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US 2025/0024985 A1Published application
Machine and method for preparing a brewed drink
AssigneeMelitta Single Portions GmbH & Co. KG
InventorsJan PAHNKE, Christopher ZUM BRUCH
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A machine for the preparation of a brewed beverage includes a device for the generation of hot water, which is operable via a controller, a holder for a portion pack with an extraction material, wherein the holder is arranged below an supply line for the hot water, and a recognition unit, wherein the recognition unit includes a proximity sensor, via which a first shape of the portion pack and a second shape of the portion pack, which is changed from the first shape, can be detected in a contactless manner.
Claims14
1:
- A machine (1) for the preparation of a brewed beverage, comprising:
- a device configured for generation of heated water, said device being operable via a controller,
- a holder (4) configured for holding a portion pack (6, 16, 26) with an extraction material, the holder (4) being arranged below a supply line (2) configured for supplying the heated water, and
- a recognition unit, wherein the recognition unit includes a proximity sensor (10) that is configured to detect in a contactless manner a first shape of the portion pack (6, 16, 26) and a second shape of the portion pack (6, 16, 26), which is different from the first shape.
1 more element
2:
- The machine according to claim 1, wherein the first shape of the portion pack (6, 16, 26) corresponds to a closed state of the portion pack (6, 16, 26).
3:
- The machine according to claim 1, wherein the second shape of the portion pack (6, 16, 26) corresponds to an opened state of the portion pack (6, 16, 26) before a brewing procedure.
4:
- The machine according to claim 1, wherein a third shape of the portion pack (6, 16, 26) corresponds to an opened state of the portion pack (6, 16, 26) after a brewing procedure.
5:
- The machine according to claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor (10) is configured to detect a volume change of the extraction material before and after a brewing procedure.
6:
- The machine according to claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor (10) includes a capacitive proximity sensor.
7:
- The machine according to claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor (10) includes a light barrier.
8:
- The machine according to claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor (10) comprises an ultrasonic proximity sensor.
9:
- The machine according to claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor (10) is attached to a moveable part of the machine and thus is configured to detect different areas.
10:
- A method for the preparation of a brewed beverage comprising the following steps:
- inserting a portion pack (6, 16, 26) with an extraction material (7, 17) into a holder (4) of a machine (1) for preparation of a brewed beverage,
- supplying heated water via a supply line (2) onto the extraction material (7, 17) in the portion pack (6, 16, 26) and preparing the brewed beverage,
- detecting an outer shape of the portion pack (6, 16, 26) via a proximity sensor (10), and
- controlling the preparation of the brewed beverage depending on the detected outer shape of the portion pack (6, 16, 26).
2 more elements
11:
- The method according to claim 10, wherein a closed shape of the portion pack (6, 16, 26) and an open shape of the portion pack (6, 16, 26) are detected via the proximity sensor (10).
12:
- The method according to claim 11, wherein the step of supplying the heated water onto the portion pack (6, 16, 26) at the start of a preparation process takes place only upon detection of a closed shape of the portion pack (6, 16, 26).
13:
- The method according to claim 12, wherein a further supply of heated water during the preparation process takes place only if a transition of the portion pack (6, 16, 26) from a closed to an open position is detected.
14:
- The method according to claim 11, wherein a supply of heated water onto the portion pack (6, 16, 26) for a brewing procedure takes place only upon detection of an open position and an extraction material that has not yet been brewed.