Automatic hot drink machine with integrated cleaning system

Abstract

In order to improve the operability and / or operational reliability of the automatic hot drink machine, an integrated cleaning system is provided, which comprises a cleaning agent metering device for block-shaped, in particular sheet-shaped or ball-shaped cleaning agents, and an output device is provided, the delivery device has a conveying channel leading from a storage container to the automatic beverage machine and at least one screw conveyor which is rotatably mounted in the conveying channel and is driven by a motor, and the blocky cleaning agent is conveyed one by one by the screw structure of the screw conveyor. A first sensor is arranged in the area of the conveying channel facing the storage container, and the first sensor is used for detecting the individual cleaning agent bodies conveyed out of the storage container. As a result, it is possible to count and determine the amount of cleaning agent in the cleaning channel at the same time. If the storage container is empty, a prompt message can be generated on the basis of the known number of cleaning agent bodies in the transfer channel, i.e. How many cleaning processes can still be carried out with the cleaning agent bodies still in the transfer channel.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to an automatic hot beverage machine, particularly a coffee machine, having an integrated cleaning system comprising a cleaning agent metering and supply device for block-shaped, particularly flake-shaped or spherical, cleaning agents. The cleaning agent metering and supply device has a storage container for block-shaped cleaning agents and an output device for separating and conveying the block-shaped cleaning agents one by one to the feeding channel of the automatic hot beverage machine.

[0002] Automatic hot beverage machines, especially fully automatic coffee machines, typically incorporate an integrated cleaning system. This system rinses the food delivery lines with cleaning solution and / or water at regular time intervals after a predetermined number of products have been dispensed or when the machine is not in use, thereby removing any adhering residue. In commercially available fully automatic coffee machines, a guided process instructs the user to remove a cleaning tablet from the storage container and insert it via a feed flap through a feeding chute. The cleaning tablet then enters the brewing unit and is dissolved in hot water, which is subsequently delivered through the coffee delivery lines.

[0003] A corresponding coffee machine with a cleaning system is known from EP 1911382 A1, in which cleaning tablets are supplied from the tablet hopper to the brewing assembly via a coffee supply device.

[0004] An automatic hot beverage machine according to the preamble of claim 1 is also known from EP 1210894 A1. Here, flake or spherical cleaning agents are separated one by one from a storage container via a metering wheel on the bottom side and supplied to the automatic beverage machine. The filling status of the cleaning agent in the storage container can be monitored by a spring scale and a report (i.e., when cleaning agent needs to be replenished) can be generated. A photoelectric switch at the cleaning agent outlet can determine whether cleaning agent flakes have been dispensed and how many flakes have been dispensed. However, it cannot be determined how many cleaning processes can be performed using the remaining cleaning agent.

[0005] CH 703374 B1 discloses a cleaning system for automatic beverage machines, in which spherical cleaning agents are individually separated by a metering supply device having two counter-driven screw conveyors and supplied to the automatic beverage machine via a metering baffle. Here, the metering baffle is operated by a photoelectric switch at the outlet. It is also uncertain how many cleaning processes can be performed using the existing cleaning agents.

[0006] The object of this invention is to improve the operability and / or operational reliability of the automatic hot beverage machine of the type described above.

[0007] The objective is achieved through the technical features of solution 1. Advantageous design solutions are derived from dependent solutions. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a detergent metering and dispensing device for use in an automatic hot beverage machine.

[0008] According to the invention, in an automatic hot beverage machine of the type described above, the output device has a conveying channel leading from a storage container to a feeding channel. This conveying channel has at least one motor-driven screw conveyor rotatably supported therein, through which block-shaped cleaning agents are conveyed one by one by the threaded structure of the screw conveyor. A first sensor is provided in the region of the conveying channel facing the storage container, and this first sensor is used to identify individual cleaning agent blocks conveyed from the storage container. Because of the conveying channel, the conveying of cleaning agent blocks within it, and the first sensor located at the end of the conveying channel facing the storage container for identifying the conveyed cleaning agent blocks, it is possible to continuously accumulate and determine how many cleaning agent blocks are in the cleaning channel. Therefore, even when the storage container is empty and the conveying of cleaning agent blocks ceases, it is known how many cleaning processes can still be performed using the cleaning agent blocks still contained within the conveying channel.

[0009] Furthermore, it is preferable to install a second sensor in the area of ​​the conveying channel facing the feeding channel. This second sensor is used to identify the output of cleaning agent into the feeding channel. This ensures that actually one or a predetermined quantity of cleaning agent is output into the feeding channel, thereby controlling the metering supply.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the automatic hot beverage machine has a control device connected to a first sensor, the control device being configured to determine whether cleaning agent is still being conveyed from the storage container while the screw conveyor is running, and if not, to output a prompt message indicating the number of cleaning cycles still possible, the number of cleaning cycles corresponding to the amount of cleaning agent in the conveying channel, and in particular, wherein the prompt message is sent to a remote monitoring server via a data network connection.

[0011] As previously described, the first sensor can detect and count the cleaning agent particles delivered from the storage container to the delivery channel. This determines the amount of cleaning agent in the delivery channel. If no further cleaning agent is delivered, the storage container is empty, and a corresponding empty container message is output. Based on the known quantity of cleaning agent in the delivery channel, according to the present invention, a prompt message can be generated indicating how many more cleaning processes can be performed using the cleaning agent remaining in the cleaning channel. If this number is exceeded, the operation of the automatic hot beverage machine can be locked or the cleaning process can be prohibited. At the latest, if a cleaning process must be performed to continue operation, the operation of the automatic hot beverage machine is prohibited as long as cleaning agent has not been replenished.

[0012] Preferably, the control device is additionally connected to a second sensor and drives the motor to operate the screw conveyor for cleaning purposes until a predetermined amount of cleaning agent is detected by the second sensor and output into the feed channel. Thus, the second sensor counts the output, i.e., whether and how much cleaning agent is output into the feed channel. This allows for precise control of the screw conveyor's operation and reliably ensures the correct metering and supply of cleaning agent.

[0013] Within a preferred embodiment, for each cleaning cycle, cleaning agent is delivered to the automatic beverage machine via a feeding chute. However, the invention is not limited to a 1:1 metering supply. It is also possible to supply two or generally n cleaning agent units to the automatic beverage machine for each cleaning cycle.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the storage container and the output device constitute a mechanical unit, which is integrated into the automatic hot beverage machine in a drawer-like, pull-out configuration. During operation, the mechanical unit is pushed into the automatic hot beverage machine and is therefore not directly operable. For refilling, the mechanical unit can be pulled out, allowing cleaning agent to be replenished into the upper, open storage container. Preferably, this drawer-type mechanical unit is located behind a flip-up device panel, thus allowing access only to maintenance personnel and not to ordinary users. In particular, the storage container can be designed to be transparent or semi-transparent, allowing direct identification of whether it still contains cleaning agent.

[0015] Preferably, the mechanical unit consisting of the storage container and the output device can be withdrawn in two stages. In the first withdrawal stage, the storage container can be filled, and in the second withdrawal stage, the output device can be maintained. Preferably, the second withdrawal stage is mechanically locked. This simplifies both the filling of the storage container and the maintenance of the output device.

[0016] Preferably, the screw conveyor is connected to the motor by pushing in a mechanical unit consisting of a storage container and an output device. Thus, the motor is not part of the mechanical unit itself and remains fixed within the automatic hot beverage machine.

[0017] Preferably, the mechanical unit consisting of the storage container and the dispensing device is held in its pushed-in end position by a magnet. This holding magnet provides tactile feedback to the user regarding the correct positioning of the mechanical unit. Additionally, the end position of the mechanical unit consisting of the storage container and the dispensing device can be detected by an end position switch, particularly monitored by a sensor. Here, the cleaning process can be controlled such that it is only initiated when the storage container and the dispensing device are in the pushed-in end position, thereby reliably delivering the cleaning agent to the automatic hot beverage dispenser.

[0018] Preferably, the conveying channel and the screw conveyor are configured to cooperate with each other so that cleaning agent volumes of predetermined size and shape, especially spherical ones, are conveyed in a linear fashion. This significantly improves operational reliability, prevents the screw conveyor from clogging or jamming, and enables safe and reliable metering of the cleaning agent.

[0019] Specifically, it can be configured such that the screw conveyor is located in the lower region of the conveying channel, and the cleaning agent body is conveyed above the screw conveyor by the screw conveyor's threaded structure, wherein the conveying channel corresponds approximately in its net width to the size of the cleaning agent body having a predetermined size and shape.

[0020] Additionally, a mechanical separation device may be provided on the bottom side of the storage container, which allows only a single cleaning agent volume to pass through the delivery channel at a time. This separation device may, for example, be configured to fit the predetermined shape and size of the cleaning agent volume and have an opening with a sloping bottom leading to the delivery channel.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the separating device is formed by a rotating element at the lower end of the storage container, driven by the motor and the screw conveyor. This ensures that the cleaning agent body is kept in motion and thereby prevents the cleaning agent body from becoming stuck (“bridging”). The separating device cooperates with a port leading to a conveying channel, which is adapted to a predetermined shape and size of the cleaning agent body, so that only one cleaning agent body can always reach the conveying channel. Preferably, the rotating element may have a flexible arm that keeps the cleaning agent body in motion.

[0022] Preferably, the first sensor and / or the second sensor can be designed as reflective photoelectric sensors. The reflective photoelectric sensors enable reliable and trouble-free operation and reliable identification of cleaning agent substances.

[0023] Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of one embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] in: Figure 1This shows a longitudinal sectional view of a detergent metering and dispensing device for an automatic hot beverage machine, designed in the form of a drawer. Figure 2 Show Figure 1 Rear view of the detergent metering and supply device. Figure 3 Show Figure 1 A top view of the detergent metering and supply device. Figure 4 Show Figure 1 Side view of the detergent metering and supply device. Figure 5 Show Figure 1 A detailed cutaway view of the cleaning agent metering and dispensing device, showing the separation device on the bottom side of the storage container, and... Figure 6 The image shows a view of an automatic hot beverage machine with an open front door and a storage container that is pulled out for filling, with a detergent metering and dispensing device integrated into a drawer.

[0025] exist Figure 1 The cleaning agent metering and dispensing device shown has a pull-out storage container 1 with a separation device 2 on its bottom side. A conveying channel 4 for conveying the cleaning agent enters through a port at the bottom of the storage container, which is adapted to a pre-set shape and size of the cleaning agent volume. A rotatably supported screw conveyor (metering screw) 3 is provided in the conveying channel 4, using which the blocky cleaning agent, which enters the conveying channel 4 from the storage container 1 via the separation device 2, is conveyed towards a ramp 5. The ramp 5 leads to the brewing unit of an automatic hot beverage machine, where hot water is used to dissolve the cleaning agent and convey it through the beverage tubing of the automatic hot beverage machine. The automatic hot beverage machine is, for example, a fully automatic coffee machine. Alternatively, the ramp can also lead to a cleaning container, where water is used to dissolve the cleaning agent so that the tubing of the automatic hot beverage machine can be rinsed thereafter, for example, rinsing the milk system of a fully automatic coffee machine.

[0026] The cleaning agent metering and supply device is suitable for block-shaped, especially spherical, cleaning agents, and delivers the cleaning agents one by one along the conveying channel 4.

[0027] A first sensor 6 is provided in the area of ​​the conveying channel 4 facing the storage container 1. The first sensor 6 is used to identify individual cleaning agent bodies conveyed from the storage container 1. A second sensor 7 for identifying cleaning agent bodies is provided at the end of the conveying channel 4 facing the ramp 5, and is used to identify the output of cleaning agent bodies via the ramp 5 into the dispensing channel of the automatic hot beverage machine.

[0028] In this embodiment, both sensors 6 and 7 are designed as reflective photoelectric sensors, and are identified by a low / high / low switching mode, indicating that detergent balls are being conveyed past the sensors. Sensor 6 can count the number of detergent balls present in the conveying channel 4, and sensor 7 can identify whether a detergent ball is being discharged into the feeding channel via the ramp 5. Thus, it is always known how many detergent balls are currently in the conveying channel 4.

[0029] The storage container 1 and the conveying channel 4 with the screw conveyor 3 constitute a mechanical unit that can be extracted as a whole from the automatic hot beverage machine in two stages. The first stage is used for filling the storage container 1. The separately mechanically locked second stage ensures convenient accessibility in maintenance situations.

[0030] The screw conveyor 3 is driven by the motor 9 and the transmission unit 8. When the mechanical unit consisting of the storage container 1 and the conveying channel 4 is pushed in, the screw conveyor 3 is connected to the drive gear of the motor 9.

[0031] The separation device 2 consists of a rotating element at the lower end of the storage container 1, which is driven by a motor and a screw conveyor. The separation device 2 works in conjunction with a cannula adapted to the shape and size of the cleaning agent, ensuring that only one cleaning agent can fall into the conveying channel 4 at any given time.

[0032] Alternatively, the separating device 2 may also be simply formed by a sloping bottom that tapers downward in a funnel shape on both sides, the sloping bottom engaging with the opening adapted to the shape and size of the cleaning agent body.

[0033] The mechanical unit, consisting of the storage container 1 and the delivery channel 4, can be held in its end position (push-in state) by a magnet, thereby providing the user with tactile feedback indicating correct positioning. Additionally, the end position of the storage container 1 can be locked by a mechanical switch that can be monitored by a sensor. When the unit is removed, the storage container and the delivery channel can be separated and cleaned or maintained individually.

[0034] Sensors 6 and 7 are connected to controller 10, which specifically controls motor 8 to convey cleaning agent balls into the dispensing channel of the automatic hot beverage machine via ramp 5. Controller 10 counts the cleaning agent balls conveyed in conveying channel 4 and output to the automatic hot beverage machine via ramp 5 using sensors 6 and 7. If storage container 1 is likely to become empty, sensor 6 detects that no further cleaning agent balls are being conveyed. Controller 10 then outputs a notification message 11 indicating the number of cleaning cycles still possible, corresponding to the number of cleaning agent balls in the conveying channel. Notification message 11 can be sent via a graphical user interface (not shown) or via a data network connection to a remote monitoring server. The notification message can also be used to automatically trigger a replenishment order for cleaning agent.

[0035] If a cleaning agent ball is to be delivered to the automatic hot beverage machine, the controller 10 starts the motor 8 and continues to drive the motor until the sensor 7 reports that a cleaning agent ball has been output by the ramp 5.

[0036] exist Figure 3 As can be seen in the top view of the detergent metering and supply device shown, detergent balls are conveyed sequentially in a linear fashion. The conveying channel 4 is approximately the same diameter as the detergent balls in its net width. The detergent balls are attached to the threaded structure of the screw conveyor 3 on the lower side of the conveying channel and are conveyed towards the ramp 5 when the screw conveyor 3 is driven by the motor 8.

[0037] exist Figure 5 The detailed cross-sectional view shows the rotating element of the separating device 2. This rotating element is driven directly by a screw conveyor 3 via a gear 14 and has two flexible arms 2a. These arms keep the detergent balls in motion and thus prevent blockages or bridging between balls. If a ball becomes stuck, the resulting force does not directly cause a blockage in the entire system; instead, the flexible arms 2a absorb the force, allowing the screw conveyor 3 to continue rotating and thus clearing the blockage, enabling subsequent detergent balls to continue falling into the conveying channel 4.

[0038] Storage container 1 is preferably made of transparent or translucent plastic, so that the operator can easily see the amount of detergent balls filled in storage container 1. Figure 6 The diagram schematically shows the automatic hot beverage dispenser 12 with the front door 13 open. Once the following message is output via the graphical user interface, indicating that the storage container 1 is empty because no additional detergent balls are being conveyed past the sensor 6, the operator can pull out the mechanical unit 1', which is designed as a drawer and consists of the storage container 1 and the conveyor channel 4, to refill the storage container 1. After refilling, the drawer-shaped unit 1' is simply pushed back into the automatic hot beverage dispenser, thereby connecting the screw conveyor to the motor 8.

[0039] While this constitutes a preferred embodiment of the invention, the invention is not limited to this output device with a single screw conveyor. Alternatively, an arrangement of two counter-rotating screw conveyors, one with a left-hand thread and the other with a right-hand thread, can be used for conveying detergent pellets. Importantly, the dimensions of the screw conveyors and the conveying channels are adapted to the shape and size of the detergent pellets used, thereby enabling reliable, individual delivery of the detergent pellets without clogging. The invention is also not limited to spherical detergent pellets, but other geometric shapes and sizes can also be employed, such as sheet-like or capsule-like detergent pellets (i.e., so-called detergent beads).

Claims

1. An automatic hot beverage machine, particularly a coffee machine, having an integrated cleaning system comprising a cleaning agent metering and supply device for lumpy, particularly flake or spherical, cleaning agents, the cleaning agent metering and supply device having a storage container (1) and an output device (3, 4), the storage container (1) for lumpy cleaning agents, and the output device (3, 4) for separating and conveying the lumpy cleaning agents one by one to the feeding channel of the automatic hot beverage machine. Its features are, The output device has a conveying channel (4) leading from the storage container (1) to the feeding channel, the conveying channel (4) having at least one screw conveyor (3) rotatably supported therein and driven by a motor (8), the screw conveyor conveying the block-shaped cleaning agent one by one through its threaded structure. A first sensor (6) is provided in the area of ​​the delivery channel (4) facing the storage container (1), and the first sensor (6) is used to identify a single cleaning agent body delivered from the storage container (1).

2. The automatic hot beverage machine according to claim 1, wherein, A second sensor (7) is provided in the area of ​​the conveying channel (4) facing the feeding channel. The second sensor (7) is used to identify the output of the cleaning agent into the feeding channel.

3. The automatic hot beverage machine according to claim 1 or 2, having a control device (10) connected with the first sensor (6), which is configured for determining whether there is still a cleaning agent body being continuously conveyed from the storage container (1) while the screw conveyor (3) is in operation, and if this is not the case, outputting a prompt message (11) for the number of cleaning operations still possible, which corresponds to the number of cleaning agent bodies present in the conveying channel (4), in particular, wherein The notification message is sent to the remote monitoring server via a data network connection.

4. The automatic hot beverage machine according to claim 3, wherein, The control device (10) is connected to the second sensor (7) and drives the motor (8) to run the screw conveyor (3) for cleaning until a predetermined amount of cleaning agent is detected by the second sensor (7) and output into the feeding channel.

5. The automatic hot beverage machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The storage container (1) and the output device (3, 4) constitute a mechanical unit, which is integrated into the automatic hot beverage machine in the form of a drawer that can be pulled out.

6. The automatic hot beverage machine according to claim 5, wherein, The mechanical unit consisting of the storage container (1) and the output device (3, 4) can be extracted in two stages. In the first extraction stage, the storage container (1) can be filled, and in the second extraction stage, the output device (3, 4) can be maintained. Preferably, the second extraction stage is mechanically locked.

7. The automatic hot beverage machine according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The screw conveyor (3) is connected to the motor (6) by pushing in the mechanical unit consisting of the storage container (1) and the output device (3, 4).

8. The automatic hot beverage machine according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The mechanical unit consisting of the storage container (1) and the output device (3, 4) is held in its pushed-in end position by a magnet.

9. The automatic hot beverage machine according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein, The end position of the mechanical unit consisting of the storage container (1) and the output device (3, 4) is detected by an end position switch monitored by a sensor.

10. The automatic hot beverage machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The conveying channel (4) and the screw conveyor (4) are configured to cooperate with each other so that cleaning agent bodies of predetermined size and shape, especially spherical ones, are conveyed in a linear fashion.

11. The automatic hot beverage machine according to claim 10, wherein, The screw conveyor (3) is disposed in the lower region of the conveying channel (4), and the cleaning agent body is conveyed above the screw conveyor (3) by the threaded structure of the screw conveyor (3), wherein the conveying channel (4) corresponds in net width to the size of the cleaning agent body having a predetermined size and shape.

12. The automatic hot beverage machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A mechanical separation device (2) is provided on the bottom side of the storage container (1), the separation device (2) being in particular composed of a rotating element at the lower end of the storage container, the rotating element being driven by the motor and the screw conveyor.

13. The automatic hot beverage machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first sensor (6) and / or the second sensor (7) are configured as reflective photoelectric sensors.

14. A detergent metering and supply device for use with block, particularly flake or spherical, detergents, in an automatic hot beverage machine according to any one of the preceding claims, the detergent metering and supply device having a storage container (1) and an output device (3, 4), the storage container (1) for block detergents, and the output device (3, 4) for separating and conveying the block detergents one by one to the feeding channel of the automatic hot beverage machine. Its features are, The output device has a conveying channel (4) leading from the storage container (1) to the feeding channel, the conveying channel (4) having at least one screw conveyor (3) rotatably supported therein and driven by a motor (8), the screw conveyor (3) conveying the block-shaped cleaning agent one by one through its threaded structure. A first sensor (6) is provided in the area of ​​the delivery channel (4) facing the storage container (1), and the first sensor (6) is used to identify a single cleaning agent body delivered from the storage container (1).

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