Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
  • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
  • A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
  • A47J31/4492—Means to read code provided on ingredient pod or cartridge
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
  • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
  • A47J31/24—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure
  • A47J31/34—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure
  • A47J31/36—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
  • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
  • A47J31/24—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure
  • A47J31/34—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure
  • A47J31/36—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
  • A47J31/3604—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means with a mechanism arranged to move the brewing chamber between loading, infusing and ejecting stations
  • A47J31/3623—Cartridges being employed
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
  • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
  • A47J31/24—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure
  • A47J31/34—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure
  • A47J31/36—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
  • A47J31/3604—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means with a mechanism arranged to move the brewing chamber between loading, infusing and ejecting stations
  • A47J31/3623—Cartridges being employed
  • A47J31/3633—Means to perform transfer from a loading position to an infusing position

Definitions

• the invention relates to extraction devices for preparing beverages or the like from an extraction material contained in a capsule, for example ground coffee. It relates in particular to a brewing module for an extraction device, a capsule recognition module and a beverage preparation machine with such a brewing module and / or capsule recognition module.
• Extraction devices for preparing beverages or the like from an extraction material present in a portion package are known, for example, as coffee or espresso machines.
• the Porti onsverpackungen are formed as capsules in which the extraction material, for example. Airtight is completed.
• the capsule is pierced, for example on two opposite sides. On the first side then an extraction liquid - generally hot water - is introduced.
• the extraction product is discharged from the capsule. This happens in a so-called brewing module.
• brewing module Such has a brewing chamber in which the capsule is received.
• Brewing modules in which the capsule is inserted and the brewing chamber manually closed by means of an operating lever or automatically motorized are particularly popular, wherein when the brewing chamber is opened again after the brewing process, the capsule automatically leaves the capsule Brewing chamber is removed and ejected into a capsule container.
• Such brewing modules with automatic capsule ejection are generally designed as horizontal Brülimodule, ie the capsule is inserted from above, the closure of the brewing chamber is a horizontal relative movement of two Brühhuntmaschine, the brewing liquid flows substantially horizontally, and the capsule container is formed below the brewing chamber.
• a problem in this context relates to the detection of capsule properties, for example, the reading of information mounted on the capsule for triggering a brewing process depending on this information.
• One way to do this is to provide the capsule with a suitable marker or color combination and visually detect it. This happens, for example, with a camera.
• due to the heat emitted by the brewing chamber, of water vapor and of soiling it is desirable to mount a camera as far away as possible from the brewing chamber and from it in a shielded manner.
• appropriate shields - for example in the form of windows - can complicate the readout process itself, especially if they mist up or become dirty.
• the usual measures against such fogging or fouling are coatings, which, however, have only limited effectiveness in a brewing chamber environment.
• GB 2 41 1 105 and WO 2015/004552 each show a coffee machine for preparing coffee from a portion capsule in which a mounted on the capsule graphic element is optically detected through a window.
• a window can easily fog or pollute and should be easy to clean. It is an object of the invention to provide a beverage preparation machine, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and which enables the detection of properties of a used portion capsule before the brewing process by a simple construction as possible.
• a capsule detection module for a brewing module for preparing a brewed beverage from a portion capsule comprising:
• an optical sensor in particular a camera, for detecting optical properties of the capsule, which is located at a capsule recognition position, and
• a capsule detection window made of a transparent material between the capsule detection position and the optical sensor
• a module cover which closes an access opening and is arranged to be reversibly, in particular tool-free opened and / or removed, with open or removed module cover the
• the module cover can be reversibly opened or removed by not firmly / cohesively connected to the other parts (for example, a module housing). Rather, an opening / removal is possible without destruction, and the module cover can also be brought back to its defined original, the access opening closing position.
• the module cover may in particular be present as a separate part of a module housing, which is connected in embodiments, for example. About a functioning as a pivot pin or the like pivotally connected thereto. It may be provided in embodiments, a snap or click the lid in the closing position.
• the opening / removal and closing of the lid may be possible by the average user tool-free, ie with the fingers of a user, whereby the (mandatory or advantageous) use of tools is not excluded.
• window is here understood a passage opening which is at least partially closed by the transparent material, in particular in the form of a disc, so that the axis traverses the transparent material (the disc)
• the transparent material is in the form of a disc
• the window may also be provided, for example, with a lens function such that it has, for example, a collimating effect or otherwise influences the imaging properties in such a way that it does not affect the imaging properties
• the statements on the position of the window relate to the center plane of the transparent window material.
• the module cover is generally different from any lid (slide, pivoting lever or the like) closing the capsule insertion opening of the beverage preparation machine.
• the capsule recognition module in addition to the said access opening closed by the module cover, also has a separate access, in particular the said capsule insertion opening, towards the capsule recognition position, so that the module cover can remain closed during normal operation.
• the module may be configured such that the capsule detection window is also accessible when a capsule is at the capsule detection position. This can be advantageous, for example, when a user has already inserted the capsule, but a capsule recognition is not successful because the capsule detection window is fogged or dirty. Then the user just needs to open the module cover to wipe the capsule detection window and does not have to remove the capsule for that.
• the module cover is in particular arranged between the capsule insertion opening and an axial position of the capsule detection window, so that an area between the capsule detection position and the capsule detection window is made accessible through the access opening.
• the window is made of a "transparent" material does not mean that it has to be completely transmissive to the entire visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum, but only requires transparency for a part of the electromagnetic spectrum in which the optical sensor For which the capsule has an optically readable characteristic, in particular light in the visible wavelength range or infrared light are suitable.
• the capsule detection window is disposed at a non-perpendicular angle to an axis between the capsule detection position and the optical sensor.
• the axis between the capsule recognition position and the optical sensor is understood here an axis in the optical sense, ie in the case of light deflection means between capsule recognition position and sensor corresponds the axis is not necessarily a direct connection but a beam path of a light beam passing the shortest path from the center of a surface of the capsule detected by the camera at the capsule detection position to the center of the sensor.
• the optical sensor is a camera with a camera optic
• the axis may coincide with an optical axis (symmetry axis) of the camera optics.
• the simple measure "non-right angle" can prevent reflections of light, which is irradiated from the direction of the optical sensor, acting on the optical sensor, or at least such reflections can be reduced.
• At least one light source is arranged with respect to the capsule recognition position behind the capsule recognition window.
• Such an arrangement of a light source can be of practical advantage, because the light source is then also protected by the capsule detection window and also can be easily integrated with the camera, for example by being arranged on the same board as the camera sensor.
• a plurality of LED light sources may be present, for example arranged around the optical sensor.
• the angle of the perpendicular to the capsule detection window to the axis at the point of its passage through the window is for example at least 10 °, in particular at least 15 ° or at least 20 °, and for example. At most 55 ° or 45 ° or 40 °.
• the capsule recognition window may be inclined towards the side of the module cover, i. the normal to the capsule detection window toward the capsule detection position side points away from the axis and has a component toward the module lid. This allows the user to look at this side of the capsule detection window while the module lid is open or removed, immediately sees any contamination or fogging, and can also clean the capsule detection window if necessary.
• the window will generally not be parallel to the module cover, but at a non-right angle to it.
• the module cover when closed, may be approximately parallel to the axis (i.e., for example, a plane or translational axis defined by the module cover is approximately parallel to the axis).
• said axis between the capsule detection position and the optical sensor is approximately horizontal, and the lid closes an optical region in which the light passes from the capsule detection position to the optical sensor (and through which, in embodiments with light source, for example, light is applied to the capsule irradiated) upwards or to one side.
• the module cover may in particular be pivotable, ie it is attached to a pivot axis on the housing (of the capsule recognition module or the brewing module / the beverage preparation machine) and can be opened by a pivoting movement.
• it may optionally be arranged under an operating lever or other operating element (slide or the like) of the beverage preparation machine, under which there is also a capsule insertion opening, so that an opening of the module lid requires an opening of the operating element.
• the function of the module cover in its closed state may also be an optical shielding of the optical region from ambient light.
• the module cover can be made of an intransparent material.
• the capsule insertion opening is generally closable in a manner known per se, for example by an operating lever, a slide or the like.
• the capsule detection module further includes a fan for generating an airflow on the side of the capsule detection window toward the capsule detection position.
• fan here means an active fan, ie a fan in which air is moved by active energy input, in particular an electrically driven fan
• the fan may in particular be designed as a fan, which air between the area in front of the capsule detection window and an environment the beverage preparation machine transported. By such a fan fogging of the capsule detection window is efficiently prevented.
• the capsule recognition module can be used to determine whether the inserted capsule is suitable at all for use in the beverage preparation machine or not. Secondly, it is possible to output corresponding information to the user on the basis of recognized capsule properties, for example via a display. It may, for example, the type of drink (coffee, tea, etc.), the variety (eg "100% Arabica"), the recommended preparation (eg "Espresso", “Ristretto” or “Lungo” etc.) and / or other information are displayed.
• the program used by the brewer coffee machine may also be selected based on the identified type of capsule, for example, the brewing pressure, brewing time and possibly also the temperature and / or other properties may be adjusted depending on whether the inserted capsule for the preparation of eg Ristretto, espresso or lungo is provided.
• Suitable optically readable features are, for example, a bar code, a 2D matrix code (for example a QR code or Aztec code), a pictogram (icon) and / or a specific color.
• a code according to one of the European patent applications 14 197 487.3, 14 197 488.1 and / or 14 197 489.9 is in question.
• the capsule recognition module also has, for example, at least one light source for illuminating the capsule at the capsule recognition position.
• a light source will preferably be arranged behind the capsule recognition window, ie the side of the capsule recognition window, towards the optical sensor, as well as the optical sensor to be protected by the capsule detection window from fumes and dirt.
• Such a light source may include, for example, an LED or a number of LEDs.
• a light diffuser may be present between the light source and the capsule recognition position, eg also behind the window to prevent conspicuous reflexes on the capsule, especially in cases where the capsule surface is slightly reflective.
• a light source and a diffuser may be arranged peripherally, in particular with respect to the optical sensor and a possible optical axis;
• the diffuser can, for example, surround a camera optics.
• reflections of the light source at the window are not visible from the location of the optical sensor.
• the optical sensor can therefore be set very sensitive because no disturbing influences of such reflections are present.
• the capsule recognition module may be part of or associated with a brewing module.
• the invention also relates to a beverage preparation machine with a capsule recognition module of the type described. It can be provided in particular that the beverage preparation machine has a horizontal brewing module of the type described in the introduction.
• the capsule recognition module can be arranged above the position (brewing position) in which the brewing chamber is in the closed state of the brewing module.
• the capsule detection position is then vertically above the brewing position.
• the said axis between the capsule detection position and the optical sensor may be approximately horizontal and the access opening may be an opening from above or from the side.
• the capsule loading opening of the machine may allow the capsule to be inserted directly into the capsule detection position, i. the capsule insertion opening can be formed by the capsule recognition module.
• the capsule insertion opening can be formed by the capsule recognition module.
• an outer capsule insertion opening may be formed in a machine housing and an inner capsule insertion opening may be formed on the capsule recognition detection module.
• the beverage preparation machine can have an operating element (lever, slide or the like) with which the capsule insertion opening can be closed. It can be provided in particular that such a control element of the machine in the closed state also covers the module cover.
• Fig. 1 is a view of a brewing module with capsule detection module.
• Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the built-in coffee machine
• FIGS. 3 and 4 each show a view of the capsule recognition module according to FIGS. 1 and 2 with the module cover closed and open;
• Fig. 6 is a sectional view of this capsule recognition module;
• FIG. 9 shows a second scattered-light diaphragm of the capsule recognition module
• FIG. 10 shows a reflector of the capsule recognition module
• Fig. 12 is a diagram of a beverage preparation machine.
• the brewing module 1 according to FIG. 1 has an outer brewing module housing 2. This is in the Aus collirungsbeispiel shown from an upper housing part 2.1 (capsule detection housing) and a lower housing part 2.2 (Brühshumorsgephinuse) together. On the upper side, a capsule insertion opening 11 is formed, through which a portion capsule 10 can be inserted into the brewing module.
• FIG. 2 shows in a longitudinal section a part of a coffee machine with the brewing module.
• the brewing module 1 is installed in an outer machine housing 25 with a pivotable operating lever 26, which in the closed state Capsule insertion opening 11 covers.
• the housing also forms an outlet hood 29 on the front side.
• the injector 4 has perforation elements for piercing a capsule, which can be introduced into the brewing module via the insertion opening 11 and at least partially filled with an extraction material - for example ground coffee.
• the injector 4 is set up to introduce a liquid-for example hot water-through the perforation elements or past them into the pierced capsule, wherein the water can be supplied via a water feed 12, which may, for example, have a flexible hose.
• the diverting device 3 has in the embodiment described here on perforation, namely extraction-side piercing tips. These may be formed, for example, as described in WO 2015/039258 or in WO 2010/1 18544 or have another embodiment; the use of other principles than piercing tips, for example. With lattice-like structures are possible.
• a capsule is placed between the discharge device 3 and the injector 4, and these are moved toward each other in such a way that a brewing chamber comprising the capsule is formed between them.
• the hot water is supplied through the injector under pressure of the capsule, and the extraction product flows through the Diverter 3 via a beverage outlet " 13 in a example.
• the relative movement of the brewing module parts discharge device and injector is achieved in the embodiment described here, characterized in that the discharge device 3 is mounted fixed to the housing, while the injector 4 is movable along the horizontal axis.
• the drive of the injector via a via a pinion shaft 24 and a toothed drive pulley 20 motorized driven toggle lever is connected to a first toggle arm 21 and a second toggle lever 22 ..
• the brewing module has a capsule recognition module 5 with a camera.
• a capsule inserted through the capsule insertion opening 1 1 first reaches a capsule recognition position, in the capsule recognition module, where optical properties of the capsule are read out under some circumstances depending on the operating state. Subsequently, the capsule is passed down into the brewing position.
• a mechanism in question is described in PCT / EP2015 / 076812, which is incorporated herein by reference. Other mechanisms, even with a manual further transport, or the possibility that the capsule recognition position corresponds to the brewing position, are not excluded.
• FIG. 3 shows the capsule recognition module including the upper housing part 2.1
• FIG. 4 shows a corresponding view with the module cover 18 open.
• FIG. 5 shows a view of the capsule recognition module with the upper housing part shown in section
• FIG. 6 shows a corresponding sectional view with capsule 10.
• FIG Exploded view of the camera unit Figure 8 shows the camera unit in the assembled state
• Figures 9-11 show other elements of the capsule recognition module.
• the camera is accessible for maintenance by a silicone back cover 16, which forms part of the upper housing part 2.1.
• This forms a sealing lip 17 through which a ribbon cable can be performed sealingly; via such a ribbon cable, data exchange takes place with a central machine control and evaluation electronics; also the power supply of the camera and the light sources takes place over it.
• the camera has a camera sensor 51, for example with a CCD or CMOS sensor array, which is arranged on a circuit board 57.
• a camera sensor 51 for example with a CCD or CMOS sensor array
• Several LEDs 62 are also arranged on the circuit board 57 as light sources, which generate light during the capsule detection process, via a diffuser 53 (FIG. 11, cf. also FIG. 6) with a structured and therefore diffusing end face 53.1 and a capsule recognition window 52 is thrown on the capsule.
• a part of the capsule recognition module housing is optionally configured as a reflector 68 with a surface that is specifically structured and reflective on the inside, which contributes to distributing light from the LEDs 62 evenly on the capsule surface. At the reflector 68 and an opening 71 is formed for the fan.
• a suitable optically readable feature is present on the capsule, for example a bar code, a 2D matrix code (for example QR code or Aztec code), a pictogram (icon), a code according to one or more of European patent applications 14 197 487.3, 14 197 488.1, 14 197 489.9 and / or a particular color.
• the illuminated by the light sources side of the capsule is detected by the camera and evaluated in the camera or by a separate, for example, also in the coffee machine present module (not shown).
• the light reflected by the illuminated capsule passes for this purpose through the capsule detection window 52, and a diffuser opening 54 in the diffuser 53 to the camera, which has a shutter 58, at least one lens 59 and the camera sensor 51.
• the lens 59 is held by an inner lens holder 64 and fixed by a lens fixation 60 (FIG. 12).
• the inner lens holder 64 is screwed into an outer lens holder 61 with the outer lens holder 61 mounted on the board 57.
• the inner lens holder 64 is rotatably disposed in the inner lens holder for focusing purposes, with rotation causing relative displacement due to the threaded connection between the outer and inner lens holders.
• the inner lens holder 64 also forms the diaphragm 58 and a first lens hood 64.1, which prevents, for example, backscattered at the diffuser light enters the camera optics.
• a second stray light 67 with an analogous purpose is attached to the diffuser 33.
• the mechanical details of the camera optics and the design of the diffuser can also be chosen differently without further ado.
• the capsule recognition module therefore has, in addition to the camera unit, also the aforementioned capsule recognition window 52, which houses the camera and optionally other separates optical or electronic components from the area in which the water vapor can enter.
• a fan 70 which causes during the capsule detection process and / or before an air flow in front of the capsule detection window by sucking air from outside the coffee machine and through the opening 71 in the housing - here in the reflector 68th - blows in front of the capsule detection window 52.
• the capsule detection window 52 is located at a non-perpendicular angle to the axis 65 (FIG. 6) between capsule detection position and camera sensor 51. This effectively prevents reflections of the light sources from overlaying the image of the capsule on the camera sensor and distorting the evaluation.
• the capsule-detection-window plane angle ⁇ to the axis 65 of the capsule-detection-position camera sensor (defined as the capsule respectively passing through the center of the camera sensor surface and the capsule-detection position, see Figure 6, the axis 65 can coincide with the optical axis of the camera ) is for example at least 10 °, in particular at least 15 °, and, for example, a maximum of 55 ° or 45 °, in the example shown about 30 °.
• a pivotable module cover 18 is arranged on the upper side.
• the module cover 18 can be opened by a pivoting movement upwards, thus allowing access to the capsule recognition window.
• the orientation of the capsule detection window is chosen so that the capsule detection window is inclined towards the side of the module cover 18, ie the normal N on the capsule detection window points away from the axis 65 and has a component towards the module cover. This can the capsule recognition window 52 is easily accessible on the brewing chamber side and can be cleaned quickly and efficiently in the event of fogging or contamination.
• a machine according to the invention for preparing a brewed beverage from a portion capsule, namely here a coffee machine, with a brewing module is shown schematically in FIG. It has, in addition to the brewing module, a water tank 91, a pump 92 for supplying brewing water to the injector 4 and a water heating device 93 (for example, instantaneous water heater).
• the capsule recognition module 5 with the camera 50 is located in particular above the brewing chamber. An inserted capsule may be further transported downwardly by the action of gravity after the capsule detection process as described above. That is not necessary.
• a capsule container 95 is also arranged, in which the capsules 1 fall or are transported after the brewing process.
• the reference numeral 98 denotes a coffee cup.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Food Science & Technology (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)
• Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
• Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)

Priority Applications (8)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

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Family Applications (1)

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Cited By (2)

Families Citing this family (22)

Citations (5)

Family Cites Families (19)

• 2015
  • 2015-12-01 EP EP15197376.5A patent/EP3175745A1/de not_active Withdrawn
• 2016
  • 2016-11-28 PL PL16801524.6T patent/PL3383234T3/pl unknown
  • 2016-11-28 EP EP16801524.6A patent/EP3383234B1/de active Active
  • 2016-11-28 JP JP2018528304A patent/JP6899388B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2016-11-28 CN CN201680069523.9A patent/CN108366686B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2016-11-28 CA CA3005685A patent/CA3005685A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2016-11-28 US US15/779,276 patent/US10820745B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2016-11-28 BR BR112018011198-8A patent/BR112018011198B1/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2016-11-28 HU HUE16801524A patent/HUE060584T2/hu unknown
  • 2016-11-28 RU RU2018118637A patent/RU2731768C2/ru active
  • 2016-11-28 PT PT168015246T patent/PT3383234T/pt unknown
  • 2016-11-28 WO PCT/EP2016/078987 patent/WO2017093178A1/de not_active Ceased

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