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    • 专利摘要:
    rapid heating of a thermal conditioning device, for example, for a coffee machine. the present invention relates to the unit (1000) for controlling the transmission of energy to a thermal conditioning device (100), for example, for a coffee machine, comprising a controller (2) with a start-up profile for starting in said device (100) from an inactivity temperature (ti) to an operating temperature, with the objective of bringing a fluid that circulates through said thermal conditioning device (100) to a target temperature (tt) at the end of initialization, said controller (2) being arranged to allow the circulation of fluid through said device (100) at the end of initialization and to compare the determined temperature (sot) of fluid that circulated at the end of initialization with the target temperature (tt ) and derive a temperature difference therefrom. it is characterized by the fact that the initialization profile has at least one parameter and in which said controller (2) has a self-learning mode to adjust said parameter as a function of said temperature difference and to store the parameter adjusted for a subsequent start-up of said device (100) the invention relates to an optimized method of heating a coffee machine (104).
    公开号:BR112012032013B1
    申请号:R112012032013
    申请日:2011-06-14
    公开日:2020-04-07
    发明作者:Möri Peter；Etter Stefan
    申请人:Nestec Sa；Nestle Sa；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Invention Patent Descriptive Report for UNIT TO CONTROL THE TRANSMISSION OF ENERGY TO A THERMAL CONDITIONING DEVICE, THERMAL CONDITIONING DEVICE, DRINK PREPARATION MACHINE AND METHOD FOR THE OPTIMIZED HEATING OF A DRINK PREPARATION MACHINE.
    FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the initialization of a thermal conditioning device, in particular, a device with a thermal accumulator, such as a thermal block, for heating or cooling a fluid that circulates through it, for example, a heater for a beverage preparation machine. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for optimized heating of an in-line heater of a coffee machine to an operating temperature from a resting temperature with the best possible heating time and the consideration of constellations of different system.
    [0002] For the purpose of this description, a drink means the inclusion of any liquid food, such as tea, coffee, hot or cold chocolate, milk, soup, baby food or the like. A capsule is intended to include any beverage ingredient previously divided into parts within a boundary packaging of any material, in particular an airtight packaging, for example, plastic, aluminum, recyclable and / or biodegradable packaging and of any shape and structure, including soft receptacles or rigid cartridges that contain the ingredient.
    BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNIQUE [0003] Beverage preparation machines have been known for some years. For example, USA 5, 943, 472 discloses a water circulation system between a water reservoir and a distribution chamber
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 5/52
    2/36 hot water or steam from an espresso machine. The circulation system includes a valve, a metallic heating duct and a pump that are connected to each other and to the reservoir by means of different silicone hoses, which are joined with fixing collars.
    [0004] EP 1 646 305 discloses a beverage preparation machine, with a heating device that heats the circulating water, which is then provided at the entrance of a preparation unit. The preparation unit is arranged to pass the heated water to a capsule that contains a beverage ingredient for its preparation. The preparation unit has a chamber bounded by a first part and a second movable part in relation to the first part, and a guide for positioning a capsule in an intermediate position between the first and the second part, before moving the first and the second part together, from an open configuration of the preparation unit to a closed one.
    [0005] Inline heaters for heating circulating liquid, especially water, are also well known and are, for example, disclosed in CH 593 044, DE 103 22 034, DE 197 32 414, DE 197 37 694, EP 0 485 211, EP 1 380 243, FR 2 799 630, USA 4,242,568, USA 4,595,131, USA 5,019,690, USA 5,392,694, USA 5,943,472, USA 6,393,967, USA 6,889,598, USA 7,286,752, WO 01/54551 and WO 2004/006742.
    [0006] More specifically, CH 593 044 and USA 4242568 disclose a coffee machine with an in-line thermal block heater having a metallic mass with a resistant heating cable melted into the mass and with a duct for the circulation of the water to be heated.
    [0007] Thermal blocks are in-line heaters through which a liquid is circulated for heating. They usually understand
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 6/52
    3/36 have a heating chamber, such as one or more ducts, in particular, made of steel that extends through a metallic mass, in particular, a large metallic mass, in particular, made of aluminum, iron and / or another metal or an alloy, which has a high thermal capacity for the accumulation of thermal energy and a high thermal conductivity for the transfer of the necessary amount of the accumulated heat to the liquid that circulates through it, when necessary. Instead of a separate duct, the thermal block duct can be a crossing passage that is machined or otherwise formed in the duct body, for example, formed during a molding step of the thermal block mass. When the mass of the thermal block is made of aluminum, it is preferred, for health reasons, to provide a separate duct, for example, of steel, to avoid contact between the circulating liquid and the aluminum. The block mass can be made up of one or more pieces assembled around the duct. Thermal blocks typically include one or more resistant heating elements, for example, discrete or integrated resistors, which convert electrical energy into heating energy. Such resistant heating elements are usually within or in the mass of the thermal block, at a distance of more than 1 mm, in particular, 2 to 50 mm or 5 to 30 mm, from the duct. Heat is supplied to the mass of the thermal block and, through the mass, to the circulating liquid. The heating elements can be fused or housed within the metal mass or fixed against the surface of the metal mass. The duct, or ducts, may have a helical or other arrangement along the thermal block to maximize its length (s) and the heat transfer through the block.
    [0008] A disadvantage of thermal blocks lies in the difficulty of precisely controlling the temperature and optimizing the heating energy necessary to bring the liquid to be heated up to the temperature
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 7/52
    Desired thickness. In effect, the thermal inertia of the metallic mass, the localized and uneven resistant heating of the mass, the dynamic heat diffusion from the heating in the mass to different parts of the mass that affect the measured temperature of the mass in predetermined positions make precise control of the thermal blocks, for heating the circulating liquid to a predetermined desired temperature, quite difficult and, in addition, requires very long preheating periods, usually 1 to 2 minutes, in the case of espresso machines. In addition, it is difficult to predict the various parameters, which involve the subsequent use of the thermal block, produced in series, for example, the temperature of the environment, the mains voltage of the power grid, the actual value of the heating resistor of the thermal block , thermal insulation of the thermal block, the initial temperature of the liquid circulated through the thermal block. Consequently, thermal blocks are normally associated with a supply circuit controlled by dynamic closed electrical circuit adapting the supply of the thermal block with continuous temperature measurement by means of at least one temperature sensor. However, due to the complex thermal flow of such a system, the stabilization of the thermal block at a certain temperature level adjusted to the actual heating needs of the flow of liquid to be circulated is long and remains difficult to achieve.
    [0009] An approach to improve heating accuracy is taught in EP 1 380 243. This patent discloses a heating device intended, in particular, to equip coffee machines. This heating device comprises a metal tube through which the liquid to be heated can flow from an inlet to an outlet. The external surface of the duct is covered, over several sections of its length, with a plurality of sets of elements of electrical resistance in series.
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 8/52
    5/36
    A cylindrical insert extends inside the tube to form, with the inner wall of the tube, a helical duct through which the liquid can circulate and, therefore, stimulates the turbulent flow and rapid transfer of energy from the tube to the liquid. A flow meter is also positioned against the inlet duct current. The device further comprises a plurality of temperature sensors distributed along the length of the tube at the entrance to and exit from each set of resistance elements. The principle that governs the distribution of heating energy for the liquid, in this example, is based on the modulation of the electrical energy produced by the resistance elements that can be switched independently of each other or in series according to the temperature of the incoming water the duct. Although this device gives results considered satisfactory in terms of the heating speed, this device is relatively large, in which the volume of water to be heated determines the height of the tube, and is expensive, as it requires elements of resistance to be etched under the form of dense films on the tube surface, using what is currently known as dense film technology.
    [00010] In addition, the precision with which the temperature of the liquid is regulated is limited by the fact that the liquid does not come into direct contact with the sensors that are positioned outside the tube. The rate of response to temperature differences, due to the inertia of the liquid to be heated, is also slower and this decreases the precision with which the temperature can be regulated. It should also be noted that the proximity of the temperature sensors to the sets of resistance elements is at risk of influencing the measurement in an uncontrollable manner due to the thermal conduction that occurs through the tube wall.
    [00011] Furthermore, more or less complex attempts to get me
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 9/52
    6/36
    Improving the thermal control of heaters for batch or in-line heaters has been proposed in DE 197 11 291, EP 1 634 520, USA 4700052 and USA 6 246 831.
    [00012] Other methods for controlling heaters are known from different documents such as WO2008 / 023132, which describes an evaluation of the heating speed of the system and calculation of the required energy, but which is mainly based on replacement technology and different content of heater water, like a water pan.
    [00013] EP 0 935 938 B1 shows how an automatic start of a pump after the target heating has been achieved, and relates in general to temperature measurement with a resistance-based temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of a heater. Different heating interruption temperatures are contemplated for the heater according to the temperature of the heater in its supply.
    [00014] There is still a need to provide simple and reliable energy control for thermal blocks for rapid heating of them, for the correct heating of a liquid that circulates through them during normal use and under various conditions of use.
    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [00015] A preferred object of the invention is to provide a self-learning heating device in line with a heat accumulator, such as a thermal block, which has a minimum initialization time to reach a temperature sufficient to start a first drink preparation.
    [00016] In order to provide such a self-learning heating device, the invention strives to develop a self-learning control system that is easy to integrate into this self-learning device.
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 10/52
    7/36 heating.
    [00017] Thus, the present invention relates to a self-learning heating device with a thermal block and a self-learning controller, in particular, for a beverage preparation machine, still honeys in particular, for a coffee machine. Said beverage preparation machine or coffee machine includes at least one self-learning heating device.
    [00018] A preferred objective of the invention is to provide a method for the optimized heating of an electrical device, in particular, such a beverage preparation machine, particularly a coffee machine, to an operating temperature, from any starting temperature with the best heating time possible.
    [00019] The preheating process is configured with the idea that a given beverage preparation machine, in general, will be started under the same or similar conditions, whenever it is started after a prolonged period of non-use, for example. example, from a cold state.
    [00020] Once the machine is installed in a location, such as the kitchen, the external conditions, such as the surrounding temperature, for example, the ambient temperature and the mains voltage will not normally vary significantly, or at least least not radically, over time. In addition, the internal characteristics of a particular heating device, in particular the electrical heating element or resistor of the thermal block, will also not change significantly over time.
    [00021] The complete heating process is configured in such a way that a given beverage preparation machine can start under any conditions, either from a cold state, or after others
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 11/52
    8/36 beverage preparations. The speed of the heating process according to the invention has to be optimized regardless of the location of the beverage preparation machine or the climatic conditions or the characteristics of the local electrical current or other internal or external parameters.
    [00022] With each machine start-up, a temperature sensor system will monitor the temperature of the circulated water provided by the heater and adjust, if necessary, the preheating duration for the next startup procedure and the heating process, in order to reach as close as possible to a given target temperature, for example, for coffee extraction, such as in the range of 85 to 95 ° C, as appropriate.
    [00023] It follows that the machine has a self-learning preheating and / or heating process that improves over time by learning in a given environment. In practice, one or two start-up procedures may be sufficient to fine-tune the machine for the specific internal and external conditions under which it operates.
    [00024] If the machine is moved to a different location, for example, in an environment that is warmer or colder, the self-learning preheating process will have to readjust to the new environment. Likewise, if the machine is repaired in a way that affects the heating characteristics, for example, a resistance heater is replaced by a new one that does not have exactly the same heating characteristics, the machine will have to go through a new self-learning process. .
    [00025] Each time the startup conditions are significantly changed, the machine will have to readjust and the temperature of the first drink will be in a slightly lower pattern.
    [00026] Therefore, the heating control for pre
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 12/52
    9/36 heating will be adjusted to allow the preparation of drinks, once the heater is in a state, experimentally derived from previous start-ups with the same heater, to heat the required amount of circulated liquid to the desired temperature.
    [00027] The present invention therefore proceeds from the approach of the prior art of providing a medium setting for preheating, assuming it is more or less adapted to any contemplated operating conditions, and then adjusting the preheating during the course of each preheating cycle to take into account the actual operating conditions. The present invention provides a preheat readjustment system to align the preheat configuration with the actual operating conditions, which are expected to be more or less constant over time so that none or a minimum of fine adjustment is necessary during each preheating cycle. In other words, instead of readjusting the preheating during the preheating in a process that consumes time and / or energy, the system of the invention is adapted to predict the preheating requirements derived from the conditions experienced by a particular machine with their specific characteristics and operating in a given environment. The machine is arranged to adapt itself to your operating conditions and to optimize the startup process accordingly.
    [00028] For an espresso machine, for example, usually with a heater of about 1200 W to heat 25 to 130 ml in about 10 to 40 sec., It has been observed that, based on the experience of pre- previous experimental heating, instead of preheating based on a closed circuit controlled preheating process, heater temperature detection problems related to a temperature gradient across the heater
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 13/52
    10/36 can be avoided and the preheating duration can be reduced by 30 to 70%, for example, from 90 sec. for 30 sec. or less.
    [00029] Consequently, the control of the heater for heating can generally be adjusted to allow the preparation of drinks as soon as physically possible.
    [00030] Therefore, the present invention relates to a unit for controlling the transmission of energy to a thermal conditioning device, such as a heater or refrigerator. This unit comprises:
    - a controller with a start-up profile for starting such a thermal conditioning device from an inactivity temperature to an operating temperature, with the objective of bringing a fluid that circulates through said thermal conditioning device to a target temperature at the end of initialization; and
    - a temperature sensor connected to said controller to determine the temperature of said fluid in circulation through said thermal conditioning device.
    [00031] The controller is arranged to allow the circulation of fluid through the thermal conditioning device at the end of the initialization and to compare the determined temperature (SOT) of fluid that circulated at the end of the initialization with the target temperature and to derive a difference of temperature, [00032] According to the invention, the initialization profile has at least one parameter and the controller has a self-learning mode for adjusting that parameter as a function of said temperature difference and for storing the adjusted parameter, or parameters, for a subsequent initialization of the said thermal device.
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 14/52
    11/36 [00033] At least one parameter can be a duration of the power initialization profile. At least one parameter can be an energy intensity of the power initialization profile. In any case, the energy intensity can be variable or constant over time, during startup. For example, at least one parameter is a target temperature of said thermal conditioning device.
    [00034] The thermal conditioning device normally comprises a thermal accumulator or a thermal block.
    [00035] In one embodiment, said controller includes at least one clock for starting temperature measurements at periodic time intervals and includes data storage facilities for storing a target temperature and for storing temperatures measured at said intervals time, and said controller also including calculation features to calculate a deactivation temperature, said calculation features being arranged to:
    - a) calculate temperature gradients between different stored temperature values;
    - b) calculate an average gradient of said temperature gradients; and
    - c) calculate a deactivation temperature by subtracting a temperature that exceeds the target for said target temperature, said temperature that exceeds the target corresponding to said average gradient by means of a calculation from the last calculated average gradient or by a correlation with conversion tables stored between said average gradients and temperatures that exceed the target, the data storage resources being still arranged to store:
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 15/52
    12/36
    - a) said temperature that exceeds the target;
    - b) said calculated temperature gradients;
    - c) said calculated average gradient; and
    - d) said calculated deactivation temperature, the controller device being arranged to switch off said thermal conditioning device when the last measured temperature exceeds said calculated deactivation temperature.
    [00036] The invention further relates to a heating device for, and intended to be incorporated into, a beverage preparation machine or a coffee machine, including at least such a unit. The heating device normally has a supply in the range of 0.5 to 3 kW and an ability to heat a circulating fluid for the preparation of one or two glasses of drink, for example, by heating 25 to 300 ml of water from from room temperature to about 80 to 90 ° C, in 5 to 50 sec.
    [00037] The invention also relates to a beverage preparation machine, such as a coffee machine, including at least such a self-learning heating device.
    [00038] Another aspect of the invention concerns a method for the optimized heating of a beverage preparation machine, such as a coffee machine, for an operating temperature from any starting temperature with the best possible heating time and the consideration of different constellations of the system, such as:
    - line voltage tolerances, for example, from nominal voltage, for example, 110 or 220 V up to +/- 20%;
    - heating resistance tolerances, for example, +/- 10%,
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 16/52
    13/36
    - different ambient temperatures, for example, in the range of 5 ° C to 40 ° C;
    - different thermal insulation of the heater, which causes different temperature losses, for example, + / - 5%;
    - different starting temperatures of the heater, for example, 5 ° C to 90 ° C;
    - heating device both filled with water and empty.
    [00039] Thus, the invention relates to a method for the optimized heating of a beverage preparation machine, such as a coffee machine, for an operating temperature from any starting temperature with the best possible heating time said machine, for example, a coffee machine, including a unit for controlling the transmission of energy to a thermal conditioning device, such as a heater or refrigerator, said unit comprising:
    - a controller with a start-up profile for starting such a thermal conditioning device from an inactivity temperature to an operating temperature, with the objective of bringing a fluid that circulates through said thermal conditioning device to a target temperature at the end of startup, and
    - a temperature sensor connected to, or included in, said controller to determine a temperature of said fluid in circulation through said thermal conditioning device.
    wherein said controller includes at least one clock for initiating temperature measurements at periodic time intervals and includes data storage facilities for storing a target temperature and for storing temperatures measured at said periodic time intervals, and the referred
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 17/52
    14/36 controller also including calculation features to calculate a deactivation temperature, characterized in that:
    - a) said clock triggers, at each time interval, a temperature measurement;
    - b) said measured temperatures are stored one after another in a stack memory included in said data storage resources;
    - c) said calculation resources calculate the temperature gradients between some of the said stored temperature values;
    - d) said calculation resources calculate an average gradient of said temperature gradients;
    - e) said calculation resources calculate a deactivation temperature by subtracting a temperature that exceeds the target for said target temperature, said temperature that exceeds the target being derived from said average gradient by means of a calculation from the last said gradient calculated average or being derived from a correlation with conversion tables stored between said average gradients and temperatures that exceed the target, and
    - f) said controlling device switches off said thermal conditioning device when the last measured temperature exceeds said calculated deactivation temperature.
    [00040] Other exemplary features of the invention are disclosed in the description that follows.
    [00041] A system index can be defined during each heating that meets certain criteria. This index is recorded in permanent memory, for example, an EEPROM. Repeated heating cycles allow the system to adapt to real operating restrictions.
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 18/52
    15/36 [00042] The heating algorithm normally depends on the system index and allows an accurate forecast of the thermal energy required for the heating system to reach the target temperature in the shortest possible time.
    [00043] Preheating and initialization are adapted to the machine itself and to its specific use environment. The controller controls the thermal response of the thermal conditioning device, particularly the heating device, before switching on. In particular, the controller processes thermal conditioning temperature measurements and controls the conditioning temperature accordingly. The invention, therefore, allows for adaptive, self-learning control of heating with the shortest possible heating time.
    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [00044] The invention will now be described with reference to the schematic drawings, in which:
    [00045] - Figure 1 shows a heating device according to the invention incorporating a thermal block with a self-learning controller;
    figure 2 illustrates a fluid circulation in a similar thermal block;
    - figure 3 shows a time / temperature diagram according to the invention, and
    figure 4 shows a logical diagram of a process according to the invention.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION [00046] The following description of exemplary embodiments according to the invention related to electrical devices for the preparation of drinks.
    [00047] Figure 1 shows a unit 1000 to control the
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 19/52
    16/36 transmitting energy to a thermal conditioning device 100, such as a heater or refrigerator, said unit 1000, comprising:
    - a controller 2 with an initialization profile for starting such a thermal conditioning device 100 from an inactivity temperature TI to an operating temperature, with the objective of bringing a fluid that circulates through said thermal conditioning device 100 to a target temperature TT at the end of initialization; and
    - a temperature sensor 70 connected to said controller 2 to determine the temperature of said fluid in circulation through said thermal conditioning device 100. [00048] Controller 2 is arranged to allow the circulation of fluid through this thermal conditioning device 100 at the end of the initialization and to compare the SOT temperature of the fluid that circulated at the end of the initialization with the target temperature TT and derive a temperature difference.
    [00049] According to the invention, the initialization profile has at least one parameter and this controller 2 has a self-learning mode to adjust this at least one parameter as a function of said temperature difference and to store the parameter, or parameters , adjusted (s) for a subsequent start of said thermal device 100.
    [00050] According to the invention, this parameter of the initialization profile can be preferably, but not restrictively:
    - a duration of the power initialization profile;
    - an energy intensity of the energy initialization profile;
    - a target temperature TT of said thermal conditioning device 100.
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 20/52
    17/36 [00051] A detailed example of such an initialization profile will be presented later in the description of the invention.
    [00052] This thermal conditioning device 100 may have a thermal accumulator or a thermal block.
    [00053] Hereinafter a preferred embodiment is described for a thermal conditioning device 100, such as a heater or refrigerator, for a beverage preparation machine, in particular a coffee machine 104.
    [00054] Figure 1 shows an enlarged view of a thermal conditioning device 100, also referred to as a heater, of a beverage preparation machine shown only partially in the figures, in particular a coffee machine 104 only partially shown in the figures, in which liquid is circulated through a thermal block101 and then led to a preparation chamber 200 for preparing a beverage ingredient fed into preparation chamber 200. An example of such a beverage machine is disclosed in WO 2009/130099 , the content of which is incorporated herein by way of reference.
    [00055] For example, a beverage ingredient is supplied to the beverage preparation machine, in particular the coffee machine 104, in a capsule. Typically, this type of beverage machine is suitable for making coffee and in this case is called a coffee machine 104, or for making tea and / or other hot drinks or even soups and similar food preparations. The pressure of the liquid circulated to the preparation chamber 200 can, for example, reach about 200 to 2500 KPa (2 to 25 bar), in particular, from 500 to 2000 KPa (5 to 20 bar) such as 1000 to 1500KPa ( 10 to 15 bar).
    [00056] The thermal conditioning device 100 shown in Figure 1 has a thermal block 101 with an aluminum metallic mass 1 and a controller 2 as a functional block that includes an alo
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 21/52
    18/36 electrical and thermal insulating plastic stream 3 containing a printed circuit board 4, for example, carrying one or more controllers, memory devices and the like, which are detailed hereinafter. According to the invention, said controller 2 is a self-learning controller.
    [00057] Metal mass 1 incorporates a water inlet, a water outlet and a water heating duct that extends between them to form a free flow passage, not shown in the figures, to guide the water that circulates from a water reservoir through a pump, not shown in the figures, through the metal mass 1.
    [00058] As illustrated in Figure 2 a mass of thermal block 1 can include a heating duct 12. Heating duct 12 has an inlet 12A and an outlet 12B.
    [00059] The heating duct 12 can extend helically through mass 1 and in particular along a generally horizontal geometric axis. Duct 12 may have upper flow parts followed by flow parts from below. Such upper flow parts and flow parts coming from under the duct 12 may have a narrowed cross section to promote an increased velocity of water along them to inhibit an accumulation of bubbles in such an upper flow part, pushing them below the flow part from below through the water flow with increased speed. In this configuration, the duct is arranged in such a way that the size of its cross section along the chamber changes to increase the speed of flow in areas, generally upper areas, which otherwise could serve to capture bubbles, especially vapor bubbles. . The increased liquid velocity in these areas washes away all possible bubbles away from these areas with the rapid flow of liquid in these areas. To avoid overheating in these areas
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 22/52
    19/36 with reduced cross section, the heating power can be reduced in the corresponding parts of the heater, for example, by adjusting the resistance means in these parts. In one variation, this duct has a reduced cross section along its entire length to provide a sufficient velocity of the water flow to wash the possible bubbles of steam formed in it during heating. The heating duct 12 can be provided with different sections to influence the flow so that the thermal transfer is more evenly distributed and prevents local overheating and the resulting bubble formation.
    [00060] As illustrated in Figure 1, the metallic mass 1 of the thermal block 101 further includes an opening 1B that forms, or rigidly anchors, a part upstream of the preparation chamber 200 only partially shown in the figures, so that the rigid passage of the metal mass 1 extends into the preparation chamber 200. The beverage preparation machine or coffee machine 104 also comprises a downstream part, not shown in the figures, with a drink outlet and cooperating with the upstream part to forming the preparation chamber 200, the downstream part and the upstream part can be arranged to be moved separately and moved together to feed the ingredient into the preparation chamber 200 and to evacuate the ingredient from the preparation chamber 200 .
    [00061] Normally, the part upstream of the preparation chamber 200 that is integrated with the thermal block 101 will be fixed in the beverage preparation machine or coffee machine 104 and the part downstream of the infusion chamber will be mobile, or vice versa . The preparation chamber 200 can have a generally horizontal orientation, that is, such a configuration and orientation that water flows through the preparation chamber 200 along a generally horizontal direction and the upstream and / or the downstream part can be moving in the same direction or
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 23/52
    20/36 in the opposite direction to the water flow in the chamber. Modalities of such a thermal block and preparation chamber are, for example, disclosed in WO 2009/043630, the content of which is incorporated herein by way of reference.
    [00062] The controller 2 is fixed to the metallic mass 1 by means of fittings 3A of the housing 3 that cooperate with corresponding recesses 1A on the surface of the metallic mass 1 when the housing 3 is mounted on the metallic mass 1 in the direction of the arrow 300.
    [00063] The two-part housing 3 of controller 2 includes a printed circuit board 4, known as PCI, on all sides, in particular, in a substantially impenetrable manner in order to protect the PCI 4 against liquids and vapors in the machine. This PCI 4 is shown in Figure 1, for transparency. The two parts of the housing 3 can be mounted by screws 3B or any other suitable mounting means, such as rivets, gluing, welding or the like. Controller 2 includes a user interface with a main switch 2A and two control switches 2B that are connected through housing 3 to the PCI. Of course, it is possible to use more elaborate user interfaces including screens or touch screens. PCI 4 includes power connectors for the supply of electrical heating energy to the metal mass 1 through power pins 11 that extend through corresponding openings in housing 3, other electrical connectors for one or more other electrical devices of the beverage preparation machine, such as a user interface, pump, fan, valve, sensors or the like, as needed, and a connector for the electrical network for central power supply.
    [00064] The thermal block 101 receives the electrical components, namely at least one temperature sensor 70 connected to the PCI 4, a thermal fuse 75, a power switch in the form of
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    21/36 a triac 60 in a cavity, the opening of which is formed between the protruding walls 102 and a heating resistor, not shown in the figures, with connection pins 11 that are rigidly attached to the metal mass 1 and rigidly connected to the PCI 4. In addition, PCI 4 is electrically connected via a rigid connector or cable 91 to a Hall 90 sensor on a flow meter that is located in the water circuit of the beverage preparation machine, usually between a pump and a water source. water or other liquid, such as a water or liquid reservoir, or between a pump and a thermal conditioning device 100 or inside the thermal conditioning device 100.
    [00065] In addition, PCI 4 can carry a microcontroller or processor and, eventually, a clock 30, preferably a quartz clock, to control the intensity of current passed to the resistance heating element based on the flow rate of the circulating water measured with the flow meter and the heated water temperature measured with the temperature sensor 70. The sensor 70 can be located inside the thermal block, at a distance from the circulating water, in order to provide an indirect measurement water temperature. To increase the accuracy of the temperature control, one or more temperature sensors 70 can be incorporated in the metal mass 1 and / or inside the preparation chamber 200 and / or upstream of the metal mass 1 or in its water inlet. The controller or processor can also control additional functions of the beverage or liquid food preparation machine, such as a pump, a liquid level detector in a water supply tank, a valve, a user interface, an arrangement of energy management, an automatic beverage ingredient supplier such as an integrated coffee grinder or an automatic supplier of ingredient capsules or receptacle, or the like.
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 25/52
    22/36 [00066] Further details on the heating device and its integration in a beverage preparation machine are, for example, disclosed in WO2009 / 043630, WO 2009/043851, WO 2009/043865 and WO 2009/130099, whose contents are hereby incorporated by reference.
    [00067] Hereinafter a detailed example of a controller 2 initialization profile is presented, with a preferred method of associated control in order to use controller 2 as a self-learning controller and in order to use the thermal conditioning device 100, a self-learning thermal conditioning device.
    [00068] This startup profile and this method are arranged in order to optimize the heating of such thermal conditioning device 100 for a beverage preparation machine, in particular a coffee machine 104, in which liquid is circulated through a block thermal 101 and then conducted to a preparation chamber 200 for the preparation of a beverage ingredient provided in preparation chamber 200.
    [00069] More particularly, the invention relates to such a thermal conditioning device 100 including at least such a self-learning controller 2, prepared to be used as a self-learning thermal conditioning device and arranged to be incorporated in such a beverage preparation machine , for example, a coffee machine 104, which can each include a plurality of such thermal conditioning devices 100, for example, for different preparations.
    [00070] This self-learning controller 2 comprises:
    - at least one temperature sensor connected to, or integrated in, the controller; and
    - at least one watch 30 to start temperature measurements
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 26/52
    23/36 Ti perature at periodic ti time intervals.
    [00071] Preferably, it also includes:
    - data storage facilities 105 for storing a target temperature TT, which in the case of a coffee machine is the current operating temperature for making coffee, and said temperatures Ti measured in said periodic time intervals Ti; and
    - calculation features 107 to calculate an SOT shutdown temperature.
    [00072] According to the invention, these said calculation resources 107 are arranged to:
    - a) calculate temperature gradients Gi between different stored Ti temperature values;
    - b) calculating an average AG gradient of said temperature gradients Gi; and
    - c) calculating a SOT deactivation temperature by subtracting a temperature that exceeds target OS to said target temperature TT, said temperature that exceeds target OS corresponding to said mean gradient AG by means of a calculation or a correlation. This overrun depends on the thermal inertia of the installation.
    [00073] The initialization profile of controller 2 allows to reach the optimum operating temperature. In a preferred way, this operating temperature is equal to that SOT deactivation temperature.
    [00074] According to the invention, said storage resources 105 are further arranged to store one or more of the following parameters, and preferably all of them:
    - a) said temperature that exceeds the target OS calculated or correlated;
    - b) said calculated temperature gradients Gi;
    - c) said average gradient calculated AG; and
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 27/52
    24/36
    - d) said shutdown temperature calculated SOT.
    [00075] Said self-learning controller device 2 is prepared to turn off said thermal conditioning device 100 when the last measured temperature Ti exceeds said calculated temperature of SOT deactivation.
    [00076] In one embodiment, said data storage resources 105 store conversion tables 108 between said average AG gradients and temperatures that exceed the target OS, and in which the temperature value that exceeds the target OS corresponding to the last gradient calculated average AG is extracted from the referred conversion tables by the referred calculation resources 107.
    [00077] In another embodiment, said calculation resources 107 calculate the said temperature value that exceeds the target OS from said last calculated average gradient AG.
    [00078] This self-learning controller 2 allows the operation of a process method for optimized heating of the thermal conditioning device 100 for the operating temperature from any starting temperature or inactivity temperature TI with the best possible heating time.
    [00079] The optimized heating method of such thermal conditioning device 100 for a beverage preparation machine, such as a coffee machine 104, for the operating temperature from any starting temperature with the best possible heating time includes the following steps:
    - a) said clock 30 triggers, at each time interval, a temperature measurement Ti;
    - b) said measured temperatures Ti are stored one after another in a stack memory 106 included in said data storage resources 105;
    - c) said calculation resources 107 calculate gradients
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 28/52
    25/36 temperature elements Gi among some of the said stored temperature values Ti;
    - d) said calculation resources (107) calculate an average AG gradient of said temperature gradients Gi;
    - e) said calculation resources 107 calculate a SOT deactivation temperature by subtracting a temperature that exceeds target OS to said target temperature TT, said temperature that exceeds target OS corresponding to said average gradient AG by means of a calculation or a correlation; and
    - f) said controlling device 2 switches off said thermal conditioning device 100 when the last measured temperature exceeds said calculated shutdown temperature SOT. [00080] Preferably, said storage resources 105 still store:
    - said temperature that exceeds the target OS calculated or correlated;
    - said temperature gradients calculated Gi; and
    - said calculated average gradient AG, and said calculated shutdown temperature SOT.
    [00081] Said data storage resources 105 can include a stack memory 106 to store a given number N of successive measured temperatures Ti corresponding to a given duration D and each new measured temperature Ti controlled by said clock 30 being stored in said stack memory 106, while the oldest measured temperature is eliminated from said stack memory 106.
    [00082] In one embodiment, said calculation resources 107 calculate each temperature gradient Gi between measured temperatures stored Ti that are spaced apart by half of said given duration D, each new temperature gradient Gi calculated
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 29/52
    26/36 being stored in said stack memory 106, while the oldest calculated temperature gradient is eliminated from said stack memory 106.
    [00083] Said given number N of successive measured temperatures Ti stored can be an even number, and the number of temperature gradients stored Gi can be equal to half of said even number N.
    [00084] In the following example, and not limiting, this given number N is set to 8, the time period, that is, the time interval between two consecutive temperature measurements is 0.5 seconds and the heating supervision of the heater is a D duration of 4 sliding seconds. The number n of calculated temperature gradients is 4.
    [00085] In order to determine the temperature value that exceeds the target OS two paths are possible:
    - each said data storage resource 105 stores conversion tables 108 between said average gradients AG and temperatures that exceed the target OT, and in which the temperature value that exceeds the target OT corresponding to the last calculated average gradient AG is extracted at from the referred conversion tables by the referred calculation resources 107,
    - or said calculation resources 107 calculate said temperature value that exceeds target OT from the last said calculated average gradient AG.
    [00086] In one embodiment, said controller 2 executes software, preferably dedicated to the thermal conditioning device 100 in question, said software managing the heating cycle of a thermal conditioning device 100 of the coffee machine 104 or similar, said software is using a system index that is recorded and stored in permanent memory, for example, EEPROM.
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 30/52
    27/36 [00087] Preferably, PCI 4 contains said data storage resources 105, said stack memory 106, said calculation resources 107, said conversion tables 108 and said software.
    [00088] After delivery from the factory, this index is defined for environmental constellations and average techniques.
    [00089] With each heating, this index is recalculated and, if it meets certain criteria, it is recorded in permanent memory. This means that the old index will be overwritten by the new index.
    [00090] Such criteria that need to be met to overwrite the old index include:
    - how constant the temperature rise gradient is, for example, less than 5% fluctuation for 5 sec.
    - temperature at the start of heating must be below a certain value, for example, below 30 or 40 ° C.
    [00091] The environment and certain technical constellations influence the time required to heat the coffee machine. Such constellations include:
    - line voltage tolerances, for example, tolerances from the rated voltage up to +/- 20%
    - heating resistance tolerances of the heating element in the thermal block, for example, +/- 10%
    - different ambient temperatures, for example, 5 ° C to 40 ° C
    - different thermal insulation of the heater, which causes different temperature losses, for example, +/- 5%
    - different starting temperatures of the heater, eg 5 ° C to 90 ° C
    - heater both full of water and empty.
    [00092] The system index is characterizing the temperature increase gradient during the heating of the coffee machine
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 31/52
    28/36
    104. This index is dependent on the following system parameters related to the environmental / technical constellations described above:
    - effective mains voltage
    - effective thermal resistance
    - characteristic of effective temperature sensor
    - current room temperature
    - loss of effective energy from the heater, particularly energy fluctuation due to insulation, machine position
    - current heater starting temperature, from 5 ° C to 90 ° C
    - water heater full or empty.
    [00093] As the index is recalculated with each new heating, it is changing. Originally, according to a factory setting, the index is defined for a medium environment. With repeated reevaluations according to the invention, the index is adjusted for the actual environment in which the machine is operated within and the technical characteristics of the components developed for the specific machine for which the index is calculated. The constant revaluation of the index also allows adaptation to conditions that change, for example, seasonal changes, changes in location, or the like.
    [00094] As the index is optimized for its environment, it allows in the software of the coffee machine 104 the definition of the necessary energy during the time the heater is on, to bring the heater to the target temperature TT with a unique and well-defined pulse in the best possible warm-up time. This allows obtaining an absolute best case physically for the warm-up time.
    [00095] The machine uses the last index number stored from the EEPROM and calculates the time required for the heater to turn on to reach the target temperature based on the memory index
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 32/52
    29/36 permanent.
    [00096] The starting point for preparing the first coffee can be defined in three possible ways:
    - in a first way, heat the system with a shot of energy from any starting temperature and wait, with the release of the preparation mode, until the temperature sensor reaches the target preparation temperature. Indicate the ready mode of preparation with any signal for the user, usually done with an LED signal or the same.
    - in a second way, heat the system with a shot of energy from any starting temperature and release the preparation mode as soon as this shot of energy is given. The energy is already in the system, but the temperature sensor, due to the thermal inertia, has not yet reached the target temperature. The correction for this thermal inertia delay will be made using a different temperature regulation for the first cup after heating. This different regulation for the preparation of the first glass depends on the time delay between the end of this batch of energy shooting and the first glass is initiated by the user. Usually this delay varies between 0 sec. and about 15 sec., after 15 sec. the thermal inertia of the system is balanced and the system is equal to state one and ready for standard preparation.
    - in a third way, heating the system with a power shot from any initial temperature, the user presses a coffee button during a heating shot and the pump will start as soon as this power shot is given. Thus, the setting of the first glass is as written for the second shape, with a delay of 0 sec.
    [00097] The method of preparation, or more generally, the method of preparing beverages, includes the circulation of fluid, for example water,
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 33/52
    30/36 through the thermal device, for example, heater, once the thermal conditioning device is thermally ready to bring to the target temperature the fluid that circulates through it for the preparation of a drink, for example coffee, with the desired properties, for example, temperature and / or preparation characteristics.
    [00098] In detail in Figure 3, the heating curve can be classified into three typical areas: a first area A beginning of heating, a second area B linear temperature gradient and a third area C engaging heating.
    [00099] In the first heating area, the change in the temperature gradient is very extreme. This first area is not usable for calculating a constant temperature gradient.
    [000100] The second area B linear temperature gradient is the important area for calculating the temperature gradient.
    [000101] After turning off the heater, the third area C, hitch area, begins. Here the temperature starts from the SOT temperature, deactivation temperature, in which the heater is switched off to the target temperature TT. This target temperature TT can be a machine parameter, for example, with a maximum value of 96 ° C for a coffee machine: in a variant, the user can set it, for example, with a button or the like.
    [000102] The temperature gradient can be calculated from the beginning of heating up to the end of the linear temperature gradient sequence. After leaving this temperature area, the temperature gradient is frozen to the last calculated value. For example, the last 4 seconds of calculating the gradient are considered and stored in the machine's EEPROM.
    [000103] In the quick heating mode the temperatures of the thermal block are stored in a matrix of N samples at intervals
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 34/52
    31/36 discrete D / N sec. Times, for example, 8 samples at discrete 0.5 sec time intervals. In this matrix, the average of the last measured D seconds, for example 4, is always available.
    [000104] After each periodic D / N sec. Step, for example, 0.5 sec., The oldest temperature is cleared, which corresponds to the temperature in a D time, for example, 4 sec., Before the current time and a new temperature is stored. Thereafter, the calculation process can begin again.
    [000105] In rapid heating mode, for each D / N time step, for example, 0.5 sec., A temperature gradient is calculated from these values.
    [000106] The temperature gradient acquisition algorithm can be the following, in the case of N = 8:
    [000107] Temperature values T1 to TN can be stored in a matrix as described here, assuming a later temperature being higher than the previous temperature. At a given point in time (t = 0), the matrix will contain the following previously acquired temperature values (for example, measured and / or derived):
    T1 = temperature (t = -0.5 sec.)
    T2 = temperature (t = -1sec),
    T3 = temperature (t = -1.5 sec.),
    T4 = temperature (t = -2sec),
    T5 = temperature (t = -2.5 sec.),
    T6 = temperature (t- = 3 sec.),
    T7 = temperature (t = -3.5 sec.),
    T8 = temperature (t = -4 sec.), [000108] From these values, the mean temperature gradient AG can be calculated as follows, after calculating the n temperature gradients Gi, from Gi to Gn, for example , n = N / 2 = 4
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 35/52
    32/36
    G1 = Gradient 1 = T1 - T5 = temperature (t = -0.5 sec.) Temperature (t = -2.5 sec);
    G2 = Gradient 2 = T2 - T6 = temperature (t = -1 sec.) Temperature (t = -3 sec.);
    G3 = Gradient 3 = T3 - T7 = temperature (t = -1.5 sec.) Temperature (t = -3.5 sec);
    G4 = Gradient 4 = T4 - T8 = temperature (t = -2 sec.) Temperature (t = -4sec).
    [000109] Consecutively, an average temperature gradient AG is constructed by the average of the four gradients mathematically: AG spn = 1 / n. with n = N / 2 [000110] In this example, AG = 1/4 (G1 + G2 + G3 + G4).
    [000111] A temperature setting that exceeds the OS target after turning off the heater can be as follows: the temperature that exceeds the OS target of a thermal block system depends on all relevant physical influences, such as the course of the heating temperature gradient , mass of the thermal block, mass of the filling, that is, namely with water, in the thermal block and can be calculated or determined experimentally.
    [000112] The average AG temperature gradient can now be assigned to a temperature that exceeds the specific OS target.
    [000113] The temperature of the SOT heater deactivation heater is calculated or determined using a conversion table 108, for example, as follows:
    AG = Gradient (° C / sec) 7 8 9 10 11 12
    OS = Excess target (° C) 8 10 11 12 13 13
    SOT = Heater deactivation temperature = TT OS
    SOT = Target heating temperature - temperature exceeding the target
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 36/52
    33/36 y #
    AG = 1 / n. ~ Gi n = N / 2 [000114] A cold heating can be defined as a heating process that begins with a heating temperature below a temperature threshold, for example, 50 ° C. During such heating, the above mentioned determination of the temperature gradient is possible and done each time. In this case, the machine is already running at the current heating with the gradient simultaneously drawn up.
    [000115] A warm heating occurs as soon as the machine has to be heated, when the heater is already above this temperature threshold, for example, 50 ° C. Therefore, the system is unable to determine the temperature gradient and, therefore, the last number stored in the EEPROM will be considered for the definition of the temperature that exceeds the target.
    [000116] The improvements and advantages obtained by the invention include a self-calibration system to optimize the heating time, work with ideal heating time from any starting temperature of the heater, any energy tolerance of the heater, voltage tolerance of the network, water in the thermal block, loss of energy from the heater and ambient temperature.
    [000117] In addition, the first glass of drink can be prepared after a cold start in three possible modes:
    - A) based on the measured temperature, after a single shot of energy is sent through the heating device and the thermal inertia of the system is balanced
    - B) based on the calculated energy batch of a single energy shot and the delay between the end of heating and the start of the first cup
    - C) at the request of a user, while the heating algorithm for a single energy shot is executed, the preparation
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 37/52
    34/36 drink being carried out automatically without delay after that.
    [000118] The selection of these modes A, B, C can be made by the user with a selection button or by the controller itself.
    [000119] The logic diagram in Figure 4 shows an example of the sequence of steps for the construction of a heating control software according to the invention:
    - Step 110: power on
    - Optional variant step 11: choose target temperature TT
    If yes, step 12 enters the TT value
    If not, step 13 invokes the memory and validates the last TT
    - Optional variant step 115: choose mode A, B, C
    If yes, step 116 selects the chosen mode [000120] If not, step 117 invokes memory and validates the last mode
    - Step 120: reset the time counter to zero and start the clock
    - Step 130: measure the temperature of the HT heater
    - Stage 140: HT higher than 50 ° C
    If not, Step 150
    If yes, Step 160
    - Stage 150: determination of the temperature gradient G at each moment and current heating
    - Step 160: system is unable to determine the temperature gradient
    - Step 170: read the last number of the average AG gradient stored in the EEPROM
    - Step 180: take it as the temperature that exceeds the target OS
    - Step 190: start the warm-up
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    - Step 1100: heat up
    - Step 1110: measure the time
    - Stage 1120: + D / N sec.
    If not, return to step 1100
    If yes, step 1130
    - Step 1130: store last value of current temperature CT
    - Step 1140: number of values = N
    If not, return to step 1100
    If yes, step 1150
    - Step 150: store temperature value
    - Step 160: delete the oldest Nth value
    - Variant step 1161: calculation of the difference between (last value of current temperature LVCT) - (penultimate value of current temperature PVCT) [000121] Step 1162: LVCT - PVCT greater than zero
    [000122] If yes, Step 1163 continues, go to step 1170 [000123] If not, Step 1164 gives the alarm and Step 1165 turns off the power
    - Step 1170: calculation of Gi temperature gradients
    - Step 1180: calculation of the average AG gradient
    - Step 1190: determination of the excess of the OS target [000124] Variant instead of Step 1190: step 1195 calculation of the excess of the OS target
    - Step 1200: calculation of the deactivation temperature SOT = TT - OS
    - Step 1210: current CT higher temperature as SOT
    If not, return to step 1100
    If yes, Step 1220 turns the heater off
    - Step 1230: stores the last AG medium gradient
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    36/36
    - Step 1240: current temperature = TT
    [000125] If not, Step 1241 waits and returns to step 1240 [000126] If yes, Step 1250 ready to prepare drink for the user.
    [000127] This logic diagram is an example. It will be clear to the person skilled in the art that other sequences allow for the realization of the invention.
    [000128] An advantage of the invention resides in a very fast heating time, in combination with an immediate release of the preparation mode, which saves time, and the possibility of a semi-automatic start of the preparation of the first glass. This heating device is a self-learning heating device and its use is very easy for the user.
    权利要求:
    Claims (15)
    [1]
    1. Unit (1000) for controlling the transmission of energy to a thermal conditioning device (100), such as a heater or refrigerator, said unit (1000) comprising:
    - a controller (2) with an initialization profile for starting a thermal conditioning device (100) from an inactivity temperature (TI) to an operating temperature, with the objective of taking a fluid that circulates through the said thermal conditioning device (100) at a target temperature (TT) at the end of startup, and
    - a temperature sensor (70) connected to said controller (2) to determine the temperature of said fluid in circulation through said thermal conditioning device (100), said controller (2) being arranged to allow fluid circulation through of said thermal conditioning device (100) at the end of the initialization and to compare the determined temperature (SOT) of fluid that circulated at the end of the initialization with the target temperature (TT) and derive a temperature difference, characterized by the fact that the initialization profile has at least one parameter and in which said controller (2) has a self-learning mode to adjust said at least one parameter as a function of said temperature difference and to store the parameter, or parameters, adjusted (s) for a subsequent start-up of said thermal device (100).
    [2]
    2. Unit according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that at least one parameter is a duration of the power initialization profile.
    [3]
    3. Unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that at least one parameter is an energy intensity of the energy initialization profile.
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 41/52
    2/7
    [4]
    Unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one parameter is a target temperature (TT) of said thermal conditioning device (100).
    [5]
    Unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said thermal conditioning device (100) has a thermal accumulator or a thermal block.
    [6]
    6. Unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said controller (2) includes at least one clock (30) to initiate temperature measurements at periodic time intervals (ti) and includes storage resources data (105) for the storage of a target temperature (TT) and for the storage of temperatures (Ti) measured in said periodic time intervals (ti), and said controller (2) further including calculation resources (107) to calculate a deactivation temperature (SOT), said calculation resources (107) being arranged to:
    - a) calculate temperature gradients (Gi) between different stored temperature values (Ti);
    - b) calculate an average gradient (AG) of said temperature gradients (Gi); and
    - c) calculate a deactivation temperature (SOT) by subtracting a temperature that exceeds the target (OS) from said target temperature (TT), the said temperature that exceeds the target (OS) corresponding to said average gradient (AG) by means of a calculation from the last calculated average gradient (AG) or through a correlation with stored conversion tables (108) between said average gradients (AG) and temperatures that exceed the target (OS),
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 42/52
    3/7 and wherein said data storage resources (105) are further arranged to store:
    - a) said temperature that exceeds the target (OS);
    - b) said calculated temperature gradients (Gi);
    - c) said calculated average gradient (AG) and
    - d) said calculated shutdown temperature (SOT), and wherein said controller device (2) is arranged to shut down said thermal conditioning device (100) when the last measured temperature (Ti) exceeds said calculated shutdown temperature (SOT).
    [7]
    Unit according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that said data storage resources (105) include a stack memory (106) to store a certain number (N) of successive measured temperatures (Ti) corresponding to a given duration (D) and each new measured temperature (Ti) controlled by said clock (30) being stored in said battery memory (106), while the oldest measured temperature is eliminated from said battery memory (106) and in that said calculation resources (107) calculate each temperature gradient (Gi) between stored measured temperatures that are spaced apart by half of said given duration (D), each new calculated temperature gradient being stored in said stack memory (106), while the oldest calculated temperature gradient is eliminated from said stack memory (106).
    [8]
    8. Thermal conditioning device (100) for a beverage preparation machine, such as a coffee machine (104), characterized in that it includes at least one unit (1000) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7 for the incorporation on said beverage preparation machine.
    [9]
    9. Beverage preparation machine (104), characterized by
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 43/52
    4/7 includes at least one thermal conditioning device (100) as defined in claim 8.
    [10]
    Beverage preparation machine according to claim 9, characterized in that it is arranged to prepare coffee.
    [11]
    11. Method for optimized heating of a beverage preparation machine, such as a coffee machine (104), for operating temperature from any starting temperature with the best possible heating time, said machine (104) including a unit (1000) for controlling the power transmission to a thermal conditioning device (100), such as a heater or refrigerator, said unit (1000), comprising:
    - a controller (2) with an initialization profile for starting such a thermal conditioning device (100) from an inactivity temperature (TI) to an operating temperature, with the objective of taking a fluid that circulates through said thermal conditioning device (100) at a target temperature (TT) at the end of startup, and
    - a temperature sensor (70) connected to, or included in, said controller (2) to determine a temperature of said fluid in circulation through said thermal conditioning device (100), wherein said controller (2) includes at least minus one clock (30) for starting temperature measurements at periodic time intervals (ti) and includes data storage resources (105) for storing a target temperature (TT) and for storing measured temperatures (Ti) in said intervals (ti), and said controller (2) also including calculation resources (107) to calculate a deactivation temperature (SOT), characterized by the fact that:
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 44/52
    5/7
    - a) said clock (30) triggers, at each time interval, a temperature measurement;
    - b) said measured temperatures (Ti) are stored one after another in a stack memory (106) included in said data storage resources (105);
    - c) said calculation resources (107) calculate temperature gradients (Gi) between some of said stored temperature values (Ti);
    - d) said calculation resources (107) calculate an average gradient (AG) of said temperature gradients (Gi);
    - e) said calculation resources (107) calculate a deactivation temperature (SOT) by subtracting a temperature that exceeds the target (OS) for said target temperature (TT), said temperature that exceeds the target (OS) being derived of said average gradient (AG) by means of a calculation from the last calculated average gradient (AG) or being derived from a correlation with stored conversion tables (108) between said average gradients (AG) and temperatures that exceed the target (OS), and
    - f) said controlling device (2) switches off said thermal conditioning device (100) when the last measured temperature exceeds said calculated deactivation temperature (SOT).
    [12]
    12. Method according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that:
    - said storage resources (105) store said temperature that exceeds the target (OS), and said calculated temperature gradients (Gi) and said calculated average gradient (AG) and said calculated shutdown temperature (SOT);
    - said data storage resources (105) in
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 45/52
    6/7 include a stack memory (106) storing a certain number (N) of successive measured temperatures (Ti), which correspond to a given duration (D), each new measured temperature (Ti) controlled by said clock (30) being stored in said stack memory (106), while the oldest measured temperature is eliminated from said stack memory (106);
    - said calculation resources (107) calculate each temperature gradient, between measured stored temperatures, which are spaced in time with each other for half of the given duration (D), each new calculated temperature gradient being stored in said stack memory (106), while the oldest calculated temperature gradient is eliminated from said stack memory (106).
    [13]
    13. Method according to claim 11 or 12 for optimized heating of a coffee machine (104), characterized in that the starting point in time for the first heating for the preparation of coffee is done by heating the system with an energy shot from any starting temperature, and wait with the release of the preparation mode until the temperature sensor reaches the target preparation temperature.
    [14]
    14. Method according to claim 11 or 12 for optimized heating of a coffee machine (104), characterized in that the starting point in time for the first heating for the preparation of coffee is done by heating the system with an energy shot from any starting temperature, and the release of the preparation mode as soon as this energy shot is made, a correction for a thermal inertia delay being made using a different temperature regulation for the first glass after heating, depending on the delay time between the end of the referred energy shot and the beginning, at the user's request, of the preparation of a first glass, said time delay varying between 0 sec. and
    Petition 870190126437, of 12/02/2019, p. 46/52
    7/7 about 15 sec.
    [15]
    15. Method according to claim 11 or 12 for optimized heating of a coffee machine (104), characterized in that the starting point in time for the first heating of water for the preparation of coffee is done by heating of the system with a shot of energy from any starting temperature, the user requesting a coffee during a shot of heating, the water starting to circulate through the heated system when this shot of energy ends.
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    法律状态:
    2018-12-26| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according art. 34 industrial property law|
    2019-09-03| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: suspension of the patent application procedure|
    2019-10-15| B25A| Requested transfer of rights approved|Owner name: SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE S.A. (CH) |
    2020-02-04| B09A| Decision: intention to grant|
    2020-04-07| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 14/06/2011, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    EP10166366|2010-06-17|
    PCT/EP2011/059771|WO2011157675A1|2010-06-17|2011-06-14|Fast heat-up of a thermal conditioning device e.g. for coffee machine|
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