WO2022207953A1 - Monitoring method for coffee grinders - Google Patents

Monitoring method for coffee grinders Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2022207953A1
WO2022207953A1 PCT/ES2022/070190 ES2022070190W WO2022207953A1 WO 2022207953 A1 WO2022207953 A1 WO 2022207953A1 ES 2022070190 W ES2022070190 W ES 2022070190W WO 2022207953 A1 WO2022207953 A1 WO 2022207953A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
coffee
wheels
grinding
grinding wheels
time
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/ES2022/070190
Other languages
Spanish (es)
French (fr)
Inventor
Noemí RODRÍGUEZ RODRÍGUEZ
Raúl GONZÁLEZ BAYÓN
Juan Pablo FERREIROS ARIAS
Brais VAZQUEZ SEIJAS
Original Assignee
Himikode Tech S.L.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Himikode Tech S.L. filed Critical Himikode Tech S.L.
Publication of WO2022207953A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022207953A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J42/00—Coffee mills; Spice mills
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/42—Beverage-making apparatus with incorporated grinding or roasting means for coffee
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J42/00—Coffee mills; Spice mills
    • A47J42/02—Coffee mills; Spice mills having grinding cones
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J42/00—Coffee mills; Spice mills
    • A47J42/02—Coffee mills; Spice mills having grinding cones
    • A47J42/08—Adjusting mechanisms
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J42/00—Coffee mills; Spice mills
    • A47J42/02—Coffee mills; Spice mills having grinding cones
    • A47J42/10—Grinding cones
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J42/00—Coffee mills; Spice mills
    • A47J42/12—Coffee mills; Spice mills having grinding discs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J42/00—Coffee mills; Spice mills
    • A47J42/12—Coffee mills; Spice mills having grinding discs
    • A47J42/18—Adjusting mechanisms
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J42/00—Coffee mills; Spice mills
    • A47J42/12—Coffee mills; Spice mills having grinding discs
    • A47J42/20—Grinding discs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J42/00—Coffee mills; Spice mills
    • A47J42/38—Parts or details

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for monitoring and controlling coffee grinders, for main use in cafeterias, restaurants, etc.
  • it can be integrated into a cafeteria management and control system that ensures the highest quality of coffee prepared in any facility, from grinding to final consumption by the customer.
  • the system ensures the optimal state of the mills and the resulting processed product. It records multiple variables that provide valuable information for decision-making regarding service parameters and allow offering a product of optimal quality.
  • each unit incorporates a series of sensors (water temperature, flow, pressure%) that provide relevant information to the unit's own control unit. This information can in turn be offered to other external equipment, through an exclusive communication protocol of each manufacturer.
  • the invention consists of a method for monitoring and controlling coffee grinders according to the claims detailed below.
  • the procedure is designed for grinders of the type that comprise a main hopper or input cartridge, some wheels and one or more intermediate hoppers for ground coffee, prior to dosing.
  • the procedure includes the stages of:
  • the accumulated use is related to the wear of the wheels, which is a parameter that is used during the procedure and also facilitates preventive maintenance.
  • the accumulated time of use of the grinding wheels is calculated by comparing the readings of a sensor for capturing the activity of the grinding motor and a volumetric sensor for the load of the intermediate service hopper, so that the idle operating time of the molars is not considered.
  • the system is structured around a concentrator or hub that implements signal processing equipment, and is configured in a Plug-and-Play manner so that They can connect, generally by cable, all the equipment involved, which includes a processing bench (coffee machines, grinders%) equipped with its own sensors, additional sensors installed with the system and the electronics necessary to capture and coordinate all the signals.
  • a processing bench coffee machines, grinders
  • Each establishment will have one or more signal processing equipment, which will control a specific processing bench, and which in turn will connect to one or more external servers, which proceed to analyze the data collected in the cloud.
  • the servers preferably use an open API to integrate with client platforms, accelerating the consumer experience, and presenting a personalized service according to the user's profile.
  • the solution is a complete IoT system, including signal capture hardware, signal processing from the equipment and machine bank, sending it to the cloud, and consequent data processing.
  • the system interconnects information on consumption, product quality, status and useful life of cafeteria equipment to intelligently establish priorities, segment types of customers and invest assets wherever it is most profitable.
  • it thanks to the integration with external variables, it allows possible fraud to be detected by controlling the difference between purchases and actual consumption.
  • the monitoring and control system of the invention comprises a whole hierarchy of components, operating methods and communication protocols that make it up, providing a high level of inventiveness and ideal results.
  • the cafeteria management system is based on at least one piece of equipment made up of at least one coffee maker with a switchboard and one or more equipment behavior sensors.
  • Each coffee maker is connected to signal processing equipment that includes a connection interface with the coffee maker (which transforms the format and protocol of each sensor reading) integrated into a control unit.
  • the signal processing equipment also comprises a communication system with one or more external servers.
  • the equipment that sends the signals also includes coffee grinders.
  • the sensors that make up each piece of equipment will be completed according to the parameters that each client can define and the level of knowledge of the process or quality that they require.
  • Figure 1 Diagram of an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 Sensors or signal capture locations in a coffee grinder
  • Figure 3 Sensors or signal capture locations in a coffee machine
  • Figure 4 Grinding weight calculation diagram.
  • FIG 1 shows an example of an embodiment diagram, in which a set of coffee machines (1) and coffee grinders (2), as well as other associated equipment, are configured in benches.
  • Each coffee maker (1) or grinder (2) has a series of sensors (3) that measure the working conditions of the equipment (1, 2): temperatures, duration of each service, flow rates, current intensity... including its variations in time for detect possible breakdowns or wear, the content in the tanks, use performed since the last revision, granulometry of the ground coffee... It also allows knowing if the product is made with the necessary frequency to maintain its quality, and monitor traceability.
  • FIG. 2 shows in detail the sensors with which a coffee grinder could be equipped and which are monitored. They are listed here, notwithstanding the fact that other functions not expressly contemplated could be monitored: Dispensing button (20), grinding motor activity detection (21), upper intermediate hopper opening sensor (22), opening sensor for the lower intermediate hopper (23), volumetric sensor (26) for loading the upper intermediate hopper (laser, Doppler effect%), grinding wheel temperature sensor (24), equipment temperature sensor (25), equipment humidity sensor (25).
  • the sensors (3) can probe the internal electrical signals of the equipment (1, 2) and offer them to the processor located in the switchboard (5).
  • the software resident in the switchboard (5) interprets the operation of the equipment (1, 2) in such a way that it can detect deviations from the regular use of the equipment, and provide significant information on its use, whether global or specific components.
  • additional sensors which form part of the invention and are not a constituent part of the equipment, other information outside the functionality of the equipment can be collected, such as environmental parameters (temperature and humidity sensors), location of the equipment (sensors GPS positioning) ...
  • Each piece of equipment (1, 2) is monitored by a signal processing device (4), and this in turn can monitor other equipment that, together, make up a crafting bench, that is why this device is called a concentrator or hub.
  • the signal processing equipment (4) includes one or more control units and a communication system, generally wireless.
  • the control units comprise an interface capable of converting the signals from the sensors (3) of each piece of equipment (1, 2) from their own format, to a common format.
  • the communication system may include a telephone line (SIM card or similar), a modem, or any other known electronic communications system: Wi-Fi, LoRa, Bluetooth... to communicate with one or more central servers (6).
  • the communication system may also include a cable for data transmission.
  • the data will comprise an identification of the production equipment (1, 2) and the signal processing equipment (4), a timestamp, the type of data sent (metadata) and the value of the data itself.
  • connection of the signal processing equipment (4) to the equipment (1, 2) is carried out by connecting the signal conditioning electronics to the connection terminals of the sensors of each equipment (1, 2) available in your switchboard .
  • This intervention is considered non-invasive as it does not alter the operation or structure of the original equipment.
  • Additional purpose-installed sensors may also be connected to the signal processing equipment.
  • the signal processing equipment (4) begins to send the captured data to the cloud for processing. To do this, it can forward the information provided by the sensors (3), interrogate them to obtain specific data or parameters, or act on them to change their configuration. This sending of data can be synchronous or asynchronous (on demand or through the issuance of alerts), and any equipment (1, 2), sensor (3), switchboard (5) or signal processing equipment (4) may be temporarily disconnected in maintenance case.
  • the variables captured by the sensors (3) are preprocessed in the communications switchboard (5) to be sent directly to the servers (6), provided with additional information thanks to the interpretation made of them by the signal processing equipment (4 ) or the communications switchboard (5).
  • the switchboard knows through the software loaded in it the regular operation of the equipment monitored, and is capable of interpreting the signals collected by the sensors, giving them meaning. You can also compare the instantaneous variables with threshold values, historical values, statistical records... in order to detect deviations in use, anomalies in operation, wear of components and spare parts, exhaustion of consumables...
  • Figure 4 exemplifies how, in any service of a grinder (2), the weight of the dose of coffee, its degree of grinding and the wear of the grinding wheels used can be determined.
  • the activation and deactivation feedback signal of the grinding motor (21) and the volume value obtained by the intermediate hopper load volumetric sensor (26) are used. All these data, together with other complementary data such as the temperature of the grinding wheels, humidity and temperature of the grain, are sent and pre-processed in the control unit.
  • the desired information (weight, granularity and state of the grinding wheels) is obtained from the monitored variables (time, volume, humidity).
  • the volume of coffee beans (and therefore also the weight) of a dose prepared in a grinder is always directly proportional to the grinding time. This relationship can be approximated by a linear equation for the ranges that are used in typical coffee grinds.
  • coffee grinders serve the requested dose by discharging the content of ground coffee from one or two intermediate hoppers (27) that are located inside the device. Therefore, the weight of the dispensed dose is related to the volume stored in any of these intermediate hoppers (27) and, therefore, to the height or level reached by the coffee stacked in them.
  • a level sensor located in one of these intermediate hoppers (27) obtains the height of the accumulated ground coffee tank.
  • the height that the ground coffee reaches in the hopper will depend on several factors: grinding time, wear of the wheels, adjustment of the degree of grinding, mode of operation of the grinder model and humidity of the coffee bean.
  • the size of the ground coffee particles and their humidity determine the way in which they are stacked on top of each other forming a cone and the angle of this cone, and therefore influence the total height reached by stacking in the inner hopper (27).
  • the type of coffee blend also has a certain influence, since different particle sizes are obtained without changing the rest of the parameters.
  • the height that should be detected in the intermediate storage hopper (27) is estimated (also taking into account the mode of operation of the mill, and the humidity of the grain).
  • a first approximation of the weight of the prepared dose is estimated based on the grinding time, the wear of the grinding wheels and the humidity inside the mill.
  • the setting of the grinding time and/or the separation between the grindstones (28) can be readjusted.
  • a mathematical relationship is established (for example, by machine learning) between the time spent grinding and the grams of coffee obtained.
  • the desired information is obtained (weight, granularity and condition of the grinding wheels) from the monitored variables (time, volume, humidity and temperature).
  • the control unit creates frames with all the data obtained from the sensors and with the new data resulting from the pre-processing itself. These specifically designed frames are sent to the servers so that all the data (the raw data from the sensors and the data from the pre-processing in the switchboard) are available for further processing and analysis.
  • the service solenoid valve opening feedback signal of a certain group together with a water flow feedback signal of that same group and the pressure reached, allows determining the weight of the coffee dose used to prepare this service, and its granularity (if the coffee is ground very fine and well packed, the pressure drop is greater and higher pressures are reached).
  • the service time is obtained, given a flow of water used and the pressure reached to prepare that service, a mathematical relationship can be established between the time used and the weight of the coffee used, as well as the granularity of its grinding.
  • a mathematical relationship can be established between the time used and the weight of the coffee used, as well as the granularity of its grinding.
  • the equipment (1, 2) also has sensors for monitoring environmental or mechanical variables, such as sound, temperature, vibration... Its measurements are monitored, recorded, interpreted and transformed so that information is obtained that it could not be inferred from the variables themselves captured through the sensors. For example, when comparing with a library of registers or identification patterns of its functions (created by training) it allows corroborating the assumptions made based on the signals captured by other sensors, and detecting deviations from normal use.
  • the servers (6) execute the data processing (raw data and data pre-processed in the switchboard) in the cloud. They can record and post-process the data of tens of thousands of coffee machines (1) and mills (2) to produce any report, statistics or management dashboard that allows the management strategy to be adapted and appropriate decisions to be made.
  • the servers (6) can be connected to other sources of information, such as weather records, holiday calendars...
  • these are classified according to the nature of the information they carry (content data/variables or alerts/sudden events). They can also be classified according to their origin or to whom they may be directed.
  • the servers (6) create and maintain the active publication service and allow the establishment of links between the generation of data coming from the sensors (3) and other servers and client applications that wish to access the data.
  • the system also offers an API to facilitate the integration of the display and the management of the processed data, with the application or user interface.
  • the user with sufficient authorization will connect to the servers (6) from a computer, tablet or device, using a suitable application.
  • the user will have a quality control tool that allows studying the expansion of each location (franchise, branch, store%) It makes it easier to study the data to prepare budget items for the delegations.
  • the quality of each cup can be analyzed, according to the parameters measured by the sensors (3), trends and consumption patterns.
  • “Technical Assistance” or “SAT” you can measure the remaining days until periodic maintenance, alerts for possible breakdowns, and even calculate the optimal routes for the maintenance teams if each team (1, 2) is associated with a geolocation.
  • “Business” allows obtaining the expected useful life of the equipment, its depreciation, the difference between consumption and purchases, etc.
  • the information generated in the system from the monitored variables can be displayed and later analyzed by these different profiles. For each line of the list, the different profiles that may be interested in that information are identified with colors.
  • connection to the cloud data and its processing can be done from the user's own platforms or from their clients, such as CRM (Customer Relationship Management), ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or other loT platforms.
  • CRM Customer Relationship Management
  • ERP Enterprise Resource Planning
  • Each of the devices that make up the system is capable of modifying its behavior by establishing certain configuration parameters, transmitted from the application to the servers (6).
  • the API provides methods for accessing and modifying them.
  • the servers (6) keep a record of the configuration of the devices that allows checking if the errors may come from wrong configurations.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Crushing And Grinding (AREA)

Abstract

A monitoring method for coffee grinders, of the type comprising a main hopper or input cartridge, a number of grinding wheels (28) and one or more intermediate hoppers (27) for the ground coffee. The method comprises: Measuring the usage time of the grinding wheels (28), for each use and in total. Measuring the ambient temperature and humidity. Measuring the height reached by the ground coffee piled in the intermediate hoppers (27). Calculating the estimated height to be reached by the coffee in the intermediate hoppers (27), based on the parameters specified above, and comparing this with the real height reached. Providing a value for the modification of the activation time of the grinding wheels (28) for each use, and also for the adjustment of the separation or force between the grinding wheels so that the weight of the dose served is as near as possible to the programmed weight of the dose.

Description

DESCRIPCIÓN DESCRIPTION
Procedimiento de control de molinos de café SECTOR DE LA TÉCNICA Control procedure for coffee grinders TECHNICAL SECTOR
La presente invención se refiere a un procedimiento de monitorización y control de molinos de café, para uso principal en cafeterías, restaurantes, etc. Por ejemplo, puede estar integrado en un sistema de gestión y control de cafetería que permita asegurar la mayor calidad del café preparado en cualquier instalación, desde su molienda hasta el consumo final por parte del cliente. El sistema asegura el estado óptimo de los molinos y del producto elaborado resultante. Registra múltiples variables que aportan información valiosa para la toma de decisiones respecto a los parámetros de servicio y permiten ofrecer un producto de óptima calidad. The present invention relates to a method for monitoring and controlling coffee grinders, for main use in cafeterias, restaurants, etc. For example, it can be integrated into a cafeteria management and control system that ensures the highest quality of coffee prepared in any facility, from grinding to final consumption by the customer. The system ensures the optimal state of the mills and the resulting processed product. It records multiple variables that provide valuable information for decision-making regarding service parameters and allow offering a product of optimal quality.
ESTADO DE LA TÉCNICA STATE OF THE ART
Los fabricantes de máquinas de café y otras máquinas asociadas (molinos, descalcificadores...) para el sector de HORECA (hostelería, restauración, catering), ofrecen servicios de mantenimiento del equipamiento, centrados en la monitorización de fallos y alertas de mantenimiento. Para ello, cada equipo incorpora una serie de sensores (de temperatura del agua, de caudal, de presión...) que ofrecen información pertinente a la centralita de control del propio equipo. Esta información puede a su vez ser ofrecida a otros equipos externos, por medio de un protocolo de comunicación exclusivo de cada fabricante. Manufacturers of coffee machines and other associated machines (grinders, softeners...) for the HORECA sector (hotels, restaurants, catering), offer equipment maintenance services, focused on fault monitoring and maintenance alerts. To do this, each unit incorporates a series of sensors (water temperature, flow, pressure...) that provide relevant information to the unit's own control unit. This information can in turn be offered to other external equipment, through an exclusive communication protocol of each manufacturer.
Estas soluciones no consideran que sea necesario controlar otros equipos adicionales como los molinos de café (normal y descafeinado) u otros equipos asociados (todos ellos habitualmente suministrados por diferentes fabricantes) y menos aún incorporar datos de otras fuentes externas, con objeto de recabar información útil sobre el tratamiento global que se le da al producto final elaborado. These solutions do not consider it necessary to control other additional equipment such as coffee grinders (normal and decaffeinated) or other associated equipment (all of them usually supplied by different manufacturers) and even less to incorporate data from other external sources, in order to collect useful information. on the overall treatment given to the final product produced.
Sin embargo, los molinos de café son clave para producir un resultado idóneo en cuanto a la preparación del café. La granulometría, la masa... afectan al resultado, de forma que éste varía con el tiempo debido al desgaste de las muelas, a la humedad ambiental... Los sistemas de control del peso de la dosis erogada habitualmente implementados en los molinos y basados en el pesaje de ésta, acarrean una serie de inconvenientes y tampoco se conoce una forma de medir la granulometría del café molido de forma continua. Siempre es necesario extraer una muestra y tamizar, lo cual no es una solución aplicable en el sector. However, coffee grinders are key to producing an ideal result in terms of coffee preparation. The granulometry, the mass... affect the result, in such a way that it varies over time due to the wear of the grinding wheels, the environmental humidity... The weight control systems of the dispensed dose usually implemented in the grinders and based on its weighing, entail a series of inconveniences and a way of measuring the granulometry of the ground coffee continuously is not known either. It is always necessary to extract a sample and sift, which is not an applicable solution in the sector.
El solicitante no conoce ningún sistema de características similares a la invención. The applicant is not aware of any system with characteristics similar to the invention.
BREVE EXPLICACIÓN DE LA INVENCIÓN BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION
La invención consiste en un procedimiento de monitorización y control de molinos de café según las reivindicaciones detalladas más adelante. The invention consists of a method for monitoring and controlling coffee grinders according to the claims detailed below.
El procedimiento está pensado para molinos del tipo que comprende una tolva principal o cartucho de entrada, unas muelas y una o más tolvas intermedias del café molido, previo a la dosificación. El procedimiento comprende las etapas de: The procedure is designed for grinders of the type that comprise a main hopper or input cartridge, some wheels and one or more intermediate hoppers for ground coffee, prior to dosing. The procedure includes the stages of:
- Medir el tiempo de uso de las muelas, en cada servicio y también el acumulado. El uso acumulado está relacionado con el desgaste de las muelas, el cual es un parámetro que se utiliza durante el procedimiento y facilita además el mantenimiento preventivo. - Measure the time of use of the wheels, in each service and also the accumulated. The accumulated use is related to the wear of the wheels, which is a parameter that is used during the procedure and also facilitates preventive maintenance.
- Medir la temperatura y humedad ambiental. - Measure the ambient temperature and humidity.
- Medir la altura alcanzada por el café molido apilado en las tolvas intermedias.- Measure the height reached by the ground coffee stacked in the intermediate hoppers.
- Calcular una estimación de la altura que debería alcanzar el café en las tolvas intermedias en base a los parámetros anteriormente descritos, por ejemplo, mediante aprendizaje máquina, y compararla con la altura real alcanzada. - Calculate an estimate of the height that the coffee should reach in the intermediate hoppers based on the parameters described above, for example, by machine learning, and compare it with the actual height reached.
- Ofrecer un valor para la modificación del tiempo de activación de las muelas por cada uso y también para el ajuste entre ambas, de tal manera que, tras estos ajustes, el peso de la dosis servida sea más cercano al de la dosis programada. - Offer a value for the modification of the activation time of the grinding wheels for each use and also for the adjustment between both, in such a way that, after these adjustments, the weight of the dose served is closer to that of the programmed dose.
Preferiblemente, el tiempo acumulado de uso de las muelas se calcula comparando las lecturas de un sensor de captación de actividad del motor de molienda y de un sensor volumétrico de carga de la tolva intermedia de servicio, de forma que el tiempo de funcionamiento en vacío de las muelas no es considerado. Preferably, the accumulated time of use of the grinding wheels is calculated by comparing the readings of a sensor for capturing the activity of the grinding motor and a volumetric sensor for the load of the intermediate service hopper, so that the idle operating time of the molars is not considered.
El sistema se estructura alrededor de un concentrador o hub que implementa un equipo de procesamiento de señales, y que se configura de forma Plug-and-Play para que se puedan conectar, generalmente por cable, todos los equipos implicados, los cuales incluyen un banco de elaboración (cafeteras, molinos...) dotado de sensores propios, sensores adicionales instalados con el sistema y la electrónica necesaria para capturar y coordinar todas las señales. The system is structured around a concentrator or hub that implements signal processing equipment, and is configured in a Plug-and-Play manner so that They can connect, generally by cable, all the equipment involved, which includes a processing bench (coffee machines, grinders...) equipped with its own sensors, additional sensors installed with the system and the electronics necessary to capture and coordinate all the signals.
Cada establecimiento poseerá uno o más equipos de procesamiento de señales, los cuales controlarán un banco de elaboración determinado, y que a su vez se conectarán con uno o más servidores externos, que proceden a realizar el análisis de los datos recabados en la nube. Los servidores utilizan preferiblemente una API abierta para integrar con plataformas del cliente, acelerando la experiencia de consumidor, y presentando un servicio personalizado según el perfil de usuario. Each establishment will have one or more signal processing equipment, which will control a specific processing bench, and which in turn will connect to one or more external servers, which proceed to analyze the data collected in the cloud. The servers preferably use an open API to integrate with client platforms, accelerating the consumer experience, and presenting a personalized service according to the user's profile.
La solución es un sistema loT completo, incluyendo el hardware de captación de señales, el procesamiento de señales del banco de equipos y máquinas, su envío a la nube y el procesamiento de los datos consiguiente. The solution is a complete IoT system, including signal capture hardware, signal processing from the equipment and machine bank, sending it to the cloud, and consequent data processing.
El sistema interconecta la información de consumos, calidad de producto, estado y vida útil de los equipamientos de cafetería para establecer prioridades de manera inteligente, segmentar tipologías de clientes e invertir activos allá donde sea más provechoso. Además, gracias a la integración con variables externas permite detectar posibles fraudes controlando la diferencia entre las compras y el consumo real. The system interconnects information on consumption, product quality, status and useful life of cafeteria equipment to intelligently establish priorities, segment types of customers and invest assets wherever it is most profitable. In addition, thanks to the integration with external variables, it allows possible fraud to be detected by controlling the difference between purchases and actual consumption.
El sistema de monitorización y control de la invención comprende toda una jerarquía de componentes, métodos de operación y protocolos de comunicación que lo conforman, aportando un alto nivel de inventiva y unos resultados idóneos. The monitoring and control system of the invention comprises a whole hierarchy of components, operating methods and communication protocols that make it up, providing a high level of inventiveness and ideal results.
El sistema de gestión de cafetería parte de al menos un equipo formado por al menos una cafetera con una centralita y uno o más sensores de comportamiento del equipo. Cada cafetera está conectada a un equipo de procesamiento de señales que comprende una interfaz de conexión con la cafetera (que transforma el formato y protocolo de cada lectura de los sensores) integrada en una unidad de control. El equipo de procesamiento de señales también comprende un sistema de comunicación con uno o más servidores externos. Generalmente los equipos que remiten las señales comprenden también molinos de café. Los sensores integrantes de cada equipo se completarán según los parámetros que pueda definir cada cliente y el nivel de conocimiento del proceso o calidad que exija.The cafeteria management system is based on at least one piece of equipment made up of at least one coffee maker with a switchboard and one or more equipment behavior sensors. Each coffee maker is connected to signal processing equipment that includes a connection interface with the coffee maker (which transforms the format and protocol of each sensor reading) integrated into a control unit. The signal processing equipment also comprises a communication system with one or more external servers. Generally the equipment that sends the signals also includes coffee grinders. The sensors that make up each piece of equipment will be completed according to the parameters that each client can define and the level of knowledge of the process or quality that they require.
Por ejemplo, dependiendo de la localización de la instalación, será conveniente monitorizar el estado del descalcificador instalado en la acometida de agua de la máquina de café, mediante un presostato o un indicador de PH. For example, depending on the location of the installation, it will be convenient to monitor the status of the softener installed in the water connection of the coffee machine, by means of a pressure switch or a PH indicator.
También podría ser necesario dotar a un molino de café de un sensor que monitorice la temperatura de las muelas, para verificar que nunca se exceden los límites exigióles para una elaboración de calidad. It might also be necessary to equip a coffee grinder with a sensor that monitors the temperature of the grindstones, to verify that the limits required for quality processing are never exceeded.
Otras variantes serán comentadas en otros puntos de la memoria. Other variants will be discussed at other points in the memory.
DESCRIPCIÓN DE LOS DIBUJOS DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Se presenta al final de la memoria una serie de figuras para facilitar la comprensión de la invención: A series of figures is presented at the end of the memory to facilitate the understanding of the invention:
Figura 1 : Esquema de un ejemplo de realización de la invención. Figure 1: Diagram of an embodiment of the invention.
Figura 2: Sensores o lugares de captación de señales en un molino de café Figura 3: Sensores o lugares de captación de señales en una máquina de café Figura 4: Diagrama del cálculo de peso de molienda. Figure 2: Sensors or signal capture locations in a coffee grinder Figure 3: Sensors or signal capture locations in a coffee machine Figure 4: Grinding weight calculation diagram.
Figura 5: Segundo diagrama de peso MODOS DE REALIZACIÓN DE LA INVENCIÓN Figure 5: Second weight diagram MODES OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
A continuación, se pasa a describir de manera breve un modo de realización de la invención, como ejemplo ilustrativo y no limitativo de ésta. Next, an embodiment of the invention is briefly described, as an illustrative and non-limiting example of the latter.
En la figura 1 se aprecia un ejemplo de esquema de realización, en el cual un conjunto de cafeteras (1) y molinos (2) de café, así como otros equipos asociados se configuran en bancos. Cada cafetera (1) o molino (2) posee una serie de sensores (3) que miden las condiciones de trabajo del equipo (1 , 2): temperaturas, duración de cada servicio, caudales, intensidad de corriente... incluyendo sus variaciones en el tiempo para detectar posibles averías o desgastes, el contenido en los depósitos, uso desempeñado desde la última revisión, granulometría del café molido... También permite conocer si el producto se elabora con la frecuencia necesaria para mantener su calidad, y vigilar la trazabilidad. Figure 1 shows an example of an embodiment diagram, in which a set of coffee machines (1) and coffee grinders (2), as well as other associated equipment, are configured in benches. Each coffee maker (1) or grinder (2) has a series of sensors (3) that measure the working conditions of the equipment (1, 2): temperatures, duration of each service, flow rates, current intensity... including its variations in time for detect possible breakdowns or wear, the content in the tanks, use performed since the last revision, granulometry of the ground coffee... It also allows knowing if the product is made with the necessary frequency to maintain its quality, and monitor traceability.
En la figura 2 pueden verse en detalle los sensores con los que podría estar dotado un molino de café y que se monitorizan. Se enumeran aquí, sin perjuicio de que pudieran monitorizarse otras funcionalidades no contempladas expresamente: Pulsador de erogación (20), captación de actividad del motor de molienda (21), captador de apertura de la tolva intermedia superior (22), captador de apertura de la tolva intermedia inferior (23), sensor volumétrico (26) de carga de la tolva intermedia superior (láser, de efecto Doppler...), sensor de temperatura de las muelas (24), sensor de temperatura del equipo (25), sensor de humedad del equipo (25). Figure 2 shows in detail the sensors with which a coffee grinder could be equipped and which are monitored. They are listed here, notwithstanding the fact that other functions not expressly contemplated could be monitored: Dispensing button (20), grinding motor activity detection (21), upper intermediate hopper opening sensor (22), opening sensor for the lower intermediate hopper (23), volumetric sensor (26) for loading the upper intermediate hopper (laser, Doppler effect...), grinding wheel temperature sensor (24), equipment temperature sensor (25), equipment humidity sensor (25).
En la figura 3 vemos en detalle los sensores con los que podría estar dotada una máquina de café y que se monitorizan. Se enumeran a continuación, sin perjuicio de que pudieran monitorizarse otras funcionalidades no contempladas aquí: Pulsadores de erogación de servicio (botoneras) de cada grupo (10), captación de apertura y cierre de válvulas de paso de cada grupo, caudalímetros de dosificación de cada grupo, caudalímetro general de consumo de agua (15), sensor de temperatura del calderín (11), pulsador de erogación de infusiones (12), captación de la apertura y cierre de la válvula de servicio de infusiones (13), captación de la apertura y cierre de la válvula de paso de carga del calderín (14). In figure 3 we see in detail the sensors with which a coffee machine could be equipped and which are monitored. They are listed below, without prejudice to the fact that other functionalities not contemplated here could be monitored: Service delivery pushbuttons (button panels) of each group (10), opening and closing feedback of bypass valves of each group, dosing flowmeters of each unit, general water consumption flowmeter (15), boiler temperature sensor (11), infusion delivery button (12), infusion service valve opening and closing detection (13), infusion service valve opening and closing of the boiler loading valve (14).
Así, los sensores (3) pueden sondear las señales eléctricas internas de los equipos (1 , 2) y las ofrecen al procesador situado en la centralita (5). El software residente en la centralita (5) interpreta el funcionamiento del equipo (1 , 2) de tal manera que puede apreciar desviaciones respecto del uso regular del equipo, y aportar información significativa de su uso, ya sea global o de componentes concretos. Mediante sensores adicionales, que forman parte de la invención y no son parte constituyente de los equipos, se puede recabar otra información ajena a la funcionalidad propia de los equipos, como parámetros ambientales (sensores de temperatura y humedad), localización de los equipos (sensores de posicionamiento GPS) ... Thus, the sensors (3) can probe the internal electrical signals of the equipment (1, 2) and offer them to the processor located in the switchboard (5). The software resident in the switchboard (5) interprets the operation of the equipment (1, 2) in such a way that it can detect deviations from the regular use of the equipment, and provide significant information on its use, whether global or specific components. By means of additional sensors, which form part of the invention and are not a constituent part of the equipment, other information outside the functionality of the equipment can be collected, such as environmental parameters (temperature and humidity sensors), location of the equipment (sensors GPS positioning) ...
Cada equipo (1 , 2) está monitorizado por un dispositivo de procesamiento de señales (4), y este a su vez puede monitorizar otros equipos que, en conjunto, conforman un banco de elaboración, es por ello por lo que este dispositivo recibe el nombre de concentrador o hub. El equipo de procesamiento de señales (4) incluye una o más unidades de control y un sistema de comunicación, generalmente inalámbrico. Las unidades de control comprenden una interfaz capaz de convertir las señales de los sensores (3) de cada equipo (1 , 2) de su formato propio, a un formato común. Each piece of equipment (1, 2) is monitored by a signal processing device (4), and this in turn can monitor other equipment that, together, make up a crafting bench, that is why this device is called a concentrator or hub. The signal processing equipment (4) includes one or more control units and a communication system, generally wireless. The control units comprise an interface capable of converting the signals from the sensors (3) of each piece of equipment (1, 2) from their own format, to a common format.
El sistema de comunicación puede incluir una línea telefónica (tarjeta SIM o similar), un módem, o cualquier otro sistema de comunicaciones electrónicas conocido: Wifi, LoRa, Bluetooth... para comunicarse con uno o más servidores (6) centrales. El sistema de comunicación también puede incluir un cable para la transmisión de los datos. Los datos comprenderán una identificación del equipo (1 , 2) de producción y del equipo de procesamiento de señales (4), una marca temporal, el tipo de datos enviados (metadatos) y el valor de los datos en sí. The communication system may include a telephone line (SIM card or similar), a modem, or any other known electronic communications system: Wi-Fi, LoRa, Bluetooth... to communicate with one or more central servers (6). The communication system may also include a cable for data transmission. The data will comprise an identification of the production equipment (1, 2) and the signal processing equipment (4), a timestamp, the type of data sent (metadata) and the value of the data itself.
La conexión del equipo de procesamiento de señales (4) a los equipos (1 , 2), se realiza conectando la electrónica de acondicionamiento de señales a los terminales de conexión de los sensores propios de cada equipo (1 , 2) disponibles en su centralita. Esta intervención se considera no invasiva al no alterar el funcionamiento ni la estructura del equipo original. The connection of the signal processing equipment (4) to the equipment (1, 2), is carried out by connecting the signal conditioning electronics to the connection terminals of the sensors of each equipment (1, 2) available in your switchboard . This intervention is considered non-invasive as it does not alter the operation or structure of the original equipment.
También se podrán conectar sensores adicionales instalados exprofeso al equipo de procesamiento de señales. Additional purpose-installed sensors may also be connected to the signal processing equipment.
Una vez conectado y configurado el equipo de procesamiento de señales (4), éste comienza a remitir los datos captados a la nube, para su procesado. Para ello, puede reenviar la información aportada por los sensores (3), interrogarlos para obtener datos o parámetros específicos, o actuar sobre ellos para cambiar su configuración. Este envío de datos puede ser síncrono o asincrono (bajo demanda o mediante la emisión de alertas), pudiendo cualquier equipo (1 , 2), sensor (3), centralita (5) o equipo de procesamiento de señales (4) desconectarse temporalmente en caso de mantenimiento. Once the signal processing equipment (4) is connected and configured, it begins to send the captured data to the cloud for processing. To do this, it can forward the information provided by the sensors (3), interrogate them to obtain specific data or parameters, or act on them to change their configuration. This sending of data can be synchronous or asynchronous (on demand or through the issuance of alerts), and any equipment (1, 2), sensor (3), switchboard (5) or signal processing equipment (4) may be temporarily disconnected in maintenance case.
Las variables captadas por los sensores (3) son preprocesadas en la centralita de comunicaciones (5) para ser enviadas directamente hacia los servidores (6), dotadas de información adicional gracias a la interpretación que haga de ellas el equipo de procesamiento de señales (4) o la centralita de comunicaciones (5). La centralita conoce mediante el software cargado en ella el funcionamiento regular de los equipos monitorizados, y es capaz de interpretar las señales recogidas por los sensores, dotándolas de significado. También puede contrastar las variables instantáneas con valores umbrales, históricos, registros estadísticos... a fin de detectar desviaciones de uso, anomalías en el funcionamiento, desgaste de componentes y recambios, agotamiento de los consumibles... The variables captured by the sensors (3) are preprocessed in the communications switchboard (5) to be sent directly to the servers (6), provided with additional information thanks to the interpretation made of them by the signal processing equipment (4 ) or the communications switchboard (5). The switchboard knows through the software loaded in it the regular operation of the equipment monitored, and is capable of interpreting the signals collected by the sensors, giving them meaning. You can also compare the instantaneous variables with threshold values, historical values, statistical records... in order to detect deviations in use, anomalies in operation, wear of components and spare parts, exhaustion of consumables...
Este listado pretende ser un ejemplo de la información práctica que se puede llegar a extraer, sin ser excluyente de otras posibilidades que se implementen. This list is intended to be an example of the practical information that can be extracted, without being exclusive of other possibilities that are implemented.
En la figura 4 se ejemplifica cómo en un servicio cualquiera de un molino (2) se puede determinar el gramaje de la dosis de café, su grado de molienda y el desgaste de las muelas utilizadas. Para ello se utiliza la señal de captación de activación y desactivación del motor de molienda (21) y el valor del volumen obtenido por el sensor volumétrico (26) de carga de la tolva intermedia. Todos estos datos, junto con otros complementarios como la temperatura de las muelas, la humedad y temperatura del grano, son enviados y pre-procesados en la centralita. Figure 4 exemplifies how, in any service of a grinder (2), the weight of the dose of coffee, its degree of grinding and the wear of the grinding wheels used can be determined. To do this, the activation and deactivation feedback signal of the grinding motor (21) and the volume value obtained by the intermediate hopper load volumetric sensor (26) are used. All these data, together with other complementary data such as the temperature of the grinding wheels, humidity and temperature of the grain, are sent and pre-processed in the control unit.
Mediante una calibración y entrenamiento adecuado del algoritmo alojado en la centralita de comunicaciones (5), se obtiene la información deseada (peso, granularidad y estado de las muelas) a partir de las variables monitorizadas (tiempo, volumen, humedad). Through proper calibration and training of the algorithm housed in the communications unit (5), the desired information (weight, granularity and state of the grinding wheels) is obtained from the monitored variables (time, volume, humidity).
A continuación, se detallan los fundamentos sobre los que se basa dicho algoritmo para obtener los datos de interés. The fundamentals on which said algorithm is based to obtain the data of interest are detailed below.
El volumen de granos de café (y por lo tanto también el peso) de una dosis preparada en un molino es siempre directamente proporcional al tiempo de molienda. Esta relación se puede aproximar por una ecuación lineal para los rangos que se utilizan en las moliendas de café habituales. The volume of coffee beans (and therefore also the weight) of a dose prepared in a grinder is always directly proportional to the grinding time. This relationship can be approximated by a linear equation for the ranges that are used in typical coffee grinds.
Un mayor desgaste de las muelas y/o un ajuste más grueso de la molienda, implican que partículas de mayor tamaño (mayor masa) pueden pasar a través del espacio entre muelas. Es por ello por lo que, durante un intervalo de tiempo de molienda idéntico, se obtendrá una dosis de mayor peso si las muelas están más desgastadas o el ajuste de la molienda (distancia entre muelas, fuerza o potencia del molino...) es menos fino. Se puede obtener una buena aproximación del desgaste de las muelas a partir de datos empíricos y del tiempo acumulado de uso desde el último cambio de muelas. Para ello se considera que el tiempo actual de uso de las muelas se corresponde con el de activación del motor de molienda (21). Únicamente cuando se activa ese motor sin la presencia de café no se produce desgaste. Esta ausencia de café, por estar el cartucho agotado, por ejemplo, se puede detectar gracias a un sensor de nivel, o sensor volumétrico (26), instalado en una tolva intermedia (27) de almacenamiento interno del café. Higher wheel wear and/or a coarser grind setting means larger particles (greater mass) can pass through the wheel gap. That is why, during an identical grinding time interval, a higher weight dose will be obtained if the wheels are more worn or the grinding adjustment (distance between wheels, force or power of the mill...) is less fine. A good approximation of wheel wear can be obtained from empirical data and the cumulative time of use since the last wheel change. For this, it is considered that the current time of use of the grinding wheels corresponds to the activation of the grinding motor (21). Only when that motor is activated without the presence of coffee does wear not occur. This absence of coffee, because the cartridge is exhausted, for example, can be detected thanks to a level sensor, or volumetric sensor (26), installed in an intermediate hopper (27) for internal coffee storage.
Por lo general, los molinos de café sirven la dosis solicitada descargando el contenido de café molido de una o dos tolvas intermedias (27) que están situadas en el interior del aparato. Por lo tanto, el peso de la dosis erogada guarda relación con el volumen almacenado en cualquiera de estas tolvas intermedias (27) y, por lo tanto, con la altura o nivel que alcanza el café apilado en ellas. Un sensor de nivel situado en una de estas tolvas intermedias (27) obtiene la altura del depósito de café molido acumulado. In general, coffee grinders serve the requested dose by discharging the content of ground coffee from one or two intermediate hoppers (27) that are located inside the device. Therefore, the weight of the dispensed dose is related to the volume stored in any of these intermediate hoppers (27) and, therefore, to the height or level reached by the coffee stacked in them. A level sensor located in one of these intermediate hoppers (27) obtains the height of the accumulated ground coffee tank.
La altura que alcanza el café molido en la tolva dependerá de varios factores: tiempo de molienda, desgaste de las muelas, ajuste del grado de molienda, modo de operación del modelo de molino y humedad del grano de café. The height that the ground coffee reaches in the hopper will depend on several factors: grinding time, wear of the wheels, adjustment of the degree of grinding, mode of operation of the grinder model and humidity of the coffee bean.
Por ejemplo, es conocido que el tamaño de las partículas del café molido y su humedad determinan el modo en que estas se apilan unas encima de otras formando un cono y el ángulo de este cono, y por lo tanto influyen en la altura total alcanzada por el apilamiento en la tolva interior (27). Además, el tipo de blend de café también tiene cierta influencia, ya que se obtienen distintos tamaños de partículas sin variar el resto de los parámetros. For example, it is known that the size of the ground coffee particles and their humidity determine the way in which they are stacked on top of each other forming a cone and the angle of this cone, and therefore influence the total height reached by stacking in the inner hopper (27). In addition, the type of coffee blend also has a certain influence, since different particle sizes are obtained without changing the rest of the parameters.
Mediante el análisis de datos obtenidos en ensayos se obtiene la relación entre el tiempo de molienda y la altura media esperada en la tolva intermedia (27), dado un estado de las muelas (28) y un ajuste del grado de molienda concretos. Through the analysis of data obtained in tests, the relationship between the grinding time and the expected average height in the intermediate hopper (27) is obtained, given a state of the grinding wheels (28) and a specific adjustment of the degree of grinding.
De igual manera, también se obtiene una relación entre el tiempo de molienda y el peso de la dosis preparada (para ese mismo estado de las muelas y ajuste del grado de molienda). Del estudio de las diferentes gráficas obtenidas de esta manera, se obtienen otras que relacionan la altura del apilamiento observado en el depósito de café de la tolva intermedia (27) o de servicio del molino, con el ajuste del grado de molienda, dado un tiempo de molienda y un desgaste de las muelas concretos. In the same way, a relationship between the grinding time and the weight of the prepared dose is also obtained (for the same state of the wheels and adjustment of the degree of grinding). From the study of the different graphs obtained in this way, others are obtained that relate the height of the stacking observed in the coffee tank of the intermediate hopper (27) or service of the mill, with the adjustment of the degree of grinding, given a time of grinding and a wear of the concrete wheels.
Para estimar el peso de la dosis preparada se utiliza el siguiente procedimiento, mostrado en la figura 5: To estimate the weight of the prepared dose, the following procedure is used, shown in Figure 5:
- Conocido el estado de desgaste de las muelas, a través del tiempo de uso de éstas, y el tiempo de molienda, se estima la altura que debería detectarse en la tolva intermedia (27) de almacenamiento (teniendo en cuenta también el modo de operación del molino, y la humedad del grano). - Knowing the state of wear of the grinding wheels, through the time of their use, and the grinding time, the height that should be detected in the intermediate storage hopper (27) is estimated (also taking into account the mode of operation of the mill, and the humidity of the grain).
- Esta altura estimada se contrasta con la altura medida por el sensor de nivel. La diferencia calculada entre estos dos valores (estimado y real) determina el ajuste del grado de molienda. - This estimated height is contrasted with the height measured by the level sensor. The calculated difference between these two values (estimated and actual) determines the grind setting.
- Se estima una primera aproximación del peso de la dosis preparada en base al tiempo de molienda, el desgaste de las muelas y la humedad en el interior del molino. - A first approximation of the weight of the prepared dose is estimated based on the grinding time, the wear of the grinding wheels and the humidity inside the mill.
- Se corrige la aproximación anterior teniendo en cuenta la diferencia de alturas observada anteriormente. - The previous approximation is corrected taking into account the difference in heights previously observed.
Además, del peso de la dosis estimado y su humedad, la temperatura de las muelas, su desgaste y también su ajuste, podemos inferir la calidad de la molienda, en base a parámetros propios de cada blend y tostador. In addition, from the weight of the estimated dose and its humidity, the temperature of the wheels, their wear and also their adjustment, we can infer the quality of the grinding, based on parameters specific to each blend and roaster.
Una vez conocido el peso actual de la dosis de café molida y su granulometría, se puede reajustar la configuración del tiempo de molienda y/o la separación entre las muelas (28). Once the current weight of the ground coffee dose and its granulometry are known, the setting of the grinding time and/or the separation between the grindstones (28) can be readjusted.
Para un estado de las muelas y un ajuste de la granularidad determinados, se establece una relación matemática (por ejemplo, por aprendizaje máquina) entre el tiempo empleado en la molienda y los gramos de café obtenidos. La relación entre los datos obtenidos del tiempo de uso de motor y los datos de volumen en tolva intermedia, ofrece información respecto a la vida útil de las muelas, del valor de granularidad de la molienda y de la calidad del servicio resultante, entre otras. For a given grinding wheel condition and granularity setting, a mathematical relationship is established (for example, by machine learning) between the time spent grinding and the grams of coffee obtained. The relationship between the data obtained from the time of use of the motor and the volume data in the intermediate hopper, offers information regarding the useful life of the grinding wheels, the granularity value of the grinding and the quality of the resulting service, among others.
Mediante una calibración y entrenamiento adecuado del algoritmo alojado en la centralita, se obtiene la información deseada (peso, granularidad y estado de las muelas) a partir de las variables monitorizadas (tiempo, volumen, humedad y temperatura). Through proper calibration and training of the algorithm housed in the control unit, the desired information is obtained (weight, granularity and condition of the grinding wheels) from the monitored variables (time, volume, humidity and temperature).
La centralita crea tramas con los todos los datos obtenidos de los sensores y con los nuevos datos resultantes del propio pre-procesado. Estas tramas específicamente diseñadas son enviadas a los servidores para que todos los datos (los datos en bruto de los sensores y los datos del pre-procesado en la centralita), estén a disposición de posteriores procesamientos y análisis. The control unit creates frames with all the data obtained from the sensors and with the new data resulting from the pre-processing itself. These specifically designed frames are sent to the servers so that all the data (the raw data from the sensors and the data from the pre-processing in the switchboard) are available for further processing and analysis.
En una cafetera, la señal de captación de apertura de la electroválvula de servicio de un determinado grupo, en conjunto con una señal de captación de caudal de agua de ese mismo grupo y de la presión alcanzada, permite determinar el gramaje de la dosis de café utilizada para preparar ese servicio, y su granularidad (si el café está molido muy fino y bien apretado, la pérdida de carga es mayor y se alcanzan mayores presiones). In a coffee maker, the service solenoid valve opening feedback signal of a certain group, together with a water flow feedback signal of that same group and the pressure reached, allows determining the weight of the coffee dose used to prepare this service, and its granularity (if the coffee is ground very fine and well packed, the pressure drop is greater and higher pressures are reached).
A través de la captación de la activación y desactivación de la electroválvula de servicio de un grupo se obtiene el tiempo de servicio, dado un caudal de agua utilizado y la presión alcanzada para elaborar ese servicio, se puede establecer una relación matemática entre el tiempo empleado y el gramaje de café utilizado, así como la granularidad de la molienda de éste. Mediante una calibración y entrenamiento adecuado del algoritmo, este puede obtener la información deseada (peso y granularidad) a partir de las variables monitorizadas (tiempo, volumen y presión). Through capturing the activation and deactivation of the service electrovalve of a group, the service time is obtained, given a flow of water used and the pressure reached to prepare that service, a mathematical relationship can be established between the time used and the weight of the coffee used, as well as the granularity of its grinding. Through proper calibration and training of the algorithm, it can obtain the desired information (weight and granularity) from the monitored variables (time, volume and pressure).
Los equipos (1 , 2) poseen también sensores para monitorización de variables ambientales o mecánicas, como pueden ser el sonido, la temperatura, la vibración... Sus mediciones son monitorizadas, registradas, interpretadas y transformadas de manera que se obtiene una información que no se podría inferir de las propias variables capturadas a través de los sensores. Por ejemplo, al comparar con una biblioteca de registros o patrones identificativos de sus funciones (creada por entrenamiento) permite corroborar las suposiciones realizadas en base a las señales captadas por otros sensores, y detectar desviaciones del uso habitual. Los servidores (6) ejecutan en la nube el tratamiento de datos (datos brutos y datos pre procesados en la centralita). Pueden registrar y post-procesar los datos de decenas de miles de cafeteras (1) y molinos (2) para realizar cualquier informe, estadística o cuadro de mando de gestión que permitan adaptar la estrategia de gestión y tomar decisiones adecuadas. Los servidores (6) se pueden conectar a otras fuentes de información, como registros meteorológicos, calendarios de festividades... The equipment (1, 2) also has sensors for monitoring environmental or mechanical variables, such as sound, temperature, vibration... Its measurements are monitored, recorded, interpreted and transformed so that information is obtained that it could not be inferred from the variables themselves captured through the sensors. For example, when comparing with a library of registers or identification patterns of its functions (created by training) it allows corroborating the assumptions made based on the signals captured by other sensors, and detecting deviations from normal use. The servers (6) execute the data processing (raw data and data pre-processed in the switchboard) in the cloud. They can record and post-process the data of tens of thousands of coffee machines (1) and mills (2) to produce any report, statistics or management dashboard that allows the management strategy to be adapted and appropriate decisions to be made. The servers (6) can be connected to other sources of information, such as weather records, holiday calendars...
Respecto de los mensajes que manejan los servidores, estos se clasifican según la naturaleza de la información que transportan (datos de contenido/variables o alertas/eventos repentinos). También se pueden clasificar según cual haya sido su origen o para quien puedan estar dirigidos. Regarding the messages handled by the servers, these are classified according to the nature of the information they carry (content data/variables or alerts/sudden events). They can also be classified according to their origin or to whom they may be directed.
Los servidores (6) crean y mantienen el servicio de publicaciones activo y permiten el establecimiento de enlaces entre la generación de datos provenientes de los sensores (3) y otros servidores y aplicaciones cliente que deseen acceder a los datos. El sistema también ofrece un API para facilitar la integración de la exhibición y la gestión de los datos procesados, con la aplicación o interfaz de usuario. The servers (6) create and maintain the active publication service and allow the establishment of links between the generation of data coming from the sensors (3) and other servers and client applications that wish to access the data. The system also offers an API to facilitate the integration of the display and the management of the processed data, with the application or user interface.
Para ello, el usuario con autorización suficiente se conectará a los servidores (6) desde un ordenador, tableta o dispositivo, utilizando una aplicación adecuada. El usuario tendrá una herramienta de control de calidad y que permite estudiar la expansión de cada localización (franquicia, sucursal, tienda...) Facilita estudiar los datos para preparar partidas presupuestarias de las delegaciones. Provee de conocimiento al departamento de aprovisionamiento para realizar reposiciones de componentes de forma competitiva. Todas estas opciones se pueden acceder desde la aplicación, por ejemplo, agrupadas en “Consumos y calidad”, “Negocio” y “Asistencia técnica”, y configurables en cuanto a rango temporal, geográfico, fechas relevantes (festivos, meteorología...) To do this, the user with sufficient authorization will connect to the servers (6) from a computer, tablet or device, using a suitable application. The user will have a quality control tool that allows studying the expansion of each location (franchise, branch, store...) It makes it easier to study the data to prepare budget items for the delegations. Provides knowledge to the procurement department to perform component replacements competitively. All these options can be accessed from the application, for example, grouped into "Consumption and quality", "Business" and "Technical assistance", and configurable in terms of time, geographical range, relevant dates (holidays, weather...)
Por ejemplo, en el grupo “Consumos y calidad” se puede analizar la calidad de cada taza, según los parámetros medidos por los sensores (3), las tendencias y los patrones de consumo. En “Asistencia Técnica” o “S.A.T.” se pueden medir los días restantes hasta el mantenimiento periódico, las alertas por posible avería, e incluso calcular las rutas óptimas para los equipos de mantenimiento si cada equipo (1 , 2) está asociado a una geolocalización. Finalmente “Negocio” permite obtener la vida útil esperada de los equipamientos, su amortización, la desviación entre consumos y compras, etc. For example, in the "Consumption and quality" group, the quality of each cup can be analyzed, according to the parameters measured by the sensors (3), trends and consumption patterns. In "Technical Assistance" or "SAT" you can measure the remaining days until periodic maintenance, alerts for possible breakdowns, and even calculate the optimal routes for the maintenance teams if each team (1, 2) is associated with a geolocation. Finally, “Business” allows obtaining the expected useful life of the equipment, its depreciation, the difference between consumption and purchases, etc.
La información generada en el sistema a partir de las variables monitorizadas es susceptible de ser mostrada y posteriormente analizada por estos diferentes perfiles. Para cada línea del listado se identifica con colores los diferentes perfiles que pueden estar interesados en esa información. The information generated in the system from the monitored variables can be displayed and later analyzed by these different profiles. For each line of the list, the different profiles that may be interested in that information are identified with colors.
La conexión a los datos de la nube y su procesado se puede realizar desde plataformas propias del usuario o de sus clientes, como CRM (Gestión de Relaciones con Clientes), ERP (Planeamiento de Recursos de Empresa) u otras plataformas loT. The connection to the cloud data and its processing can be done from the user's own platforms or from their clients, such as CRM (Customer Relationship Management), ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or other loT platforms.
Cada uno de los dispositivos que conforma el sistema es susceptible de modificar su comportamiento mediante el establecimiento de determinados parámetros de configuración, transmitidos desde la aplicación a los servidores (6). Para ello, la API provee de métodos para el acceso y modificación de estos. Los servidores (6) conservan un registro de la configuración de los dispositivos que permite comprobar si los errores pueden provenir de configuraciones erróneas. Igualmente, es posible actuar directamente sobre la centralita (5) o el equipo de procesamiento de señales (4), en cuyo caso se envía una notificación de la modificación a los servidores, directamente o a través de herramientas de servicio técnico. Each of the devices that make up the system is capable of modifying its behavior by establishing certain configuration parameters, transmitted from the application to the servers (6). To do this, the API provides methods for accessing and modifying them. The servers (6) keep a record of the configuration of the devices that allows checking if the errors may come from wrong configurations. Likewise, it is possible to act directly on the switchboard (5) or the signal processing equipment (4), in which case a notification of the modification is sent to the servers, directly or through technical service tools.

Claims

REIVINDICACIONES
1- Procedimiento de control de molinos de café, del tipo que comprende una tolva principal o cartucho de entrada, unas muelas (28) y una o más tolvas intermedias (27) del café molido, caracterizado por que comprende: 1- Control method for coffee grinders, of the type that comprises a main hopper or input cartridge, wheels (28) and one or more intermediate hoppers (27) for ground coffee, characterized in that it comprises:
- medir el tiempo de uso de las muelas (28), en cada uso y acumulado; - measure the time of use of the wheels (28), in each use and accumulated;
- medir la temperatura y la humedad ambiental; - measure the ambient temperature and humidity;
- medir la altura alcanzada por el café molido apilado en las tolvas intermedias (27); - measure the height reached by the ground coffee stacked in the intermediate hoppers (27);
- calcular una estimación de la altura que debería alcanzar el café en las tolvas intermedias (27) en base a los parámetros anteriormente especificados de tiempo de uso de las muelas, en cada uso y acumulado, temperatura y humedad ambiental y compararla con la altura real alcanzada; - calculate an estimate of the height that the coffee should reach in the intermediate hoppers (27) based on the previously specified parameters of time of use of the grinding wheels, in each use and accumulated, temperature and environmental humidity and compare it with the actual height reached;
- ofrecer un valor para la modificación del tiempo de activación de las muelas (28) por cada uso y también para el ajuste entre las muelas para corregir las desviaciones provocadas por el desgaste de estas y otros parámetros, de tal manera que, tras estas modificaciones, el peso de la dosis servida sea más cercano al peso de la dosis programado, y donde el tiempo acumulado de uso de las muelas se calcula contrastando las lecturas de un sensor de captación de actividad del motor de molienda (21) y de un sensor volumétrico (26) de carga de una tolva intermedia de café molido, de forma que el tiempo que funcionan las muelas en vacío no se considera. - offer a value for the modification of the activation time of the wheels (28) for each use and also for the adjustment between the wheels to correct the deviations caused by the wear of these and other parameters, in such a way that, after these modifications , the weight of the dose served is closer to the weight of the programmed dose, and where the accumulated time of use of the grinding wheels is calculated by contrasting the readings of a sensor that captures the activity of the grinding motor (21) and of a sensor volumetric (26) of loading of an intermediate hopper of ground coffee, so that the time that the grinding wheels work empty is not considered.
2- Procedimiento de control de molinos de café, según la reivindicación 1 , caracterizado por que la estimación de la altura alcanzada se realiza mediante un estudio estadístico basado en datos empíricos o aprendizaje máquina. 2- Control method for coffee grinders, according to claim 1, characterized in that the height reached is estimated by means of a statistical study based on empirical data or machine learning.
3- Procedimiento de control de molinos de café, según la reivindicación 1 , caracterizado por que el ajuste entre las muelas (28) corresponde al ajuste de su separación. 3- Control method for coffee grinders, according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjustment between the grinding wheels (28) corresponds to the adjustment of their separation.
4- Procedimiento de control de molinos de café, según la reivindicación 1 , caracterizado por que el ajuste entre las muelas (28) corresponde a la fuerza entre las muelas. 4- Control method for coffee grinders, according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjustment between the grinding wheels (28) corresponds to the force between the grinding wheels.
PCT/ES2022/070190 2021-03-31 2022-03-31 Monitoring method for coffee grinders WO2022207953A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ESP202130287 2021-03-31
ES202130287A ES2925319B2 (en) 2021-03-31 2021-03-31 CONTROL PROCEDURE FOR COFFEE GRINDERS

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022207953A1 true WO2022207953A1 (en) 2022-10-06

Family

ID=83455629

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/ES2022/070190 WO2022207953A1 (en) 2021-03-31 2022-03-31 Monitoring method for coffee grinders

Country Status (2)

Country Link
ES (1) ES2925319B2 (en)
WO (1) WO2022207953A1 (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3097831A1 (en) * 2015-05-27 2016-11-30 M.C. Srl Fiorenzato Automatic calibration process for coffee grinder-doser apparatuses with weighing device and electronic grinder-doser apparatus
US20160366905A1 (en) * 2015-06-22 2016-12-22 Melitta Professional Coffee Solutions GmbH & Co. KG Method for producing a coffee beverage
WO2017184888A1 (en) * 2016-04-20 2017-10-26 Sorry Robots Llc Grinders, analyzers, and related technologies
EP3329815A1 (en) * 2016-12-02 2018-06-06 Gruppo Cimbali S.p.A. Method and machine for dispensing doses of coffee grounds
WO2020002493A1 (en) * 2018-06-29 2020-01-02 Melitta Professional Coffee Solutions GmbH & Co. KG Grinder, coffee machine and method for grinding coffee beans

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3097831A1 (en) * 2015-05-27 2016-11-30 M.C. Srl Fiorenzato Automatic calibration process for coffee grinder-doser apparatuses with weighing device and electronic grinder-doser apparatus
US20160366905A1 (en) * 2015-06-22 2016-12-22 Melitta Professional Coffee Solutions GmbH & Co. KG Method for producing a coffee beverage
WO2017184888A1 (en) * 2016-04-20 2017-10-26 Sorry Robots Llc Grinders, analyzers, and related technologies
EP3329815A1 (en) * 2016-12-02 2018-06-06 Gruppo Cimbali S.p.A. Method and machine for dispensing doses of coffee grounds
WO2020002493A1 (en) * 2018-06-29 2020-01-02 Melitta Professional Coffee Solutions GmbH & Co. KG Grinder, coffee machine and method for grinding coffee beans

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2925319A1 (en) 2022-10-14
ES2925319B2 (en) 2023-05-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2602131C (en) Remote beverage equipment monitoring and control system and method
US11330756B2 (en) Tagged container tracking
US20160041136A1 (en) Fluid storage and dispensing system including dynamic fluid monitoring of fluid storage and dispensing vessel
AU2021202605B2 (en) Improved agricultural product dispensing system
US11793102B2 (en) Tagged container tracking
US20140372166A1 (en) System and method for tracking agricultural commodities, e.g. crop inventories
JP2020114375A (en) Method for controlling coffee grinder
KR102283052B1 (en) Unmanned cafe operating system and method
US20180100751A1 (en) Temporal based measurement system providing real time tracking
US20150320255A1 (en) Vibration Monitoring System For A Liquid Food Producing Apparatus
ES2925319B2 (en) CONTROL PROCEDURE FOR COFFEE GRINDERS
CN108430281B (en) Dynamic calibration compensation for flow meters
TW202202080A (en) System comprising a coffee machine and an accessory device associated therewith, and method for controlling the operation of said system
US20050230417A1 (en) System and method for testing beverage apparatus before shipment
US8170834B2 (en) Remote beverage equipment monitoring and control system and method
JP5171107B2 (en) Alarm and gas security system
US11864485B2 (en) Tagged container tracking
TW201712619A (en) Discharging management system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 22779204

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 22779204

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1