Quick release connector for raw material end of beverage dispenser and cleaning method of beverage dispenser

Abstract

The invention discloses a quick-release connector for a raw material end of a beverage dispenser and a cleaning method of the beverage dispenser. The quick-release connector for the raw material end of the beverage dispenser is suitable for being connected between a discharging end of a raw material supply piece and a feeding end of the beverage dispenser. The quick-release connector for the raw material end of the beverage dispenser comprises a quick-release connector piece. The quick-release connector comprises a body and a raw material connecting pipe. The body is provided with a raw material end pipe section and a machine end pipe section connected to the raw material end pipe section and used for being connected with the feeding end of the beverage machine. The raw material end pipe section is provided with an outer pipe part and a branch pipe part which extends out of the outer pipe part and is suitable for being connected with a cleaning system. The raw material connecting pipe is arranged in the outer pipe part in a sliding mode and used for being connected to the discharging end of the raw material supply piece. The cleaning method of the beverage dispenser is executed by the cleaning system aiming at the quick release connector for the raw material end of the beverage dispenser, the raw material supply piece and the beverage dispenser.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a quick release connector for a beverage machine raw material end, and in particular, to a quick release connector for a beverage machine raw material end and a cleaning method of a beverage machine. BACKGROUND

[0002] When a general beverage machine is not yet connected with a raw material supply (e.g. a soft bag containing raw material or a storage barrel containing raw material), the connection between the two is exposed to the atmosphere and is easily contaminated. If the connection of the beverage machine has residual raw material from the previous time, harmful bacteria are more likely to breed. Even if the connection of the beverage machine and the raw material supply is cleaned before connection, the connection between the two cannot be cleaned from the outside after connection. The above situation makes the raw material vulnerable to contamination and spoilage, thereby causing food safety problems. SUMMARY

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a quick release connector for a beverage machine raw material end and a cleaning method of a beverage machine that can improve at least one problem in the prior art.

[0004] The quick release connector for a beverage machine raw material end of the present invention is suitable for connection between a raw material supply outlet end and a beverage machine inlet end. The quick release connector for a beverage machine raw material end comprises a quick release connector piece. The quick release connector piece includes a body and a raw material connection pipe. The body has a raw material end pipe section and a machine end pipe section connected to the raw material end pipe section for connecting the beverage machine inlet end. The raw material end pipe section has an outer pipe portion, a branch pipe portion extending from the outer pipe portion and suitable for connecting a cleaning system, and a push portion provided in the outer pipe portion. The raw material connection pipe is slidably provided in the outer pipe portion relative to the outer pipe portion between a cleaning position and a raw material supply position, and is used for connecting the raw material supply outlet end. In the cleaning position, the raw pipe connection portion is relatively far away from the machine end pipe section, and the space in the branch pipe portion is in communication with the space in the machine end pipe section. In the raw material supply position, the raw pipe connection portion is relatively close to the machine end pipe section, and the space in the branch pipe portion is separated from the space in the outer pipe portion by the raw pipe connection portion.

[0005] The wall blocks.

[0006] In some embodiments, the quick release connector for a beverage machine raw material end further comprises a three-way valve having a main pipe section and a branch pipe section extending from the main pipe section. The main pipe section has a first pipe portion and a second pipe portion located on both sides of the branch pipe section, respectively. The first pipe portion is connected to the machine end pipe section of the quick release connector piece, and the second pipe portion is used for connecting the beverage machine inlet end. The branch pipe section is suitable for connecting the cleaning system.

[0007] The cleaning method of the beverage machine of the present application is performed by a cleaning system on the raw material end quick release connector, raw material supply and beverage machine as described above, the cleaning system includes a detergent supply end, the discharge end of the raw material supply has a discharge port, and an opening plug capable of moving relative to the discharge port between a closed position to close the discharge port and an unclosed position to unclose the discharge port, the cleaning method of the beverage machine includes the following steps:

[0008] connecting the raw material connecting pipe of the quick release connector to the discharge end of the raw material supply, connecting the machine end pipe section of the quick release connector to the inlet end of the beverage machine,

[0009] connecting the detergent supply end of the cleaning system to the branch pipe part of the quick release connector, and locating the raw material connecting pipe at the cleaning position.

[0010] supplying detergent from the detergent supply end of the cleaning system, the detergent flows from the branch pipe part of the quick release connector, and flows to the beverage machine from the machine end pipe section;

[0011] sliding the raw material connecting pipe from the cleaning position to the feeding position, and stopping the detergent supply from the detergent supply end of the cleaning system, the push part of the quick release connector pushes the opening plug from the closed position to the unclosed position.

[0012] The cleaning method of the beverage machine of the present application is performed by a cleaning system on the raw material end quick release connector, raw material supply and beverage machine as described above, the cleaning system includes a detergent supply end and a detergent recovery end, the discharge end of the raw material supply has a discharge port, and an opening plug capable of moving relative to the discharge port between a closed position to close the discharge port and an unclosed position to unclose the discharge port, the cleaning method of the beverage machine includes the following steps:

[0013] connecting the raw material connecting pipe of the quick release connector to the discharge end of the raw material supply, connecting the second pipe part of the three-way valve to the inlet end of the beverage machine, connecting the detergent supply end of the cleaning system to the branch pipe section of the three-way valve, and connecting the detergent recovery

[0014] end to the branch pipe part of the quick release connector, and locating the raw material connecting pipe at the cleaning position.

[0015] the cleaning position;

[0016] supplying detergent from the detergent supply end of the cleaning system, the detergent flows from the branch pipe section of the three-way valve, and flows out to the

[0017] a cleaning agent supply end of the cleaning system to supply the cleaning agent

[0018] sliding the raw material connecting pipe from the cleaning position to the feeding position, the push portion of the quick release joint member pushes the unsealing plug member from the closed position to the unsealed position

[0019] to the unsealed position;

[0020] supplying the cleaning agent from the cleaning agent supply end of the cleaning system, the cleaning agent flows from the branch pipe section of the three-way valve and flows to the beverage machine from the second pipe section;

[0021] stopping the cleaning agent from being supplied from the cleaning agent supply end of the cleaning system.

[0022] The present application has the beneficial effect that, by the branch pipe section of the cleaning system connected to the beverage machine raw material end quick release joint, when the raw material connecting pipe is in the cleaning position, the cleaning system can supply cleaning agent into the beverage machine raw material end quick release joint to clean the outflow end of the raw material supply member and the inflow end of the beverage machine. When the raw material connecting pipe is in the feeding position, the space in the branch pipe section and the space in the outer pipe section are blocked by the pipe wall of the raw material connecting pipe, so that the cleaning agent cannot pass through to allow the raw material in the raw material supply member to enter the beverage machine raw material end quick release joint or further enter the beverage machine through the beverage machine raw material end quick release joint. In this way, the connection between the beverage machine and the raw material supply member can be conveniently cleaned by the cleaning system, harmful bacteria can be prevented from breeding, and the raw material can be prevented from being contaminated and spoiled when passing through, thereby preventing food safety problems from occurring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Other features and effects of the present application will be clearly presented in the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a beverage machine raw material end quick release joint, a raw material supply member, a beverage machine and a cleaning system of the present application;

[0025] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a cleaning method of the beverage machine to which the first embodiment can be applied;

[0026] Figures 3 to 5 illustrates execution steps of the cleaning method of the beverage machine to which the first embodiment can be applied, the flow direction of the cleaning agent is indicated by hollow arrows, and the flow direction of the raw material is indicated by solid arrows;

[0027] the flow direction of the raw material is indicated by solid arrows;

[0028] Figure 6 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the quick release connector for beverage machine raw material end, the raw material supply, the beverage machine and the cleaning system;

[0029] Figure 7 is a flow chart of a cleaning method of the beverage machine to which the second embodiment can be applied;

[0030] Figures 8 to 11 illustrates execution steps of the cleaning method of the beverage machine to which the second embodiment can be applied, in which the flow direction of the cleaning agent is indicated by hollow arrows and the flow direction of the raw material is indicated by gray solid arrows. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Before the present invention is described in detail, it is to be understood that like components are denoted by like numerals in the description that follows.

[0032] Referring to Figure 1 , a first embodiment of the quick release connector for beverage machine raw material end 100. The quick release connector for beverage machine raw material end 100 is adapted to be connected between a discharge end 201 of a raw material supply 200 and a feeding end 301 of a beverage machine 300, the raw material supply 200 can be, for example but not limited to, a soft bag filled with raw material or a storage barrel filled with raw material, and the beverage machine 300 can be, for example but not limited to, a smart brewing machine or a tea bar machine. The discharge end 201 has a discharge port 201a and an unsealing plug 201b capable of moving relative to the discharge port 201a between a closed position (see Figure 1 ) in which the discharge port 201a is closed and an unsealed position (see Figure 5 ) in which the discharge port 201a is not closed. For example, the unsealing plug 201b is driven to move towards the closed position by the force of a spring (not shown) provided on the discharge end 201 to prevent the raw material of the raw material supply 200 from leaking out of the discharge end 201. The quick release connector for beverage machine raw material end 100 comprises a quick release connector 1.

[0033] The quick release joint member 1 comprises a body 11 and a raw material connecting pipe 12. The body 11 has a raw material end pipe segment 111 and a machine end pipe segment 112 connected to the raw material end pipe segment 111 and used for connecting the raw material end 301 of the beverage machine 300, the raw material end pipe segment 111 has an outer pipe portion 111a, a branch pipe portion 111b extending from the outer pipe portion 111a and adapted to be connected to a cleaning system 400 capable of supplying a cleaning agent, and a pushing portion 111c arranged in the outer pipe portion 111a and used for pushing the unsealing plug 201b, the raw material connecting pipe 12 is slidably arranged in the outer pipe portion 111a relative to the outer pipe portion 111a between a cleaning position (see Figure 1 ) and a raw material supply position (see Figure 5 ), and the raw material connecting pipe 12 is used for connecting the raw material end 201 of the raw material supply member 200. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the outer pipe portion 111a is sleeved outside the raw material connecting pipe 12, and the raw material connecting pipe 12 is provided with a plurality of gaskets 121 used for being clamped between the outer pipe portion 111a and the raw material connecting pipe 12 to seal the gap between the inner surface of the outer pipe portion 111a and the outer surface of the raw material connecting pipe 12.

[0034] Wherein, in the cleaning position, the raw material connecting pipe 12 is relatively far away from the machine end pipe segment 112, and the space in the branch pipe portion 111b is in communication with the space in the machine end pipe segment 112, and the unsealing plug 201b is in the closed position. In the raw material supply position, the raw material connecting pipe 12 is relatively close to the machine end pipe segment 112, and the space in the branch pipe portion 111b is blocked by the pipe wall of the raw material connecting pipe 12 from the space in the outer pipe portion 111a, and the pushing portion 111c can push the unsealing plug 201b from the closed position to the non-closed position.

[0035] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the cleaning method of the beverage machine 300 applicable to the first embodiment is described below, the cleaning method of the beverage machine 300 is performed by the cleaning system 400 on the first embodiment, the raw material supply member 200 and the beverage machine 300, and the cleaning system 400 comprises a cleaning agent supply end 401 used for supplying the cleaning agent.

[0036] The cleaning method of the beverage machine 300 comprises the following steps.

[0037] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3, step S11, connecting the raw material connecting pipe 12 of the quick-disconnect joint 1 to the outlet end 201 of the raw material supply 200, connecting the machine end pipe section 112 of the quick-disconnect joint 1 to the inlet end 301 of the beverage machine 300, connecting the cleaning agent supply end 401 of the cleaning system 400 to the branch pipe portion 111b of the quick-disconnect joint 1, and positioning the raw material connecting pipe 12 at the cleaning position.

[0038] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 4 , step S12, the cleaning agent supply end 401 of the cleaning system 400 supplies the cleaning agent, which is a food-grade cleaning agent. The cleaning agent flows from the branch pipe portion 111b of the quick-disconnect joint 1 and flows to the machine end pipe section 112 of the beverage machine 300. In this step, the cleaning agent can flow through the outlet end 201 of the raw material supply 200, the inlet end 301 of the beverage machine 300, and the interior of the quick-disconnect joint 1 to clean the outlet end 201 of the raw material supply 200, the inlet end 301 of the beverage machine 300, and the interior of the quick-disconnect joint 1. Furthermore, the cleaning agent subsequently flows through the internal pipe of the beverage machine 300 and flows out of the beverage outlet (not shown) of the beverage machine 300 to clean the internal pipe of the beverage machine 300.

[0039] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 5 , step S13, the raw material connecting pipe 12 is slid from the cleaning position to the feeding position, the cleaning agent supply end 401 of the cleaning system 400 stops supplying the cleaning agent, and the push portion 111c of the quick-disconnect joint 1 pushes the unsealing plug 201b from the closed position to the unsealed position. After this step, the raw material supply 200 can supply raw material to the beverage machine 300 through the quick-disconnect joint 1.

[0040] It is to be noted that after the beverage machine 300 has been used for a period of time, the step of "locating the raw material connecting pipe 12 at the cleaning position" in step S11 can be periodically (e.g. once every 4 hours) repeated, and the steps S12 and S13 are sequentially performed to clean the discharge end 201 of the raw material supply 200, the inlet end 301 of the beverage machine 300, the interior of the quick release connector 1, and the internal pipeline of the beverage machine 300, so as to maintain the cleanliness of the discharge end 201 of the raw material supply 200, the inlet end 301 of the beverage machine 300, the interior of the quick release connector 1, and the internal pipeline of the beverage machine 300. In addition, after each cleaning with the detergent (food detergent) is completed, a step of rinsing with clean water to completely remove the detergent can be added.

[0041] Referring to Figure 6 The second embodiment of the beverage machine raw material end quick release connector 100 differs from the first embodiment in that the beverage machine raw material end quick release connector 100 further comprises a three-way valve 2. The three-way valve 2 has a main pipe section 21 and a branch pipe section 22 extending from the main pipe section 21. The main pipe section 21 has a first pipe portion 211 and a second pipe portion 212 located on both sides of the branch pipe section 22, respectively. The first pipe portion 211 is connected to the machine end pipe section 112 of the quick release connector 1, and the second pipe portion 212 is used to connect the inlet end 301 of the beverage machine 300. The branch pipe section 22 is adapted to be connected to the cleaning system 400.

[0042] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The cleaning method of the beverage machine 300 applicable to the second embodiment is described below. The cleaning method of the beverage machine 300 is performed by the cleaning system 400 on the second embodiment, the raw material supply 200, and the beverage machine 300. The cleaning system 400 includes the detergent supply end 401 for supplying the detergent and the detergent recovery end 402 for recovering the detergent.

[0043] The cleaning method of the beverage machine 300 comprises the following steps.

[0044] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8, step S21, connecting the raw material connecting pipe 12 of the quick release connector 1 to the outlet end 201 of the raw material supply 200, connecting the second pipe portion 212 of the three-way valve 2 to the inlet end 301 of the beverage machine 300, connecting the cleaning agent supply end 401 of the cleaning system 400 to the branch pipe section 22 of the three-way valve 2, connecting the cleaning agent recovery end 402 of the cleaning system 400 to the branch pipe portion 111b of the quick release connector 1, and positioning the raw material connecting pipe 12 at the cleaning position.

[0045] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 9 , step S22, supplying cleaning agent from the cleaning agent supply end 401 of the cleaning system 400, which flows into the branch pipe section 22 of the three-way valve 2 and flows out from the branch pipe portion 111b of the quick release connector 1 to the cleaning agent recovery end 402 of the cleaning system 400. In this step, the cleaning agent can flow through the interiors of the branch pipe section 22 and the first pipe portion 211 of the three-way valve 2, the interior of the quick release connector 1, and the outlet end 201 of the raw material supply 200, so as to clean the interiors of the branch pipe section 22 and the first pipe portion 211 of the three-way valve 2, the interior of the quick release connector 1, and the outlet end 201 of the raw material supply 200.

[0046] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 10 , step S23, sliding the raw material connecting pipe 12 from the cleaning position to the feeding position, and pushing the unsealing plug 201b from the closed position to the non-closed position by the pushing portion 111c of the quick release connector 1. Then, step S24, supplying cleaning agent from the cleaning agent supply end 401 of the cleaning system 400, which flows into the branch pipe section 22 of the three-way valve 2 and flows from the second pipe portion 212 to the beverage machine 300. In this step, the raw material supply 200 can supply raw material to the first pipe portion 211 of the three-way valve 2 through the quick release connector 1, and the cleaning agent can flow through the interiors of the branch pipe section 22 and the second pipe portion 212 of the three-way valve 2 and the inlet end 301 of the beverage machine 300, so as to clean the interiors of the branch pipe section 22 and the second pipe portion 212 of the three-way valve 2 and the inlet end 301 of the beverage machine 300. Moreover, the cleaning agent can subsequently flow through the interior pipe of the beverage machine 300 and flow out from the beverage outlet (not shown) of the beverage machine 300, so as to clean the interior pipe of the beverage machine 300.

[0047] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 11, step S25, the washing agent supply end 401 of the cleaning system 400 is stopped from supplying washing agent. After this step, the raw material supply 200 can supply raw material to the beverage machine 300 through the quick release joint 1 and the three-way valve 2.

[0048] It is noted that when the beverage machine 300 is used for a period of time, steps S24 and S25 can be performed again periodically (e.g., once every 4 hours) to clean the inside of the branch pipe section 22 of the three-way valve 2 and the second pipe section 212, the raw material inlet end 301 of the beverage machine 300, and the internal pipe of the beverage machine 300, thereby maintaining the cleanliness of the inside of the branch pipe section 22 of the three-way valve 2 and the second pipe section 212, the raw material inlet end 301 of the beverage machine 300, and the internal pipe of the beverage machine 300.

[0049] In addition, when the beverage machine 300 is used for a period of time, the step of "locating the raw material connection pipe 12 at the cleaning position" in step S21 can be performed again periodically (e.g., once every several days), and steps S22, S23, and S25 are sequentially performed to clean the inside of the branch pipe section 22 of the three-way valve 2 and the second pipe section 212 and the raw material inlet end 301 of the beverage machine 300, thereby maintaining the cleanliness of the inside of the branch pipe section 22 of the three-way valve 2 and the second pipe section 212 and the raw material inlet end 301 of the beverage machine 300. Furthermore, after each cleaning with the washing agent (food washing agent) is completed, a step of rinsing with clean water to completely remove the washing agent can be added.

[0050] In summary, the beverage machine raw material end quick release joint 100 is used to connect the branch pipe section 111b of the cleaning system 400. When the raw material connection pipe 12 is located at the cleaning position, the cleaning system 400 can supply washing agent into the beverage machine raw material end quick release joint 100 to clean the raw material outlet end 201 of the raw material supply 200 and the raw material inlet end 301 of the beverage machine 300. When the raw material connection pipe 12 is located at the raw material supply position, the space in the branch pipe section 111b and the space in the outer pipe section 111a are blocked by the pipe wall of the raw material connection pipe 12, so that washing agent cannot pass through to allow raw material in the raw material supply 200 to enter the beverage machine raw material end quick release joint 100 or further enter the beverage machine 300 through the beverage machine raw material end quick release joint 100. In this way, the connection between the beverage machine 300 and the raw material supply 200 can be conveniently cleaned by the cleaning system 400, harmful bacteria can be prevented from breeding, raw material can be prevented from being contaminated and spoiled when passing through, and food safety problems can be prevented from occurring.

[0051] The above merely illustrates the embodiments of the present application, and cannot limit the scope of the present application. Any simple equivalent changes and modifications according to the claims and content of the present application are still within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A quick release connector for use at the raw material end of a beverage machine, suitable for connection between the discharge end of a raw material supply and the intake end of a beverage machine, characterised in that, The beverage machine raw material end quick release joint comprises: A quick release joint member, including a body, and a raw material connecting pipe, the body has a raw material end pipe segment, and a machine end pipe segment connected to the raw material end pipe segment and used for connecting the material inlet end of the beverage machine, the raw material end pipe segment has an outer pipe part, a branch pipe part extending from the outer pipe part and suitable for connecting a cleaning system, and a push part provided in the outer pipe part, the raw material connecting pipe is slidably provided in the outer pipe part relative to the outer pipe part between a cleaning position and a raw material supply position, and the raw material connecting pipe is used for connecting the material outlet end of the raw material supply member, wherein, in the cleaning position, the raw material connecting pipe is relatively far away from the machine end pipe segment, and the space in the branch pipe part is communicated with the space in the machine end pipe segment; in the raw material supply position, the raw material connecting pipe is relatively close to the machine end pipe segment, and the space in the branch pipe part is blocked by the pipe wall of the raw material connecting pipe from the space in the outer pipe part.

2. The quick disconnect joint for a raw material end of a beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The beverage machine raw material end quick release joint further comprises a three-way valve, the three-way valve has a main pipe segment and a branch pipe segment extending from the main pipe segment, the main pipe segment has a first pipe part and a second pipe part respectively located on both sides of the branch pipe segment, the first pipe part is connected to the machine end pipe segment of the quick release joint member, the second pipe part is used for connecting the material inlet end of the beverage machine, and the branch pipe segment is suitable for connecting the cleaning system.

3. A method of cleaning a beverage machine, characterized in that, A cleaning method for the beverage machine raw material end quick release joint, the raw material supply member and the beverage machine according to claim 1 is performed by a cleaning system, the raw material outlet end of the raw material supply member has a material outlet, and an opening plug member is movable relative to the material outlet between a closing position for closing the material outlet and a non-closing position for non-closing the material outlet, and the cleaning method comprises the following steps: connecting the raw material connecting pipe of the quick release joint member to the material outlet end of the raw material supply member, connecting the machine end pipe segment of the quick release joint member to the material inlet end of the beverage machine, connecting the cleaning system of the cleaning system to the branch pipe part of the quick release joint member, and locating the raw material connecting pipe in the cleaning position; supplying cleaning agent by the cleaning agent supply end of the cleaning system, the cleaning agent flows from the branch pipe part of the quick release joint member and flows to the beverage machine from the machine end pipe segment; sliding the raw material connecting pipe from the cleaning position to the raw material supply position, and stopping the cleaning agent supply end of the cleaning system from supplying the cleaning agent, the push part of the quick release joint member pushes the opening plug member from the closing position to the non-closing position.

4. A method of cleaning a beverage machine, characterized in that, A cleaning method for the beverage machine raw material end quick release joint, the raw material supply member and the beverage machine according to claim 2 is performed by a cleaning system, the raw material outlet end of the raw material supply member has a material outlet, and an opening plug member is movable relative to the material outlet between a closing position for closing the material outlet and a non-closing position for non-closing the material outlet, and the cleaning method comprises the following steps: connecting a raw material connecting pipe of the quick release joint to a discharging end of the raw material supply, connecting a second pipe section of the three-way valve to a raw material inlet end of the beverage machine, connecting a cleaning agent supply end of the cleaning system to a branch pipe section of the three-way valve, connecting a cleaning agent recovery end of the cleaning system to a branch pipe section of the quick release joint, and positioning the raw material connecting pipe in the cleaning position; supplying the cleaning agent from the cleaning agent supply end of the cleaning system, flowing the cleaning agent from the branch pipe section of the three-way valve, and flowing the cleaning agent from the branch pipe section of the quick release joint to the cleaning agent recovery end of the cleaning system; sliding the raw material connecting pipe from the cleaning position to the raw material supply position, and pushing the unsealing plug from the closed position to the unsealed position by the pushing section of the quick release joint; supplying the cleaning agent from the cleaning agent supply end of the cleaning system, flowing the cleaning agent from the branch pipe section of the three-way valve, and flowing the cleaning agent from the second pipe section to the beverage machine; stopping the cleaning agent supply from the cleaning agent supply end of the cleaning system.

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