the milk container. This supply voltage can then be converted to a low DC voltage, adapted for electronic components, by means of a switching power supply, which is also contained in the housing of the milk container. Alternatively, the external power source may be configured as a low voltage direct current source that is already externally converted and provided by a wall protrusion.

Preferably, the external power source can be electrically connected to the electronic filling state measurement system and / or transmitter via a power supply interface between the milk container body and the lid. These electronic components are thus also supplied with electricity even without an energy storage device housed in the lid when the lid covers or closes the milk container. The weight of the lid is thus reduced.

Preferably, the power supply interface comprises at least two interface elements, which in each case are oriented and placed on the body of the milk container and on the lid so that they are electrically connected to each other when the lid covers or closes the milk container. This particularly simple embodiment of a power source connector allows the electronic components that are in the lid to be powered with electrical energy from an external power source (eg, a voltage from an electrical outlet), which can be connected to the body of the milk container. The lid can also be removed from the body of the milk container or milk cooling device, respectively (for example, in order to refill or refill the milk volume or in order to clean and rinse the lid). It goes without saying that in this case, the electronic components located in the lid are electrically separated from the external source of electricity. Electronic components are electrically reliably connected to an external source of electricity only in working condition (that is, when the lid covers or closes the milk container).

Preferably, the electronic filling state measurement system and / or transmitter are housed in the milk container body. In this alternative embodiment, the electronic components are not in the lid. One advantage is that said lid can thus be designed independently of the placement characteristics of the electronic components (for example, inside a recess made in it, which is closed by means of a valve, or completely filled in it). In addition, the placement of electronic components inside the case of the milk container provides better access to electronic components. Thus, simple and quick maintenance is possible when a malfunction occurs.

Preferably, the electronic filling state measuring system and / or the transmitter can be continuously supplied with electric power from an external electric source, which can be connected to the body of the milk container. These electronic components can thus be supplied with electricity without the power connector described in the previous embodiment.

For example, a filling status sensor may be electrically connected to an electronic filling status measurement system via a sensor interface between the milk container body and the lid. The filling level sensor can thus be quickly and easily connected to an electronic filling status measuring system located in the housing of the milk container, in which the lid is attached to the housing of the milk container.

For example, the sensor interface includes at least two connector elements, which in each case are oriented and placed on the milk container body and the lid so that they are electrically connected to each other when the lid covers or closes the milk container. Contrary to the first embodiment, in which the electronic components are housed in a cover, the power supply interface in the second case is replaced by a sensor connector. However, this interface, therefore, does not transmit electrical energy to the power source of electronic components. Instead, sensor signals including low-voltage amplitudes are transmitted here. The noise on the signals of the fill status sensor, which is possibly input and combined via the interface, thereby has less impact on the measurement result than the noise that is possibly superimposed on the power supply.

For example, a fill state sensor is a passive measuring element for measuring electrical resistance. The filling level of the milk volume in the milk tank is thus detected by means of a technically reliable and reasonable measurement method. The electronic system for measuring the level of filling, thereby, detects the measured value of the change in resistance and evaluates it. The filling level of the milk volume can thus be monitored continuously. A change in electrical resistance can be detected by an electronic system for measuring the state of filling as a drop in the milk volume inside the milk tank below a certain threshold value. Alternatively, the fill state sensor may be implemented as a capacitive fill level sensor. In addition, passive, active, or optical sensors can be used as fill status sensors, which are suitable for detecting the fill level of a liquid inside a container. A sensor that detects a decrease in the level of filling below a certain threshold value (for example, the necessary dosing of milk) can, in addition, be used as a sensor of the state of filling.

For example, a filling state sensor comprises at least two electrically conductive sensor elements that are electrically separated from each other and which are individually electrically connected to an electronic filling state measurement system. A typical fill state sensor for detecting a milk volume may comprise two electrically conductive sensor elements that are electrically connected to each other through the milk volume. The milk volume, thereby, serves as an electrical conductor of a specific electrical resistivity or a specific electrical conductivity, respectively. A decrease in the milk volume below a certain threshold value (which is associated with a drop in the milk level) leads to the fact that at least one of the conductive elements of the sensor has no contact with the milk volume.

The electrical contact between the two sensor elements through the milk volume is thus also interrupted. In this case, the electrical resistivity between these two sensor elements increases to infinity. This increase in electrical resistivity, in turn, is detected by an electronic system for measuring the state of filling.

For example, sensor elements are attached to the surface areas of the milk tube or sensor tube. Through this, the sensor elements have a constant and reliable surface contact with the milk volume in response to sufficient filling of the milk tank. The electrical resistance between the two sensor elements, thus, among other things, can be determined by the electrical conductivity of the milk. Electrical conductivity is a measure of the resistance of a medium with respect to electric current. It is inversely proportional to resistance (impedance) and is measured in siemens (1 c = 1 A / 1 V). The specific conductivity of milk (mS / cm) is due to the presence of electrolytes. The electrical conductivity of milk varies as a function of milk fat and milk temperature, among other things. The conductivity of milk varies between approximately 4.5 and 5.9 mS / cm at a temperature of 20 ° C.

For example, the sensor elements in each case are attached to the surface areas of the milk tube or the sensor tube in such positions that when the lid covers or closes the milk tank, an electrical contact is established between at least two sensor elements through the milk volume filled into the milk tank when the milk volume in the milk tank is larger than necessary to prepare the desired coffee beverage, and the electrical contact is interrupted when the milk volume in the milk tank is less than necessary milk volume. In the case of a typical arrangement, more than two sensor elements can be placed on the outer surface of the milk tube or sensor tube, which are oriented relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the corresponding tube. When the lid covers or closes the milk container, these sensor elements are thus placed one above the other. In addition, these sensor elements can be connected to the corresponding inputs of the electronic system for measuring the state of filling through separate power circuits. The electronic system for measuring the state of the filling is thereby designed to measure the electrical resistance between the lowest element of the sensor (for example, connected to the distal end of the milk tube or sensor tube) and the corresponding other sensor elements in each case.

In the case of a fully filled milk container, all of the sensor elements are thus in contact with the milk volume, so that electrical resistance can be measured between the lowest sensor element and the corresponding other sensor elements. A decreasing milk volume and, correspondingly, decreasing milk level lead to a drop in the milk level below the highest positioned sensor element, for example. The electrical resistance between the lowermost element of the sensor and this highly located element of the sensor, thus, increases in fact to infinity (R-> ∞). This change in electrical resistance is detected by means of an electronic system for measuring the state of the filling and evaluate and obtain the result as changing information about the state of the filling. A further decrease in the milk volume and the associated decrease in the milk level below the second high positioned sensor element are also detected by the electronic state filling measurement system and evaluated and the result obtained as the changed information about the state of filling. This process continues in discrete steps. The filling level of the milk volume in the milk tank can thereby be detected with a reliable result. The accuracy of the statement regarding the state of filling the milk level in the milk tank also increases with the number of sensor elements that are placed on top of each other.

For example, the milk cooling device comprises a display element that is connected to the outer surface of the milk cooling device and which is electrically connected to an electronic filling state measuring system for optically displaying information regarding the filling state of the milk container. The filling level of the milk volume can be displayed in this way using a display element (which is attached to the upper side of the lid, for example). The display element may be a luminescent icon or an LED. The optical display may be information that provides an indication regarding the contained milk volume (e.g., 1000 milliliters, 500 milliliters, 250 milliliters, etc.). In a simple embodiment, the optical display can only provide an indication of a decrease in milk volume below a certain threshold volume value (required milk volume). In this case, a single LED can be used, for example.

For example, the milk cooling device further comprises a temperature sensor, which is designed to generate a temperature signal in response to a detected temperature of the volume of milk in the milk container. In addition, the temperature of the milk can be controlled in this way. When the temperature of the milk constantly exceeds a certain temperature threshold value for more than a certain period of time, this information can be sent to the user. The receipt of possibly spoiled milk can thus be prevented.

For example, a temperature sensor is electrically connected to a transmitter, which serves to transmit a temperature signal through the air to a beverage machine. Information regarding the temperature of the milk can thus be transmitted to the user by means of a display in the machine for preparing drinks. In an alternative embodiment or in addition, this information may be displayed on a display that is attached to the outer surface of the milk cooling device, for example, on the top side of the lid. For example, agents that impede the flow of milk volume when there is information that the milk volume is exposed to a temperature above a certain maximum temperature for more than a predetermined maximum period of time can be provided in a beverage machine. The production of drinks from spoiled milk, which does not have a hygienically satisfactory condition, can thus be avoided in advance.

For example, a temperature sensor is attached to the peripheral region of the milk tube or sensor tube. The temperature sensor can thus also reliably detect fast and / or high fluctuations in the temperature of the milk volume.

One embodiment of a beverage machine includes: a user interface through which various coffee specialty drinks can be manually selected; a database that stores information regarding the milk volume necessary for preparing a coffee beverage, which in each case can be selected on the user interface; logic means, including inputs, which in each case are connected to the transmitter / receiver, user interface, and a database, in which logic means are designed to read information regarding the milk volume, which is necessary for this, from the database in response to input on the user interface , comparing this information with the information received regarding the state of filling of the milk container and the supply of milk from the milk dispenser only provided that the milk volume in the milk container is not less than necessary required to prepare the appropriate selected coffee beverage.

A significant advantage of this beverage machine is that the logic decides whether the milk volume in the milk tank is sufficient to prepare the selected coffee beverage based on the input from the transmitter / receiver (information regarding the filling level of the milk volume in the milk tank), a user interface (information regarding the corresponding manually selected coffee beverage) and a database (information regarding the required milk volume for preparing the corresponding of selected coffee drink). When the milk volume is sufficient, this coffee drink is prepared. When the milk volume is not enough, the coffee drink does not prepare. In this case, only black coffee or espresso can be dispensed. Thus, flawless coffee drinks with enough milk are always prepared.

For example, a beverage machine includes an electrically controlled hydraulic valve that is electrically connected to the output of the logic means, wherein the hydraulic valve is designed to open a liquid channel for supplying steam through a milk dispenser when a milk dispensing signal is provided. By this means, it is possible to distribute milk on the basis of a decision made by logic, in a particularly simple and low-cost way. The hydraulic valve for opening or closing the steam line through the milk dispenser is already contained in many beverage machines. Typically, this hydraulic valve is electrically turned on or off manually with a button or switch. A hydraulic valve that can be easily used is also known.

For example, the milk dispenser includes a chamber for generating a reduced pressure, in which a reduced pressure can be created by supplying steam, in which the camera is in fluid communication with the milk inlet. This arrangement provides for a certain amount of milk that will be absorbed from the milk container into the chamber through the milk pipe. This suction takes place on the basis of the Venturi principle in the chamber (reduced pressure chamber), in which reduced pressure can be created when steam is transmitted.

For example, the transmitter / receiver is further intended to receive a temperature signal that contains information regarding the temperature of the milk volume in the milk tank of the milk cooling device. The radio signal transmitted between the transmitter of the milk cooling device and the transmitter / receiver of the machine for making drinks through the air can be transmitted in the ISM band (industrial, scientific and medical ranges) of a 2.4 GHz carrier frequency or other high-frequency carrier. Transmission can be carried out worldwide on the ISM band carrier frequency without registration and license. The transmitter / receiver can be integrated into the controls of the beverage machine. It is particularly preferred that the transmitter / receiver can be inserted into a suitable interface of the beverage machine with the possibility of removal. The connection between the transmitter / receiver and the control means is thus via wires. For example, the above logic may be contained in the controls. Prior to receiving milk, the controls may request the appropriate level of filling of the milk volume by radio link between the transmitter and the transmitter / receiver. When the milk volume stored in the milk container is less than the predetermined minimum milk volume, the preparation of the coffee beverage does not start. The transmitter / receiver is intended to transmit and / or receive an information signal. The transmitter / receiver may thus comprise only one receiving device.

For example, a beverage machine further comprises a display device that is connected to its outer surface and which is electrically connected to a transmitter / receiver in order to optically display information regarding the filling state of the milk container and / or regarding the temperature of the milk volume in milk capacity. Information regarding the filling state of the milk container, and possibly additionally relating to the temperature of the milk volume, can thus be displayed or communicated, respectively, to the user in a preferred manner directly in the machine for making drinks.

Preferably, the combination device in each case further comprises at least one auxiliary device comprising a radio device for transmitting an auxiliary information signal to the beverage machine and / or for receiving an information signal from the machine for preparing drinks through the air. A radio device can be designed as a transmitter / receiver, for example, and in each case can be used in additional auxiliary devices together with a machine for making drinks. The controls of the beverage machine can thus report by wire the status of these accessories. For example, a billing system may be implemented (coin or chip counter, U-key, virtual balance cards, credit cards), in which the amount paid is reported to the machine for making drinks, and the latter then issues or blocks the receipt of the coffee beverage. The radio device, in addition, can be used during maintenance or in the manufacture of the device to transmit or read the electronic memory of the machine for making drinks.

According to the invention, a method for dispensing milk and / or milk foam by means of a combined beverage preparation device and a milk cooling device for the chilled storage of a milk volume includes the steps of:

- detecting the state of filling the milk capacity of the milk cooling device,

- the transmission of information regarding the filling state of the milk container, in the machine for preparing drinks through a radio signal through the air,

- the supply of this information to the logic means of the machine for making drinks,

- selection of a coffee beverage through the user interface of the machine for preparing drinks and transmitting information regarding the selected coffee beverage to the logic means,

- reading information regarding the corresponding milk volume required for the preparation of the selected coffee beverage from the database,

- comparing information regarding the required milk volume with information regarding the state of filling of the milk container, while the logic means generate a signal for issuing a portion of milk and / or milk foam when the level of milk filling in the milk container is not less than the required milk volume, and / or logic means that a portion of milk and / or milk foam is not dispensed when the milk filling level in the milk container is less than the required milk volume, and

- giving a signal for issuing or not issuing to the electric hydraulic valve of the milk dispensing device of the beverage preparation machine.

By this, the preparation and dispensing of coffee drinks with the corresponding milk volume, which is necessary for this, is ensured in the machine for preparing drinks. When it is detected that the filling state of the milk container in the milk cooling device is too low to allow the preparation of the corresponding desired coffee beverage, the portion of milk from the milk container does not even begin to be obtained. In this case, you can still get a coffee product, but prepared without milk.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of transmitting information regarding the temperature of the milk volume in the milk tank to the machine for preparing drinks through the air. A radio device, which includes at least one transmitter and / or receiver, can also be used in additional auxiliary devices, for example, together with a machine for making drinks.

The controls of the beverage machine can thus communicate information on the status of these auxiliary devices by wire. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of providing information regarding the filling status of the milk container and / or regarding the temperature of the milk volume in the milk container in the milk cooling device and / or in the beverage machine. The user can thus be informed quickly and easily about the level of filling and / or the temperature of the milk volume.

Below the invention will be further described in more detail with reference to the included drawings:

Figures 1a-c in each case show a schematic sectional view of a milk cooling device in three different embodiments;

Figures 2a, b in each case show a view of the upper side and the bottom of the lid of the milk cooling device according to the first example;

Figures 3a, b in each case show a view of the upper side and the bottom of the lid of the milk cooling device according to the second example;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a combined appliance of a beverage machine including the milk cooling device of FIG. 1a;

Figures 5a-c show various examples of a transmitter / receiver that may be included in a beverage machine;

Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a combined milk cooling device and a beverage machine; and

Figure 7 shows a process diagram for a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 1a - in each case show a schematic sectional view of a milk cooling device in three different embodiments.

Figure 1a in this case shows a sectional view of the milk cooling device 10 according to the invention in the first embodiment. The milk cooling device 10 is suitable for keeping the milk cooled, and may be connected to a beverage machine (not shown) through a milk pipe (not shown). The beverage machine may thus draw in the chilled milk from the milk cooling device 10, if necessary. The milk cooling device 10 is bounded from the outside by the housing 11. One of the components of the housing 11 is the housing of the milk container 12, which includes a milk container 14 to accommodate the milk volume 16. The milk container 14 can be inserted into the housing 12 of the milk container with the possibility of removal. Alternatively, the milk container 14 and the housing 12 of the milk container can be embodied as one. The milk cooling device 10 further comprises a cooling unit 18 for cooling the milk volume 16. The cooling unit 18, for example, may comprise a Peltier element. The cooling unit 18 is supplied with electrical energy from an external source of electricity 20 (for example, an electrical output of 230 volts / 50 Hz). This supply voltage is converted through the wall unit 22 to a low DC voltage (for example, 12 volts or 24 volts), which is applied to the cooling unit 18. Although not shown in the figure, a voltage of 230 volts / 50 Hz of an external source of electrical energy 20 can directly power a pulsed power converter (not shown) that is housed in the housing 12 of the milk container. This pulse converter converts the supply voltage to a low DC voltage for the operation of the cooling unit 18.

The housing 11 of the milk cooling device 10 further comprises a lid 24 in order to close the milk container 14. The lid 24 may also close the housing 12 of the milk container. The closing mechanism in order to close the milk container 14 or the case 12 of the milk container, respectively, can be a threaded cap, a latch lock or any other locking element for tightly closing and opening the lid 24 with the milk container 14. The milk tube 26, which protrudes from the bottom of the closed lid 24, essentially vertically downward into the milk volume 16, is placed on the bottom of the lid 24. The milk tube 26 is placed and made so that it essentially extends inside the milk tank 14 when the lid 24 covers or closes the milk container 14 or the housing 12 of the milk container, respectively. Under these circumstances, the distal end of the milk tube 26 is only slightly separated from the bottom of the milk tank 14. This interval can be from 1 to 5 mm, for example. In fact, the entire milk tank 14 can thus be freed. An opening of the milk tube 28 that leads to a channel (not shown) that extends inside along the milk tube 26 is located at this distal end of the milk tube 26. This channel is connected to the transmission line 30 inside the lid 24, which leads to the milk outlet 32 on the outside of the lid 24. The milk tube opening 28 and the milk outlet 32 are thus fluidly coupled.

The milk tube 26 further includes a fill state sensor 34, which is connected to the peripheral region of the milk tube 26. This fill state sensor 34 may produce a signal in response to the fill state of the milk tank 14. The fill state sensor 34 may be a passive measuring element for measuring electrical resistance. It can thus contain at least two electrically conductive sensor elements 34 ', 34 ”, which are connected to the surface areas of the milk tube 26 so that they are electrically separated from each other, and in each case, separately connected with the electric line. The fill status sensor 34 is coupled to an electronic fill status measurement system 36 located in the lid 24, which is designed to generate a fill status information signal from the fill status sensor 34, which includes information regarding the fill status of the milk container 14. The electronic state measurement system 36 filling device is electrically connected to the transmitter 38, which can transmit this information signal the status of the filling machine for making drinks through stuffy interface 40 via a radio signal.

The filling state sensor 34 and the electronic filling state measuring system 36 are components of monitoring means for monitoring the filling status of the milk container 14 or the level of milk filling in the milk container 14, respectively.

In this described example of the first embodiment, the electronic filling state measuring system 36 as well as the transmitter 38 are housed in the cover 24. These electronic components are supplied with electrical energy by means of an energy storage 42. This energy storage 42 may comprise one or a plurality of batteries or one or a plurality of rechargeable batteries. This energy storage 42 is removably housed inside the lid 24 in a lockable recess that can be accessed from the outside and is electrically connected to the electronic filling status measuring system 36 as well as to the transmitter 38. The advantage of this arrangement is that the cooling device milk 10 can do without any connectors, because all electronic components (electronic system 36 for measuring the state of filling and the transmitter 38), including the power supply (energy storage 42), is located in the lid 24.

The milk cooling device 10 further comprises a temperature sensor 44, which is also connected to the peripheral region of the milk tube 26. Thereby, the temperature sensor 44 (in the closed state of the lid 24 on the milk container 14) is in direct contact with the milk volume 16 and can thus, it is also reliable to detect fast temperature fluctuations in the milk volume 16. The temperature sensor 44 produces a temperature signal in response to the detected temperature of the milk volume 16. The temperature sensor 44 is electrically connected to an electronic system 36 for measuring the state of filling and / or a transmitter 38. The transmitter 38 transmits a temperature signal to the beverage machine through the air 40. The temperature of the milk volume 16 can thus be displayed in a display device for the beverage machine, for example . Alternatively or additionally, the temperature of the milk volume 16 may be displayed directly on the milk cooling device 10 on the display device.

Figure 1b shows an example of a milk cooling device 10 in a second embodiment. The electronic filling state measuring system 36 and the transmitter 38 are thereby supplied with electrical energy through an external electrical energy source 20 that is connected to the housing 12 of the milk container. An electrical connection for this is established via the power supply interface 46 between the milk container case 12 and the lid 24. This power supply interface 46 contains two interface elements 46 'and 46 ”, for example, each of which is oriented and placed on the milk container case 12 and the lid 24 so that they are electrically connected to each other when the lid 24 covers or closes the milk container 14 or the housing 12 of the milk container, respectively. The lid 24 can be removed without problems from the milk container 14 for filling with milk or for cleaning the cover 24 and / or the milk container 14. In this example, the filling state sensor 34 remains permanently electrically connected to the electronic filling status measuring system 36.

An advantage of this arrangement is that energy storage (see FIG. 1a) is no longer required. The weight of the cover 24 is therefore reduced. In addition, you no longer need to replace the battery or recharge the batteries. Due to the fact that the external power source 20 is connected to the housing 12 of the milk container in any case, in order to power the cooling device 18 with electric energy, for example, additional efforts are not required.

Fig. 1c shows an example of a milk cooling device 10 in a third embodiment. The electronic system for measuring the state of filling 36 and the transmitter 38 are thereby placed directly in the housing 12 of the milk container. The power supply of these electronic components is carried out analogously to the example of the second embodiment, i.e. through an external source of electricity 20, which is connected to the housing 12 of the milk container. The difference is that the power supply interface between the milk container body 12 and the lid 24, which is mentioned in the example of the second embodiment, is no longer required. The interface of the sensor 48 between the housing 12 of the milk container and the lid 24, through which the filling state sensor 34 can be electrically connected to the electronic filling state measuring system 36, is necessary for this purpose. This sensor interface 48 contains two interface elements 48 ', 48 ”, each of which is oriented and placed on the housing 12 of the milk container and on the lid 24 so that, in the closed state of the lid 24, they are electrically connected to each other on the housing 12 of the milk container . Electronic components may be supplied with electricity through power distribution unit 50.

A further advantage of the third embodiment compared to the first and second embodiment is that the electronic components can be placed and electrically connected much more easily inside the milk container body 12 than in the lid 24. Precautions are now also no longer needed on the lid 24 so that seal electronic components against moisture (e.g. water during cleaning or when spilling milk). The cover 24 can thus be made much simpler, more compact and can be manufactured at a lower cost.

The design of the sensor 34 is identical in the case of all the examples according to the first to third embodiments. The aforementioned elements 34 ', 34 "of the filling state sensor 34 are in each case connected to the surface areas of the milk tube 26 in such positions that they are in contact with (immersed in) the milk volume 16, while the stored milk volume 16 is larger than necessary for preparation desired coffee drink. When the milk volume 16 stored in the milk container 14 is lower than that necessary to prepare the desired coffee beverage, at least one of the sensor elements 34 ′, 34 ”is no longer in contact with the milk volume 16. The electrical contact between the elements 34 ′, The 34 ”sensor is also interrupted.

It goes without saying that more than two sensor elements can be placed in the longitudinal direction of the milk tube 26 so that discrete filling level heights can be detected. Exceeding / falling below the appropriate height of the filling level, for example, can thus be detected when making latte macchiato, cappuccino, coffee with milk or other coffee drinks. Appropriate cooking does not start when the corresponding filling level height falls below. Thus, the preparation of a coffee drink with insufficient milk is avoided.

Even though the filling state sensor 34 or the sensor elements 34 ', 34 ”, respectively shown in FIGS. 1a-c, are connected to the milk tube 26, they can also be attached to a separate tube.

FIG. 2a and b in each case show a first example of a cover 24 in a top view (Fig. 2a) and in a bottom view (Fig. 2b) in perspective. The design of the lid 24 is based on the lid of the milk cooling device 10 shown in FIG. 1b in the second embodiment. The lid 24 comprises a milk tube 26, which is attached to the connecting part 52, which, with the possibility of removal, is inserted into the recess 54 on the lid 24 in exactly the same way. When the connecting portion 52 is inserted into the recess 54, the periphery of the cover 24 is continuous. The milk outlet 32, which is connected downstream with the transmission line (Fig. 1a-c), which is located within the connecting part 52, is located on the peripheral side of the connecting part 52. This transmission line, in turn, is connected downstream to the tube (not shown), which extends within the milk tube 26 and in the longitudinal direction to it and which leads into the opening 28 of the milk tube. The opening of the milk tube 28 and the milk outlet 32 are thus connected downstream. Due to the fact that only the components of the lid 24 that come into contact with milk must be cleaned and washed, it is usually sufficient that the connecting part 52 is separated from the lid 24 through a recess 54. This connecting part 52, including the milk tube 26, can then be exposed full cleaning with water or other washing solution. When rinsing, in particular the channel and also the transmission line, can be reliably cleaned or washed, respectively. A filling state sensor 34 that detects a filling state of a milk container (not shown) is connected to a distal end of the milk tube 26.

In this example, the lid 24 further comprises an electronic system for measuring the state of the filling and a sensor (not shown) that are located inside the lid 24. These electronic components can be placed in a recess in the lid 24 or can be completely filled with the material of the lid 24. A display element 56, which optically displays the filling status of the milk container, is located on the outer surface of the lid 24. The display element 56 contains two LEDs 56 ', 56 ”that display information regarding the filling status of the milk container Uteem lighting on or off.

A transmission button 58, which is electrically connected to the transmitter, is located on the outer surface of the cover 24, and may be well accessible to the user. This button 58 should act in response to the first start-up or after replacing the transmitter / receiver (beverage machine) with another transmitter / receiver and / or after replacing the transmitter (milk cooling device 10). At the same time, a button (not shown) should operate in the beverage machine so that the transmitter and the transmitter / receiver identify each other by exchanging a signaling and communication protocol through the airspace.

An interface element 46 'of the energy supply interface is connected to another peripheral section of the lid 26. This interface element 46' is complementary to another interface element (not shown) that is placed on the body of the milk container (not shown). The interface elements are oriented and arranged so that they are electrically connected to each other when the lid 24 covers or closes the milk container 14 or the housing 12 of the milk container, respectively. In this example, the interface element 46 'contains coaxially oriented interface elements (coaxial plug), which correspond to connecting elements (coaxial socket), which are additionally oriented on the body of the milk container and establish an electrical connection through said interface elements when connecting the lid 24. Electrical connection, which is thus installed, forms a pair with an external source of electricity (not shown) for the electronic state measurement system filling and transmitter so that they receive power.

Figa and b in each case show a second example of the cover 24 in a top view (Fig.3a) and in a bottom view (Fig.3b) in perspective. The illustrated cap 24 differs from the cap shown in FIGS. 2a and b in that there is additionally a sensor tube 60. This sensor tube 60 is attached to the bottom of the lid 24 so that it also protrudes substantially completely into the milk container 14 when the lid 24 covers or closes the milk container 14 or the milk container 12, respectively. The milk tube 26 and the sensor tube 60 may extend parallel to each other. The fill state sensor 34 is now connected not to the milk tube 26, but to the sensor tube 60. Thus, it is permanently electrically connected to an electronic filling state measuring system (not shown) located in the cover 24. In this example, the filling state sensor 34 comprises two sensor elements 34 ', 34 ”that are connected to the distal end of the sensor tube 60. The milk tube 26 can now also be separated from the main body of the lid 24 through the connecting part 52 for complete cleaning, for example, in which an electrical interface should not be present between the connecting part 52 and the main body of the lid 24. Possible sources of error, for example caused by contamination due to milk residues are eliminated. In this example, the connector element 46 'comprises axisymmetric connecting elements (axial plug), which correspond to the connecting elements (axial socket), which are oriented in a complementary manner to the milk tank, and establish an electrical connection through said interface elements when connecting the cover 24. An electrical connection, which thus installed, connects to an external electrical energy source (not shown) an electronic system for measuring the state of the filling and the transmitter, so that and they supply power.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a beverage machine 62 that can be operated in combination with one embodiment of the milk cooling device shown in FIGS. 1-3. One example shown in FIG. 4 is a combination device of a beverage machine 62 and a milk cooling device 10 according to FIG. 1a. The beverage machine 62 includes an electronic control system 63, inter alia, which monitors and controls all the functions of the beverage machine 62. The beverage machine 62 further comprises a milk dispenser 64 with a milk inlet 64.1, which can be connected to one end of the milk pipe 32 'or to another form of the milk line. At this distal end, this milk pipe 32 ′ is connected downstream to the milk outlet 32 of the milk cooling device 10. The beverage machine 62 further comprises a transmitter / receiver 66 that receives a filling status information signal transmitted by the transmitter 38 of the milk cooling device 10 and which contains information regarding the filling state of the milk container 14 of the milk cooling device 10.

The transmitter / receiver 66 may also optionally receive an auxiliary information instrument signal from one or a plurality of auxiliary instruments (not shown) in conjunction with a beverage machine 62. This auxiliary information instrument signal is thereby transmitted through a radio device included in the auxiliary instrument. The beverage machine 62 may thus be informed of the status of these auxiliary devices by wire. The radio device may also be used in maintenance or in the manufacture of the device to transmit or read the electronic memory of the beverage machine 62. In this case, the transmitter / receiver 66 of the machine 62 for preparing drinks, as well as the radio of the auxiliary device are intended for two-way communication.

A transmitter / receiver 66 may be included in an appropriate interface on the outside of the beverage machine 62. The beverage machine 62 can thus be arbitrarily supplemented quickly and easily by this transmitter / receiver 66. Alternatively, the transmitter / receiver 66 can be integrated into the beverage machine 62 on a circuit board on which the electronic control system 63 is mounted. The receipt of the filling status information signal takes place via the air interface 40. The exchange of signals between the transmitter of the milk cooling device and the transmitter / receiver 66 of the beverage machine 62 can take place via the carrier signal on the ISM band carrier frequency (2.4 GHz) or on another carrier high frequency.

A user interface 68 through which various coffee drinks can be manually selected is located on the outer surface of the beverage machine 62, which is facing the user. This selection can be made through the appropriate button, which is intended for a particular coffee drink. It goes without saying that other information, such as the desired amount of the selected coffee beverage, temperature, aroma, additional cooking options, information regarding the preparation of milk or milk foam, etc., for example, can also be entered via the user interface 68.

Next, conditions are created for a database 70, which stores information regarding the necessary milk volume for preparing the corresponding coffee beverage, which can be selected on the user interface 68 in each case. A designation of the corresponding desired amount is also included in this information. In the present example, database 70 is implemented as an integral component of electronic control system 63.

Transmitter / receiver 66, user interface 68, and database 70 are in each case electrically connected to logic means 72, which in the present example are implemented as an integral part of electronic control system 63. After entering the desired coffee beverage through user interface 68, logic means 72 read information concerning the milk volume, which is necessary for this, from the database 70 in response to this input. Logic tools 72 further compare this information with information regarding the filling status of the milk container received through the transmitter / receiver 66. Logic tools 72 decide based on this comparison whether the milk volume contained in the milk tank 10 is really larger than that required for preparation the appropriate selected coffee beverage. The logic means 72 issue a dispense signal or a dispense signal for dispensing or not dispensing milk dispensed from the dispenser 64 based on this solution.

This signal is the input of an electrically controlled hydraulic valve 74, which is electrically connected to the output of the logic 72. When an output signal is applied, the hydraulic valve 74 can open a hydraulic channel for supplying steam through the milk dispenser 64. However, when a failure signal is applied, the hydraulic valve 74 leaves this hydraulic channel closed. Other components may be associated with the output of the logic 72, which make preparations for the issuance of steam / milk in the presence of an output signal. For example, you can control the thermocouple 76 to create steam.

The milk dispenser 64 includes a chamber 78 for generating reduced pressure when steam is supplied through this chamber 78. This reduced pressure is created based on the Venturi principle. The chamber 78, in turn, is in fluid connection with the milk inlet 64.1, so that a reduced pressure is also created in the milk inlet 64.1, as soon as the steam is directed through the chamber 78. The milk, in turn, is sucked from the milk cooling device 10 low pressure. The milk that is sucked in is mixed with steam in chamber 78 and heated and / or foamed. For this purpose, a condition can be created for the air inlet, which is not shown in the drawing, through which ambient air enters the chamber 78. The corresponding finished coffee beverage is dispensed through the outlet of the milk dispenser 64 into the cup 80, which is located below.

In this example, the milk dispenser 64 has been described as a device that prepares the obtained milk by supplying steam and / or air and which thereby dispenses milk, hot milk and / or frothed milk. In advance, black coffee or espresso obtained respectively can be dispensed by another separate dispensing device (not shown). Dispensing devices that dispense black coffee or espresso, as well as milk, hot milk and / or frothed milk, are also known. The beverage machine 62 may also receive a temperature signal that is transmitted by the transmitter of the milk cooling device and which contains information regarding the temperature of the milk volume in the milk tank of the milk cooling device.

This information can be displayed on a display 82, which is also attached to the outer surface of the beverage machine 62, facing the user. Further, information regarding the filling status of the milk container can be displayed on the display 82. The user is thus always informed about the filling status of the milk container and at the same time about the temperature of the milk volume in a clearly visible manner.

5a, b show the transmitter / receiver 66, which is schematically shown in FIG. 4, in two different perspective views. This transmitter / receiver 66 includes a connector 84, which can be plugged into an additional slot on the beverage machine (both not shown) from the outside. In the present example, connector 84 is a dedicated connector for the corresponding interface that is optimized for the corresponding requirements. A receiver button 86 is provided on the outer surface of the transmitter / receiver 66, to which the user has good access. In response to the first start-up or after replacing the beverage machine 62, the transmitter / receiver 66, or the cover 24 of the milk cooling device 10, this button 86 must be turned on in the transmitter / receiver 66. At the same time, the button 58 on the upper side must be activated lids 24 of the milk cooling device 10 so that the transmitter 38 and the transmitter / receiver 66 can identify, communicate and connect with each other by exchanging an alarm protocol.

5c shows a transmitter / receiver 66 in a modified embodiment. This transmitter / receiver 66 has a standardized interface connector 84, for example, a D-sub connector, a PTC 232 connector, a USB connector, etc. A receiver button 86 for starting a signaling protocol for assigning and connecting to a transmitter that belongs to the transmitter / receiver 66 is also located on the upper side of the transmitter / receiver 66. The transmitter / receiver 66 is designed to transmit and / or receive an information signal, regardless of embodiment.

6 shows a schematic representation of a combination device of a milk cooling device 10 and a beverage machine 62. The cover 24 of the milk cooling device 10 comprises (not shown) a transmitter that communicates via an air interface 40 with a transmitter / receiver 66, which, in turn, is electrically connected to an electronic control system (not shown) of the beverage machine 62. The transmitter transmits information regarding the filling state of the milk container (not shown) of the milk cooling device 10 to the transmitter / receiver 66. Based on this information, the logic means (not shown) inside the beverage machine 62 determines whether the milk volume contained in the milk is sufficient the capacity of the milk cooling device 10 to prepare the appropriate coffee beverage selected on the user interface 68. When the milk volume is not sufficient, milk production is not permitted. When the milk volume is sufficient, the milk dispenser 64 sucks the necessary milk volume accordingly into the machine 62 for preparing drinks through a milk pipe (not shown) between the milk dispenser 64 and the milk outlet 32 on the lid 24. The milk is then either only sucked in, heated and / or foams in the milk dispenser 64 by the steam that is received.

The combination device may further include an auxiliary device 88, including a radio device 90. This auxiliary device 88 can be used with a machine 62 for preparing drinks. The beverage machine 62 may thus report the status of this auxiliary device 88 by wire. For example, auxiliary device 88 can be implemented as a billing system (coin counter or money counter, U-key, virtual balance cards, credit cards), in which the paid amount is reported to the machine 62 for making drinks, and the latter then issues or blocks the receipt of a coffee drink. The radio unit 90 may also be used in the case of a service or in the case of the manufacture of an apparatus to transmit or read the electronic memory of a beverage machine 62.

7 shows a process flow chart of a method for producing a milk volume of a milk cooling device into a milk dispensing device of a beverage preparation machine.

The beginning of the method is initiated by selecting the appropriate coffee drink through the user interface in the machine for making drinks.

The filling state of the milk capacity of the milk cooling device is detected in step S1.

In step S2, information regarding the filling state of the milk container is transmitted to the beverage machine through the air interface.

This information is fed to the logic means of the beverage machine in step S3.

In step S4, information regarding the user selection of the respective coffee beverage, which is previously entered into the beverage machine through the user interface, is transmitted to the logic means.

In step S5, information regarding the corresponding required milk volume for preparing the corresponding selected coffee beverage is read from the database.

In step S6, information regarding the required milk volume is compared with information regarding the filling state of the milk container. When it is decided in step S6, based on the comparison, that the filling state of the milk container is greater than the required milk volume (YES), an output signal is generated in step S7 '.

When it was decided in step S6 that the filling state of the milk container is lower than the required milk volume (NO), in step S7, a failure signal is generated.

In step S8, a dispense signal or a non-dispense signal is supplied to the electric hydraulic valve of the milk dispenser of the beverage machine.

Step S2 may include step S2 ', which comprises transmitting information regarding the temperature of the milk volume in the milk tank via the air interface to the beverage machine.

Step S3 may include step S3 ', which comprises displaying information regarding the filling status of the milk container and / or regarding the temperature of the milk volume in the milk container in the milk cooling device and / or in the beverage machine.

Claims (13)

1. The combined device of the machine (62) for preparing drinks and a separate device (10) for cooling milk to keep the milk (16) in a cooled state,
wherein the above-mentioned beverage preparation machine (62) includes an electronic control system (63) and a milk dispensing device (64) including a milk inlet (64.1) and designed to dispense milk and / or milk froth,
said milk cooling device (10) comprises a housing (11), a milk container (14) located in the housing (11) for accommodating the milk volume (16), a cooling device (18) for cooling the milk volume (16), and the milk tube (26) ), one end of which is located in the milk tank (14), and the other end is in fluid communication with the milk outlet (32) of the milk cooling device (10) to remove milk from the milk tank (14), while the milk inlet (64.1) of the device ( 64) milk delivery is connected or may be associated with the milk outlet (32) of the device (10) cooling eniya through breast milk line (32 '),
wherein the case (11) of the cooling device (10) includes a case (12) of the milk container, which contains the milk container (14) and the lid (24) for closing or covering the milk container (14),
also contains controls for monitoring the filling status of the milk container (14), including a sensor (34) of the filling state located in the milk container (34) and / or in the housing (11) of the milk cooling device (10), to determine the filling level of the milk container (14) milk, as well as an electronic system (36) for measuring the state of filling connected to the filling sensor (34) to generate an information signal about the degree of filling, while this information signal about the degree of filling contains information about the level of refills detected by the filling state sensor (34),
the delivery of milk and / or milk froth from the milk dispensing device (64) can be controlled by the electronic control system (63) of the machine (62) for preparing drinks as a function of the information signal of the filling status of the electronic system generated by the electronic system (36),
wherein the electronic system for measuring the filling level (36) is installed in / or on the body of the device (10) for milk cooling,
the milk cooling device (10) includes a transmitter (38) for transmitting an information signal of the filling state transmitted by the electronic system (36) for measuring the filling state to the machine (62) for preparing drinks through the air interface (40) by means of a radio signal that can be produced by the transmitter ( 38), and the machine (62) for preparing drinks includes a transmitter / receiver (66), which is designed to receive the radio signal produced by the transmitter (38) of the milk cooling device (10) and provide information filling state of the signal transmitted by radio to an electronic system (63) of the machine control (62) for the beverage,
characterized in that
the electronic system (36) for measuring the state of filling and / or the transmitter (38) of the milk cooling device (10) can be supplied with electric energy through an external electric energy source (20), which can be connected to the case of the milk container (12). 2. A combination device according to claim 1, in which the electronic system (36) for measuring the state of filling and / or the transmitter (38) of the milk cooling device (10) is placed in the lid (24). 3. A combination device according to claim 1 or 2, in which the filling state sensor (34) is connected to the sensor tube (60), which is fixed to the bottom of the lid (24) so that it protrudes mainly into the milk container (14) when the lid (24) covers or closes the milk container (14). 4. A combination device according to claim 1 or 2, in which the electronic system (36) for measuring the state of filling and / or the transmitter (38) can be supplied with electrical energy by at least one energy storage device (42), which is located in or on the housing milk cooling devices (10). 5. A combination device according to claim 4, in which an external source (20) of electric power can be connected electrically to an electronic system (36) for measuring the state of filling and / or a transmitter (38) for the milk cooling device (10) via the power supply interface (46) between the case of the milk container (12) and the lid (24). 6. The combination device according to claim 5, wherein the power supply interface (46) comprises at least two interface elements (46 ′, 46 ″), which in each case are oriented and placed on the milk container body (12) and on the lid (24) so that they are electrically connected to each other when the lid (24) covers or closes the milk container (14). 7. A combination device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic system (36) for measuring the state of filling and / or the transmitter (38) are housed in the housing (12) of the milk container. 8. A combination device according to claim 7, in which the electronic system (36) for measuring the state of filling and / or the transmitter (38) of the milk cooling device (10) can be supplied with electric energy through an external source (20) of electricity, which can be connected to the housing (12) milk container. 9. The combined device according to one of paragraphs. 1 or 2, 7 or 8, in which the machine (62) for preparing drinks contains:
a user interface (68) through which various coffee drinks can be manually selected,
a database (70) of data that stores information regarding the milk volume necessary for preparing a coffee beverage, which can be selected in each case on the user interface (68), logic tools (72), including inputs, which in each case are connected to the transmitter / a receiver (66), a user interface (68) and a database (70) of data in which the logic means (72) are designed to read information regarding the milk volume, which is necessary for this, from the database (70) in response to the input to user interface (68), comparing this information with the information obtained regarding the filling status of the milk container (14), and dispensing milk from the milk dispensing device (64) only provided that the milk volume (16) contained in the milk container (14) is not less than the milk volume that is needed to prepare the appropriate selected coffee beverage. 10. The combined device according to one of paragraphs. 1 or 2, 7 or 8, further comprising at least one auxiliary device (88) comprising a radio device (90) for transmitting an information signal of the auxiliary device to a machine (62) for preparing drinks and / or for receiving an information signal from the machine (62) for preparing drinks through one air interface (40) in each case. 11. The method of dispensing milk and / or milk foam through a combined device of a machine (62) for preparing drinks for preparing a beverage and a milk cooling device (10) for keeping the milk volume (16) in a cooled state according to one of claims. 1-10, including the following operations:
energy supply to the electronic system (36) for measuring the state of filling and / or the transmitter (38) of the milk cooling device (10)) from an external power source (20), which can be connected to the body of the milk container (12),
determination (S1) of the filling state of the milk container (14) of the milk cooling device (10),
transmitting (S2) information regarding the filling state of the milk container (14) to a machine (62) for preparing drinks by means of a radio signal via an air interface (40),
supply (S3) of this information to the logic means (72) of the machine (62) for preparing drinks,
selecting a coffee beverage through the user interface (68) of the machine (62) for preparing drinks and transmitting (S4) information regarding the selected coffee beverage to the logic means (72),
reading (S5) information regarding the corresponding milk volume necessary for preparing the corresponding selected coffee beverage from the database (70),
comparing (S6) information regarding the required milk volume with information regarding the filling status of the milk container (14), while the logic means (72) generate an output signal for issuing part of the milk and / or milk foam (S7 ′) when the milk filling level in the milk container (14) is not less than the required milk volume, and / or logic means (72) generate a non-delivery signal for not delivering part of the milk and / or milk foam (S7 ″) when the filling level of milk in the milk container (14) is less than the required milk volume, and
giving (S8) a signal issuing or not issuing to the electric hydraulic valve (74) of the device (64) for dispensing milk from the machine (62) for preparing drinks. 12. The method according to p. 11, which further comprises the operation of: transmitting information regarding the temperature of the milk volume (16) in the milk tank (14) to a machine (62) for preparing drinks through the air interface (40). 13. The method according to p. 11 or 12, which further includes the operation of: displaying information regarding the filling status of the milk container (14) and / or regarding the temperature of the milk volume (16) in the milk container (14) in the milk cooling device (10) and / or in a machine (62) for preparing drinks.

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