HK1248489B - Cleaning system for an apparatus for dispensing liquid foodstuffs - Google Patents

Description

Cleaning system for a device for dispensing liquid food

The invention relates to a dispensing device for liquid foods, in particular dairy products, having an integrated cleaning system comprising a cleaning container storing a rinsing solution and which can be connected to the food supply line of the device in order to perform a cleaning process.

When dispensing liquid foods, such as cold or hot drinks, they are often processed in the dispensing device, such as by heating, cooling, mixing different food ingredients, or frothing. For hygiene reasons, the components and piping systems inside the beverage dispenser that come into contact with the liquid food must be cleaned regularly. This is typically done using a cleaning system that flushes the relevant components and piping systems with a flushing solution. Depending on the type of food, specific cleaning agents must be used to remove any food residue.

For practical reasons, cleaning agents are usually supplied in the form of a concentrate, which is prepared in the rinsing system by mixing with water to form a rinsing solution. Therefore, the cleaning system can, in particular, include a cleaning agent pump for conveying the cleaning agent from a cleaning agent container to a mixing chamber or cleaning container where it can be mixed to form the rinsing solution. German patent DE 10 2008 903 733 describes a cleaning module for a machine for producing liquid food products, in particular for an automatic coffee machine. The cleaning module comprises at least a cleaning agent container, a metering pump for conveying the cleaning agent, and a mixing container for preparing the rinsing solution from a supply of water and cleaning agent. The cleaning module is connected to the coffee machine instead of the food container to carry out the cleaning process.

Previously unpublished German patent DE 10 2014 215 689 discloses a beverage dispenser with a cleaning system, wherein a detergent container and an associated detergent pump are integrated into the beverage dispenser. When a food container is replaced by a detergent mixing container, the beverage dispenser automatically detects this and can start a cleaning process.

European patent EP2 272 409 A1 discloses a frothing device in which milk is sucked in through a venturi nozzle and frothed with steam. In order to clean the frothing chamber, the milk line can be connected to a hot water line or a steam line via a switch valve to allow hot water to pass through and rinse the frothing chamber.

German Patent DE 10 2013 105 402 discloses a device for producing milk foam, which also has a frothing chamber with a Venturi nozzle. For rinsing, the milk suction hose can be removed and the suction line connected to a parallel rinsing line via a pivotable adapter. Hot water or steam can be supplied under external pressure through the rinsing line to clean the milk system.

Since cleaning must be done at least daily, and sometimes multiple times a day, it is very important that the cleaning system is easy to operate and the cleaning process is easy to carry out. On the other hand, during the operation of the cleaning system, it is necessary to ensure that the liquid food and the rinsing solution used for cleaning do not come into contact or mix together.

An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning system that is easy to operate and safe. In particular, the cleaning system is intended to be integrated, ie is intended to have no components that need to be handled or stored separately, such as external cleaning modules or cleaning agent mixing containers.

This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1. The dependent claims set forth advantageous embodiments.

In a device of the type mentioned at the outset, this object is achieved according to the invention by the fact that the food supply line is provided with a connection piece for connection to a suction duct which leads to a storage container containing the liquid food; the device comprises at least one pump for conveying the liquid food from the storage container via the food supply line; the device is further provided with a connecting element which can be plugged into the connection piece when the suction duct is removed in order to connect the food supply line to the integrated cleaning system in a fluidic manner, and the device is designed to convey the rinsing solution from the cleaning container by the action of the pump.

To perform the cleaning process, one simply needs to pull the suction hose leading to the storage container containing the liquid food from the connector and plug the connecting element onto it. This allows the rinsing solution from the cleaning container to be conveyed to the food conduit to rinse it. This is achieved using the same pump that conveys the food during operation—i.e., the milk pump in the milk system. This ensures that the pump is also rinsed and thus cleaned with the rinsing solution. Furthermore, since the rinsing solution is not conveyed under external pressure, the cleaning system does not require a separate pressure generator or similar device. Furthermore, the plug connected to the connecting element can be secured more easily and reliably, as it does not require a pressure-tight seal but merely ensures the suction of the rinsing solution.

The suction hose, which is usually removed, also needs to be cleaned, for example by placing it in a cleaning tank. The cleaning system itself is rigidly integrated into the device, allowing the cleaning process to be carried out efficiently and quickly. After the connecting element is plugged in, the cleaning process is preferably carried out automatically by an adaptive control system of the device. Since only the suction hose and the connecting element must be reinserted for cleaning, it is safe to ensure that the liquid food does not come into contact with the rinsing solution.

The integrated cleaning system of the present invention may particularly include a storage space for a detergent container and a metering pump for metering detergent from the detergent container into the cleaning container. In the cleaning container, the rinsing solution is a mixture of detergent and water, preferably warm water. Thus, the detergent can be used in concentrated form, so that the supply in the detergent container is sufficient for a large number of cleaning processes. The detergent container thus remains in its own separate storage space and only needs to be replaced or refilled after all the detergent has been used up.

The connecting piece is expediently designed as a plug-in connector, and the suction line is designed as a suction hose with a hose connector that can be plugged onto the plug-in connector. This ensures straightforward and safe handling.

In one advantageous embodiment, the connector is equipped with a sensor that detects the connection status of the connector and sends a control signal to the device's control system. Based on this control signal, the cleaning process can be activated or automatically activated. This ensures that the cleaning process is only performed when the connector is properly connected. If, on the other hand, the suction line leading to the storage container is plugged into the connector, the control system inhibits the cleaning process. Conversely, if the sensor detects that the connector is not plugged in, the dispensing of the liquid food can be inhibited. This ensures that rinsing solution is not inadvertently dispensed and mistakenly retained in the food. Additionally or alternatively, sensor-assisted detection of the suction hose's plugged-in status can also be provided.

In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is designed as a reed contact, and the magnet for triggering the reed contact is arranged on the connecting element.Such a sensor allows reliable and safe detection of whether the connecting element of the suction catheter is plugged into the connecting piece.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting element is movably connected to the device and, when the suction duct is removed, can be moved from an inactive position to a cleaning position, in which it connects the food supply line to the integrated cleaning system. Since the connecting element is provided and mounted on the device itself, it does not need to be handled and stored as a separate component, making it possible to use it for quick and easy cleaning procedures.

For example, the connecting element can be arranged on a support of the device and mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the support about an axis and to be movable axially along a predetermined movement path. To perform the cleaning process, the connecting element is moved from an inactive position to a cleaning position, in which the connecting element can be plugged onto a connector designed as a plug-in connector.

The connecting element can be designed, in particular, as a rigid connecting component that can be plugged into a connecting piece designed as a plug-in connector in the form of a jumper and then plugged into another plug-in connector leading to the clean container. Such a jumper is easy and safe to operate. If plug-in connectors of different shapes and/or sizes are used for the cleaning system and the food supply line, the possibility of the suction line being accidentally plugged into another plug-in connector leading to the clean container can be eliminated.

This rigid connecting element in the form of a jumper can, in particular, be arranged on an operating lever that is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the support about an axis and axially movable along a predetermined movement path. The operating lever can be used to move the connecting element from an inactive position to a cleaning position, in which the connecting element is connected to the two plug-in connectors. The operating lever can also function as an electrical switch or contact, whereby the position of the connecting element is detected by the switch setting and the switch automatically switches from the cleaning mode to the food dispensing mode or vice versa, or at least activates the cleaning mode.

In particular, at least one plug connector can be provided on the support, which is used to enable the connecting component to be plugged into an inactive position. Therefore, even in the inactive position, the connecting element is located in a defined position and is securely held.

Further preferred features and embodiments are described below based on exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG1 shows two automatic coffee machines with a common supply for dairy products,

FIG2 shows a front view of the automatic coffee machine and the supply device of FIG1 , wherein the milk line is schematically shown,

FIG3 shows a cleaning system integrated in a supply device, which has a metering pump, a cleaning container and an operating support,

FIG4 shows the operating stand of FIG3 with the milk connection pipe inserted therein,

FIG5 shows the operating stand of FIG4 with the cleaning adapter in the cleaning position, and

FIG. 6 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of a cleaning adapter that is pivotably arranged on an operating bracket.

Figure 1 illustrates two automatic coffee machines 1a and 1b, with a third device 2 positioned between them in the form of an auxiliary device. Auxiliary device 2 is a cooling device used to store cold milk for preparing coffee or milk beverages with warm or cold milk or milk foam. To this end, cooling device 2 includes a corresponding dispensing device for dairy products. The auxiliary device is centrally installed between the two coffee machines. Alternatively, the cooling device can be designed as an under-counter appliance. It is also possible to integrate the cooling device and the associated dispensing device for dairy products into the automatic coffee machine.

The cooling device 2 is electronically controlled and cooperates with the control systems of both automatic coffee machines 1a, 1b. For example, the temperature in the cooling device is indicated on the display of the automatic coffee machines 1a, 1b. Similarly, a blank message can be programmed on the attached coffee machine 1a, 1b to indicate that production has stopped without milk, followed by a display indicating the remaining amount of milk/milk coffee product.

The auxiliary device 2 has an integrated cleaning system that allows an automatic rinsing and cleaning process to be performed on the auxiliary device 2 and the coffee machine 1a, 1b. To this end, the internal and external milk lines of the coffee machine 1a, 1b and the auxiliary device 2 are rinsed with a rinsing solution to remove milk residues.

Figure 2 shows a view of an automatic coffee machine 1a, 1b and an auxiliary device, and a schematic block diagram of the milk dispenser housed in the auxiliary device 2. The auxiliary device 2 comprises two high-performance milk pumps 3a, 3b, which deliver milk from a milk container 5 via corresponding milk lines 4a, 4b, 4a', 4b' to the two automatic coffee machines 1a, 1b. Suction hoses 12a, 12b leading to the milk containers are connected to the milk lines 4a, 4b, respectively, at a connecting bracket 10. Accordingly, corresponding plug-in connectors 12a', 12b' are provided for plugging in the suction hoses 12a, 12b. The milk lines 4a, 4b lead from the connecting bracket 10 to the two milk pumps 3a, 3b and, from there, to the two automatic coffee machines 1a, 1b as external lines 4a', 4b'.

Next to each plug-in connector 12a', 12b' leading to the milk lines 4a, 4b, there is a corresponding second plug-in connector 13a, 13b, which leads to the integrated cleaning system described in detail below. When the suction hoses 12a, 12b are removed, the plug-in connectors 12a', 13a and 12b', 13b, respectively, arranged side by side, can be connected via the associated cleaning adapter, and thus the cleaning system can be connected to the respective milk line 4a, 4b.

The components of the cleaning system integrated in the auxiliary device 2 are schematically shown in FIG3 . The cleaning system comprises a cleaning container 7 , a cleaning agent pump 8 and a cleaning agent container 9 . The cleaning agent pump 8 conveys metered amounts of cleaning agent from the cleaning agent container 9 into the cleaning container 7 . There, water is added via a corresponding water supply line 7 ′ and mixed with the cleaning agent to form a rinsing solution. A branch line 7 ″ leads from the cleaning container 7 to a connecting bracket 10 , where the integrated cleaning system can be connected to the milk pumps 3 a, 3 b. The connection is manually effected via a connecting element 11 , which is plugged into the corresponding hose connection in the form of a rigid adapter or jumper, which leads on the one hand to the relevant milk pump 3 a, 3 b and on the other hand to the cleaning container 7 .

The cleaning agent container 9 is designed as a disposable item and is already filled with cleaning agent at the factory. In the exemplary embodiment, the cleaning agent is a milk cleaner and is used to clean the milk frothing system M1, M2 from milk residues, particularly proteins. To perform the cleaning process, the integrated milk frothing system of the automatic coffee machine 1a, 1b is rinsed with a rinsing solution up to the milk or milk froth outlet. Specifically, the integrated milk frothing system's milk pumps 3a, 3b, milk lines, and optional continuous flow heater, as well as the frothing chamber, are rinsed. This is followed by a second rinse with clean water and/or steam.

FIG4 shows an enlarged view of the connecting bracket 10. Viewed from the front, the two suction hoses 12a, 12b are plugged into corresponding plug-in connectors 12a', 12b' via hose connectors. These plug-in connectors 12a', 12b' lead to the two milk pumps 3a, 3b via milk lines ( 4a, 4b in FIG2 ). The connecting elements 11a, 11b, designed as plug adapters, are in their inactive position and are plugged into the two corresponding plug-in connectors in a storage format. The suction lines 12a, 12b lead to the milk container 5 and can be removed for cleaning. When the suction lines 12a, 12b are in the plugged-in position shown in FIG4 , milk can be pumped from the milk container 5 via the milk pumps 3a, 3b.

Next to each plug-in connection 12a', 12b' of the plug-in connection ducts 12a, 12b, a second plug-in connection 13a, 13b is provided, which leads via the duct 7" to the cleaning container 7. When one of the suction hoses 12a is removed, the associated adapter 11a can be unplugged from its inactive plug-in connection position and plugged in, bridging the two plug-in connections 13a, 12a', in order to connect the cleaning system to the corresponding milk pump 3a, 3b via the associated milk line 4a. This position is shown in FIG. 5 for the left-hand milk system M1.

The two cleaning adapters 11a, 11b are rigidly mounted on and connected to a toggle-shaped operating lever 14a, 14b, respectively. The operating levers 14a, 14b, along with their associated cleaning adapters 11a, 11b, can be pulled close to the plug-in connectors 13a, 12a', 13b, 12b' and the plug connector perpendicular to the length of the connecting bracket 10. The operating levers 14a, 14b are then pivoted about a pivot axis until the cleaning adapters 11a, 11b are positioned above the two associated plug-in connectors 13a, 12a', 13b, 12b' and can be plugged onto these connectors. Furthermore, the operating levers 14a, 14b activate electronic switches or contacts at the rear end of the connecting bracket 10 and send a signal to the control system of the auxiliary device 2 or the automatic coffee machine 1a, 1b, so that the control system is informed of the position of the cleaning adapters 11a, 11b. Optionally, a sensor, such as a reed sensor, may be arranged at the rear end of the connecting bracket 10 , by which the positions of the cleaning adapters 11 a , 11 b can be detected.

As shown in FIG5 , when the cleaning adapter 11a is plugged into the adjacent hose connections 12a', 13a, this state is signaled to the control system, as already described. The control system then switches to cleaning mode, in which the cleaning process can be initiated menu-controlled or, alternatively, automatically. To clean the associated milk system, including the auxiliary device 2 and all parts of the associated automatic coffee machine 1a that come into contact with milk, a rinse solution is supplied from the integrated cleaning container 7 via the milk pump 3a, and the milk system is thus cleaned. After the rinse process is complete, it is rinsed a second time with clean water. The cleaning adapter 11a can then be pulled out again and pivoted back to the inactive position shown in FIG4 , and the suction hose 12a leading to the milk container 5 can be plugged into the plug-in connector 12a'. The milk system M1 is now ready to dispense dairy products.

FIG6 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of a cleaning adapter. As described in the previous exemplary embodiment, the connectors 22a, 22b are used for two milk systems. In the ready-to-operate state, the suction hoses for the milk storage tanks (not shown) are inserted into these tanks. The two cleaning adapters 21a, 21b serve to connect the respective connectors 22a, 22b to the integrated cleaning system. Thus, each cleaning adapter can be pivoted about axes 27a, 27b and can be pulled out axially. In the ready-to-operate state, i.e., in the inactive position relative to the cleaning system, the cleaning adapters 21a, 21b are plugged onto the respective plug connectors 26a, 26b. In order to move them into the cleaning position in which the integrated cleaning system is connected to the milk system of the automatic coffee machine, the cleaning adapters 21a, 21b are pulled out a certain distance and then pivoted 90° to the position of their respectively associated connecting joints 22a, 22b, in particular, the left cleaning adapter 21a is rotated clockwise and the right cleaning adapter 21b is rotated counterclockwise, and then the adapters 22a, 22b are plugged onto the associated connecting joints 22a, 22b by pushing them in the direction of the operating bracket 20.

FIG6 shows the left cleaning adapter 21a in its inactive position, i.e., ready for milk system operation, and the right cleaning adapter 21b in its cleaning position. In this case, the positions of the cleaning adapters 21a, 21b are detected by a reed sensor arranged at the rear end of the operating bracket and a magnet located in the cleaning adapter.

In this exemplary embodiment, the line 7″ for conveying the cleaning solution from the cleaning system extends at the rear end of the operating support 20 and from there passes through the axis 27a, 27b of the corresponding cleaning adapter 21a, 21b, so that for each milk system only one set of connecting nipples 22a, 22b and plug connectors 26a, 26b for the corresponding milk suction hoses is required on the front face of the operating support 20.

In addition to being used for cleaning the integrated milk system of an automatic coffee machine, the cleaning system described above can also be used in many other devices for dispensing liquid foods and for which an automatic cleaning process is required to be performed for hygiene reasons.

Claims (10)

1. An apparatus for dispensing liquid food, particularly dairy products, having an integrated cleaning system (7, 8, 9) including a cleaning container (7) for providing a rinsing solution, and for performing the cleaning process, the cleaning container is connectable to a food supply line (4a, 4b) of the apparatus (1a, 1b, 2), wherein the food supply line (4a, 4b) is provided with connectors (12a', 12b') for connecting to suction conduits (12a, 12b) leading to a storage container (5) containing the liquid food, wherein... The device includes at least one pump (3a, 3b) for discharging liquid food from the storage container (5) via the food supply line. The device is also provided with connecting elements (11a, 11b) that can be inserted into the connector (12a', 12b') when the suction conduit (12a, 12b) is removed to fluidly communicate the food supply line (4a, 4b) and the integrated cleaning system (7, 8, 9). The device is designed to discharge rinsing solution from the cleaning container (7) by the action of the pump (3a, 3b). 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the integrated cleaning system includes a housing for a cleaning agent container (9) and a metering pump (8) for metering and delivering cleaning agent from the cleaning agent container (9) to the cleaning container (7), wherein the rinsing solution is a mixture of cleaning agent and water, preferably warm water. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connectors (12a', 12b') are designed as insertable fittings, and the suction conduits (12a, 12b) are designed as suction hoses with hose fittings that can be inserted into the insertable fittings (12a', 12b'). 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connectors (12a', 12b') are equipped with sensors capable of detecting the insertion status of the connectors (11a, 11b) and/or the suction catheters (12a, 12b), and sending control signals to the control system of the apparatus, wherein the cleaning process can be activated or automatically activated based on the control signals. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the sensor is designed as a reed contact, and the connecting elements (11a, 11b) are provided with magnets for triggering the reed contact. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connecting elements (11a, 11b) are movably connected to the apparatus (2), and when the suction conduit (12a, 12b) is removed, the connecting elements are movable from an inactive position to a clean position, in which the connecting elements connect the food supply conduit (4a, 4b) to the integrated cleaning system (7, 8, 9). 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the connecting elements (11a, 11b) are disposed on the support (10) of the apparatus (2) and are mounted to be rotatable about an axis relative to the support (10) and axially movable along a predetermined movement path to move the connecting elements (11a, 11b) from the inactive position to the clean position, in which the connecting elements are insertable into the connectors (12a', 12b') designed as plug-in connectors. 8. The apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the connecting elements (11a, 11b) are designed as rigid connecting members that can be inserted as jumpers into the connectors (12a', 12b') designed as insert connectors, and into another insert connector (13a, 13b) leading to the cleaning container (7). 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the insert connectors (12a', 12b', 13a, 13b) are mounted on the bracket (10) of the apparatus (2), and the connecting parts (11a, 11b) are disposed on an operating lever, the operating lever being mounted to be rotatable about an axis relative to the bracket (10) and axially movable along a predetermined movement path to move the connecting parts (11a, 11b) from an inactive position to a clean position, wherein the connecting parts are connected to the two insert connectors (12a', 12b', 13a, 13b) in the clean position. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connectors (12a', 12b') are designed as insert connectors, and the connectors (11a, 11b) in the inactive position can be inserted into at least one plug connector.