Cleaning device for a beverage preparation machine and method for cleaning a beverage preparation machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device for a beverage preparation machine (15), in particular a coffee machine, comprising a first chamber (4) for accommodating a cleaning agent (8) and a liquid line system (1, 13) which is coupled to the first chamber (4) and has a water line (1) which is connectable to a water connection (20) for water supply and a discharge line (13) which is connected to the first chamber (4) and is connectable to the beverage preparation machine (15), wherein a first piston (6) is insertable into the first chamber (4). With the cleaning device, the cleaning agent (8) can be completely and uniformly dissolved in the first chamber (4) and thereby converted into a homogeneous cleaning agent solution which can be supplied to the beverage preparation machine (15) via the discharge line (13) to perform a cleaning process. The invention also relates to a method for cleaning a beverage preparation machine (15) with such a cleaning device.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus for a beverage preparation machine according to the preamble of claim 1, and a method for cleaning a beverage preparation machine.

[0002] Cleaning devices integrated into beverage preparation machines (e.g., semi-automatic or fully automatic coffee machines) are known in the prior art. During operation and after the beverage preparation machine is turned off, the cleaning device is used in a predetermined cleaning cycle to clean, for example, coffee and milk carriers containing coffee and milk residues and impurities, thereby maintaining the beverage preparation machine in good hygienic conditions at all times. The cleaning cycle can be started manually by the operator or automatically by the beverage preparation machine's control system.

[0003] Cleaning devices for automated beverage preparation machines are known in the prior art, which utilize a cartridge filled with cleaning agent. Such cleaning devices are known (e.g., from DE 10 2015 108 438 A1), in which the cartridge filled with cleaning agent is connected to a liquid supply source in the beverage preparation machine for hot beverage preparation, so that liquid (particularly water) is supplied to the cartridge and dissolves the solid cleaning agent contained therein. It can be ensured that the operator of the beverage preparation machine will not come into contact with the corrosive cleaning agent, as the corrosive cleaning agent is stored in a sealed manner in the cartridge. However, the dissolution of the cleaning agent in the cartridge in the liquid supplied to the cartridge is often incomplete, because the water passing through the cartridge cannot completely convert the solid cleaning agent into a liquid cleaning agent solution. This makes it difficult to accurately measure the amount of cleaning agent required to complete the cleaning cycle or the concentration of cleaning agent required for this purpose in the cleaning agent solution produced by dissolving the cleaning agent in the liquid. Furthermore, from the perspective of avoiding waste, cleaning devices with cleaning agent cartridges have disadvantages, as the empty cartridges, typically with plastic shells, are disposable and must be discarded.

[0004] Another apparatus for cleaning a coffee machine is known from DE 10 2011 054 601 A1. This coffee machine has a water tank, a heating element, a brewing unit, and a water piping system. The water piping system has a water pump for conveying water from the water tank through the water piping system. The cleaning apparatus includes a chamber for a descaling agent and / or a cleaning agent, which can be connected to or is connected to the water piping system, allowing water from the water tank to be conveyed through the chamber to the coffee machine's water piping system by means of the coffee machine's water pump. This cleaning apparatus is designed to allow for the complete dissolution and mixing of the descaling agent and / or cleaning agent, as the reagent located in the chamber dissolves in an aqueous solution through the introduction and delivery of water via the chamber, and the aqueous solution is conveyed from the chamber to the coffee machine's water piping system, particularly for cleaning the brewing unit and / or heating element with the cleaning agent solution. However, even with such an apparatus, it is difficult to accurately measure the amount of cleaning agent required for the cleaning process or the concentration of the cleaning agent in the cleaning agent solution.

[0005] To accurately measure the specific amount of cleaning agent required for the cleaning process in a beverage preparation machine, cleaning apparatuses with cleaning agent metering devices are known in the prior art, wherein solid cleaning agents (e.g., cleaning agents in powder, granule, solid, or tablet form) are supplied to the metering device. For example, a beverage machine (particularly a coffee machine) is known from EP 1 210 894 B1, which has a supply device for solid cleaning agents (particularly in extruded form), wherein a separate metering device for automatic metering of the cleaning agent is provided. The feeding device includes a storage container for the solid cleaning agent and a feeding unit having a movable feeding chamber through which a predetermined amount of cleaning agent can be conveyed from the storage container to the outlet.

[0006] Another cleaning system for automatic beverage dispensers, particularly coffee machines, is known from EP 2 584 946 B1. This system includes a cleaning device for periodically cleaning beverage-contacting parts using a cleaning fluid. To generate the cleaning fluid, a solid cleaning agent (particularly in spherical or tablet form) is dissolved in the cleaning fluid within the cleaning device. The cleaning device includes a controlled metering device with a metering barrier that releases cleaning balls or tablets stored in a storage container into a discharge trough with a metering opening. Two counter-rotating metering screws are arranged between the storage container and the discharge trough, through which the cleaning balls or tablets can be individually conveyed into the discharge trough.

[0007] The cleaning apparatus known in the prior art has a metering device for metering the supply of solid cleaning agent. On the one hand, it can operate the cleaning agent simply and safely, and on the other hand, it can accurately measure the amount of cleaning agent required for the cleaning process and accurately measure the concentration of active substances of the cleaning agent in the cleaning liquid generated by dissolving the solid cleaning agent.

[0008] Therefore, a cleaning device for cleaning beverage preparation machines is needed, which enables the complete dissolution of a cleaning agent in a cleaning agent solution (particularly an aqueous solution of the cleaning agent), supplied, for example, in powder or tablet form via a metering device, to achieve an optimal concentration of the cleaning agent in the cleaning agent solution and a uniform concentration distribution across the dosage volume of the cleaning agent solution. Specifically, complete dissolution or uniform mixing of the cleaning agent in the cleaning agent solution should be achieved. Furthermore, the consumption of the cleaning agent should be minimized. The cleaning device can be fully automatically controlled by the control unit of the beverage preparation machine, enabling, for example, fully automatic execution of pre-programmed cleaning cycles, precise metering of the amount of cleaning agent required for the cleaning cycle, and the optimal concentration of the cleaning agent in the dosage of the cleaning agent solution required for the cleaning cycle.

[0009] These tasks are accomplished by an apparatus for cleaning a beverage preparation machine having the features of claim 1 and a method for cleaning a beverage preparation machine having the features of claim 19. Preferred embodiments of the cleaning apparatus and system can be found in the dependent claims.

[0010] The cleaning apparatus according to the invention includes a first chamber for receiving a cleaning agent (particularly a solid cleaning agent), and a liquid pipeline system connected to the first chamber, comprising a water line connectable to a water inlet for supplying water and a discharge line connectable to the first chamber and to the beverage preparation machine, wherein a first piston is provided for insertion into the first chamber.

[0011] Water can be supplied to the first chamber via the water line to dissolve a predetermined amount of the cleaning agent in the aqueous cleaning agent solution. The first piston, insertable into the first chamber, thereby ensures good and uniform mixing of the cleaning agent in the aqueous cleaning agent solution, and when the piston is inserted into the first chamber in the operating position, the piston also closes the cleaning agent inlet into the first chamber through which the cleaning agent is supplied. When the first piston is in its operating position in the first chamber, water can be introduced into the first chamber via the water line to dissolve a certain amount of cleaning agent in the cleaning agent solution within the chamber. For this purpose, the first piston is preferably movably arranged in the first chamber between an upper basic position and a lower operating position, in which the first piston is pulled out of the first chamber and in the lower operating position, the first piston is located within the first chamber. On the one hand, this allows the cleaning agent to completely dissolve and mix uniformly in the cleaning agent solution, and the concentration of the cleaning agent is uniform in the predetermined dose of the cleaning agent solution. On the other hand, since the cleaning agent inlet of the chamber is closed by the inserted piston, it is ensured that no more cleaning agent enters the chamber during the dissolution or mixing of the cleaning agent.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the cleaning apparatus, the first piston is part of a piston unit comprising a first piston, a second piston, and a connecting line disposed between and connecting the two pistons. In this case, the second piston is preferably movably arranged in a second chamber, positioned upstream of the first chamber as seen in the flow direction of water supplied via the water line, and fluidly connected to the first chamber via the connecting line. Movement of the second piston in the second chamber is transmitted to the first piston via the connecting line. Therefore, the water line is preferably connected to the inlet port of the second chamber. When water is introduced into the second chamber through the water line, this arrangement causes the first piston and the second piston, connected to the first piston via the connecting line, to move automatically in the first and second chambers, respectively. The pressure of the introduced water moves the second piston in the second chamber from its base position to its operating position, particularly from top to bottom, and the first piston thereby also moves to its operating position, while water flows from the second chamber into the first chamber through the connecting line to fill the first chamber with water and dissolve a certain amount of cleaning agent present therein.

[0013] To preload the piston unit, it preferably includes a spring element that preloads the second piston in the second chamber in its basic position. When water is introduced into the second chamber, the spring element is compressed by the water pressure, counteracting its restoring force and causing the second and first pistons to enter their respective operating positions. The spring element is conveniently arranged between the first and second pistons, particularly around the tubular connecting line, and is preferably supported on a support in the second chamber. The support is preferably arranged in the end region of the second chamber, particularly at the bottom of the second chamber, wherein the spring element extends between the end faces, particularly the lower end face, of the support and the second piston. With this arrangement, the spring element applies a bias to the first and second pistons in the unloaded state, which holds the first and second pistons in their respective basic positions, wherein the first piston is pulled out of the first chamber in its basic position, and the second piston is in its upper limit position within the second chamber in its basic position, wherein the second piston abuts against the upper stop of the second chamber.

[0014] To ensure the first piston safely moves to its operating position when water is introduced through the water line, and to maintain the first piston in that operating position during water introduction, the second chamber preferably has a larger cross-section, particularly a larger diameter, than the first chamber, and correspondingly, the second piston also preferably has a larger cross-section, particularly a larger diameter, than the first piston. Because the cross-section of the first piston is larger than that of the second piston, the reaction force exerted on the first piston (particularly on its lower end face) by the water introduced into the first chamber is less than the force exerted on the second piston (particularly on its upper end face) by water pressure. Therefore, as long as water is introduced via the water line, both the first and second pistons remain in their operating positions.

[0015] Preferably, at least one valve, particularly a shut-off valve and / or control valve (especially a pressure control valve) and / or pressure reducer, is arranged in the water line. The shut-off valve allows the water line to be opened and closed, thereby introducing water into the cleaning device and stopping the water supply. The pressure regulating valve and / or pressure reducer in the water line allows a predetermined water pressure to be set, preferably in the range of 3 to 10 bar.

[0016] In order to seal the first chamber and the second chamber, the first piston and the second piston preferably each have at least one sealing element, the sealing element of the first piston sealingly abutting against the inner wall of the first chamber, and the sealing element of the second piston sealingly abutting against the inner wall of the second chamber.

[0017] To supply a predetermined amount of cleaning agent, the first chamber preferably has at least one cleaning agent inlet, conveniently located in the upper region or upper end of the first chamber. The cleaning agent inlet, or each cleaning agent inlet, includes an opening in the wall of the first chamber through which the cleaning agent can be introduced into the first chamber. The cleaning agent may be in the form of tablets or spheres, or it may be in the form of granules, powder, or liquid.

[0018] Preferably, in its operating position, the first piston is positioned in the first chamber to such an extent that the entrance into the first chamber from the opening of the cleaning agent inlet is blocked. This ensures that no other cleaning agent is introduced into the first chamber during the introduction of water, thereby ensuring accurate measurement of the amount of cleaning agent in the first chamber and accurate concentration of the cleaning agent in the cleaning agent solution.

[0019] The cleaning agent inlet is conveniently connected to a cleaning agent dispenser or feeding device to dispense a predetermined amount of cleaning agent into the first chamber. The cleaning agent dispenser or feeding device is preferably a dispenser through which cleaning agent pellets or tablets stored in a storage container can be individually supplied to the cleaning agent inlet. Such a feeding device is known, for example, from EP 2584946 B1. This ensures accurate metering of the amount of cleaning agent introduced into the first chamber via the cleaning agent inlet. For example, a predetermined number of cleaning agent pellets or tablets can be introduced into the first chamber such that the quantity of pellets or tablets can be used to produce different concentrations of cleaning agent at a cleaning agent solution dosage predetermined by the available volume of the first chamber.

[0020] To discharge the cleaning agent solution generated in the first chamber into the discharge line of the pipeline system connected to the beverage preparation machine, the cleaning device preferably includes a compressed gas line that can be connected to a compressed gas source. Preferably, for this purpose, the second chamber is connected to the pressurized gas line, which conveniently leads to the second chamber from the top or upper side. Optionally, the compressed gas line may also lead to the water line. After water supply is completed, preferably after the cleaning agent in the cleaning agent solution has completely dissolved, compressed gas (e.g., compressed air) can be introduced into the cleaning device through the compressed gas line, particularly into the second chamber, and then into the first chamber via the connecting line, so as to force the cleaning agent solution generated in the first chamber into the discharge line connected to the first chamber.

[0021] A shut-off valve and / or control valve are preferably arranged in the discharge line to enable opening and closing of the discharge line or to set a specific flow cross-section in the discharge line. The volumetric flow rate of the discharged cleaning agent solution and / or the pressure in the first chamber can be regulated by the control valve arranged in the discharge line.

[0022] Depending on the location of the shut-off valve or control valve in the discharge line, the cleaning device can operate in continuous or batch mode. In continuous operation, the shut-off valve or control valve in the discharge line is at least partially open, while water is continuously supplied through the first chamber, whereby the cleaning agent in the first chamber dissolves or mixes in the cleaning agent solution, and the cleaning agent solution is discharged directly and continuously to the beverage preparation machine through the open discharge line. In this case, it is advantageous to use a control valve in the discharge line because the flow cross-section in the discharge line can be adjusted by the position of the control valve. By changing the flow cross-section in the discharge line, the volumetric flow rate of the cleaning agent solution and the concentration of the cleaning agent in the cleaning agent solution can be adjusted. The port arranged in the connecting line ensures that the piston unit, in particular the first piston, is held in a predetermined operating position, regardless of the position of the control valve in the discharge line.

[0023] In batch operation, the shut-off valve or control valve in the discharge line is closed, while water is supplied to the first chamber via the water line at a predetermined pressure. To set a specific water pressure, a pressure regulating valve and / or pressure reducer is preferably arranged in the water line. The precise position of the first piston in the first chamber can be set by the water pressure during batch operation of the cleaning device, wherein the discharge line is closed in the operating position. Therefore, the position of the first piston in the operating position determines the volume of the cleaning agent solution generated in the first chamber by dissolving or mixing the cleaning agent. Thus, the position of the first piston in the operating position determines the volume of the dosage of the cleaning agent solution supplied by the cleaning device for performing the cleaning operation. After the cleaning agent has dissolved or mixed in the cleaning agent solution, the water supply is stopped by closing the shut-off valve or control valve in the discharge line, and the dosage of the cleaning agent solution located in the first chamber is directed to the beverage preparation machine by introducing compressed gas (e.g., compressed air) into the first chamber when the valve in the discharge line is open. The volumetric flow rate of the cleaning agent solution supplied to the beverage preparation machine can be adjusted by the position of the control valve arranged in the discharge line.

[0024] To control the cleaning process used to clean the beverage preparation machine, the cleaning device is preferably coupled to the control unit of the beverage preparation machine, which automatically initiates the cleaning process at predetermined times and / or events (e.g., when the beverage preparation machine is turned on or off, or after a predetermined quantity of beverages has been purchased). Various cleaning processes can also be set or programmed in the control unit, each preferably using a specific dose and / or concentration of cleaning agent solution. Preferably, the control unit is programmable, allowing the operator to individually set specific cleaning processes and cleaning cycles according to his or her needs or according to the beverages produced by the beverage preparation machine.

[0025] To control the cleaning device, the valves installed in the water and drain lines are connected to the control device. Therefore, when the cleaning agent solution is supplied to the beverage preparation machine, the control device can open and close the water and drain lines, or set a specific water pressure in the water line and / or a specific volumetric flow rate of the cleaning agent solution. Furthermore, the control device is preferably also connected to a valve in the compressed gas source and / or the compressed gas line to control the supply of compressed gas. If the cleaning agent inlet is connected to a distributor or feeder, the distributor or feeder is also conveniently controlled by the control device.

[0026] Supplying warm or hot water to the first chamber where the solid cleaning agent is dissolved allows for particularly rapid and complete dissolution of the solid cleaning agent in the cleaning agent solution. Therefore, the water line is preferably connected to a water inlet providing hot water, specifically, at a temperature between 40°C and 100°C. In this regard, the water inlet is conveniently connected to a boiler or flow heater of the beverage preparation machine, which generates hot water for beverage preparation. In a preferred embodiment, the second chamber is thereby connected via the water line to a boiler or instantaneous water heater, providing hot water at at least 60°C.

[0027] In a method according to the invention for cleaning a beverage preparation machine having a cleaning device, the beverage preparation machine, particularly the cleaning device according to the invention, includes at least one first chamber. A specific amount of cleaning agent is metered into the first chamber, and then water is supplied to the first chamber via a water line connectable to a water interface. As a result, the cleaning agent is dissolved in the cleaning agent solution, and subsequently, or during water supply, the cleaning agent solution is supplied to the beverage preparation machine via a drain line connected to the first chamber. The temperature of the water supplied to the first chamber is at least 40°C, preferably above 60°C, particularly between 60°C and 100°C. Furthermore, the pressure of the water supplied to the first chamber is preferably at least 3 bar, preferably between 3 bar and 10 bar, particularly between 4 bar and 6 bar.

[0028] In this system, the first chamber is preferably fluidly connected to the second chamber, wherein the water line carrying warm water is connected to the second chamber to introduce warm water into both the first and second chambers. Thus, after a certain amount of cleaning agent is fed, warm water is introduced into the first chamber. Therefore, during water supply, the first piston is inserted and held in its operational position within the first chamber. Thus, after the insertion of the first piston, hot water flows into the first chamber through the connecting line connecting the first and second pistons. The connecting line, particularly a tubular connecting line, preferably extends through the first and second pistons to establish a fluid connection between the first and second chambers.

[0029] In this configuration, when water is supplied through the water line, the pressure generated by the introduced water forces the first piston into the first chamber. This pressure first acts on the second piston, particularly its upper surface, and is then transmitted from the second piston to the first piston. In this configuration, the cross-section of the second piston (on which the pressure of the solvent flow acts) is preferably larger than the cross-section of the first piston (on which the back pressure acts), the back pressure being generated by the solvent flowing into the first chamber via the connecting line.

[0030] After a cleaning agent solution is generated by dissolving the cleaning agent in warm water already supplied to the first chamber, the water supply is first stopped, and then compressed gas (especially compressed air) is introduced into the first chamber to force the cleaning agent solution from the first chamber into the discharge line, thereby supplying it to the beverage preparation machine. In continuous operation, the cleaning agent solution generated in the first chamber may also be supplied to the discharge line during the water supply period.

[0031] Once the cleaning solution has been completely transferred to the discharge line, the introduction of pressurized gas into the first chamber is stopped, and the second piston automatically moves out of the first chamber to its basic position due to the restoring force of the spring element.

[0032] When the first piston is in its basic position outside the first chamber, the cleaning agent is opened through its cleaning agent inlet into the first chamber, and when the first piston is in its operating position inside the first chamber, the cleaning agent inlet is blocked. This prevents the cleaning agent from still entering the first chamber while the cleaning agent solution is being generated. The system is preferably automatically controlled by a control device that specifically controls the valves in the water line and / or the water inlets connected to the water line, the dispenser or feeding device for dispensing a predetermined amount of cleaning agent, the compressed gas source for introducing compressed gas into the first chamber, and the valves in the discharge line, in order to perform the steps described above for preparing the cleaning agent solution and performing the cleaning process.

[0033] In this context, the control device is preferably configured or programmable in such a way that the cleaning process is automatically executed by the system after a predetermined event, which depends particularly on the operation of the beverage preparation apparatus, and / or is automatically executed by the system after or at a predetermined time, in which case, during the cleaning process, components of the beverage preparation apparatus that come into contact with the liquid used to produce the beverage and / or the beverage produced in the beverage preparation apparatus are cleaned with a cleaning solution.

[0034] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a beverage preparation machine, particularly a coffee machine and / or a machine for preparing powdered beverages, wherein hot milk and hot or cold milk foam can also preferably be prepared via an integrated milk module, wherein the beverage preparation machine is equipped with a cleaning device according to the invention. Preferably, the cleaning device according to the invention is integrated into the beverage preparation machine, or can be inserted as a replaceable cleaning module. In particular, the beverage preparation machine includes a brewing device for brewing hot beverages, for example, from ground coffee powder, tea leaves, or cocoa powder, and / or a milk module for heating milk and / or foaming milk, and a piping system for supplying water to the brewing device and for discharging the brewed beverage and / or heated or foamed milk to an outlet, wherein the cleaning device is conveniently connected to the brewing device and / or milk module via the piping system of the beverage preparation machine so that the brewing device and / or milk module, as well as the piping system for conveying beverages and beverage ingredients, can be cleaned using a cleaning agent solution generated in the cleaning device during the cleaning process.

[0035] These and other advantages and features of the present invention arise from the embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrate:

[0036] Figure 1 : A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a cleaning apparatus in its basic position according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 : Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the cleaning device in different positions at the beginning and during the cleaning cycle. Figure 2 (a) shows a cleaning apparatus in its basic position, wherein a solid cleaning agent is supplied; Figure 2 (b) shows a cleaning apparatus in an operating position, wherein water is supplied and a cleaning agent is dissolved therein to form a cleaning agent solution. Figure 2 (c) shows a cleaning device in the operating position, wherein the cleaning solution is discharged. Figure 2 (d) shows a cleaning apparatus in its basic position, wherein the cleaning apparatus is prepared to receive a solid cleaning agent;

[0038] Figure 3 : A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a cleaning apparatus in its basic position according to the present invention.

[0039] Figure 1The cleaning device shown includes a first chamber 4 and a second chamber 3. A first piston 6 is movably arranged in the first chamber 4, and a second piston 5 is movably arranged in the second chamber 3. Both the first and second chambers 4 and 3 are hollow cylindrical designs and each has cylindrical walls. The first chamber 4 extends vertically from its upper opening to its lower, funnel-shaped opening, and leads to a drain line 13 connected to the first chamber 4. The first piston 6 can be inserted into the first chamber 4 through its upper opening. The second chamber 3 is arranged above the first chamber 4 and also extends between its upper and lower ends, with a bottom having a central opening at its lower end. A water inlet is arranged at the upper end of the second chamber 3, and a water line 1 is connected to this inlet. The water line 1 is part of the fluid piping system of the cleaning device, which includes the water line 1 and the drain line 13. The water line 1 is connected to a water interface 20, which specifically provides hot water, preferably having a temperature of at least 40°C, particularly in the range between 60°C and 100°C. A shut-off valve 10 is arranged in the water line 1 for opening and closing the water line 1. Alternatively, or in addition to a shut-off valve, a control valve and / or pressure regulator may also be arranged in the water line 1.

[0040] A stop 21 is arranged in the upper region of the second chamber 3. This stop 21 can be formed, for example, by an annular flange protruding from the wall of the second chamber 3 into the interior of the chamber. The second piston 5 is movably arranged in the second chamber 3 and can move within the second chamber 3 between a basic position a and an operating position b. Figure 1 In the basic position a shown, the upper side of the second piston 5 rests against the stop member 21, while... Figure 2 In the operating position shown in b, the lower side of the second piston 5 rests against the bottom of the second chamber 3 or is at least near the bottom.

[0041] from Figure 1 As can be seen, the second chamber 3 has a larger cross-section than the first chamber 4, especially a larger diameter. Therefore, the second piston 5 also has a larger cross-section than the first piston 6, especially a larger diameter.

[0042] The first piston 6 and the second piston 5 are each cylindrical or disc-shaped and are connected to each other via a connecting line 18, which extends through the first piston 6 and the second piston 5 and through a central opening at the bottom of the second chamber 3. The connecting line 18 thus provides a fluid connection between the first chamber 4 and the second chamber 3. A port 11 is preferably arranged in the connecting line 18.

[0043] A spring element 7 (e.g., a coil spring) is arranged in the second chamber 3, extending between the lower side of the second piston 5 and the bottom of the second chamber 3. Figure 1As shown, the spring element 7 is specifically arranged around the connecting line 18. A support 19 is formed at the bottom of the second chamber, on which the spring element 7 is supported. The second piston 5 in the second chamber 3 is preloaded in its (above) basic position a by the spring element 7. Therefore, the first piston 6, which is connected to the second piston 5 via the connecting line 18, is also in its (above) basic position a, in which the first piston 6 is pulled out of the first chamber 4.

[0044] The first piston 6 and the second piston 5 each have at least one circumferential sealing ring 17, 17' on their outer circumference. When the second piston 5 moves from its (upper) basic position a to its (lower) operating position b in the second chamber 3 and the first piston 6 moves simultaneously into the first chamber 4, the sealing ring 17 of the first piston 6 abuts against the inner side of the wall of the first chamber 4, and the sealing ring 17' of the second piston 5 abuts against the inner side of the wall of the second chamber 3.

[0045] The first piston 6 and the second piston 5, together with the connecting line 18 and the spring element 7, form a piston unit. This piston unit is preloaded in the basic position a by the spring element 7 and can be moved from the basic position a to the operating position b by applying an external force.

[0046] A cleaning agent inlet 12 is disposed in the upper region of the first chamber 4. The cleaning agent inlet 12 includes a lateral opening (not shown here) in the wall of the first chamber 4 through which solid cleaning agent 8 (e.g., in tablet or spherical form) can be introduced into the first chamber 4. To feed a predetermined amount of solid cleaning agent 8 into the first chamber 4, the cleaning agent inlet 12 is connected to a cleaning agent dispenser or feeding device that feeds the solid cleaning agent 8 into the first chamber 4 through the cleaning agent inlet 12. Preferably, the solid cleaning agent 8 is in the form of tablets or sphericals, which are individually fed into the first chamber 4 through the cleaning agent dispenser or feeding device. Several tablets or sphericals of solid cleaning agent 8 can also be introduced into the first chamber 4 via the cleaning agent inlet 12, such as... Figure 1 The two cleaning agent balls 8 are shown in the middle, located at the lower end of the funnel shape of the first chamber 4.

[0047] In the upper region, compressed gas line 2 leads to the second chamber 3. Compressed gas line 2 includes a check valve 9 and is connected upstream of check valve 9 to a compressed gas source 16, which provides compressed gas, such as compressed air. Compressed gas source 16 may also provide other food-grade gases at pressure to replace compressed air. For this purpose, compressed nitrogen or compressed carbon dioxide may also be used instead of compressed air. Compressed gas source 16 may be formed, for example, by a compressor that draws in ambient air and compresses it to a predetermined pressure.

[0048] A discharge line 13, connected to the lower end of the second chamber 4, is connected to the beverage preparation machine 15, and specifically to the fluid line system of the beverage preparation machine 15, to direct the aqueous cleaning agent solution generated in the cleaning device into the fluid line system of the beverage preparation machine 15, and particularly to the components of the beverage preparation machine 15 that come into contact with the beverage prepared therein and / or beverage ingredients used in the beverage preparation machine. At least one valve is arranged in the discharge line 13 for opening and closing the discharge line 13. Preferably, the discharge line 13 includes a control valve 14 having an adjustable flow cross-section.

[0049] Figure 1 The cleaning device shown is conveniently arranged within the housing of the beverage preparation machine 15. Preferably, the cleaning device is inserted into the housing of the beverage preparation machine 15 as a replaceable module. Therefore, the water inlet 20 and the compressed gas source 16 are preferably components of the beverage preparation machine 15, which on the one hand can be used to provide hot water and compressed gas for beverage production in the beverage preparation machine, and on the other hand, supply hot water to the cleaning device via the water line 1 and supply compressed gas via the compressed gas line 2. In this respect, the water inlet 20 can particularly be formed by a boiler or flowing water heater of the beverage preparation machine 15.

[0050] A control device is provided for controlling the cleaning apparatus. This control device specifically controls valves 10 and 14 in water line 1 and drain line 13, and supplies compressed gas from compressed gas source 16 via compressed gas line 2 and introduces solid cleaning agent 8 into the first chamber 4 via cleaning agent inlet 12. Therefore, the control device can conveniently be part of the control system of the beverage preparation machine 15, which is configured such that the cleaning process is initiated by the cleaning apparatus after or at a specific time or event, the specific time and event being particularly dependent on beverage production in the beverage preparation machine 15.

[0051] exist Figure 2 In the middle, it is available Figure 1 The various stages of the cleaning process performed by the cleaning device are shown by different locations of the cleaning device, wherein Figure 2 The stages shown are performed continuously during the cleaning process so that the cleaning solution generated in the cleaning device can be supplied to the beverage preparation machine in continuous or batch operation.

[0052] Figure 2 a shows a cleaning device in its basic position a, which corresponds to Figure 1 The view is shown in the image. To initiate the cleaning process, with the compressed gas source 16 shut off or the compressed gas line 2 closed and valves 10 and 14 closed, a predetermined amount of cleaning agent 8 (e.g., a certain number of cleaning agent tablets or balls) is first supplied to the first chamber 4 through the cleaning agent inlet 12. Then, as... Figure 2As shown in b, valve 10 in water line 1 is opened. Furthermore, control valve 14 in discharge line 13 is at least partially opened and specifically set to a predetermined flow rate cross-section. As a result, preferably, warm water (e.g., having a temperature of 40°C to 80°C and a predetermined pressure (preferably greater than 3 bar, particularly between 4 bar and 10 bar, and specifically depending on the water pressure provided by the public water supply system)) flows from water line 1 into the upper region of the second chamber 3. Therefore, if necessary, the water pressure can be set to a specific value by a pressure regulating valve or pressure reducer in water line 1. Because the pressure of the flowing water acts on the upper end face of the second piston 5, the second piston 5 in the second chamber 3... Figure 2 The basic position shown in a moves to... Figure 2 Operating position b is shown in Figure b, where the second piston 5 in the second chamber 3 is located near the bottom. Since the second piston 5 is connected to the first piston 6 via connecting line 18, the first piston 6 also... Figure 2 The basic position shown in figure a (in which the first piston 6 is pulled out of the first chamber 4) is moved to... Figure 2 Operating position b is shown in Figure b (in which the first piston 6 is located at a certain height within the first chamber 4). Figure 2 As shown in b, the first piston 6 is thus positioned above the sphere of the cleaning agent 8 located in the first chamber 4. By moving the first piston 6 to... Figure 2 In the operating position shown as b, the cleaning agent inlet 12 and, in particular, the opening in the wall of the first chamber 4 are closed, so that no more cleaning agent can enter the area below the first piston 6 in the first chamber 4.

[0053] Water flowing into the second chamber 3 via water line 1 flows into the first chamber 4 through port 11 in connecting line 18. The first chamber 4 is connected to the second chamber 3 via connecting line 18 by fluid conduction. Since the cross-section of the first piston 6 is larger than that of the second piston 5, the reaction force exerted on the first piston 6 by the water introduced into the first chamber 4 is less than the force exerted on the second piston 5 by water pressure. Therefore, as long as water is introduced via water line 1, the first piston 6 and the second piston 5 each remain in their operating position b. Thus, port 11 ensures a sufficiently high pressure upstream of port 11 to hold the piston unit in its operating position b.

[0054] When water flows into the first chamber 4 in the area below the first piston 6, the spheres of the cleaning agent 8 in the first chamber 4 dissolve to form an aqueous cleaning agent solution. The concentration of the cleaning agent 8 in the cleaning agent solution is determined by the amount of cleaning agent in the first chamber 4 and the volumetric flow rate of the water flowing through it, which is determined by the set flow rate cross-section in the discharge line 13.

[0055] The closed cleaning agent inlet 12 ensures that no more cleaning agent is added to the cleaning agent solution in the first chamber 4 while the cleaning agent 8 is dissolving.

[0056] Therefore, for a given flow cross-section in the discharge line 13 and a certain amount of cleaning agent 8 in the first chamber 4, a certain cleaning agent concentration is established in the cleaning agent solution, which continuously flows into the discharge line 13 and is thereby conveyed to the beverage preparation machine 15, and particularly to the fluid line system of the beverage preparation machine 15. There, in particular, the parts of the beverage preparation machine 15 that come into contact with the beverage and / or beverage ingredients (e.g., coffee powder, milk, or milk foam) during beverage production are cleaned with an aqueous cleaning agent solution.

[0057] The temperature and pressure of the water introduced into the first chamber 4 ensure that the solid cleaning agent 8 is completely dissolved in the cleaning agent solution. After delivering a sufficient amount of the cleaning agent aqueous solution for the cleaning process, the valve 10 of the water line 1 is closed, thereby stopping the water supply. Then, as... Figure 2 As shown in Figure c, compressed gas (particularly compressed air) is introduced into the upper region of the second chamber 3 via compressed gas line 2. The pressure of the compressed gas is preferably greater than 1 bar, particularly between 1.5 bar and 3 bar. The pressure of the introduced compressed gas flowing from the second chamber 3 into the first chamber 4 via connecting line 18 forces the remaining amount of cleaning agent solution still in the first chamber 4 into the discharge line 13.

[0058] Instead of the continuous operation described above, the cleaning device can also operate in a batch mode, wherein a specific dose of cleaning agent solution with a specific cleaning agent concentration is first generated in the first chamber, and then supplied to the beverage preparation machine 15 through the discharge line 13. In this batch operation, the volume of the generated cleaning agent solution dose is determined by the position of the first piston 6 in its operating position b in the first chamber 4, as this position determines the volume of the first chamber 4 below the first piston 6 where the solid cleaning agent 8 is located. In this regard, the position of the first piston 6 in its operating position in the first chamber 4 when the discharge line 13 is closed can be adjusted by the pressure of the water introduced via the water line 1. Therefore, the volume of the aqueous cleaning agent solution dose in the first chamber 4 can be changed by the water pressure. Thus, when the solid cleaning agent 8 is dissolved, a specific concentration of cleaning agent 8 is generated in the cleaning agent aqueous solution, which is determined by the predetermined amount of cleaning agent 8 in the first chamber 4 and the volume of the first chamber 4 below the first piston 6.

[0059] After the cleaning agent 8 is dissolved in the cleaning agent solution, the resulting cleaning agent solution is supplied to the beverage preparation machine 15 via the discharge line 13 by opening the discharge line 13 (specifically valve 14) and closing valve 10 in the water line 1, and pressurized gas is introduced into the first chamber 4 via the pressurized gas line 2. The dosage of the cleaning agent aqueous solution has a specific cleaning agent concentration in the cleaning agent solution, which can be varied by the amount of cleaning agent 8 supplied to the first chamber 4 and the water pressure during the preparation of the cleaning agent solution. The control valve 14 arranged in the discharge line 13 can advantageously set a certain volumetric flow rate of the cleaning agent aqueous solution entering the discharge line 13 from the first chamber 4 when discharging the cleaning agent solution.

[0060] In continuous or batch operation of the cleaning device, after the cleaning solution is delivered from the first chamber 4 to the fluid pipeline system of the beverage preparation machine 15, the cleaning process is completed, and the cleaning device returns to its basic position a by stopping the supply of compressed gas via the compressed gas line 2 with valve 10 closed (either by shutting off the compressed gas source 16 or by closing the compressed gas line 2 with a valve). This causes the piston unit, including the first piston 6, the second piston 5, and the connecting line 18, to move back to its basic position a, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown in d. In this case, due to the restoring force of the spring element 7, the piston unit automatically enters the basic position a, where the second piston 5 abuts against the stop 21 of the second chamber 3, and the first piston 6 is pulled out of the first chamber 4 at least to the extent that the first piston 6 is above the cleaning agent inlet 12, particularly above the opening in the wall of the first chamber 4, such as... Figure 2 As shown in d. In this basic position a of the cleaning device, the first chamber 4 can again be used to receive a predetermined amount of solid cleaning agent 8, and in particular for receiving a predetermined number of balls or tablets of cleaning agent 8, and the cleaning device can be used for subsequent cleaning processes.

[0061] Figure 3 A second embodiment of the cleaning apparatus according to the present invention in its basic position is shown. This embodiment corresponds to... Figure 1 The cleaning device, in addition to the arrangement of compressed gas pipeline 2, the compressed gas pipeline 2 is in Figure 3 In this embodiment, the gas does not flow to the second chamber 3 but to the water line 1. In this case, another check valve 9' is arranged in the water line 1 to prevent compressed gas from flowing out of the compressed gas pipe 2 in the direction of the water interface 20. In this embodiment, after the cleaning agent has been completely dissolved or mixed in the cleaning agent solution, when the valve 10 in the water line 1 is opened, pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source 16 is guided into the water line 1 via the pressurized gas line 2, so as to force the cleaning agent solution located in the first chamber 4 into the discharge line 13. Figure 3 Implementation examples and Figure 1The difference in the embodiment is that the structure of the second chamber 3 is simpler.

[0062] The cleaning apparatus according to the invention enables the solid cleaning agent to dissolve rapidly and completely in an aqueous cleaning solution, particularly due to the pressure and temperature of the water supplied via water line 1. Furthermore, it ensures a precise dosage of a certain amount of solid cleaning agent 8 and maintains a specific concentration of the cleaning agent in the aqueous solution, wherein the precise concentration of the cleaning agent can be controlled specifically by the water pressure supplied via water line 1. The cleaning apparatus has a simple and compact design and does not require motor control to move the cleaning apparatus from its basic position a to its operating position b and then back.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for a beverage preparation machine (15), characterized in that, The cleaning device includes: - First chamber (4) for receiving cleaning agent (8); - A liquid pipeline system (1, 13) having a water line (1) that can be connected to a water inlet (20) for water supply and an outlet line (13) that is connected to the first chamber (4) and can be connected to the beverage preparation machine (15); - A first piston (6) that can be inserted into the first chamber; -The first chamber (4) includes a cleaning agent inlet (12) disposed in the upper region of the first chamber (4) and the cleaning agent inlet (12) includes an opening in the wall of the first chamber (4); -The cleaning agent inlet (12) is connected to a cleaning agent dispenser or feeding device, which feeds the cleaning agent into the first chamber (4) through the cleaning agent inlet (12); - wherein the first piston (6) is movable between a basic position (a) and an operating position (b), in which the first piston (6) is withdrawn from the first chamber (4), and in the operating position (b), the first piston (6) is positioned in the first chamber (4) to such an extent that the cleaning agent inlet (12) is blocked; -The cleaning device is configured to prepare a cleaning solution by metering the cleaning agent (8) into the first chamber (4) when the first piston (6) is in the basic position (a) and by supplying water into the first chamber (4) via the water line (1) when the first piston (6) is inserted into the first chamber (4) in the operating position (b); and -The discharge line (13) is configured to supply the cleaning solution to the beverage preparation machine (15).

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first piston (6) is part of a piston unit (5,6,18), which includes a first piston (6), a second piston (5), and a connecting line (18) arranged between the first piston (6) and the second piston (5).

3. The cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second piston (5) is movably arranged in the second chamber (3), which is located upstream of the first chamber (4) and is in fluid communication with the first chamber (4) via the connecting line (18).

4. The cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The movement of the second piston (5) is transmitted to the first piston (6) via the connecting line (18).

5. The cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The piston unit (5,6,18) further includes a spring element (7) arranged between the first piston (6) and the second piston (5).

6. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The spring element (7) is supported on a support (19) in the second chamber (3) and extends between the support (19) and the second piston (5), the support (19) being arranged in the end region of the second chamber (3).

7. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The spring element (7) in an unloaded state applies a preload force to the first piston (6), wherein the preload force holds the first piston (6) in the basic position (a), in which the first piston (6) is pulled out of the first chamber (4), wherein when water is supplied through the water line (1), the first piston (6) moves from the basic position (a) to the operating position (b) under the action of the preload force generated by the spring element (7), in which the first piston (6) is located in the first chamber (4).

8. The cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second chamber (3) has a stop (21), wherein the second piston (5) abuts against the stop (21) in the basic position (a).

9. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second chamber (3) has a larger cross-section than the first chamber (4) and / or the second piston (5) has a larger cross-section than the first piston (6).

10. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the first piston (6) and the second piston (5) includes at least one sealing element (17, 17'), wherein the sealing element (17) of the first piston (6) is sealed against the inner wall of the first chamber (4), and the sealing element (17') of the second piston (5) is sealed against the inner wall of the second chamber (3).

11. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second chamber (3) is connected to a pressurized gas line (2), which is connected to a pressurized gas source (16).

12. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first chamber (4) and the second chamber (3) extend in a vertically extending longitudinal direction.

13. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, A shut-off valve (10) and / or a control valve and / or a pressure reducer are arranged in the water line (1), and / or a shut-off valve and / or a control valve (14) are arranged in the discharge line (13).

14. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second chamber (3) is connected to a water inlet (20) configured to provide hot water.

15. A beverage preparation machine (15), characterized in that, A cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims.

16. The beverage preparation machine (15) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The beverage preparation machine (15) further includes a brewing device for brewing hot beverages and / or a device for heating milk and / or foaming milk, wherein the cleaning device is connected to the brewing device and / or the device for heating milk and / or foaming milk.

17. A method for cleaning a beverage preparation machine (15) using a cleaning device, characterized in that, The cleaning apparatus is a cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cleaning agent (8) is metered into the first chamber (4), and water is supplied to the first chamber (4) via the water line (1) when the first piston (6) is inserted into the operating position (b) in the first chamber (4), thereby dissolving and / or mixing the cleaning agent (8) in the cleaning agent solution, and the cleaning agent solution is supplied to the beverage preparation machine (15) via the discharge line (13).

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The temperature of the water supplied to the first chamber (4) is at least 40°C.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first chamber (4) is fluidly connected to the second chamber (3), and the water line (1) is connected to the second chamber (3) to introduce water into the second chamber (3) and the first chamber (4), wherein, after the cleaning agent is fed into the first chamber (4), the first piston (6) is introduced into the first chamber (4) in its operating position (b).

20. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, After the first piston (6) is introduced into the first chamber (4), the water is introduced into the first chamber (4) through the connecting line (18).

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, When water is supplied through the water line (1), the first piston (6) is pressed into the first chamber (4) by the pressure generated by the introduced water, wherein the pressure generated by the introduced water acts on the second piston (5) and is transmitted from the second piston (5) to the first piston (6).

22. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, After the cleaning agent solution is generated by dissolving or mixing the cleaning agent (8) in the water that has been supplied to the first chamber (4), the water supply is first stopped, and then the cleaning agent solution is forced from the first chamber (4) into the discharge line (13) by introducing pressurized gas into the first chamber (4).

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, When the cleaning agent solution has been completely transferred into the discharge line (13), the introduction of pressurized gas into the first chamber (4) is stopped, wherein, after the introduction of pressurized gas has ended, the first piston (6) automatically moves out of the first chamber (4) due to restoring force and enters the basic position (a).

24. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The water supplied to the first chamber (4) has a pressure of at least 3 bar.

25. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The discharge line (13) is provided with a shut-off valve and / or control valve (14) for opening and closing the discharge line (13), wherein when the discharge line (13) is at least partially open, water flows through the first chamber (4), thereby dissolving or mixing the cleaning agent (8) in the cleaning agent solution, and the cleaning agent solution is discharged through the discharge line (13) to the beverage preparation machine (15).

26. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The discharge line (13) is provided with a shut-off valve and / or control valve (14) for opening and closing the discharge line (13), wherein when the discharge line (13) is closed, water flows through the first chamber (4), resulting in the cleaning agent (8) being dissolved or mixed in the cleaning agent solution, and when the discharge line is opened, the cleaning agent solution is discharged to the beverage preparation machine (15).

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