Beverage preparation and dispensing machine equipped with a sanitizing mechanism

Abstract

The present invention relates to a beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) comprising a main control unit (34) and a secondary control unit (210), wherein the secondary control unit (210) is operably connected to solenoid valves (50, 52, 54) to control the flow in each water supply pipe (22) in accordance with predetermined commands in a sanitization request and independently of the main control unit (34) when the machine (10) is powered off, and the secondary control unit (210) enables electronic connections between sanitizing devices (500) to control the solenoid valves (50, 52, 54) during a sanitization procedure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage preparation and dispensing machine. In particular, the present invention relates to a machine provided with a sanitizing mechanism. Various beverages can be prepared using this machine. Such beverages are typically coffee beverages, or beverages made from water and at least an additive substance for beverages such as syrup, flavoring agents, and the like.

[0002] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a system for sanitizing a beverage preparation and dispensing machine, and to a method for sanitizing a beverage preparation and dispensing machine.

Background Art

[0003] As is known, a beverage preparation and dispensing machine generally comprising at least a water supply device and at least a beverage preparation device can be used for preparing a beverage using water, such as in a coffee machine. Said machines can also comprise at least one additive supply device for supplying an additive substance to be mixed with water, and at least one beverage preparation device that can be used for preparing a beverage made from water and at least one additive substance. The beverage preparation device brews or mixes water with one or more additive substances to obtain a desired beverage, and then dispenses such beverage into one or more containers used by consumers (e.g., glasses, bottles, and / or water bottles). These beverage preparation and dispensing machines may be provided with at least a door that allows access to the device.

[0004] The water supply device is usually provided with a plurality of solenoid valves that enable delivery of water to the beverage preparation device. A single solenoid valve may be provided for each type of water (cold water, normal temperature water, carbonated water, etc.) delivered to the beverage preparation device.

[0005] Beverage preparation and dispensing machines, more specifically the cold beverage lines of beverage preparation and dispensing machines, require special attention for hygiene and necessitate regular maintenance and sanitization to prevent the growth of microorganisms inside the machine. Existing solutions consist of manually immersing the elements inside the machine, which is not very efficient. Other solutions allow for the flow of the product during sanitization (dynamic sanitization).

[0006] A major challenge in beverage preparation and dispensing machines is the presence of solenoid valves, or valves in general, which hinder the achievement of dynamic sanitization. Solenoid valves in water supply systems are typically located inside the machine to randomly prepare and dispense beverages. This can be difficult, especially when adjusting the solenoid valves and / or accessing them for further maintenance work such as sanitization. Achieving dynamic sanitization in such systems requires manually activating the valves, which can sometimes be difficult to do easily.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for better and more affordable cleaning solutions for beverage preparation and dispensing machines, in particular for repeatable solutions that maintain high-quality hygiene standards. Furthermore, there is a need to reduce manual interventions that are not always necessary during sanitization. [Overview of the project]

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a beverage preparation and dispensing machine that can solve the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art in a simple, inexpensive, and functional way.

[0009] More specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a beverage preparation and dispensing machine that enables simple sanitization, preferably in a fully automated manner.

[0010] This and further objectives of the present invention are achieved by a beverage preparation and dispensing machine equipped with the sanitizing mechanism described in the claims.

[0011] A beverage preparation and dispensing machine according to the present invention, A casing capable of defining at least one housing chamber of one or more devices of a machine, and having at least one opening defining a compartment into the housing chamber, Designed for preparing and dispensing beverages, the device comprises at least one beverage preparation device equipped with at least one beverage dispensing nozzle, A water supply device comprising at least one water supply device located within a housing chamber, comprising a water supply connector, one or more water supply pipes to a beverage preparation device, and one or more solenoid valves, each coupled to its respective water supply pipe, A main control unit, which is operably connected to a solenoid valve by a main wiring harness, is capable of performing operations for preparing and dispensing beverages and controlling the flow in each water supply pipe according to the user's selection of the beverage to be dispensed. In a machine equipped with, A secondary control unit is provided, which is operably connected to the solenoid valve, and when the machine is powered off, it controls the solenoid valve and the flow in its respective water supply pipes independently of the main control unit, according to one or more predetermined commands in the sanitization request. The secondary control unit is characterized by being provided with an electronic connector that enables an electronic connection between the secondary control unit and the sanitizing device in order to control the solenoid valve during the sanitizing procedure.

[0012] The secondary control unit enables dynamic sanitization control by autonomously accessing and controlling the solenoid valve, reducing unnecessary manual intervention.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the water supply system is provided with at least one water carbonater / soda maker hydraulically connected to one of the water supply pipes, and an exhaust valve operably connected to the water carbonater / soda maker. A secondary control unit is operably connected to the exhaust valve and, independently of the main control unit, controls the exhaust valve to discharge air from the water carbonater / soda maker in accordance with a predetermined exhaust command in the sanitization requirement.

[0014] Activating the exhaust valve allows for a better cleaning solution for the machine.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the water supply system is provided with at least one water carbonater / soda maker hydraulically connected to one of the water supply pipes, and a switching valve operably connected to the water carbonater / soda maker. A secondary control unit is operably connected to the switching valve and, independently of the main control unit, controls the switching valve to enable water to flow within the water carbonater / soda maker according to a predetermined water carbonater flow command in the sanitization request.

[0016] This enables automated sanitization to meet high-quality sanitization standards, even for tubing connected to water carbonaters / soda makers.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the water supply device is provided with two or more water supply pipes and two or more solenoid valves. Furthermore, the beverage preparation and dispensing machine may also include at least one additive supply device located within the housing chamber, the additive supply device being provided with one or more additive delivery pipes to the beverage preparation device.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the secondary control unit is directly connected to at least one of the solenoid valves, the exhaust valve, and / or the switching valve by a secondary wiring harness independent of the main wiring harness.

[0019] Direct connection enables complete elimination of access to the electrical / electronic devices of the machine, whereby valve control can be achieved even when the machine is off.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the secondary control unit is indirectly connected to at least one of the solenoid valves, the exhaust valve, and / or the switching valve via a secondary wiring harness connected to the main wiring harness.

[0021] Indirect connection makes it possible to reduce the complexity of wiring within the machine by maintaining valve control even when the machine is off.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the machine further comprises one or more electromagnetic actuators mechanically coupled to at least one of the solenoid valves, the exhaust valve, and / or the switching valve, the secondary control unit is operably connected to the electromagnetic actuators, and excites the electromagnetic actuators independently of the main control unit in accordance with a predetermined excitation command in a sanitization request, so as to enable control of at least one of the solenoid valves, the exhaust valve, and / or the switching valve.

[0023] This enables indirect control of valve actuation when electrical / electronic connection to the valve is impossible or undesirable.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the electronic connector is coupled to the casing facing outward of the housing chamber so as to enable electronic connection between the secondary control unit and the sanitization device without opening the door compartment.

[0025] This enables rapid electrical / electronic connection between the machine and the sanitization device, and eliminates potential problems related to the internal electrical connections and cables of the machine.

[0026] According to one embodiment, all water supply pipes and all additive substance delivery pipes are hydraulically connected to a dispensing nozzle, and the dispensing nozzle is designed to mix water with an additive substance to obtain a beverage and dispense the beverage.

[0027] Accordingly, when a sanitizing cycle is performed on the hydraulic portion associated with the water supply pipe, the hydraulic portion associated with the additive substance may be at least partially excluded from sanitization.

[0028] The object according to the present invention is also achieved by a system for sanitizing a beverage preparation and dispensing machine according to the claims.

[0029] A system for sanitizing a beverage preparation and dispensing machine according to the present invention comprises the beverage preparation and dispensing machine according to one of the claims and a sanitizing device, wherein the sanitizing device is electrically connected to the machine via an electronic connector for controlling a secondary control unit, and is hydraulically connected to the machine via a water supply connector and a dispensing nozzle to form a hydraulic loop between the machine and the sanitizing device.

[0030] The system creates an in-place cleaning solution for the machine without providing a permanently connected sanitizing device to the machine when not required. As a result, the footprint and complexity of the machine are substantially unaffected. Accordingly, sanitization may be repeatable while maintaining high quality standards.

[0031] The object according to the present invention is also achieved by a method for sanitizing a beverage preparation and dispensing machine according to the claims.

[0032] A method for sanitizing a beverage preparation and dispensing machine using a system according to one of the claims comprises electrically connecting the sanitizing device to the machine by coupling the sanitizing device to the electronic connector for controlling the secondary control unit, To form a hydraulic loop between the machine and the sanitizing device, the sanitizing device is hydraulically connected to the machine by coupling it to a water supply connector and a dispensing nozzle, By keeping the corresponding solenoid valves connected to each water pipe in a closed state, detergent and / or hot water from the sanitizing device is filled into each of the water pipes. The sanitizing device opens the solenoid valves one at a time, thereby circulating the detergent and / or hot water inside each water supply pipe from the dispensing nozzle to the water supply connector for a predetermined circulation time. In the sanitizing device, by opening the hydraulic loop in a discharge configuration and opening each solenoid valve one at a time, each of the water supply pipes is rinsed with water. This includes filling each of the water supply pipes with water from the sanitizing device by keeping the corresponding solenoid valves connected to each water supply pipe in a closed state.

[0033] In one embodiment, the sanitizing method further includes opening exhaust valves to discharge air from the water carbonater / soda maker before filling each of the water supply pipes with detergent and / or hot water. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] Features and advantages of the beverage preparation and dispensing machine according to the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the attached drawings, which are non-limiting examples. [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of a beverage preparation and dispensing machine according to the present invention, with the door in an open configuration. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the machine shown in Figure 1, with the door closed. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows the hydraulic circuit diagram with electrical / electronic connections to the secondary control unit. [Figure 4]Figure 3 shows a hydraulic circuit diagram of the present invention, which has electrical / electronic and hydraulic connections to a sanitizing device. [Figure 5] A block diagram of a method for sanitizing a beverage preparation and dispensing machine according to the present invention is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] Referring to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of a beverage preparation and dispensing machine according to the present invention is shown. The machine as a whole is shown by reference numeral 10. The machine 10 is of a type that comprises a casing 12 capable of defining at least one housing chamber. In this embodiment, the casing 12 is a single main casing defining a single housing chamber, but according to further embodiments (not shown), there may be two or more casings and two or more housing chambers. The housing chamber preferably comprises at least one opening defining a compartment to the housing chamber and ultimately at least one side wall 14. This main casing 12, in particular the housing chamber, surrounds a volume suitable for housing multiple devices of the machine 10.

[0036] The door 16 of the machine 10 has an outer surface and an inner surface that faces the housing chamber, i.e., the volumetric part of the machine 10. The door 16 is hinged to the main casing 12 on a hinge axis A, which preferably has substantially vertical extension, and is configured to close the compartment in the operating configuration of the machine 10.

[0037] According to further embodiments not shown, the configuration of the machine according to the present invention may vary, and there may be no doors; that is, the compartments may be closed with removable panels.

[0038] The machine 10 comprises at least one beverage preparation device 18 designed for preparing and dispensing beverages, such as for brewing a beverage (i.e., coffee, the beverage preparation device is a brewing unit, or includes a brewing unit), or for mixing other substances with water.

[0039] Furthermore, the machine 10 preferably includes at least one water supply device 20 located within the housing chamber, the water supply device 20 being provided with one or more water supply pipes 22 to the beverage preparation device 18, preferably two or more water supply pipes. In particular, in this embodiment, three water supply pipes 22 are shown, each defining a room temperature water line, a cold water line, and a carbonated water line, respectively, as will be described in more detail below. The water supply device 20 is also provided with a water supply connector (indicated by the inlet tap of the hydraulic connection in Figures 3 and 4), which preferably allows tap water or water from a container to be discharged into the machine 10 through the water supply connector.

[0040] Finally, the machine 10 includes at least one additive dispenser 24 for additives that are ultimately mixed with water, and this additive dispenser 24 is provided with one or more additive delivery pipes 26 to the beverage preparation device 18. The additive dispenser 24 is preferably located within a housing chamber.

[0041] According to further embodiments not shown, the machine according to the present invention may not have an additive supply device; that is, the machine may be a coffee machine.

[0042] As an example, additives mixed with water may include syrups, flavorings, mineral substances (such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium), dissolved minerals, vitamins, coffee extracts (such as caffeine), extracts, and fruit juices. The additives can be stored in specific containers, such as "bag-in-box" containers. These containers can be inserted into the additive supply device 24 and removed when empty.

[0043] The beverage preparation device 18 includes at least one dispensing nozzle 28. In this embodiment, there is also at least one recess 64 formed in the door 16, defining a seat 66, which opens to 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 place a container (such as a glass, cup, bottle, or thermos) in the seat 66 of the recess 64 to receive the desired beverage. The type of beverage to be dispensed can be selected by a control panel of the machine 10, which is usually located on the outer surface of the door 16 close to the recess 64. A beverage payment device may be provided on the same outer surface of the door 16.

[0044] According to different embodiments not shown, the dispensing nozzle may be provided in a different arrangement, i.e., it may not be provided in a recess.

[0045] The water supply device 20 is provided with one or more solenoid valves 50, 52, 54 (Figure 1), preferably two or more solenoid valves, each coupled to a water supply pipe 22 leading to a beverage preparation device 18. According to the present invention, the solenoid valves 50, 52, 54 are located in housing chambers within a compartment of the main casing 12 so that they can be immediately and easily accessed when the door 16 is open during their respective adjustment and / or maintenance work. According to the embodiments described herein, the solenoid valves 50, 52, 54 are located in front of at least one or all other devices located inside the main casing 12 of the machine 10 so that they can be immediately accessed when the door 16 is open, although different configurations may be used.

[0046] As is known, the water supply system 20 may be provided with at least one water cooling unit 56 and at least one water carbonation device / soda maker 57. These devices are shown in the hydraulic circuit diagram of Figure 3.

[0047] The water carbonation device / soda maker 57 is preferably hydraulically connected to one of the water supply pipes 22, i.e., to the water supply pipe defining the carbonated water line. The water supply device 20 may also be provided with an exhaust valve 157 that is operably connected to the water carbonation device / soda maker 57. The water supply device 20 may also be provided with a switching valve 257 that is operably connected to the water carbonation device / soda maker 57.

[0048] In the embodiments described herein, the solenoid valves 50, 52, and 54 are positioned in front of the water cooling unit 56 for easier access, but different configurations may be used.

[0049] As shown in the figure, the solenoid valves 50, 52, and 54 may be mounted on a single support frame 58 (Figure 1) located within the housing chamber in the compartment of the main casing 12 so as to face the same door 16 when the door 16 is closed. The solenoid valves may also be at least partially covered by their respective protective carters (not shown). The solenoid valves 50, 52, and 54 may further be mounted at a different height with respect to the support surface of the machine 10 than the other solenoid valves to allow for a more functional connection of the hydraulic tubes to the solenoid valves 50, 52, and 54.

[0050] According to further embodiments not shown, two or more support frames may be used to mount the solenoid valve, or different types of mounting fixtures may be used.

[0051] As shown in the hydraulic circuit diagram of Figure 3, all water supply pipes 22 and all additive supply pipes 26 are hydraulically connected to the dispensing nozzle 28, which is designed to mix water with additives to obtain a beverage and dispense the beverage. In particular, the water supply device 20 and the additive supply device 24 are located within a housing chamber and are hydraulically connected to the dispensing nozzle 28 by the aforementioned water supply pipes 22 and additive supply pipes 26. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the beverage preparation device 18 has a single dispensing nozzle 28, but two or more dispensing nozzles may be provided as needed.

[0052] Conveniently, the dispensing nozzle 28 is fixed in the recess 64 to ensure easy access to the machine 10's equipment and devices located within the housing chamber when the door 16 is open. Thus, unlike known machines for preparing and dispensing beverages, where the dispensing nozzles are typically fixed to the main casing of the machine itself, there is no need to provide a specific gap in the recess 64 to allow the passage of one or more dispensing nozzles.

[0053] According to the present invention, the main control unit 34 can perform operations for preparing and dispensing beverages. In particular, the main control unit 34 is operably connected by a main wiring harness (not shown) to solenoid valves 50, 52, and 54 to control the flow in each water supply pipe 22 according to the user selection of the beverage to be dispensed.

[0054] The machine 10 is further provided with a secondary control unit 210 (as schematically shown in Figures 3 and 4), which, if present (connected by dotted lines), is operably connected to solenoid valves 50, 52, 54, and ultimately to the exhaust valve 157 and the switching valve 257.

[0055] The secondary control unit 210 may be directly or indirectly connected to the solenoid valves 50, 52, 54, the exhaust valve 157, and the switching valve 257. Direct connection is made by connecting one or more of the aforementioned elements to the secondary wiring harness, independently of the main wiring harness. In contrast, indirect connection is made by connecting the secondary wiring harness to the main wiring harness. Note that a combination of direct and indirect connections can be made on the same machine, and only some or more elements may be connected.

[0056] According to further embodiments not shown, the machine may include one or more electroworking magnets mechanically coupled to at least one of the solenoid valves, an exhaust valve, and / or a switching valve. In this embodiment, a secondary control unit is operably connected to the electroworking magnet and, independently of the main control unit, energizes the electroworking magnet to enable control (indirect operation) of at least one of the solenoid valves, an exhaust valve, and / or a switching valve, according to predetermined commands in a sanitization request. This embodiment can be combined with direct and indirect connections, and thus it is possible to mix direct and indirect operation of elements.

[0057] The secondary control unit 210 controls the solenoid valves 50, 52, 54 and the flow in their respective water supply pipes 22 when the power to the machine 10 is off, independently of the main control unit 34, in accordance with one or more predetermined commands in the sanitization request, as will be further described below in relation to the method according to the present invention.

[0058] Similarly, the secondary control unit 210 may be connected to the exhaust valve 157, as will be described in more detail below in relation to the method according to the present invention, and independently of the main control unit 34, controls the exhaust valve 157 to exhaust air from the water carbonater / soda maker in accordance with predetermined commands in the sanitization request.

[0059] Furthermore, when the secondary control unit 210 is operably connected to the switching valve 257, the secondary control unit 210 controls the switching valve 257 independently of the main control unit 34, in accordance with predetermined commands in the sanitization request, to enable the flow of water within the water carbonater / soda maker, as will be described in more detail below in relation to the method according to the present invention.

[0060] The secondary control unit 210 is provided with an electronic connector (not shown) that can enable an electronic connection (described later) between the secondary control unit 210 itself and the sanitizing device 500 (described later) for controlling the solenoid valves 50, 52, and 54 during the sanitizing procedure. This electronic connector may be located inside the housing chamber, or, preferably, may be coupled to the main casing so as to face the outside of the housing chamber, enabling an electronic connection between the secondary control unit 210 and the sanitizing device 500 without opening a compartment.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the machine 10 according to the present invention may be provided with a suitable pumping device for water and / or additives, such as a peristaltic pump. As shown in Figure 1, these pumping devices (not indicated) are located in the housing chamber of the main casing 12 in a compartment of the main casing 12 so that they can be immediately and easily accessed when the door 16 is open during adjustment and / or maintenance work.

[0062] The pump device may also be positioned in front of at least one or all other devices within the main casing 12 of machine 10, so that it is immediately accessible when the door 16 is opened.

[0063] In particular, these pump devices may be positioned at the top of the housing chamber to streamline the connection with the dispensing nozzle 28, thereby enabling the optimal arrangement of the water supply pipe 22, the additive delivery pipe 26, and the flow control device 32, or parts thereof or associated bundles. Furthermore, the pump devices may be mounted at the same height with respect to the support surface of the machine 10, as shown in the figure, and preferably, or each may be mounted at a different height from the other pump devices.

[0064] Therefore, these pump devices may be operably connected to the flow control device 32, or they may be directly connected to the main control unit 34 of the machine 10.

[0065] According to further embodiments not shown, the pump device may be arranged in a manner different from that described above.

[0066] Therefore, the beverage preparation and dispensing machine according to the present invention achieves the aforementioned objectives.

[0067] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a hydraulic circuit diagram of the machine 10 according to the present invention, which defines a system for sanitizing the beverage preparation and dispensing machine according to the present invention, when an electrical / electronic connection and a hydraulic connection to the sanitizing device 500 are provided. Thus, the system for sanitizing the beverage preparation and dispensing machine according to the present invention comprises the machine 10 and the sanitizing device 500 located outside the machine 10, as already described.

[0068] The sanitizing device 500 is electrically / electronically connected to the machine 10 by an electronic connector (dotted line) to control the secondary control unit 210. Thus, the sanitizing device 500 can instruct the secondary control unit 210 on the sanitizing procedure to be followed, that is, independently of the main control unit, by instructing the secondary control unit 210 with the aforementioned predetermined commands in the sanitizing request. Furthermore, the same sanitizing device 500 is hydraulically connected to the machine 10 by a water supply connector and a dispensing nozzle 28 to form a hydraulic loop between the machine 10 and the sanitizing device 500 (solid line). Finally, the sanitizing device 500 is provided with a drain outlet for discarding fluid from or coming from the machine 10 (solid line).

[0069] A method for sanitizing a beverage preparation and dispensing machine 10 using the system according to the present invention is described herein with reference to a block diagram in Figure 5.

[0070] The method includes, first, electrically connecting the sanitizing device 500 to the beverage preparation and dispensing machine 10 by coupling the sanitizing device 500 to an electronic connector in order to control the secondary control unit 210 (not shown in Figure 5), and second, hydraulically connecting the sanitizing device 500 to the beverage preparation and dispensing machine 10 by coupling the sanitizing device to a water supply connector and a dispensing nozzle 28 in order to form a hydraulic loop between the machine 10 and the sanitizing device 500 (not shown in Figure 5).

[0071] Next, if an exhaust valve 157 is present, the method includes opening the exhaust valve 157 in step 1011 of Figure 5 to expel air from the water carbonater / soda maker 57. According to further embodiments not shown, this operation can be avoided when an exhaust valve is not present.

[0072] Steps 1012, 1022, and 1032 specify filling each of the (carbonated, ambient, and cooled) water supply pipes 22 with detergent and / or hot water from the sanitizing device 500. These steps are carried out by keeping the corresponding solenoid valves 50, 52, and 54 connected to each water supply pipe 22 in the closed position. Filling is carried out until the water supply pipes 22 are filled with the correct amount (volume) of detergent and / or hot water.

[0073] In steps 1013, 1023, and 1033, it is specified that each of the water supply pipes 22 to which the detergent and / or hot water is supplied is circulated by the sanitizing device 500 from the dispensing nozzle 28 to the water supply connector for a predetermined circulation time. These steps are carried out by opening each of the solenoid valves 50, 52, and 54 one at a time.

[0074] The system is paused after circulation (step 1014) and allows the sanitizing device 500 or the operator operating it to switch from loop mode, where the outlet of the sanitizing device 500 is connected to the water supply connector of machine 10, to drain mode, where the same outlet of the sanitizing device 500 is disconnected from the water supply connector, allowing the fluid to be discharged from the drain outlet (solid arrow in Figure 4).

[0075] Next, in step 1015, each of the water supply pipes 22 is rinsed with water (preferably hot water) by opening the hydraulic loop in the sanitizing device in a discharge configuration and by opening each of the solenoid valves 50, 52, and 54 one at a time. The rinsing is repeated until the detergent is completely removed from the water supply pipes 22, i.e., by checking the water supply pipes 22 with an induction sensor and measuring the water discharged from the sanitizing device through the drain outlet. If only hot water was used in the previous operation, the rinsing is repeated for a predetermined time (rinsing time) until at least the previously used hot water is completely removed from the water supply pipes 22. During this time, the operator can change the filter in the machine 10 without interrupting the sanitizing operation.

[0076] Therefore, in step 1016, the system is paused again, allowing the sanitizing device 500 or the operator operating it to switch from drainage mode to loop mode.

[0077] Finally, in steps 1017-1057, it is specified that water from the sanitizing device 500 is filled into each of the water supply pipes 22 by keeping the corresponding solenoid valves 50, 52, and 54 connected to each water supply pipe 22 in a closed state. In this way, it is possible to fill the drinking water preparation and dispensing machine 10 with clean, uncontaminated water, and thus avoid any subsequent contamination from the outside.

[0078] Therefore, the machine, system, and method according to the present invention utilize the automation of the sanitization procedure to improve ease of operation, reduce the time required for sanitization, and reduce misuse or inadequate cleaning by on-site operators.

[0079] In any case, the beverage preparation and dispensing machines according to the present invention are subject to numerous modifications and variations, all within the same innovative concept. For example, the embodiments described can be combined, and all details can be replaced with technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials, shapes, and dimensions used may be arbitrary depending on the technical requirements. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 10 Machines 12 Main casing of the machine 14. Side walls of the main casing 16 doors 18 Beverage preparation equipment 20 Water supply equipment 22 Water pipe 24 Additive feeding device 26 Additive substance delivery pipe 28 dispensing nozzles 32 Flow control devices 34 Main control unit 50 Solenoid valve 52 Solenoid valve 54 Solenoid valve 56 Water Cooling Unit 57. Water Carbonator / Soda Maker 58 Single support frame for solenoid valve 64 recess 66 Recessed seat 157 Exhaust valve 210 Secondary control unit 257 Switching valve 500 sanitizing devices A. Door hinge axis

Claims

1. A beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10), At least one casing (12) is provided which can define at least one housing chamber of one or more devices of the beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) and which defines at least one opening that defines a compartment to the housing chamber, Designed to prepare and dispense beverages, the device comprises at least one beverage preparation device (18) equipped with at least one beverage dispensing nozzle (28), At least one water supply device (20) is provided within the housing chamber and includes a water supply connector, one or more water supply pipes (22) to the beverage preparation device (18), and one or more solenoid valves (50, 52, 54), each of which is coupled to the respective water supply pipe. A main control unit (34) is operably connected to the solenoid valves (50, 52, 54) by a main wiring harness, which is capable of performing operations for preparing and dispensing beverages and controlling the flow in each of the water supply pipes (22) according to the user's selection of the beverage to be dispensed. A beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) equipped with the following: The system includes a secondary control unit (210), which is operably connected to the solenoid valves (50, 52, 54), and when the power to the beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) is off, it controls the flow in the solenoid valves (50, 52, 54) and the respective water supply pipes (22) independently of the main control unit (34) according to one or more predetermined commands in the sanitization request. The beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) is characterized in that the secondary control unit (210) is provided with an electronic connector that enables an electronic connection between the secondary control unit (210) and the sanitizing device (500) in order to control the solenoid valves (50, 52, 54) during the sanitizing procedure.

2. The beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) according to claim 1, wherein the water supply device (20) is provided with two or more water supply pipes (22) and two or more solenoid valves (50, 52, 54).

3. The beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one additive supply device (24) located within the housing chamber, wherein the additive supply device (24) is provided with one or more additive supply pipes (26) to the beverage preparation device (18).

4. The beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the water supply device (20) is provided with at least one water carbonater / soda maker (57) hydraulically connected to one of the water supply pipes (22), and an exhaust valve (157) operably connected to the water carbonater / soda maker (57), and the secondary control unit (210) is operably connected to the exhaust valve (157), and independently of the main control unit (34), controls the exhaust valve (157) to discharge air from the water carbonater / soda maker (57) in accordance with a predetermined exhaust command in a sanitization request.

5. The beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the water supply device (20) is provided with at least one water carbonater / soda maker (57) connected to one of the water supply pipes (22), and a switching valve (257) operably connected to the water carbonater / soda maker (57), and the secondary control unit (210) is operably connected to the switching valve (257) and controls the switching valve (257) independently of the main control unit (34) to enable water to flow within the water carbonater / soda maker (57) in accordance with a predetermined water carbonater flow command in a sanitization request.

6. The beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the secondary control unit (210) is directly connected to at least one of the solenoid valves (50, 52, 54), the exhaust valve (157), and / or the switching valve (257) by a secondary wiring harness independent of the main wiring harness.

7. The beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the secondary control unit (210) is indirectly connected to at least one of the solenoid valves (50, 52, 54), the exhaust valve (157), and / or the switching valve (257) by a secondary wiring harness connected to the main wiring harness.

8. The beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising one or more electromagnetic actuators mechanically coupled to at least one of the solenoid valves (50, 52, 54), the exhaust valve (157), and / or the switching valve (257), wherein the secondary control unit (210) is operably connected to the electromagnetic actuators and, independently of the main control unit (34), energizes the electromagnetic actuators to enable control of at least one of the solenoid valves (50, 52, 54), the exhaust valve (157), and / or the switching valve (257) in accordance with predetermined excitation commands in a sanitization request.

9. The beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the electronic connector is coupled to the casing facing outward from the housing chamber so as to enable the electronic connection between the secondary control unit (210) and the sanitizing device (500) without opening the compartment.

10. A beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein all of the water supply pipes (22) and all of the additive supply pipes (26) are hydraulically connected to the dispensing nozzle (28), and the dispensing nozzle (28) is designed to mix water with an additive to obtain the beverage and to dispense the beverage.

11. A system for sanitizing a beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10), comprising a machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a sanitizing device (500), wherein the sanitizing device (500) is electrically connected to the beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) by the electronic connector to control the secondary control unit (210), and is hydraulically connected to the beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) by the water supply connector and the dispensing nozzle (28) to form a hydraulic loop between the beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) and the sanitizing device (500).

12. A method for sanitizing a beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) using the system described in claim 11, In order to control the secondary control unit (210), the sanitizing device (500) is electrically connected to the beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) by coupling the sanitizing device (500) to the electronic connector, In order to form a hydraulic loop between the beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) and the sanitizing device (500), the sanitizing device (500) is hydraulically connected to the beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) by coupling it to the water supply connector and the dispensing nozzle (28). By keeping the corresponding solenoid valves (50, 52, 54) connected to each water supply pipe (22) in a closed state, detergent and / or hot water from the sanitizing device (500) is filled into each of the water supply pipes (22), The sanitizing device (500) opens each of the solenoid valves one at a time, thereby circulating the contents of each of the water supply pipes (22) supplied with detergent and / or hot water from the dispensing nozzle (28) to the water supply connector for a predetermined circulation time. By opening the hydraulic loop in the sanitizing device (500) in a discharge configuration, and by opening each of the solenoid valves (50, 52, 54) one at a time, each of the water supply pipes (22) is rinsed with water. By keeping the corresponding solenoid valves connected to each water supply pipe (22) in a closed state, water from the sanitizing device (500) is filled into each of the water supply pipes (22), A method for sanitizing a beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10), including the following.

13. A method for sanitizing a beverage preparation and dispensing machine (10) according to claim 12, further comprising opening the exhaust valve (157) to discharge air from the water carbonater / soda maker (57) before filling each of the water supply pipes (22) with detergent and / or hot water.

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