A machine for preparing and dispensing beverages provided with a sanitization arrangement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages comprising a main control unit (34) and a secondary control unit (210); the latter is operatively connected to the solenoid valves (50, 52, 54) to control the flow in the respective water delivery pipe (22) according to a predefined command in a request of sanitization and independently from the main control unit (34) when the machine (10) is powered off, wherein the secondary control unit (210) allow the electronic connection between with sanitization device (500) to control the solenoid valves (50, 52, 54) during a sanitization proce

Description

[0001] A MACHINE FOR PREPARING AND DISPENSING BEVERAGES PROVIDED WITH A SANITIZATION ARRANGEMENT

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates a machine for preparing and dispensing beverages. In particular, the present invention relates to a machine provided with a sanitization arrangement. This machine can be used to prepare a wide range of beverages. Such beverages are usually coffee beverages or beverages made of water and at least an additive substance for beverages, such as syrups, flavorings, etc.

[0004] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a system for sanitization of machines for preparing and dispensing beverages and to a method for sanitization of machines for preparing and dispensing beverages.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] As known, machines for preparing and dispensing beverages generically comprising at least a water supply apparatus and at least a beverage preparation apparatus can be used to prepare beverages using the water, like in coffee machine. They can also comprise at least an additive substances feeding apparatus of additive substances to be mixed with water and at least a beverage preparation apparatus can be used to prepare beverages made of water and at least an additive substance. The beverage preparation apparatus makes either the brewing or the mixing of the water with one or more additive substances, to obtain the desired beverage, and the subsequent dispensing of such a beverage toward one or more containers to be used by the consumer, such as glasses, bottles and / or canteens. These machine for preparing and dispensing beverages can be also provided with at least a door which allows access to the apparatuses.

[0007] The water supply apparatus is usually provided with a plurality of solenoid valves which allow to deliver water to the beverage preparation apparatus. It can be provided a single solenoid valve for each of the water type (refrigerated water, ambient temperature water, carbonated water, etc.) to be delivered to the beverage preparation apparatus.

[0008] A machine for preparing and dispensing beverages, and more specifically cold beverage lines of the same, requires a specific attention for hygiene and requires regular maintenance and sanitization to prevent the growth of micro-organisms inside the machine. Existing solutions consist of soaking elements inside the machine manually, which is not very efficient. Other solutions allow the circulation of products during the sanitization (dynamic sanitization).

[0009] The major difficulty with machines for preparing and dispensing beverages is the presence of solenoid valves, or generally valves, which prevent the realization of a dynamic sanitization. The solenoid valves of the water supply apparatus are usually arranged inside the machine for preparing and dispensing beverages in a random way. This can lead to difficulties in accessing the solenoid valves, especially in case of adjustment and / or for further maintenance operations of the same such as the sanitization. In order to realize a dynamic sanitization with such system, it is necessary to manually activate the valves, and sometimes, it is impossible to easily perform it.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for better and affordable cleaning solutions of machines for preparing and dispensing beverages, in particular a need for a solution that can be repeatable maintaining a high-quality standards of sanitization. Moreover, there is a need for a reduction of any not necessarily manual intervention during sanitization.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a machine for preparing and dispensing beverages able to solve the aforementioned prior art drawback in a simple, cheaper and functional way.

[0013] In more details, an object of the present invention is to provide a machine for preparing and dispensing beverages which allows an easy sanitization, preferably in a complete automatized way.

[0014] This and further objects according to the present invention are achieved by a machine for preparing and dispensing beverages provided with a sanitization arrangement according to the claims.

[0015] The machine for preparing and dispensing beverages according to the present invention comprises:

[0016] - at least a casing, able to define at least a housing chamber of one or more apparatuses of the machine and provided with at least one opening which defines a compartment to the housing chamber;

[0017] - at least one beverage preparation apparatus, which is designed for preparing and dispensing beverages comprising at least one dispensing nozzle of beverages;

[0018] - at least one water supply apparatus arranged within housing chamber, which is provided with a water feeding connector and with one or more water delivering pipes to the beverage preparation apparatus, and with one or more solenoid valves each coupled to a respective water delivery pipe; and

[0019] - a main control unit able to run the operations for preparing and dispensing beverages, the main control unit being operatively connected to the solenoid valves by a main wiring loom to control the flow in the respective water delivery pipe according to a user selection of the beverage to be dispended; the machine is characterized in that it comprises a secondary control unit, operatively connected to the solenoid valves to control the solenoid valves and the flow in the respective water delivery pipe according to one or more predefined commands in a request of sanitization and independently from the main control unit when the machine is powered off, wherein the secondary control unit is provided with an electronic connector able to allow the electronic connection between the secondary control unit and a sanitization device to control the solenoid valves during a sanitization procedure.

[0020] The secondary control unit allows the control of a dynamic sanitization by autonomously accessing and controlling the solenoid valves, reducing any unnecessary manual intervention. According to an embodiment, the water supply apparatus is provided with at least one water carbonator-soda maker, hydraulically connected to one of the water delivering pipes, and a vent valve operatively connected to the water carbonator-soda maker, wherein the secondary control unit is operatively connected to the vent valve to control the vent valve evacuating the air in the water carbonator-soda maker according to a predefined vent command in a request of sanitization and independently from the main control unit.

[0021] The activation of the vent valve allows a better cleaning solution of the machine.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the water supply apparatus is provided with at least one water carbonator-soda maker, hydraulically connected to one of the water delivering pipes, and a switch valve operatively connected to the water carbonator-soda maker, wherein the secondary control unit is operatively connected to the switch valve to control the switch valve allowing the water circulating in the water carbonator-soda maker according to a predefined carbonator circulation command in a request of sanitization and independently from the main control unit.

[0023] This enables the automation of the sanitization even for the pipes connected to the water carbonator-soda maker at high quality standards of sanitization.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the water supply apparatus is provided with two or more water delivering pipes and with two or more solenoid valves. Moreover, the machine for preparing and dispensing beverages may also comprise at least one additive substances feeding apparatus arranged within the housing chamber, which is provided with one or more additive substances delivering pipes to the beverage preparation apparatus.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the secondary control unit is directly connected to at least one of the solenoid valves and / or to the vent valve and / or to the switch valve by a secondary wiring loom independent from said main wiring loom.

[0026] The direct connection allows to exclude at all any access to the electric / electronic devices of the machine, so the control of the valves can be realized even when the machine is turned off. According to an embodiment, the secondary control unit is indirectly connected to at least one of the solenoid valves and / or to the vent valve and / or to the switch valve by a secondary wiring loom connected to the main wiring loom. The indirect connection allows to reduce the complexity of the wires in the machine, by maintain the control of the valves even when the machine is turned off.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the machine further comprises one or more electromagnetic actuators mechanically coupled to at least one of the solenoid valves and / or to the vent valve and / or to the switch valve, wherein the secondary control unit is operatively connected to the electromagnetic actuators to energize the electromagnetic actuators allowing the control of at least one of the solenoid valves and / or of the vent valve and / or of the switch valve according to a predefined energization command in a request of sanitization and independently from the main control unit.

[0028] This allows to indirect control the actuation of the valves when an electric / electronic connection with the same is not possible or not desirable.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the electronic connector is coupled to the casing towards the outside of the housing chamber to allow the electronic connection between the secondary control unit and a sanitization device without opening the door compartment.

[0030] This allows a fast electric / electronic connection between the machine and the sanitization device, eliminating any possible issue with the inner electric connections and cables of the machine.

[0031] According to an embodiment, all the water delivery pipes and all the additive substances delivering pipes are hydraulically connected to the dispensing nozzle, which is designed for mixing water with the additive substances, so as to obtain the beverage, and for delivering the beverage.

[0032] The hydraulic portion relating to the additive substances can thus be excluded from sanitization, at least partly, when the cycle of sanitization is executed in the hydraulic portion relating to the water delivery pipes.

[0033] The objects according to the present invention are also achieved by a system for sanitizing a machine for preparing and dispensing beverages according to the claims.

[0034] The system for sanitizing a machine for preparing and dispensing beverages according to the present invention comprises the machine for preparing and dispensing beverages according to one of the claims, and a sanitization device, wherein the sanitization device is electrically connected to the machine by the electronic connector, to control the secondary control unit, and is hydraulically connected to the machine by the water feeding connector and the dispensing nozzle, to create an hydraulic loop between the machine and the sanitization device.

[0035] The system creates a cleaning in place solution for the machine, when necessary, without providing the sanitization device always connected to the machine. Consequently, the footprint and complexity of the machine is substantially not affected. The sanitization can thus be repeatable maintaining high quality standards. The objects according to the present invention are also achieved by a method for sanitizing a machine for preparing and dispensing beverages according to the claims.

[0036] The method for sanitizing a machine for preparing and dispensing beverages with a system according to one of the claims comprises:

[0037] - electrically connecting the sanitization device to the machine by coupling the sanitization device to the electronic connector, to control the secondary control unit;

[0038] - hydraulically connecting the sanitization device to the machine by coupling the sanitization device to the water feeding connector and to the dispensing nozzle, to create a hydraulic loop between the machine and the sanitization device;

[0039] - filling each of the water delivering pipe with a detergent and / or hot water from the sanitization device by maintain in a closed state the corresponding solenoid valve coupled to a respective water delivery pipe;

[0040] - recirculating each of the water delivering pipe provided with a detergent and / or hot water from the dispensing nozzle to the water feeding connector by the sanitization device for a predefined recirculation time, by opening each of the solenoid valve one at time;

[0041] - rinsing each of the water delivering pipe with water by opening the hydraulic loop at the sanitization device in a drain configuration and by opening each of the solenoid valve one at time;

[0042] - filling each of the water delivering pipe with water from the sanitization device by maintain in a closed state the corresponding solenoid valve coupled to a respective water delivery Pipe.

[0043] In an embodiment, the method for sanitizing further comprises, before filling each of said water delivering pipe with a detergent and / or hot water, opening the vent valve for evacuating the air from the water carbonator-soda maker.

[0044] Brief description of the drawings

[0045] The features and the advantages of a machine for preparing and dispensing beverages according to the present invention will become apparent from the following description which refers to the attached figures, by way of a non-limiting example, wherein:

[0046] - Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred embodiment of the machine for preparing and dispensing beverages according to the present invention, wherein the machine in illustrated with the opened-door configuration;

[0047] - Figure 2 is a front view of the machine of Figure 1 , wherein the machine is illustrated with the closed-door configuration;

[0048] - Figure 3 shows the hydraulic diagram of Figure 1 with the electric / electronic connections with the secondary control unit; - Figure 4 shows the hydraulic diagram of Figure 3 with the electric / electronic connections and the hydraulic connections with the sanitization device according to the present invention;

[0049] - Figure 5 shows a block diagram of the method for sanitizing a machine for preparing and dispensing beverages according to the invention.

[0050] Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0051] With reference to the figures, a preferred embodiment of a machine for preparing and dispensing beverages according to the present invention is shown. The machine is indicated, as a whole, with the reference number 10. The machine 10 is of the type comprising a casing 12, able to define at least a housing chamber. In the present embodiment the casing 12 is a single main casing defining a single housing chamber, but more than one casing, as well as more than one housing chamber, can be provided according to further embodiments (not shown). The housing chamber is provided with at least one opening which defines a compartment to the housing chamber and eventually with at least one lateral wall 14. This main casing 12, and in particular the housing chamber, encloses an inner volume suitable for housing a plurality of apparatuses of the machine 10.

[0052] The door 16 of the machine 10 is provided with an outer surface and an inner surface oriented towards the housing chamber, which is toward the inner volume of the machine 10. The door 16 is hinged to the main casing 12 at a hinging axis A, preferably having a substantial vertical development, and is configured to close the compartment in the machine 10 operating configuration.

[0053] According to further embodiments, not shown, the configuration of the machine according to the present invention can be different and devoid of a door, i.e. the compartment can be closed with a removable panel.

[0054] The machine 10 comprises at least one beverage preparation apparatus 18, which is designed for preparing and dispensing beverages, such as to brew a beverage (i.e., coffee, the beverage preparation apparatus being or comprising a brewing unit) or to mix other substances to the water.

[0055] Further, the machine 10 comprises at least one water supply apparatus 20 preferably arranged within the housing chamber, which is provided with one or more water delivering pipes 22 to the beverage preparation apparatus 18, preferably with two or more water delivering pipes. In particular, three water delivering pipes 22 are illustrated in the present embodiment, each respectively defining an ambient line of water, a refrigerated line of water and a carbonated line of water, as described in more details below. The water supply apparatus 20 is also provided with a water feeding connector (illustrated by the inlet faucet of the hydraulic connection of Figures 3 and 4), from which preferably tap water or water from containers can be drained to be pumped in the machine 10. Finally, the machine 10 comprises at least one additive substances feeding apparatus 24, eventually to be mixed with water, which is provided with one or more additive substances delivering pipes 26 to the beverage preparation apparatus 18. The additive substances feeding apparatus 24 is preferably arranged within the housing chamber.

[0056] According to further embodiments, not shown, the machine according to the present invention can be devoid of additive substances feeding apparatus, i.e. the machine can be a coffee machine.

[0057] As an example, the additive substances to be mixed with water can be syrups, flavorings, mineral substances (magnesium, calcium, potassium, etc.), dissolved minerals, vitamins, coffee extracts (caffeine or more), the extracts, fruit juice, etc. The additive substances can be contained in specific containers, such as “bag-in-box” containers. These containers can be inserted in the additive substances feeding apparatus 24 and can be removed when empty.

[0058] The beverage preparation apparatus 18 comprises at least one dispensing nozzle 28. In the present embodiment, one alcove 64 is also provided, which is obtained on the door 16 and which defines a seat 66, open on the outer surface of the same door 16, to hold at least one container into which the beverage dispensed through the dispensing nozzle 28 flows. Thus, each user of the machine 10 can put in the seat 66 of the alcove 64 a container (glass, cup, bottle, canteen, etc.) to receive the desired beverage. The selection of the kind of beverage to be dispensed can be done by a control panel of the machine 10, which is usually disposed on the outer surface of the door 16, near the alcove 64. On the same outer surface of the door 16 a payment device of the beverages can be provided.

[0059] According to different embodiments, not shown, the dispensing nozzle can be provided in different arrangements, i.e. not in an alcove.

[0060] The water supply apparatus 20 is provided with one or more solenoid valves 50, 52, 54 (Figure 1), preferably two or more solenoid valves, each coupled to a respective water delivery pipe 22 to the beverage preparation apparatus 18. According to the invention, the solenoid valves 50, 52, 54 are positioned within the housing chamber at the compartment of the main casing 12 to be immediately and easily accessible when the door 16 is open during respective adjustment and / or maintenance operations. According to the embodiment herewith described, the solenoid valves 50, 52, 54 are immediately accessible when the door 16 is open, because they are position in front of at least one or of all the other apparatuses arranged inside the main casing 12 of the machine 10, but different configurations can be used.

[0061] As known, the water supply apparatus 20 can be provided with at least one water chilling unit 56, as well as of at least a water carbonator-soda maker 57. These devices are illustrated in the hydraulic diagram of Figure 3.

[0062] The water carbonator-soda maker 57 is preferably hydraulically connected to one of the water delivering pipes 22, i.e. the one defining the carbonated line of water. A vent valve 157 can be also provided in the water supply apparatus 20 to be operatively connected to the water carbonator-soda maker 57. Moreover, a switch valve 257 can be also provided in the water supply apparatus 20 to be operatively connected to the water carbonator-soda maker 57.

[0063] According to the embodiment herewith described, the solenoid valves 50, 52, 54 are positioned in front of the water chilling unit 56, such as to be more easily accessible, but different configurations can be used.

[0064] As shown, the solenoid valves 50, 52, 54 can be mounted on a single support frame 58 (Figure 1) which is arranged within the housing chamber at the compartment of the main casing 12 so as to be opposite to the door 16 when the same door 16 is closed. The solenoid valves can also be at least partially covered by a respective protection carter (not shown). The solenoid valves 50, 52, 54 can further be mounted at a different height from the others with respect to a support surface of the machine 10, so as to allow a more functional connection of the hydraulic tubes to said solenoid valves 50, 52, 54.

[0065] According to further embodiments, not illustrated, two or more support frames can be used to mount the solenoid valves on, or different kinds of mountings can be used.

[0066] As illustrate in the hydraulic diagram of Figure 3, all the water delivery pipes 22 and all the additive substances delivering pipes 26 are hydraulically connected to the dispensing nozzle 28, which is designed for mixing water with the additive substances, so as to obtain the beverage, and for delivering the beverage. In particular, the water supply apparatus 20 and the additive substances feeding apparatus 24 are arranged in the housing chamber, so are hydraulically connected to the dispensing nozzle 28 by the aforementioned water delivery pipes 22 and additive substances delivering pipes 26. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the beverage preparation apparatus 18 comprises a single dispensing nozzle 28, but two or more dispensing nozzles can be provided according to the needs.

[0067] Conveniently, the dispensing nozzle 28 is fixed to the alcove 64 to ensure easy access to the machine 10 apparatuses and devices arranged within the housing chamber when the door 16 is open. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a specific split in the alcove 64 to allow the passage of one or more dispensing nozzles, as in the known machines for preparing and delivering beverages where the dispensing nozzles are usually fixed to the main casing of the machine itself.

[0068] According to the invention, the main control unit 34 is able to run the operations for preparing and dispensing beverages. In particular, the main control unit 34 is operatively connected to the solenoid valves 50, 52, 54 by a main wiring loom (not shown) to control the flow in the respective water delivery pipe 22 according to a user selection of the beverage to be dispended.

[0069] The machine 10 is further provided with a secondary control unit 210 (as schematically shown in Figures 3 and 4), operatively connected to the solenoid valves 50, 52, 54 and eventually to the vent valve 157 and to the switch valve 257, if present (connection with dotted lines).

[0070] The secondary control unit 210 can be directly or indirectly connected to the solenoid valves 50, 52, 54, to the vent valve 157 and to the switch valve 257. The direct connection is made by a secondary wiring loom connection of one or more of the aforementioned elements independently from the main wiring loom. On the contrary, the indirect connection is made by a secondary wiring loom connected to the main wiring loom. It is to be noted that a combination of direct and indirect connections can be made on the same machine, as well as the elements to be connected can be only a part or even more.

[0071] According to a further embodiment, not shown, the machine can comprise one or more electric actuation magnets to be mechanically coupled to at least one of the solenoid valves and / or to the vent valve and / or to the switch valve. In this embodiment, the secondary control unit is operatively connected to the electric actuation magnets to energize the electric actuation magnets allowing the control (indirect actuation) of at least one of the solenoid valves and / or to the vent valve and / or to the switch valve according to a predefined command in a request of sanitization and independently from the main control unit. This embodiment can be combined with the direct and indirect connections, thus mixing the direct actuation of the elements with the indirect actuation of the same.

[0072] The secondary control unit 210 controls the solenoid valves 50, 52, 54 and the flow in the respective water delivery pipe 22 according to one or more predefined commands in a request of sanitization and independently from the main control unit 34 when the machine 10 is powered off, as better described below in connection with the method according to the present invention.

[0073] In the same way, the secondary control unit 210 can be connected to the vent valve 157, to control the vent valve 157 evacuating the air in the water carbonator-soda maker according to a predefined command in a request of sanitization and independently from the main control unit 34, as better described below in connection with the method according to the present invention.

[0074] Moreover, when the secondary control unit 210 is operatively connected to the switch valve 257 it controls the switch valve 257 allowing the water circulating in the water carbonator-soda maker according to a predefined command in a request of sanitization and independently from the main control unit 34, as better described below in connection with the method according to the present invention.

[0075] The secondary control unit 210 is provided with an electronic connector able to allow the electronic connection (not shown) between the secondary control unit 210 itself and a sanitization device 500 (detailed below) to control the solenoid valves 50, 52, 54 during a sanitization procedure. This electronic connector can be arranged inside the housing chamber or preferably coupled to the main casing facing toward the outside of the housing chamber to allow the electronic connection between the secondary control unit 210 and a sanitization device 500 without opening the compartment.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the machine 10 according to the present invention can be provided with suitable pumping devices for the water and / or for the additive substances, for example peristaltic pumps. As illustrated in Figures 1 , these pumping devices (not numbered) are arranged within the housing chamber of the main casing 12 at the compartment of the main casing 12 to be immediately and easily accessible when the door 16 is open during respective adjustment and / or maintenance operations.

[0077] The pumping devices can also be arranged in front of at least one or all the other apparatuses in the main casing 12 of the machine 10, being immediately accessible once the door 16 is opened.

[0078] In particular, these pumping devices can be arranged in the upper portion of the housing chamber, thus allowing an optimal arrangement of the water delivery pipes 22, of the additive substances delivery pipes 26 and of the flow control devices 32, or of portions of the same or of the relative bundles, so as to rationalize the connection with the dispensing nozzle 28. Furthermore, the pumping devices can furthermore be mounted at the same height with respect to a support surface of the machine 10, as illustrated and preferred, or each at a different height from the others.

[0079] These pumping devices can therefore be operatively connected with the flow control devices 32, or directly with the main control unit 34 of the machine 10.

[0080] According to further embodiments, not shown, the pumping devices can be positioned according to different methods with respect to what is described above.

[0081] Therefore, the machine for preparation and dispensing of beverages according to the present invention achieves the aforementioned objects.

[0082] Figure 5 is a schematic view shows the hydraulic diagram of machine 10 according to the invention when provided with the electric / electronic connections and the hydraulic connections with the sanitization device 500, thus defining a system for sanitizing a machine for preparing and dispensing beverages according to the present invention. The system for sanitizing a machine for preparing and dispensing beverages according to the present invention thus comprises the machine 10, as already described, and a sanitization device 500, external to the machine 10.

[0083] The sanitization device 500 is electrically / electronically connected to machine 10 by the electronic connector (dotted line), to control the secondary control unit 210. Thus, the sanitization device 500 is able to instruct the secondary control unit 210 about the sanitization procedure to follow, i.e. by instructing the same with the aforementioned predefined commands in a request of sanitization and independently from the main control unit. Moreover, the same sanitization device 500 is hydraulically connected to the machine 10 (solid lines) by the water feeding connector and the dispensing nozzle 28, to create a hydraulic loop between the machine 10 and the sanitization device 500. Finally, the sanitization device 500 is provided with a drain outlet (solid line) to discard any fluid from it or coming from the machine 10.

[0084] A method for sanitizing a machine 10 for preparing and dispensing beverages with a system according to the invention is herewith described, with reference to the block diagram of Figure 5.

[0085] The method first comprises electrically connecting the sanitization device to the machine 10 for preparing and dispensing beverages (not shown in Figure 5) by coupling the sanitization device 500 to the electronic connector, to control the secondary control unit 210, and hydraulically connecting the sanitization device 500 to the machine 10 for preparing and dispensing beverages (not shown in Figure 5) by coupling the sanitization device to the water feeding connector and to the dispensing nozzle 28, to create a hydraulic loop between the machine 10 and the sanitization device 500.

[0086] Then the method comprises opening the vent valve 157 for evacuating the air in the water carbonator-soda maker 57, step 1011 in Figure 5, if the vent valve 157 is present. According to further embodiments, not shown, this operation can be avoided when the vent valve is not present.

[0087] In the steps 1012, 1022, 1032 the filling of each of the water delivering pipe 22 (carbonated, ambient, chilled) with a detergent and / or hot water from the sanitization device 500 is defined. These steps are realized by maintain in a closed state the corresponding solenoid valve 50, 52, 54 coupled to a respective water delivery pipe 22. The filling is realized until the correct amount (volume) of detergent and / or hot water is filled in the water delivering pipes 22.

[0088] In steps 1013, 1023, 1033 the recirculating of each of the water delivering pipe 22 provided with a detergent and / or hot water from the dispensing nozzle 28 to the water feeding connector by the sanitization device 500 for a predefined recirculation time is defined. These steps are realized by opening each of the solenoid valve 50, 52, 54 one at time.

[0089] The system is paused after the recirculation, step 1014, allowing the sanitization device 500, or to the operator acting with the same to switch from a loop mode, wherein the outlet of the sanitization device 500 is connected to the water feeding connector of the machine 10, to a drain mode, wherein the same outlet of the sanitization device 500 is disconnected from the water feeding connector allowing the fluid to drain out from the drain outlet (arrow in solid line in Figure 4).

[0090] Then, in step 1015, the rinsing each of the water delivering pipe 22 with water (preferably hot water) by opening the hydraulic loop at the sanitization device in a drain configuration and by opening each of the solenoid valve 50, 52, 54 one at time. The rinsing is repeated until the detergent is completely removed from the water delivery pipes 22, i.e. by checking it with an inductive sensor to measure the water draining from the sanitization device through the drain outlet. In case only hot water was used in the previous operations, the rinsing is repeated for a predefined amount of time (rinsing time), at least until the previous used hot water is completely removed from the water delivery pipes 22. In the meantime, the operator can change the filter in the machine 10 without interrupting the sanitization operation.

[0091] Thus, in step 1016 the system is paused again allowing the sanitization device 500, or to the operator acting with the same to switch from the drain mode to the loop mode.

[0092] Finally, in steps 1017 to 1057 the filling of each of the water delivering pipe 22 with water from the sanitization device 500 is defined, by maintain in a closed state the corresponding solenoid valve 50, 52, 54 coupled to a respective water delivery pipe 22; in this way the machine 10 for preparing and dispensing beverages can be filled with uncontaminated water after cleaning, thus avoiding any subsequent contamination from outside.

[0093] Thus, the machine, the system and the method according to the present invention allow improvement of operational simplicity, reduction of the time needed for the sanitization and reduction of misuses or bad-cleaning by the filed operators, leveraging the automation of the sanitization procedure.

[0094] The machine for preparation and dispensing of beverages according to the present invention it is in any case susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all falling within the same innovative concept; for example, combinations of the described embodiments can also be made and furthermore all the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as the shapes and dimensions, may be any according to the technical requirements.

[0095] List of references in the drawings:

[0096] 10: machine;

[0097] 12: main casing of the machine;

[0098] 14: lateral wall of the main casing;

[0099] 16: door;

[0100] 18: beverage preparation apparatus;

[0101] 20: water supply apparatus;

[0102] 22: water delivering pipes;

[0103] 24: additive substances feeding apparatus;

[0104] 26: additive substances delivering pipes;

[0105] 28: dispensing nozzle;

[0106] 32: flow control devices;

[0107] 34: main control unit;

[0108] 50: solenoid valve;

[0109] 52: solenoid valve;

[0110] 54: solenoid valve;

[0111] 56: water chilling unit;

[0112] 57 water carbonator-soda maker;

[0113] 58: single support frame of the solenoid valves;

[0114] 64: alcove;

[0115] 66: alcove seat;

[0116] 157: vent valve;

[0117] 210: secondary control unit;

[0118] 257: switch valve;

[0119] 500: sanitization device;

[0120] A: hinging axis of the door.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages comprising:- at least a casing (12), able to define at least a housing chamber of one or more apparatuses of the machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages and provided with at least one opening which defines a compartment to said housing chamber;- at least one beverage preparation apparatus (18), which is designed for preparing and dispensing beverages comprising at least one dispensing nozzle (28) of beverages;- at least one water supply apparatus (20) arranged within said housing chamber, which is provided with a water feeding connector and with one or more water delivering pipes (22) to said beverage preparation apparatus (18), and with one or more solenoid valves (50, 52, 54) each coupled to a respective water delivery pipe; and- a main control unit (34) able to run the operations for preparing and dispensing beverages, said main control unit (34) being operatively connected to said solenoid valves (50, 52, 54) by a main wiring loom to control the flow in the respective water delivery pipe (22) according to a user selection of the beverage to be dispended; the machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages is characterized in that it comprises a secondary control unit (210), operatively connected to said solenoid valves (50, 52, 54) to control said solenoid valves (50, 52, 54) and the flow in the respective water delivery pipe (22) according to one or more predefined commands in a request of sanitization and independently from said main control unit (34) when said machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages is powered off, and wherein said secondary control unit (210) is provided with an electronic connector able to allow the electronic connection between said secondary control unit (210) and a sanitization device (500) to control said solenoid valves (50, 52, 54) during a sanitization procedure.

2. The machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages according to claim 1 , wherein said water supply apparatus (20) is provided with two or more water delivering pipes (22) and with two or more solenoid valves (50, 52, 54).

3. The machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages further comprises at least one additive substances feeding apparatus (24) arranged within said housing chamber, which is provided with one or more additive substances delivering pipes (26) to said beverage preparation apparatus (18).

4. The machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages according to one of claims 1- 3, wherein said water supply apparatus (20) is provided with at least one water carbonatorsoda maker (57), hydraulically connected to one of said water delivering pipes (22), anda vent valve (157) operatively connected to said water carbonator-soda maker (57), wherein said secondary control unit (210) is operatively connected to said vent valve (157) to control said vent valve (157) evacuating the air in said water carbonator-soda maker (57) according to a predefined vent command in a request of sanitization and independently from said main control unit (34).

5. The machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages according to one of claims 1-4, wherein said water supply apparatus (20) is provided with at least one water carbonatorsoda maker (57), connected to one of said water delivering pipes (22), and a switch valve (257) operatively connected to said water carbonator-soda maker (57), wherein said secondary control unit (210) is operatively connected to said switch valve (257) to control said switch valve (257) allowing the water circulating in said water carbonator-soda maker (57) according to a predefined carbonator circulation command in a request of sanitization and independently from said main control unit (34).

6. The machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages according to one of claims 1-5, wherein said secondary control unit (210) is directly connected to at least one of said solenoid valves (50, 52, 54) and / or to said vent valve (157) and / or to said switch valve (257) by a secondary wiring loom independent from said main wiring loom.

7. The machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages according to one of claims 1-6, wherein said secondary control unit (210) is indirectly connected to at least one of said solenoid valves (50, 52, 54) and / or to said vent valve (157) and / or to said switch valve (257) by a secondary wiring loom connected to said main wiring loom.

8. The machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages according to one of claims 1-7, further comprising one or more electromagnetic actuators mechanically coupled to at least one of said solenoid valves (50, 52, 54) and / or to said vent valve (157) and / or to said switch valve (257), wherein said secondary control unit (210) is operatively connected to said electromagnetic actuators to energize said electromagnetic actuators allowing the control of at least one of said solenoid valves (50, 52, 54) and / or of said vent valve (157) and / or of said switch valve (257) according to a predefined energization command in a request of sanitization and independently from said main control unit (34).

9. The machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages according to one of claims 1-8, wherein said electronic connector is coupled to said casing towards the outside of said housing chamber to allow the electronic connection between said secondary control unit (210) and a sanitization device (500) without opening the compartment.

10. The machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages according to one of claims 1-9, wherein all the water delivery pipes (22) and all the additive substances delivering pipes (26) are hydraulically connected to said dispensing nozzle (28), which is designed formixing water with said additive substances, so as to obtain the beverage, and for delivering said beverage.11 . System for sanitizing a machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages comprising the machine (10) according to one of claims 1-10 and a sanitization device (500), wherein said sanitization device (500) is electrically connected to said machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages by said electronic connector, to control said secondary control unit (210), and is hydraulically connected to said machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages by said water feeding connector and said dispensing nozzle (28), to create an hydraulic loop between said machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages and said sanitization device (500).

12. Method for sanitizing a machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages with a system according to claim 11 , comprising:- electrically connecting said sanitization device (500) to said machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages by coupling said sanitization device (500) to said electronic connector, to control said secondary control unit (210);- hydraulically connecting said sanitization device (500) to said machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages by coupling said sanitization device (500) to said water feeding connector and to said dispensing nozzle (28), to create a hydraulic loop between said machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages and said sanitization device (500);- filling each of said water delivering pipe (22) with a detergent and / or hot water from said sanitization device (500) by maintain in a closed state the corresponding solenoid valve (50, 52, 54) coupled to a respective water delivery pipe (22);- recirculating each of said water delivering pipe (22) provided with a detergent and / or hot water from said dispensing nozzle (28) to said water feeding connector by said sanitization device (500) for a predefined recirculation time, by opening each of said solenoid valve one at time;- rinsing each of said water delivering pipe (22) with water by opening said hydraulic loop at said sanitization device (500) in a drain configuration and by opening each of said solenoid (50, 52, 54) valve one at time;- filling each of said water delivering pipe (22) with water from said sanitization device (500) by maintain in a closed state the corresponding solenoid valve coupled to a respective water delivery pipe (22).

13. Method for sanitizing a machine (10) for preparing and dispensing beverages according to claim 12, wherein it further comprises, before filling each of said water delivering pipe (22) with a detergent and / or hot water, opening said vent valve (157) for evacuating the air from said water carbonator-soda maker (57).

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