Victual dispenser cleaning system and electronic control system therefor

Abstract

A system 10 for cleaning a dispenser 100 of victuals (e.g., beverages, flowable foodstuffs provided from 200). The cleaning system 10 in use may take water in from inlet 18, provide it through outlet

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a victual dispenser cleaning system for cleaning a victual dispenser. Aspects of the invention relate to a cleaning system and to a control system for a cleaning system. BACKGROUND It is known to provide dispensers for victuals, in particular flowable victuals such as beverages, like teas, coffees and milk, and flowable foods, for example ice creams and yoghurts. These dispensers require regular cleaning which is traditionally a manual process that involves mixing cleaning fluids from concentrate, attaching these fluids to the dispensers, and flushing the cleaning fluids through the dispensers. Traditionally this is a manually intensive process and requires operator input throughout the process. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the known methods. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a victual dispenser cleaning system, and an electronic control system as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a victual dispenser cleaning system for cleaning a victual dispenser, the system comprising: a first outlet for conveying fluid to a victual dispenser via a cleaning fluid supply line; a first inlet for receiving fluid from the victual dispenser via a cleaning fluid return line; a second inlet for receiving a flow of water; a second outlet for removing fluid from the system; and at least one cleaning fluid reservoir. Each at least one cleaning reservoir has one or more reservoir inlet for receiving water from the second inlet, concentrated cleaning chemical and a recirculation fluid flow from the second inlet; and a cleaning fluid outlet in fluid communication with the first outlet. The system has a pump associated with each least one cleaning fluid reservoir, operable to pump cleaning fluid from the associated cleaning fluid reservoir to the victual dispenser via the first outlet, and a plurality of fluid control valves. The system includes an electronic control system comprising one or more processors collectively configured to, in response to a signal indicative of a cleaning requirement, provide signals to control the fluid control valves and the pump, to run an automated cleaning process to: provide water from the second inlet to the at least one cleaning fluid reservoir to mix with concentrated cleaning chemical therein to form at least one cleaning fluid; provide a flow of a purge fluid through the first outlet, the first inlet and the second outlet, via the cleaning fluid supply line and the cleaning fluid return line, so as to purge any foodstuff from the victual dispenser; recirculate the at least one cleaning fluid through the first outlet, the first inlet and the at least one cleaning fluid reservoir for a predetermined time, via the cleaning fluid supply line and the cleaning fluid return line, so as to clean the victual dispenser; and provide a flow of water through the second inlet, the first outlet, the first inlet and the second outlet, via the cleaning fluid supply line and the cleaning fluid return line so as to rinse cleaning fluid from the victual dispenser. It will be appreciated that purging the victual dispenser, cleaning the victual dispenser, and rinsing the victual dispenser automatically occur sequentially. It is an advantage of the present invention that an automated cleaning process is achieved which flushes any remaining product from the dispenser, cleans the dispenser, and then flushes the dispenser so that it is ready for use. This is achieved in response to a single signal indicative that cleaning is required, with no other user input needed during cleaning. In an embodiment, providing a flow of a purge fluid comprises one of: providing a flow of water from the second inlet to the first outlet; and pumping a flow of at least one said cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid reservoir to the first outlet. The purge fluid removes any residual victual product from the dispenser. Using a cleaning fluid to purge the residual victual product may result in the removal of more residual victual product, whereas the use of water requires less chemicals to be used. Optionally, the victual dispenser cleaning system may include at least a second cleaning fluid reservoir, and recirculating the at least one cleaning fluid so as to clean the victual dispenser may comprise: recirculating a first cleaning fluid through the first outlet, the first inlet and a first of the at least one cleaning fluid reservoir for a predetermined time, and subsequentially recirculating a second cleaning fluid through the first outlet, the first inlet and a second of the at least one cleaning fluid reservoir for a predetermined time, so as to perform two cleaning cycles during the automated cleaning process. Optionally, the first cleaning fluid comprises a chlorinated cleaning substance and the second cleaning fluid comprises an acidic sanitizer. The use of these two chemicals may be beneficial when the victual includes dairy products or the like. In one arrangement the victual dispenser cleaning system may comprise a cleaning concentrate pump associated with each said at least one cleaning fluid reservoir. The cleaning concentrate pump may be arranged to, in response to a signal from the one or more processors, supply a metered volume of cleaning fluid concentrate to the associated cleaning fluid reservoir, via the one or more reservoir inlet, for dilution therein. A cleaning concentrate reservoir, in fluid communication with the cleaning concentrate pump, may be provided. Optionally, each of the at least one cleaning fluid reservoirs is provided with a water inlet valve between the second inlet and the one or more reservoir inlet, and a liquid level sensor that outputs an electronic signal indicative of a level of fluid within the associated cleaning fluid reservoir, and wherein providing water from the second inlet to the at least one cleaning fluid reservoir comprises the one or more processors being collectively configured to open the water inlet valve associated with at least one cleaning fluid reservoir to provide a flow of water to the one or more reservoir, and in response to a signal indicating that the level of fluid within the reservoir has reached a predetermined level, close the water inlet valve. In this manner a metered volume of cleaning fluid concentrate, and a correct volume of diluent can be added to the cleaning fluid reservoir to mix therein so as to produce the required concentration of cleaning fluid. Preferably the cleaning fluid concentrate is added before or during the addition of the water such that turbulence created by the addition of the water mixes the cleaning fluid concentrate and water. In some arrangements the victual dispenser cleaning system may further comprise a fluid heater, and the one or more processors are collectively configured to, when recirculating the at least one cleaning fluid, control the fluid heater to heat the cleaning fluid passing therethrough. In a preferred embodiment the fluid heater is an inline fluid heater which may be provided between the at least one cleaning fluid reservoir and the first outlet. The inline fluid heater may be any suitable heater but preferably is an electric inline heater. In another embodiment the fluid heater may be located within the cleaning fluid reservoir to heat the fluid therein. The cleaning system may be provided with a temperature sensor downstream of the fluid heater to sense the temperature and output a signal indicative thereof. The fluid heater may be operated in response to the signal indicative of the temperature to heat the fluid to a predetermined temperature. The heater may be controlled in an on / off manner, for example it may turn on at a first temperature and turn off at a second higher temperature, i.e. it may be controlled in a hysteresis manner and the predetermined temperature may be a temperature range. Alternatively the water heater may be controlled in a variable heat output manner, for example using pulse width modulation of the heating element, to control the heat output thereof to achieve the predetermined temperature. Other methods of using temperature feedback to control the heater as known in the art may be used. In a preferred arrangement the cleaning fluid is heated to a temperature of over 60 degrees Celsius. Preferably the cleaning fluid is heated to a temperature of between 70 and 80 degrees Celsius. A control temperature may be set at 71 degrees Celsius (160 degrees F). Optionally the one or more processors may be collectively configured to, during at least a portion of the time when the system is providing the flow of a purge fluid, control the heater to heat the purge fluid. By heating in the purge cycle, the dispenser being cleaned can have its temperature increased prior to the recirculation of the cleaning fluid. Furthermore, the use of a heated purge fluid may assist in removing residual victual product from the dispenser, in particular it may help dissolve any fats contained within the residual victual product. The one or more processors may be collectively configured to output a cooling control signal to instruct a cooling system associated with the victual dispenser to stop cooling. The cooling control signal may comprise an instruction to stop the circulation of a cooling fluid. The victual dispenser cleaning system may further comprise a refrigerated python containing one or more coolant fluid circulation conduit, a flowable victual supply conduit and at least part of the cleaning fluid return line, and the cooling control signal may control one or more valve and / or pump to stop circulation of coolant fluid within the coolant fluid circulation conduit. By stopping the flow of cooling fluid the heated fluid provided by the cleaning system is prevented from being actively cooled within the python by the cooling fluid. The coolant may be a glycol coolant, or any other coolant known in the art. The flowable foodstuff supply conduit may comprise a part of the cleaning fluid supply line. I.e. the purge fluid, cleaning fluid exiting the first outlet may flow into the flowable victual supply conduit and pass therethrough to the victual dispenser. In this manner the interior of the flowable victual supply conduit is also cleaned. In an embodiment the plurality of fluid control valves comprises one or more of: an electrically operated purge valve between the second inlet and the first outlet; an electrically operated inlet valve between the second inlet and the reservoir inlet of each said at least one cleaning fluid reservoir; an electrically operated recirculation valve between the first inlet and the reservoir inlet of each said at least one cleaning fluid reservoir; and an electronically operated drain valve between the first inlet and the drain. The electrically operated inlet valve is automatically operable by the control system to individually and selectively supply water to each fluid reservoir as needed. The electrically operated recirculation valve is automatically operable by the control system to select which of the one or more fluid reservoirs recirculating cleaning fluid is returned to. The drain valve is automatically operable by the control system to drain fluid received at the first inlet from the system. Optionally a check valve may be provided between the pump and the first outlet to prevent backflow of fluid into the cleaning fluid reservoir via the pump. For example when the purge valve is open and fluid is flowing therethrough to the first outlet, the check valve prevents that fluid passing into a cleaning fluid reservoir via its pump. Optionally an inlet check valve may be provided between the second inlet and the cleaning fluid reservoir to prevent flow of cleaning fluid out of the system via the second inlet. The victual dispenser cleaning system may further comprise an input device comprising one or both of a manually operated switch to generate the signal indicative of a cleaning requirement and a user interface configured to allow a user to program the system to generate the signal indicative of a cleaning requirement at a predetermined time. A manually operated switch easily allows a user to start a cleaning process on demand and an interface that allows the user to program a cleaning process to start at a predetermined time enables the system to be automatically set up to self-clean during known down time, for example outside hours of business. The predetermined time may be a defined set time or may be at the end of an elapsed time period, for example after 3 hours have elapsed. The victual dispenser cleaning system may further comprise a cleaning attachment for, in use, attachment to a victual dispenser, the cleaning attachment configured to create a return path between an outlet of the victual dispenser and the cleaning fluid return line. The victual dispenser cleaning system may further comprise a sensor configured to determine that the cleaning attachment is attached and send an electronic signal indicative thereof; the control system being configured to: when in receipt of the signal indicative that the cleaning attachment is attached and the signal indicative of a cleaning requirement, provide said signals to control the fluid control valves and the pump to run the automated cleaning process, and when in receipt of the signal indicative of a cleaning requirement, but not the signal indicative that the cleaning attachment is attached, to not provide said signals to control the fluid control valves and the pump, so as not to run the automated cleaning process. A cleaning attachment suitable for use as part of the cleaning system is described in UK patent application GB2311906.8 the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. According to second aspect of the present invention there is provided a victual dispenser cleaning system for cleaning a victual dispenser, the system comprising: a first outlet for conveying fluid to a victual dispenser via a cleaning fluid supply line; a first inlet for receiving fluid from the victual dispenser via a cleaning fluid return line; a second inlet for receiving a flow of water; a second outlet for removing fluid from the system; and at least one cleaning fluid reservoir, each said at least one cleaning fluid reservoir having one or more reservoir inlet for receiving water from the second inlet, concentrated cleaning chemical and a recirculation fluid flow from the second inlet; and a cleaning fluid outlet in fluid communication with the first outlet. The system has a pump associated with each least one cleaning fluid reservoir, operable to pump cleaning fluid from the associated cleaning fluid reservoir to the victual dispenser via the first outlet, and a plurality of fluid control valves. The plurality of fluid control valves comprises: a purge valve located in a fluid flow path between the second inlet and the first outlet; an inlet valve located in a fluid flow path between the second inlet and the reservoir inlet; a recirculation valve located between the first inlet and the reservoir inlet; and a drain valve located between the first inlet and the second outlet. The plurality of fluid control valves may be electronically operated control valves. The victual dispenser cleaning system may comprise two cleaning fluid reservoirs, each having an associated an inlet valve located in a fluid flow path between the second inlet and their respective reservoir inlet, and an associated recirculation valve located between the first inlet and their respective reservoir inlet. Each cleaning fluid reservoir has a cleaning concentrate pump and a cleaning fluid reservoir associated therewith. In use the cleaning concentrate pump supplies a metered volume of cleaning fluid concentrate to the associated cleaning fluid reservoir, via the one or more reservoir inlet, for dilution therein. Each cleaning fluid reservoir may have a fluid level sensor associated therewith which outputs an electronic signal indicative of a level of fluid within the associated cleaning fluid reservoir. An inline fluid heater may be provided in a fluid flow path between the pump of the at least one cleaning fluid reservoir and the first outlet. A check valve may be located between the pump of each cleaning fluid reservoir and the first outlet. In use this can prevent backflow of fluid into the cleaning fluid reservoir via the pump. An inlet check valve is optionally located between the second inlet and the at least one cleaning fluid reservoir to prevent flow of cleaning fluid out of the system via the second inlet. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an electronic control system for controlling the victual dispenser cleaning system of the second invention, the electronic control system comprising one or more processors collectively configured to: receive a first signal indicative of a cleaning requirement and in dependence on receipt of the first signal provide output signals to: open the inlet valve to provide a flow of water from the second inlet to the at least one cleaning fluid reservoir to mix with concentrated cleaning chemical therein to form at least one cleaning fluid; open the purge valve and the drain valve to provide a flow of a purge fluid through the first outlet, the first inlet and the second outlet, via the cleaning fluid supply line and the cleaning fluid return line, so as to purge any foodstuff from the victual dispenser; close the purge valve and the drain valve; open the recirculation valve and operate the pump to recirculate the at least one cleaning fluid through the first outlet, the first inlet and the at least one cleaning fluid reservoir for a predetermined time, via the cleaning fluid supply line and the cleaning fluid return line, so as to clean the victual dispenser; open the drain valve and close the recirculation valve; and open the purge valve to provide a flow of water through the second inlet, the first outlet, the first inlet and the second outlet, via the cleaning fluid supply line and the cleaning fluid return line so as to rinse the victual dispenser. The one or more processors may be collectively configured to receive a second signal indicative that a cleaning attachment is attached to the victual dispenser to be cleaned, and only output the control signals in response to receipt of both the first and the second signal. Open the recirculation valve and operating the pump to recirculate the at least one cleaning fluid through the first outlet, the first inlet and the at least one cleaning fluid reservoir for a predetermined time, via the cleaning fluid supply line and the cleaning fluid return line, so as to clean the victual dispenser may comprise the one or more processors outputting signals to: open the recirculation valve and operate the pump associated with a first cleaning fluid reservoir to recirculate a first cleaning fluid; closing the recirculation valve and ceasing to operate the pump associated with a first cleaning fluid reservoir; and subsequentially open the recirculation valve and operate the pump associated with a second cleaning fluid reservoir to recirculate a second cleaning fluid. The one or more processors may collectively be configured to, prior to or during the outputting of a signal to open the inlet valve, output a signal to a cleaning concentrate pump to cause it to supply a metered volume of cleaning fluid concentrate to its associated cleaning fluid reservoir, via the one or more reservoir inlet, for dilution therein. The one or more processors may be collectively configured to receive a third signal indicative of a fluid level in a respective cleaning fluid reservoir, and subsequentially to providing an output signal to open the inlet valve, in dependence on the third signal indicating a predetermined volume of liquid is in the respective cleaning fluid reservoir, outputting a signal to close the inlet valve. In an embodiment, the one or more processors may be collectively configured to output a control signal to a heater to heat the fluid exiting the first outlet. In addition the one or more processors may be collectively configured to output a control signal to a refrigeration system to prevent refrigeration of the victual dispenser, or associated refrigerated conduits thereof, during a time period in which the heater is being controlled to heat the fluid exiting the first outlet. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an application of the system of the invention; and Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a system of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures. With reference to Figure 1, the victual dispenser cleaning system 10 of the invention is shown. The system 10 may be incorporated into a victual dispenser and beneficially it may alternatively be located as a position remote from the victual dispenser and used for cleaning the victual dispenser from that remote location. In the example embodiment the victual dispenser is a remote milk dispenser 100, however it will be appreciated that the system described herein could be applied to any dispenser for a flowable victual. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram, of the interaction of the cleaning system 10 with the dispenser 100. The system 10 has a first outlet 12 for conveying fluid to the dispenser 100 via a cleaning fluid supply line 42, and a first inlet 14 for receiving fluid from the dispenser 100 via a cleaning fluid return line 44. The system 10 also has a second inlet 18 for receiving a flow of water and a second outlet 20 for removing fluid from the system. In between the cleaning system 10 and the dispenser 100 is a product system 200 which comprises the products to be dispensed. Depending on the type of product being dispensed this part of the system will vary. For example, in the example embodiment of a milk dispenser 100 the product system 200 comprises one or more bulk container of milk, a refrigeration system for maintaining the milk at a desired temperature and one or more pumps and valves for connecting the milk to one or more product supply line 46 for conveying the milk from the product system 200 to the dispense system 100. The product supply line 46 may be common line with the cleaning fluid supply line 42, i.e. a single fluid line may be used for conveying milk when the dispenser 100 is being used to dispense product, and may contain cleaning fluid when the system 10 is being used to clean the dispenser 100. In this manner the product supply line 46 is also cleaned by the system 10. As can be seen, in the example embodiment there are two product supply lines 46 between the product system 200 and the dispenser 100 allowing two different milk products, for example 0% fat milk and 2% fat milk to be dispensed from the same dispenser. In this case, both the product lines 46 also serve as the cleaning fluid lines 42 such that both can be cleaned by the system 10. The product supply lines / cleaning fluid supply lines and the cleaning fluid return line, at least between the dispenser 100 and the product system 200, may be within a cooled python 48 which is connected to a refrigeration system 70 which circulates a coolant, for example a glycol coolant, between the product system 200 and the dispenser 100. The dispenser 100 has inlets for receiving the product / cleaning fluid and an outlet for returning cleaning fluid via the cleaning fluid return line 44. The dispenser is also provided with a cleaning attachment 50 that attaches over at least one dispense outlet 110 of the dispenser 100 and which completes a fluid flow path between the at least one dispense outlet 110 and a cleaning fluid return inlet 120 such that, when the system 10 is cleaning the dispenser 100, cleaning fluid can flow via the cleaning fluid supply line 42, through the dispenser 100, out of the dispense outlet, back into the cleaning fluid return inlet and back to the cleaning fluid return line 44 via the dispenser. A full description of a suitable dispenser that operates in this manner is disclosed in UK patent application GB2311906.8, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. The dispenser 100 has a sensor 66 thereon, for example a hall effect sensor, for detecting the attachment of the cleaning attachment 50. The dispenser 100 communicates, for example by a wired electrical connection or by wireless connection (e.g. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other communication protocol known in the art), with the system 10 to inform it of the status of the connection of the cleaning attachment 50. This communication may be enabled by any known manner, for example the dispenser 100 may broadcast the status of the cleaning attachment 50 whenever there is a change in its status, or the cleaning system 10 may poll the dispenser for the cleaning attachment status prior to commencing a cleaning process. Other communication methods will be apparent to the skilled person. Referring to Figure 2 a schematic diagram of the cleaning system 10 is shown. In Figure 2 the solid lines represent fluid flow paths and the dashed lines represent electrical or electronic control lines. The cleaning system 10 comprises the cleaning system hardware as described below, and an electronic control system 300 comprising one or more processors 310 collectively configured to, in response to a signal indicative of a cleaning requirement, provide signals to control the cleaning system hardware to run an automated cleaning process. The cleaning system 10 has a first outlet 12 for conveying fluid to the dispenser 100 via the cleaning fluid supply line 42, and a first inlet 14 for receiving fluid from the dispenser 100 via a cleaning fluid return line 44. The system 10 also has a second inlet 18 for receiving a flow of water and a second outlet 20 for removing fluid from the system. The supply of water could be any suitable supply, for example a supply of mains water, or a supply of water from a water heater. In the example embodiment the second inlet 18 receives a supply of hot water from a hot water outlet, for example from the hot water system of the premises in which it is installed. The supply of hot water from the second inlet 18 is connected to the first outlet 12 by an electronically operated purge valve 30, for example a solenoid valve, and a check valve 54 downstream of the purge valve 30. As will be understood, opening and closing of the purge valve 30 commences and terminates a flow of water from the second inlet 18 to the cleaning fluid supply line 42. The supply of hot water from the second inlet 18 is also connected to a first cleaning fluid reservoir 22 which has at least one reservoir inlet 24 therein for receiving water from the second inlet via electronically operated inlet valve 32, for example a solenoid valve. Opening and closing of the inlet valve 32 allows water to flow from the water supply to the first cleaning fluid reservoir 22 via the second inlet 18. The inlet valve 32 is therefore operable to selectively fill the first cleaning fluid reservoir 22. The second inlet 18 is protected by a check valve 40 which protects the water supply from any back flow of fluid from the cleaning system 10. The first cleaning fluid reservoir 22 also has an inlet for a first concentrated cleaning chemical. This inlet may be a common reservoir inlet 24 that is also used for the supply of water to the first cleaning fluid reservoir or may alternatively be a discreet inlet. A cleaning concentrate reservoir 60 is in fluid communication with the inlet for the first concentrated cleaning chemical via a cleaning concentrate pump 62. The cleaning concentrate pump 62 is controlled by the electronic control system 300 to, upon demand, i.e. in response to a signal from the one or more processors, supply a metered volume of first cleaning fluid concentrate to the first cleaning fluid reservoir 22, for dilution therein. In the example embodiment of a milk dispenser the concentrated cleaning chemical is a low foam chlorinated detergent, for example product MS0800046 manufactured by Diversey Canada, Inc. It will be appreciated that any suitable concentrated cleaning chemical may be used in dependence on the product being dispensed by the dispenser 100. The first cleaning fluid reservoir 22 has a cleaning fluid outlet in fluid communication with the first outlet 12 via a check valve 38. The check valve 38 prevents undesired back flow of fluid into the first cleaning fluid reservoir 22. A pump 28 is associated with the first cleaning fluid reservoir 22. In use the pump 28 pumps cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid reservoir 22 to the remote victual dispenser via the first outlet 12. In the example embodiment the pump is located between the cleaning fluid outlet and the check valve 38. The pump is controlled by the electronic control system 300 to, upon demand, i.e. in response to a signal from the one or more processors 310, pump cleaning fluid from the first cleaning fluid reservoir to the first outlet 12 for supply to the dispenser 10 via the cleaning fluid line 42. As can be seen, the arrangement of the first cleaning fluid reservoir 22 is duplicated for the second cleaning fluid reservoir 22a which has associated corresponding hardware, i.e. an inlet valve 32a, a level sensor 64a, and a pump 28a and associated check valve 38a. The second cleaning fluid reservoir 22a has an associated cleaning concentrate reservoir 60a, in in fluid communication with the reservoir inlet, via a cleaning concentrate pump 62a. The cleaning concentrate pump 62a is controlled by the electronic control system 300 to, upon demand, i.e. in response to a signal from the one or more processors 310, supply a metered volume of second cleaning fluid concentrate to the second cleaning fluid reservoir 22a, for dilution therein in the same manner as described above in relation to the first cleaning fluid reservoir. In the example embodiment of a milk dispenser the second cleaning fluid is a nonfoaming liquid peroxyacetic acid sanitizer, for example product MS0900625 manufactured by Diversey Canada, Inc. It will be appreciated that any suitable second concentrated cleaning chemical may be used in dependence on the product being dispensed by the dispenser 100. It will be appreciated that in systems where only a single cleaning fluid is required, the second cleaning fluid reservoir 22a and associated hardware can be omitted. Located between the first inlet 14 and the reservoir inlet 24, 24a of each cleaning fluid reservoir 22, 22a, is an electrically operated recirculation valve 34. The recirculation valves 22, 22a for each said cleaning fluid reservoir 22, 22a are individually controllable to selectively direct fluid flow recirculated by the system into the first inlet 14 to one of the cleaning fluid reservoirs 22, 22a. In this manner the first and second cleaning fluids can independently be recirculated through the beverage dispenser and the cleaning system for a period of time. The cleaning system 10 is also provided with an electronically operated drain valve 36, for example a solenoid valve. In the example embodiment the drain valve 36 is located between the first inlet 14 and the recirculation valve 34, 34a. In this manner, when a cleaning cycle or a purging cycle has ended the fluid in the system can be pumped out through a second outlet 20 to a drain. While it will be appreciated that the drain valve 36 and the second outlet 20 could be located anywhere within the recirculation loop formed by the system, it will be understood that locating them upstream of the cleaning fluid reservoir 22, 22a ensures that if the system is being flushed of residual product that this does not enter the reservoir where it could pool. Located between the cleaning fluid reservoirs 22, 22a and the first outlet 12 is an inline fluid heater that is operable to heat the fluid passing therethrough. In the example the inline heater is an electric heater and is controlled by a closed loop control system manner in response to an electronic signal from a temperature sensor 68 located immediately downstream thereof. The water heater 56 is controlled by the electronic control system 300 as described in detail below. Although the example embodiment uses a closed loop control method for the heater, other control methods such as open loop may also be used. In an example embodiment, the cleaning system 10 operates as follows. Control of the system is managed by the electronic control system 300 comprising one or more processors 310 collectively configured to control the component parts of the system 10 described hereinabove to perform an automated cleaning process. It will be appreciated that any suitable programmable processors, as known in the art, could be used in the system 10. For example, the electronic control system 300 preferably comprises a microcontroller having a plurality of inputs and outputs and having instructions stored thereon that when executed cause the system 10 to operate as described herein. However, it will be appreciated that control could also be achieved via any suitable means, for example a connected PC or a programmable logic controller. The control system 300 is programmed to, in response to a signal indicative of a cleaning requirement, provide signals to control the fluid control valves 30-36 and the pump 28, to run an automated cleaning process. The system 10 has a human machine interface (HMI) 52 by which a user can instruct a cleaning process. The HMI may comprise a simple switch that, when pressed starts a cleaning process, or could comprise a more complex interface, for example a touch screen or an app running on a pc, tablet, mobile device, or the like, that allows the user to program the system to generate the signal indicative of a cleaning requirement at a predetermined time. It will be appreciated that the ability to program a cleaning process at a predetermined time will enable the cleaning process to be run at a time when the beverage dispenser is not in use, for example at times that the establishment in which it is located is closed, and may also enable cleaning to be performed when no workers are present on the premises. In response to a signal indicative of a cleaning requirement the electronic control system 300 verifies whether the cleaning attachment 50 has been attached to the dispenser 100. As described hereinabove the dispenser 100 is provided with a sensor 66 for detecting the presence of the cleaning attachment 50 and communicates that to the controller 300. If the cleaning attachment 50 is present the electronic control system 300 proceeds as outlined below. If the cleaning attachment 50 is not detected as being present then the process stops and the cleaning process is not initiated, i.e. the electronic control system 300 does not send any control signals to the valves and pumps of the system to cause the cleaning process to commence. Optionally, an indication may be sent to a user of the system that cleaning has not been performed. This indication may for example be a light on the dispenser. Alternatively the controller 300 may have wired or wireless connectivity (e.g. Wi-Fi or LAN) associated therewith and may transmit a signal to a user device for example a cell phone, computer, or the like, to inform them that the cleaning attachment 50 needs to be attached to the dispenser. In response to the signal indicative of a cleaning requirement the electronic control system 300 outputs signals to the purge valve 30 and the drain valve 36 to open them. This initiates a purge cycle in which the system 10 provides a flow of water from the second inlet 18 to the first outlet 12, through the cleaning fluid supply line 42, the beverage dispenser 100, the cleaning fluid return line 44, back in the first inlet 14 and out via the second outlet 20. This initial flow will purge any foodstuff from the remote dispenser 100 and drain it from the system. The fluid used in the purge cycle may be used at its existing temperature or may be heated by the inline heater 56. A heated purge cycle may be particularly useful if the victual being dispensed contains fats which soften at elevated temperatures. Once the purge cycle has been completed the drain valve 36 and the purge valve 30 are closed. To prepare for the first cleaning cycle a signal is sent from the electronic control system 300 to the cleaning concentrate pump 62 associated with the first cleaning fluid reservoir 22 to cause it to operate to pump a metered volume of the first concentrated cleaning chemical, for example a low foam chlorinated detergent concentrate, from the cleaning concentrate reservoir 62 into the first cleaning fluid reservoir 22, via the reservoir inlet 24. The electronic control system 300 also sends a signal to the water inlet valve 32 to cause it to open and allow a flow of water from the second inlet 18 into the first cleaning fluid reservoir 22 to mix therein with cleaning fluid concentrate to create a cleaning fluid, electronic control system 300 receives a signal from a level sensor 64 that determines when a predetermined fluid level within the first cleaning fluid reservoir 22 has been reached, and in response thereto the control system 300 controls the water inlet valve 32 to close it and stop the flow of water into the first cleaning fluid reservoir 22. It will be appreciated that the cleaning fluid concentrate and water may be added to the first cleaning fluid reservoir 22 sequentially, in any order, or simultaneously. It will also be understood that the electronic control system 300 may be programmed to prepare the cleaning fluid either before the purge cycle or after the purge cycle. Where the cleaning fluid is prepared prior to the purge cycle, as an alternative to the purge cycle described above, a proportion of the first cleaning fluid may be pumped out of the first outlet 12 with the drain valve 36 open so as to flush the system. Once flushed, the electronic control system 300 will operate the drain valve 36 to close and the process continues as described below. When both the purge cycle is complete and the cleaning fluid is prepared, the electronic control system 300 controls the electrically operated recirculation valve 34 to open and operates the pump 28 to pump cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid reservoir through the inline heater 56 and out of the first outlet 12. The control system operates the inline heater 56 to heat the fluid passing therethrough to a downstream temperature of 71.1 °C (160°F). The heated water exits the first outlet 12, passes through the cleaning fluid supply line 42 within the python 48 to the beverage dispenser 100. It exits the dispense outlet 110 of the beverage dispenser 100, re-enters the beverage dispenser via the cleaning fluid return inlet 120 and then passes via the cleaning fluid return line 44 back to the first fluid inlet 14. When it re-enters the first fluid inlet 14 it passes through the recirculation valve 34 and re-enters the first cleaning fluid reservoir 22. Continued operation of the pump then continues to recirculate the cleaning fluid through the loop described above. In order to prevent the inline heater 68 and the coolant circulating in the python 48 acting counter to one another, during the cleaning process the electronic control system 300 sends a control signal to the refrigeration system 70 to stop the cooling of the python 48, for example by stopping the circulation of coolant within it. The electronic control system 300 can issue the signal to stop cooling for the entire cleaning process, or alternatively may only stop cooling during parts of the cleaning process that are undertaken at elevated temperatures. The electronic control system 300 recirculates the cleaning fluid through the beverage dispenser for a predetermined amount of time. This amount may be a set time for the system 10 or alternatively may be a variable that can be set by a user via the HMI 52. Once the predetermined time has elapsed the electronic control system 300 controls the recirculation valve 34 to close and the drain valve 36 to open, and continues to operate the pump 28 to empty the cleaning fluid from the first cleaning fluid reservoir 22 and drain it from the system. When the first cleaning fluid reservoir 22 is empty the pump 28 is controlled to stop and, optionally, the purge valve 30 may be controlled by the electronic control system 300 to purge any remaining cleaning fluid from the recirculation loop. In the example embodiment the cleaning process has two cleaning cycles, however it will be appreciated that in other embodiments only a single cleaning cycle will be used in the automated cleaning process. To prepare for the second cleaning cycle a signal is sent from the electronic control system 300 to the cleaning concentrate pump 62a associated with the second cleaning fluid reservoir 22a to cause it to operate to pump a metered volume of the second concentrated cleaning chemical, for example a non-foaming liquid peroxyacetic acid sanitizer concentrate (e.g. MS0900625 manufactured by Diversey Canada, Inc.), from the second cleaning concentrate reservoir 62a into the second cleaning fluid reservoir 22a via the reservoir inlet 24a. The electronic control system 300 also sends a signal to the water inlet valve 32a to cause it to open and allow a flow of water from the second inlet 18 into the second cleaning fluid reservoir 22a to mix therein with cleaning fluid concentrate to create a second cleaning fluid in the same manner as described above. As with the first cleaning fluid, it will also be understood that the electronic control system 300 may be programmed to prepare the second cleaning fluid either before the purge cycle or after the purge cycle. Optionally the second cleaning fluid may be prepared during the first cleaning cycle. When the second cleaning fluid is prepared and the first cleaning cycle has finished, the electronic control system 300 controls the recirculation valve 34a to open and operates the pump 28a to circulate the second cleaning fluid from the second cleaning fluid reservoir 22a through the inline heater 56, out of the first outlet 12, through the beverage dispenser 100 via the cleaning fluid supply line 42 and cleaning fluid return line 44, back in the first inlet 14, through the recirculation valve 36a and back into the second cleaning fluid reservoir 22a. The pump is controlled by the electronic control system 300 to operate for a predetermined period of time to recirculate the second cleaning fluid through the dispenser. Once the predetermined period of time has elapsed the electronic control system 300 causes the recirculation valve 34a to close and the drain valve 36 to open, and continues to operate the pump 28a to purge the second cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid reservoir 22a and the system. Thereafter the electronic control system 300 is operable to output signals to stop the pump 28a and close the recirculation valve 34a. In this manner two stage process comprising cleaning and sanitizing is performed. Once the second cleaning cycle is completed the electronic control system 300 opens the purge valve 30 and the drain valve 36 to provide a flow of water from the second inlet 18 through the first outlet 12, via the cleaning fluid supply line 42 to the dispenser, through the dispenser, back via the cleaning fluid return line 44, in the first inlet 14 and out of the second outlet 20, via the drain valve 36, so as to rinse cleaning fluid from the beverage dispenser. The electronic control system 300 controls the valves in this manner for a predetermined time period in order to thoroughly clean all remnants of the cleaning fluid from the dispenser, and thereafter closes the purge valve 30 and the drain valve 36. This rinse cycle may be performed with ambient temperature water or alternatively the heater 56 may be operated during the rinse cycle in order to achieve a hot rinse. Where the heater 56 is used during the rinse cycle the electronic control system 300 may control the heater to affect a first phase of the rinse cycle with the heater 56 operational and a second phase of the rinse cycle with the heater 56 off. In this manner the temperature of the system 10 can be reduced at the end of the cleaning process. Once the heater 56 is turned off, either at the start of the rinse cycle, during the rinse cycle or at the end of the rinse cycle, the electronic control system 300 sends a control signal to the refrigeration system 70 to recommence cooling of the python. This not only cools the system ready for use but assists in preventing any bacteria growth in the cleaning fluid supply line 42, the cleaning fluid return line 44, and the dispenser 10. It will be appreciated that cooled dispensers are known in the art. Where such cooling is achieved by circulating the coolant from the python through the dispenser, controlling cooling of the python during the cleaning process will be understood to also control cooling of the dispenser itself. It will be appreciated that while the specific example given above relates to a milk dispenser, the invention may be used for any flowable foodstuff, either refrigerated or non-refrigerated, where it is desirable to run an automatic cleaning cycle. One such example of another application is the automated cleaning of the lines and dispense heads of a beer dispensing system, such as may be found in a pub, bar, or other venue. In such applications it will be appreciated that the product system 200 will take an appropriate form for the victual being dispenses and either a 1 stage or 2 stage cleaning process will be used depending on the specific product. A beer dispensing system may, for example only require a single stage cleaning process, comprising a flush cycle, a cleaning cycle using, for example a cleaning fluid containing Sodium Hydroxide or Potassium Hydroxide and Sodium Hypochlorite, and a rinse cycle. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A victual dispenser cleaning system for cleaning a victual dispenser, the system comprising:a first outlet for conveying fluid to a victual dispenser via a cleaning fluid supply line;a first inlet for receiving fluid from the victual dispenser via a cleaning fluid return line;a second inlet for receiving a flow of water;a second outlet for removing fluid from the system;at least one cleaning fluid reservoir, each said at least one cleaning fluid reservoir having: one or more reservoir inlet for receiving water from the second inlet, concentrated cleaning chemical and a recirculation fluid flow from the second inlet; and a cleaning fluid outlet in fluid communication with the first outlet;a pump associated with each least one cleaning fluid reservoir and operable to pump cleaning fluid from the associated cleaning fluid reservoir to the victual dispenser via the first outlet;a plurality of fluid control valves; andan electronic control system comprising one or more processors collectively configured to, in response to a signal indicative of a cleaning requirement, provide signals to control the fluid control valves and the pump, to run an automated cleaning process to:provide water from the second inlet to the at least one cleaning fluid reservoir to mix with concentrated cleaning chemical therein to form at least one cleaning fluid;provide a flow of a purge fluid through the first outlet, the first inlet and the second outlet, via the cleaning fluid supply line and the cleaning fluid return line, so as to purge any foodstuff from the victual dispenser;recirculate the at least one cleaning fluid through the first outlet, the first inlet and the at least one cleaning fluid reservoir for a predetermined time, via the cleaning fluid supply line and the cleaning fluid return line, so as to clean the victual dispenser; andprovide a flow of water through the second inlet, the first outlet, the first inlet and the second outlet, via the cleaning fluid supply line and the cleaning fluid return line so as to rinse cleaning fluid from the victual dispenser.

2. The victual dispenser cleaning system of claim 1 wherein providing a flow of a purge fluid comprises one of: providing a flow of water from the second inlet to the first outlet; and pumping a flow of at least one said cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid reservoir to the first outlet.

3. The victual dispenser cleaning system of claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising at least a second cleaning fluid reservoir, and wherein recirculating the at least one cleaning fluid so as to clean the victual dispenser comprises:recirculating a first cleaning fluid through the first outlet, the first inlet and a first of the at least one cleaning fluid reservoir for a predetermined time, andrecirculating a second cleaning fluid through the first outlet, the first inlet and a second of the at least one cleaning fluid reservoir for a predetermined time, so as to perform a two stage cleaning process of the victual dispenser.

4. The victual dispenser cleaning system of claim 3 wherein the first cleaning fluid comprises a chlorinated cleaning substance and wherein the second cleaning fluid comprises an acidic sanitizer.

5. The victual dispenser cleaning system of any one of the preceding claims further comprising a cleaning concentrate pump associated with each said at least one cleaning fluid reservoir, said cleaning concentrate pump arranged to, in response to a signal from the one or more processors, supply a metered volume of cleaning fluid concentrate to the associated cleaning fluid reservoir, via the one or more reservoir inlet, for dilution therein.

6. The victual dispenser cleaning system of claim 5 further comprising a cleaning concentrate reservoir in fluid communication with the cleaning concentrate pump.

7. The victual dispenser cleaning system of any one of the preceding claims wherein each at least one cleaning fluid reservoir is provided with a water inlet valve between the second inlet and the one or more reservoir inlet, and a liquid level sensor that outputs an electronic signal indicative of a level of fluid within the associated cleaning fluid reservoir, and wherein providing water from the second inlet to the at least one cleaning fluid reservoir comprises the one or more processors being collectively configured to open the water inlet valve associated with at least one cleaning fluid reservoir to provide a flow of water to the one or more reservoir, and in response to a signal indicating that the level of fluid within the reservoir has reached a predetermined level, close the water inlet valve.

8. The victual dispenser cleaning system of any one of the preceding claims further comprising an inline fluid heater between the at least one cleaning fluid reservoir, and the first outlet, and wherein the one or more processors collectively configured to, when recirculating the at least one cleaning fluid, control the inline fluid heater to heat the cleaning fluid passing therethrough.

9. The victual dispenser cleaning system of claim 8 wherein the one or more processors are collectively configured to, during at least a portion of the time when providing a flow of a purge fluid, control the inline fluid heater to heat the purge fluid passing therethrough.

10. The victual dispenser cleaning system of any of the preceding claims wherein the one or more processors are collectively configured to output a cooling control signal to instruct a cooling system associated with the victual dispenser to stop cooling.

11. The victual dispenser cleaning system of claim 10 wherein the cooling control signal comprises an instruction to stop the circulation of a cooling fluid.

12. The victual dispenser cleaning system of claim 10 or claim 11 further comprising a refrigerated python containing one or more coolant fluid circulation conduit, a flowable victual supply conduit and a cleaning fluid return line, and wherein the cooling control signal controls one or more valve and / or pump to stop circulation of coolant fluid within the coolant fluid circulation conduit.

13. The victual dispenser cleaning system of any of the preceding claims wherein the plurality of fluid control valves includes an electrically operated purge valve (30) between the second inlet and the first outlet.

14. The victual dispenser cleaning system of any of the preceding claims wherein the plurality of fluid control valves includes an electrically operated inlet valve between the second inlet and the reservoir inlet of each said at least one cleaning fluid reservoir.

15. The victual dispenser cleaning system of any of the preceding claims wherein the plurality of fluid control valves includes an electrically operated recirculation valve between the first inlet and the reservoir inlet of each said at least one cleaning fluid reservoir.

16. The victual dispenser cleaning system of any of the preceding claims wherein the plurality of fluid control valves includes an electronically operated drain valve between the first inlet and the drain.

17. The victual dispenser cleaning system of any of the preceding claims further comprising a check valve located between the pump and the first outlet to prevent backflow of fluid into the cleaning fluid reservoir via the pump.

18. The victual dispenser cleaning system of any of the preceding claims further comprising an inlet check valve located between the second inlet and the cleaning fluid reservoir to prevent flow of cleaning fluid out of the system via the second inlet.

19. The victual dispenser cleaning system of any of the preceding claims further comprising an input device comprising one of manually operated switch to generate the signal indicative of a cleaning requirement, and a user interface configured to allow a user to program the system to generate the signal indicative of a cleaning requirement at a predetermined time.

20. The victual dispenser cleaning system of any of the preceding claims further comprising: a cleaning attachment for, in use, attachment to a beverage dispenser to create a return path between a beverage outlet of the beverage dispenser and the cleaning fluid return line; anda sensor configured to determine that the cleaning attachment is attached and send an electronic signal indicative thereof;wherein the control system is configured to:when in receipt of the signal indicative that the cleaning attachment is attached and the signal indicative of a cleaning requirement, provide said signals to control the fluid control valves and the pump, to run the automated cleaning process, andwhen in receipt of the signal indicative of a cleaning requirement, but not the signal indicative that the cleaning attachment is attached, to not provide said signals to control the fluid control valves and the pump, so as not to run the automated cleaning process.

21. A victual dispenser cleaning system for cleaning a victual dispenser, the system comprising:a first outlet for conveying fluid to a victual dispenser via a cleaning fluid supply line;a first inlet for receiving fluid from the victual dispenser via a cleaning fluid return line;a second inlet for receiving a flow of water; a second outlet for removing fluid from the system; andat least one cleaning fluid reservoir, each said at least one cleaning fluid reservoir having one or more reservoir inlet for receiving water from the second inlet, concentrated cleaning chemical and a recirculation fluid flow from the second inlet; and a cleaning fluid outlet in fluid communication with the first outlet;a pump associated with each least one cleaning fluid reservoir, operable to pump cleaning fluid from the associated cleaning fluid reservoir to the victual dispenser via the first outlet, anda plurality of fluid control valves comprisinga purge valve located in a fluid flow path between the second inlet and the first outlet;an inlet valve located in a fluid flow path between the second inlet and the reservoir inlet;a recirculation valve located between the first inlet and the reservoir inlet; and a drain valve located between the first inlet and the second outlet.

22. An electronic control system for controlling the victual dispenser cleaning system of claim 21, the electronic control system comprising one or more processors collectively configured to:receive a first signal indicative of a cleaning requirement; andin dependence on receipt of the first signal provide output signals to:open the inlet valve to provide a flow of water from the second inlet to the at least one cleaning fluid reservoir to mix with concentrated cleaning chemical therein to form at least one cleaning fluid;open the purge valve and the drain valve to provide a flow of a purge fluid through the first outlet, the first inlet and the second outlet, via the cleaning fluid supply line and the cleaning fluid return line, so as to purge any foodstuff from the victual dispenser;close the purge valve and the drain valve; open the recirculation valve and operate the pump to recirculate the at least one cleaning fluid through the first outlet, the first inlet and the at least one cleaning fluid reservoir for a predetermined time, via the cleaning fluid supply line and the cleaning fluid return line, so as to clean the victual dispenser;open the drain valve and close the recirculation valve; andopen the purge valve to provide a flow of water through the second inlet, the first outlet, the first inlet and the second outlet, via the cleaning fluid supply line and the cleaning fluid return line so as to rinse the victual dispenser.24

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