Energy saving manager for beverage preparation devices

The invention relates to the field of beverage production devices, in particular to devices which are intended for producing a beverage using previously separated portions of beverages or liquid food ingredients (e.g. soups etc.), such as capsules or containers containing ground roasted coffee or tea, which device has a user-programmable power control system.

Background of the Invention [0002] Electrically powered beverage production devices, in particular hot beverages such as tea, coffee or soups, including beverages that are made using portioned ingredients, for example contained in capsules or containers, have been developed and became very popular for home use as well as for use outside the home.

[0003] However, such devices, especially those with electric heaters for heating a beverage fluid, consume a significant amount of electrical energy when they are turned on, even when they are not in the beverage production process, typically after a drink is prepared, and when the user leaves the machine turned on without a special purpose or simply to avoid a long start-up period between the production of further beverages, in particular a start-up requiring pre-heating and / or self-cleaning of the machine. [0004] This, however, is contrary to the generally sought-after, especially recent times, goal of saving energy. Given the widespread use of beverage production devices, it is desirable to provide devices that waste less energy and are therefore more environmentally friendly.

[0005] It has been proposed to reduce energy waste to a certain extent, which is the result of the beverage device being left in the on-board state when not being used to produce beverages by incorporating automatic shut down systems, in particular timers, into such devices.

[0006] WO 95/34236 discloses a coffee machine that is provided for metering and heating a predetermined volume of water corresponding to a desired portion of a brewed beverage. The coffee machine is provided for filling a beverage container that has a capacity of typically one to eight cups, the cup being from 5.5 to 6 ounces. The coffee machine is provided for estimating the dispensed coffee volume by counting pump movements and when it is considered that a suitable volume of coffee has been delivered to the beverage container, the coffee production cycle is completed and the coffee machine is automatically switched off. In other words, the coffee machine is provided for automatically shutting down after each filling of the beverage container. WO 2004/098360 discloses a different method for measuring the volume dispensed into a beverage container using a flow meter to improve the accuracy of the volume measured over time, wherein the user can select the number of volume units of beverage to be dispensed into his beverage container. In addition, the latter reference among others mentions the possibility of including an automatic circuit breaker.

[0007] A variety of automatic timer shutdown systems have been described in the prior art. US 6,752,069 discloses an automatic timer system for a beverage production device that automatically deactivates the heater. Two shutdown programs have been proposed: either the user pre-sets a predetermined time in which the appliance is turned on and then the heater automatically shuts off after this time, or alternatively, a standard timer program is entered after each beverage preparation that leads to the heater being turned off when the time timer

It will be over and no drink will be prepared. US 7,197,367, to Miele, discloses, inter alia, a beverage preparation device that can be programmed by the user in such a way that the device is turned on and off automatically. For example, the legal successor CVA 2660 system allows the user to program the machine in such a way that it automatically switches off if no beverage has been prepared in the time selected by the user in the range of 20 minutes to 2 hours. US 3,969,610 discloses a coffee brewer that includes a timer for presetting the on and off times. US 2003/0037681 discloses a similar principle according to which a cooking machine is programmed remotely, e.g. via a computer network, to enable and disable it at a specific time. DE 199 24 279 discloses an electromagnetic actuator for automatically operating the switch of such beverage production devices. The actuating device is controlled to automatically shut down the machine depending on time or temperature.

[0008] Despite the existence of the aforementioned energy-saving systems, there is still a need for a beverage production device with improved energy-saving capability and greater flexibility in adjusting energy saving to various user needs and preferences.

Summary of the Invention [0009] Thus, the invention generally relates to an electrically powered beverage production device, such as beverages made from previously separated portions of ingredients. Previously separated portions of ingredients can be delivered in packages, typically in capsules, to a production machine or they can be molded in the machine by providing a predetermined amount of ingredient from the ingredient container to the machine. Optionally, the component provided from the container can be processed before the liquid is delivered to it. For example, the ingredient is a ground coffee that is delivered to a production machine in packages or from a machine container containing a stock of ground coffee. Alternatively, the ingredient is in the form of coffee beans stored in a container, which are supplied in portions and milled before the liquid is delivered.

[0010] Typically, the beverage production device is configured to produce hot and / or cold beverages, such as tea, coffee, frothed milk, cold drinks, etc., and has heating, cooling and / or other components that when turned on. , they consume a lot of energy. Examples of beverage preparation devices with such components are disclosed in US Patent Nos. 6,459,854 and 6,661,968.

The beverage preparation device according to the present invention comprises: means for conditioning a liquid, usually water, for the production of one or more portions, in particular of cups, of a beverage, after incorporating such a beverage production device; a power control system that includes a user programmable means to automatically turn off the power to turn off such a beverage production device automatically by performing an automatic shut down process after preparing the beverage. Typically, the user can disable (and also restart) the means to automatically turn off the power.

[0012] In terms of energy savings, it would be desirable to allow the user to program the device in such a way that at least some of the electrical components of the device automatically turn off when they are not used in the near future to produce a beverage at the end of the last beverage production or soon after that. (eg after a few seconds or possibly a few minutes after preparing the last portion of the drink), instead of just waiting until the timer, started after switching on or

At the end of each beverage production, it will operate for tens of minutes or hours as in the above-mentioned US 6,752,069, US 7,197,367, US 3,969,610, US 2003/0037681 and DE 199 24 279.

Thus, according to the invention, the automatic power off means is programmable by the user in at least one off mode associated with beverage production to initiate a shutdown process after the end of production of the last beverage if the user's preselection condition has been met by preparation this last portion of the drink. Typically, the user has the option of selecting at least one shutdown condition for programming the means for shutting down, which condition is not satisfied by the production of each beverage.

[0014] When beverages are prepared from pre-isolated portions of the ingredient such as capsules with ingredients, a serving of drink, e.g. a cup, will typically be made from single-ingredient capsules or a combination of capsules with different ingredients when a serving of beverage includes, usually in addition to water, a combination of different components conditioned as different pre-isolated portions of ingredients such as capsules. For example, a cappuccino or caffe latte can be made from the first pre-isolated portion of the dairy component and from the other previously separated portion of the coffee ingredient. Likewise, hot chocolate can be produced from a previously separated portion of the milk component and from a previously separated portion of the chocolate or cocoa component.

[0015] such as beverages made from previously separated portions of ingredients. Previously separated portions of ingredients can be delivered in packages, typically in capsules, to a production machine or they can be molded in the machine by providing a predetermined amount of ingredient from the ingredient container to the machine.

[0016] The automatic power off means may be programmable by the user in at least one off mode associated with beverage production to initiate a shut down procedure when the following two conditions are met: one or more beverages are prepared and / or dispensed; and the preselection condition selected by the user has been met by preparing the last portion of the beverage before starting the shutdown procedure.

[0017] In other words, the present invention has an automatic shut down system that optimally controls the random nature of determining the moment at which the last beverage is prepared and dispensed, or can be prepared and dispensed. The machine can not, or almost can not predict, the moment at which the event triggering the shutdown process will occur when the automatic shut down system is running.

[0018] On the other hand, in WO 95/34236 and WO 2004/098360 an automatic shut down of the manufacturing machine is provided each time a beverage has been served, the volume of which the user can set in advance. In this case, the user orders the beverage production machine to serve the amount of beverage selected by the user, the machine then prepares and delivers this amount in a single portion to the user's container, such as a cup or cup, depending on the amount selected, and upon completion of the preparation, the machine switches off automatically. The automatic shutdown system does not allow the machine to be turned off only after a predetermined number of separate beverages dispensed at random times, it turns off each time after preparing a single portion of the drink.

[0019] US 6,752,069, US 7,197,367, US 3,369,610, US 2003/0037681 and DE 199 24 279 have an automatic timer-based shutdown mode which, as a starting point, selects the machine to be switched on or

The last dispensed beverage. Thus, the machine is turned off after a predetermined time and not after the end of an event occurring at a random moment, such as when the machine has finished serving the last single beverage from the number of beverages to be dispensed by the user. Thus, a prior art based system based on a timer is not effectively adapted to a particular state of use of the beverage machine to save energy when the user has set the switch off system but generates a significant energy loss until the timer operation ends. [0020] In the present invention, the user has been given the opportunity to choose the condition that a beverage production device must fulfill in order to start the automatic shut down process. For example, such a condition may concern the number of drinks, which device should be prepared before shutting down or other event related to the production process of a given drink. Thus, at least one user-selected condition that triggers the shut-down of the beverage production device occurs during the beverage production and not after, as is the case with the timer-based options (i.e., no beverage production for a predetermined time).

Thus, according to the invention, the beverage production device can be programmed in such a way that it is provided with information allowing to identify in advance which beverage will be the last one to be prepared before being switched off and that the device will not have to wait until earlier set timer time, excluding the device before starting the shutdown process.

[0022] Hence, the automatic shut down means typically includes at least one shut down mode associated with beverage production, wherein the power control system is programmable by the user to check during each production of a beverage portion, or at least one pre-determined switch-off condition occurring during manufacture. this batch of drinks produced has been met. The power control system is further programmed to initiate a process for automatically switching off said beverage production device if and when this predetermined shutdown condition is met during the production of the batch of beverage to be produced. [0023] As discussed above, the usual energy-saving systems of the prior art simply comprise a programmable timer, which switches off the beverage production device after a predetermined time, either from the moment when the beverage production device is not used or from the device being switched on. Such a prior art device thus leaves the electrical components in the on state for a longer period of time until the timer has finished counting, usually for several tens of minutes or even hours, even though the device is not to be used in the near future. In addition, in practice it may happen that the user will want to obtain a drink shortly after the timer expires and the device is automatically turned off, so the device will need to be restarted first despite the fact that no significant energy saving has been achieved. when the beverage preparation device is not used or the appliance is switched on. Such a prior art device thus leaves the electrical components in the on state for a longer period of time until the timer has finished counting, usually for several tens of minutes or even hours, even though the device is not to be used in the near future. In addition, in practice it may happen that the user will want to obtain a drink shortly after the timer expires and the device is automatically turned off, so the device will need to be restarted first despite the fact that no significant energy saving has been achieved. when the beverage preparation device is not used or the appliance is switched on. Such a prior art device thus leaves the electrical components in the on state for a longer period of time until the timer has finished counting, usually for several tens of minutes or even hours, even though the device is not to be used in the near future. In addition, in practice it may happen that the user will want to obtain a drink shortly after the timer expires and the device is automatically turned off, so the device will need to be restarted first despite the fact that no significant energy saving has been achieved. until the timer ends the countdown, usually for tens of minutes or even hours, even though the device is not to be used in the near future. In addition, in practice it may happen that the user will want to obtain a drink shortly after the timer expires and the device is automatically turned off, so the device will need to be restarted first despite the fact that no significant energy saving has been achieved. until the timer ends the countdown, usually for tens of minutes or even hours, even though the device is not to be used in the near future. In addition, in practice it may happen that the user will want to obtain a drink shortly after the timer expires and the device is automatically turned off, so the device will need to be restarted first despite the fact that no significant energy saving has been achieved.

On the other hand, the beverage preparation device according to the present invention offers the user the opportunity to program the device in such a way that it automatically switches off after preparing the last portion of the beverage when the device is unlikely to be used in the near future to produce further portions of the beverage. In other words, the condition that triggers the automatic shutdown does not consist in extending the inactivity of the device after the last drink (or the time elapsed in which the device is turned on), which is an ordinary loss of energy, as in the prioritization systems timer based techniques. On the contrary, the user may program the beverage production device according to the invention in such a way that

An event occurring during beverage production will trigger the automatic shut down process when no next beverage is expected to be produced in the near future. Such an event can occur at a time when the device can not predict in advance or whose prediction is extremely difficult.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined shut down condition that can be pre-selected by the user is to prepare the last portion of the user-selected maximum number of prepared beverage portions after the said beverage production device is switched on and until said device is again used. turned on or programmed by the user.

[0026] This feature allows the user to program the beverage production device in such a way that it automatically switches off after dispensing a number of portions of beverage previously determined by the user from the moment the appliance is switched on. Such a feature is particularly beneficial for beverage production devices, such as coffee machines, that are used in households or offices where a certain group of users has their daily, almost invariable habits regarding the consumption of a beverage, e.g. tea or coffee during breakfast, during break or during lunch. In addition, the user in the group does not have to check that all members of the group have already obtained their (own) drink (drinks) before turning off the device,

[0027] In another embodiment of the invention, the predetermined shut down condition that can be chosen by the user is the need for maintenance or servicing of the beverage production device before another portion of beverage can be prepared. In this case, because first you need to intervene on the beverage dispensing machine before you can continue dispensing beverages, the machine can also be switched off automatically after the last drink has been prepared, at least until the user decides to carry out the repair or maintenance of the machine it can not be dispensed until such repair or maintenance has been carried out.

[0028] For example, the beverage preparation device is associated with a source of fluid supply, typically in a reservoir, in fluid communication with the fluid conditioning means, wherein a predetermined shut down condition that can be selected by the user is inadequate fluid supply. The beverage preparation device can also be combined with a medium for storing ingredients, e.g. tea or coffee, in particular in the form of previously separated portions of the ingredient other than said liquid. In the latter case, a predetermined shut down condition that can be selected by the user is a shortage of said ingredient in the storage means. Furthermore, the beverage production device may also be combined with one or more containers for collecting used or wasted material, such as a used ingredient or waste liquid. In such a situation, the pre-determined switch-off condition that can be chosen by the user is to fill one of the containers.

[0029] In all of these examples, the user must first provide a source of fluid or other ingredient, or empty the container before a new portion of beverage can be prepared. At this time, the beverage production device can be started without significant further loss of time, which means that

The device for producing beverages can advantageously be switched off in this case, in order to save energy, until the user carries out the necessary repair or maintenance work on the device.

[0030] In order to increase the flexibility of the automatic shut down system, the automatic shut down means may further comprise at least one shut down mode in which the power control system is programmable by the user to perform the automatic shut down process after a predetermined time, in particular the time set by the user. [0031] As mentioned above, the automatic timer-based shutdown system will not be optimal for some situations. However, in other cases, for example when the beverage production device is left switched on, usually by forgetting, a timer system to switch off the device may prove to be useful. This can happen in the evening after work, when people are more relaxed and their daily behavior is less repetitive, also regarding the consumption of beverages. In this case, it may be useful to be able to program the timer-based automatic shutdown procedure so that the device will turn off after some time of inactivity.

[0032] For example, the device can be programmed, on the one hand, for automatic shutting down in the morning, after lunch and after intervals after dispensing a certain number of cups, and optionally when it is necessary to repair or maintenance. On the other hand, in the evening, the automatic shutdown of the machine can be based on a timer.

[0033] The automatic shut down means may be programmable in the timer-based shut down mode to perform the automatic shut down process when the beverage has not been prepared for a while, which time corresponds to the time predetermined by the user. In addition, the automatic tripping means may be programmable in a timer-based shutdown mode to perform the automatic shut down process when said beverage production device is turned on for a time corresponding to a time predetermined by the user.

In the latter timer-based shutdown mode, the power control system is preferably configured to check when the beverage production device is turned on for a period of time predetermined by the user, whether a serving of beverage is being prepared, and if so to delay the process automatic switching off until the end of the preparation of the above-mentioned portion of the drink. Otherwise, the shutdown process may conflict with the beverage production cycle.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the automatic shut down means is programmable in a mixed off mode combining the above-mentioned off mode associated with beverage production and a timer-based shutdown mode, so as to start the shutdown process:

a) after a predetermined time; or

b) when the pre-selection condition selected by the user is fulfilled by preparing the last portion of the beverage before the start of the shutdown process, depending on which of the events a) and b) occurs first.

The combination of the two modes can provide a solution for the case where the beverage production device is programmed to automatically shut down after a certain number of beverages prepared, but for unknown reasons, not all users for whom drinks are intended will not exhaust their intended use. share, thus a device for producing beverages

It would remain on until the user takes care of it. In this case, as a complementary measure, the beverage production device can be automatically switched off based on the timer system.

[0037] The power control system may be configured, and optionally programmable by the user, to carry out the automatic shut down process: in one step; or in the first step from a state of higher energy consumption to a state of lower energy consumption, and then if, after a predetermined time, the replaced device was not operated by the user to withdraw the automatic shutdown to the off state in the second stage.

[0038] For example, in a two-stage shutdown process, the power management system may first deactivate electrical beverage production components such as heating and / or cooling elements, and in the second stage, immediately after the first step or with a slight delay, perform the self-cleaning process of the device and then switch off the beverage production device completely. [0039] When the device includes a self-cleaning process, it should be noted that in the case that the device switches off automatically after preparing a predetermined number of beverages, the self-cleaning process does not mix the used cleaning fluid, usually water, with the last beverage that has been prepared. . To avoid this, the cleaning fluid should be tilted away from the beverage dispensing nozzle in the device directly into the waste liquid collection container. Alternatively, the user should have time, e.g. a few seconds or a few minutes, preferably accompanied by a warning signal, to remove his beverage from under the dispensing nozzle before starting the self-cleaning process.

[0040] The power management system may include a user interface for manually shutting down and shutting down said device, and may be associated with an interface for programming the automatic shut down option (hereinafter "the automatic shut down interface"). The interface for automatic shut down can be a user interface that is integrated with said beverage production device or interface that can be connected to a user interface that is outside said beverage production device.

[0041] For simple programming of beverage production devices, e.g. for programming the switch-off mode for the maximum number of beverages to be prepared and / or the timer-based shutdown mode, the interface itself on the device will be sufficient. However, when the automatic shut down system should be programmed to include several different off modes, the use of a remote computer-type guide device connected to the beverage production device can be a handy alternative. For example, the device can be programmed for different times throughout the day or even include various programs for different days of the week, for example on the one hand for days per week and on the other for weekends.

[0042] The interface for automatic shutdown may comprise a plurality of selectors that are user selectable and which correspond to specific programs of at least one shut down mode associated with the beverage production and, optionally and if so, at least one timer based shutdown mode. The shutdown selectors may be adjacent to the user interface to manually turn the device on and off. The user interface for manually turning the device on and off and the shutdown selectors can be generally aligned, or the shutdown selectors can generally be placed in the loop of the device and optionally placed around the user interface for manual switching on and off

Equipment for preparing beverages. The shutdown switches and the user interface for manually switching the beverage production equipment on and off can be combined in a turn-and-push button.

Each switch-off selector, for selecting the maximum number of drinks to be prepared prior to automatically switching off the appliance, may have a sign showing the maximum number of portions (e.g., cups) chosen by the user. In addition, the automatic shut down interface may be provided to indicate during use the beverage production device the remaining portions of beverage that can be prepared before the appliance is automatically switched off by means of a mark, in particular a backlight, a selector representing the right or next number of prepared portions (or cups) prepared before automatic device shutdown. [0044] The interface for automatic shut down and / or the interface for manual power off may include switches, buttons, touch buttons and / or a touch screen.

[0045] Preferably, the power control system includes a memory module for storing and storing the user program (s) that configures the power control system, such that the user does not have to re-program the automatic shut down system each time the beverage production device is operated. is run.

[0046] Typically, the power control system will include a microcontroller for controlling the configuration process and the shutdown process.

[0047] The power control system can also be programmed so that it not only turns off the device automatically, but also switches it on automatically, for example early in the morning. In this case, the first user in the morning does not have to wait for a drink to finish the start-up procedure of the beverage preparation machine, but instead finds a beverage preparation device ready for dispensing beverages.

[0048] The invention also relates to an electrically powered beverage production device, in particular hot drinks, such as beverages made from previously separated portions of ingredients, in particular contained in packages such as capsules. Such a device comprises: means for conditioning a fluid for producing one or more portions, in particular of cups, of a beverage, after incorporating such a beverage production device; and a power control system that includes a user programmable means for automatically shutting down the power to turn off such a beverage production device automatically by performing an automatic shut down process after preparing the beverage. According to the invention,

[0049] An advantage of such a beverage production device is that the user obtains great flexibility in programming the automatic switch-off system in order to meet his needs as much as possible.

[0050] This beverage production device may be combined with any of the features disclosed above or a combination of these features.

[0051] A further aspect of the invention relates to an electrically powered beverage production device, in particular hot drinks, such as beverages made from previously separated portions of ingredients, in particular contained in packages such as capsules. The device contains means for

Conditioning the fluid for producing one or more portions, in particular of cups, of a beverage, after incorporating such a beverage production device; and a power control system that includes an automatic power off means, in particular a user programmable automatic power off means for turning off such a beverage production device automatically by performing an automatic shut down process when the beverage production device is turned on for a time corresponding to predetermined time, in particular the time previously set by the user. According to the invention, the automatic shut down means is configured to check,

[0052] An advantage of such a beverage production device is that even despite the time for which the device is turned off, the power control system will not shut down the device prematurely during the production of a beverage portion. Thus, if a beverage is being prepared when the device should be turned off, the preparation of the beverage will continue to run until the end of the beverage production cycle and will not be interrupted in the middle of the process. The shutdown process will be slightly postponed and will be carried out as soon as this beverage production cycle is completed. [0053] This beverage production device may be combined with any of the features disclosed above or a combination of these features.

[0054] In a still further aspect, the invention relates to a user programmable power control system that can be connected to an electrically powered device, in particular a beverage preparation device such as those disclosed above. The system includes a user programmable means for automatically switching off the power to automatically switch off the electrically powered device connected to it. According to the invention, the means for automatically switching off the power is programmed to initiate the shut down process in at least one shut down mode associated with the production of the beverage.

[0055] Similarly, this user programmable power control system may be combined with any of the features or combination of features of the user programmable power control system of the above-mentioned beverage production device.

[0056] The power control system may further comprise at least one timer-based shut down mode, wherein the user may select the off modes associated with the beverage production and the modes based on the timer individually and / or in combination.

In particular, when the user-programmable control system is outside the beverage production device and operates in the off mode associated with the beverage production, the power control system may be designed to monitor the fluctuation of electrical power consumed by the electrically powered device connected to it and may be programmed to automatically switch off the electrically powered device when the predefined condition regarding energy consumption is met. For example, the energy consumption of the beverage production device is typically higher when the device is dispensing the beverage. By monitoring energy consumption, the power control system can count the number of beverages, e.g. as a basis for turning off the power of the beverage production device.

A microphone for monitoring the noise generated during use by a beverage production device that depends on its operating state: during the beverage production process, the beverage production device typically uses a pump that generates a recognizable noise during operation and which serves the basis for monitoring the number of prepared beverages.

[0058] As indicated above, the power control system may be configured, e.g. as a free standing device, external to an electrically powered device with which it is connected and may be connected between this electrically powered device and the power supply network (e.g. ).

[0059] A further aspect of the invention relates to a power control system that can be connected to an electrically powered device for carrying out a particular function and whose energy consumption varies depending on its function, in particular to the above-described device whose function is to produce beverage portions. This arrangement includes a means for automatically switching off the power, in particular a user-programmable means for automatically switching off the power, for switching off such a device in an automatic manner by performing an automatic shut down process. According to the invention, the automatic shut down means is provided for monitoring during use of changes in the electric power consumed by the electrically powered device connected to it and checking,

[0060] Typically, when the device is not only turned on, but actually performs the function for which it is intended, e.g. actually produces a beverage, the power consumption increases when this function is performed. This increase in energy consumption will be monitored by the energy control device for the start of the shutdown process, e.g. after using the device a predetermined number of times to perform the function, or after the device is turned on for a predetermined time and when it is not used to perform the target function or when the device has not been used for a predetermined time to perform its dedicated function. However, it is also considered that for some devices the energy consumption will be reduced as a result of performing the function for which they are intended.

[0061] In timer-based mode, the automatic tripping means is further configured or may be configured to perform the automatic shut down process when the electrically powered device has been turned on for a predetermined time, in particular a predetermined time by a predetermined user. the condition for automatic shutdown is that the device is not in the process of performing its functions. In other words, after the predetermined time after switching on, the device is switched off if it is not carrying out its intended function, or, alternatively, the shutdown process is postponed until the device completes this function. In the latter case,

[0062] In another timer based mode, the predetermined condition is that the device has not performed its functions for a time corresponding to a predetermined time, in particular a time previously determined by the user.

[0063] A further pre-determined condition may be that the device has been used to perform its functions a predetermined number of times, in particular the number of times previously determined by the user.

[0064] Typically, the automatic shut down means is provided for performing the automatic shut down process immediately after the predetermined condition is met or with a delay, usually short, after the predetermined condition has been met. Such a delay may typically be in the order of a few seconds, tens of seconds or up to several minutes.

[0065] The power supply system may comprise a user interface for programming or controlling it, or it may be remotely programmed and controlled.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0066] The invention will now be described with reference to the schematic drawings in which Figures 1 and illustrate various user interfaces for a beverage production device according to the invention. Detailed description [0067] Figure 1 shows a user interface 1 of a beverage production device according to the invention, such as an espresso machine used for dispensing coffee with a previously separated coffeea portion of ground coffee, e.g. delivered to the machine in packages, typically in capsules, for its extraction by passing through it heated water, as is known in the art. The beverage preparation device has a user programmable power control system that includes a user programmable means to automatically turn off the power to automatically turn off such a beverage production device by performing an automatic shut down process.

[0068] The automatic shut down means comprises a controller with a shutdown mode associated with the beverage production in which the user can program the power control system: to check, during each beverage serving, whether the switch condition has been met, since this preparation corresponds to the last prepared portion of beverage with a user-defined maximum number of beverage portions produced after switching (or restarting) the beverage production device; and if this condition is met, to initiate the automatic shut down process of the beverage production device. The automatic shutdown means also has a timer based off mode,

[0069] The user-programmable feed control system of the beverage production device thus allows the user who decides to allow the automatic shut down mode to program the automatic shut down mode based on the number of beverages to be prepared using the timer-based system, or using a combination of these two options.

[0070] As shown in Figure 1, the interface 1 comprises an upper user interface 2 for manually switching on and off said device and a lower user interface for automatically switching off 3. The upper interface 1 has one button that is adjacent to the four buttons of the lower interface and is with them. razed.

[0071] The user interface for automatic shutdown 3 has two upper buttons that give the user a choice of times for the timer-based shutdown mode, i.e. 1 hour and 2 hours, indicated by the characters on the "1h" and "2h" buttons. .

[0072] Hence, if the user wants the beverage production device to turn off whenever it has not been used for one hour to produce beverages, he pushes the button with the "1h" mark which suitably sets the user-programmable power control system, and preferably illuminates it. button to indicate that a one-hour timer option has been selected. However, if he wants to disable the timer option, he will simply press the same button again.

[0073] The user interface for automatic shutdown 3 further has two lower buttons for selecting the number of beverage cups that can be dispensed before automatically switching off the beverage production device, which are marked "1" or "2" together with the cup symbol in the figure, represents the number of cups that can be selected.

[0074] Similarly, if the user wants the beverage production device to turn off after dispensing two cups, he presses the button with the corresponding sign representing two cups. This will be set by the user-programmed power control system, and will preferably highlight the button to indicate that the two cups option has been selected. However, if he wants to disable this option later, he will simply press the same button again.

[0075] Furthermore, if the user wants the beverage production device to turn off after serving two cups but independently after two hours without producing beverages, he / she presses (and activates) the button with the "2h" sign as well as the button with the sign representing two cups.

[0076] In this case, when the first cup of beverage is made, the button with two cups will be turned off and a button with only one cup will be highlighted, indicating that only one cup will be served before the automatic switch off. Similarly, if the beverage machine is not used to produce the beverage for more than one hour, the button with the "2h" mark will be turned off and the button with the "1h" mark will be highlighted, indicating that the beverage preparation device will not be turned on for longer than an hour, if in the meantime no drink will be dispensed. [0077] Hence, this user interface provides a simple solution for the intuitive multi-mode user-programmable programming of the power management system,

For simplicity, only two timer options (one or two hours) and two options regarding the number of cups (one or two cups) are shown in Figure 1. It is understood that more options may be provided, e.g. up to 5 or 10 buttons for the appropriate number of cups and up to 5 or 10 for the timer option (for example, timer times every 30 minutes starting from 30 minutes).

[0079] Figure 2 shows the user interface 1 'of the beverage production device of the invention for programming and controlling a device power control system (not shown).

[0080] The automatic shut down means has an off mode associated with beverage production (regarding the production of one or two cups with an automatic shut down) and an off mode

Based on a timer, i.e. automatic shut down after one or two hours without using a beverage production device for preparing beverages.

[0081] The user interface 1 'comprises a turn-and-push button 7 with a peripheral portion 5 with various selectors for programming the automatic switch-off means, i.e. two selectors for different timer mode times, one hour "1h" and two hours. "2h", and two different cup numbers, one or two cups indicated with appropriate numbers and symbols on peripheral selectors. The interface 1 'further comprises a frame-shaped indicator 6' which indicates which of the peripheral selectors has been selected after turning the turn-and-push button 7. On the peripheral part 5, the selectors for switching on and off the beverage production device are also shown; these selectors are marked "on" and "off".

[0082] After rotating the turn-and-push button 7 in such a way that the indicator 6 indicates the desired peripheral selector, the button 7 is pressed to activate the selection. Canceling programming or changing the programming of the automatic switch-off means can be obtained by repeating the same procedure, or to select another switch-off condition (by selecting another or the same mode) or to cancel the switch-off condition (by selecting this condition again and blocking it by pressing the button) 7). As previously discussed, the timer-based shutdown mode and the shutdown mode associated with beverage production (in this case, the mode associated with the number of cups manufactured before shutting down) the user can start jointly or individually, or both can cancel to ensure maximum flexibility.

[0083] Likewise, selected selectors may be highlighted to provide the user with feedback about the status of their activation / deactivation. In addition, the same or other backlight illumination can be provided to indicate the status changes of the beverage production machine during its use, with respect to the programmed automatic shut down process as discussed above.