BEVERAGE DISPENSING SYSTEM HAVING A CLEANING MODULE AND METHOD FOR CLEANING SAME - Patent application

Abstract

A method for cleansing a hot beverage dispensing device (1) is provided, the method comprising at least one water inlet (11), a hot beverage preparation module (2) located downstream of the water inlet, a beverage outlet (26) downstream of the beverage preparation module, and a second rinsing step (S2). The method comprises a first rinsing step (S1) and a second rinsing step (S3). In the first rinsing step, at least a portion of the beverage preparation module and the beverage outlet are rinsed with a rinsing fluid having a first rinsing fluid temperature. In the treatment step (S2), at least a portion of the beverage preparation module and the beverage outlet are treated with a treatment fluid, the treatment fluid having a temperature higher than the first rinsing fluid temperature. In the second rinsing step (S3), at least a portion of the beverage preparation module and the beverage outlet are rinsed with a rinsing fluid having a second rinsing fluid temperature. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Hot beverage dispensing machines capable of preparing various hot beverages from water and one or more raw materials are generally known. A hot beverage dispensing machine typically comprises at least one water inlet, a hot beverage preparation module located downstream of the water inlet, and a beverage outlet downstream of the beverage preparation module. Such machines can prepare, for example, various coffees, soups, hot milk, hot chocolate milk, etc. After each beverage dispensing operation, residues of raw materials remain in the machine. It is therefore important to regularly clean the machine to avoid significant contamination and potential food safety hazards.

[0002] EP 2531085 discloses a hot beverage dispensing device with a cleaning arrangement. During the cleaning cycle, a pressurized gas, for example a mixture of steam and air, is passed through the various components of the device to remove such residues. In devices for dispensing various beverages, this measure may not always be sufficient. Summary of the Invention

[0003] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a hot beverage dispensing apparatus and an improved method for cleaning the hot beverage dispensing apparatus having an improved cleaning module.

[0004] According to the present invention there is provided an improved method for cleaning a hot beverage dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1.

[0005] According to the present invention there is further provided a hot beverage dispensing machine having an improved cleaning module as claimed in claim 15.

[0006] An improved method for cleaning hot beverage dispensing equipment includes a sequence of at least a first rinsing step, a treating step, and a second rinsing step.

[0007] The first rinsing step includes rinsing at least a portion of the beverage preparation module and the beverage outlet with a rinsing fluid having a first rinsing fluid temperature. The treatment step includes treating at least a portion of the beverage preparation module and the beverage outlet with a treatment fluid, the treatment fluid having a temperature higher than the first rinsing fluid temperature. The second rinsing step includes rinsing at least a portion of the beverage preparation module and the beverage outlet with a rinsing fluid having a second rinsing fluid temperature.

[0008] In addition to the above-mentioned water inlet, hot beverage preparation module and beverage outlet, which serve to supply the prepared beverage to the container in a first operating mode of the device, the improved hot beverage device further comprises a cleaning module, which in a second operating mode of the device subsequently performs the first rinsing step, the treatment step and the second rinsing step as described above.

[0009] The sequence of at least a first rinsing step, a treating step and a second rinsing step performed by the improved method and by the cleaning module in the second operating mode results in improved cleaning of the machine, which is most beneficial in applications where the hot beverage preparation machine is used for the preparation of a variety of different beverages.

[0010] As a further improvement to the effectiveness of the treatment process, the treatment fluid may comprise active ingredients, such as cleaning agents, antibacterial agents and / or descaling substances.

[0011] Depending on the nature of the treatment step, the temperature of the treatment fluid is at least 50° C., preferably at least 60° C. In descaling steps, even higher temperatures may be set, for example at least 80° C., preferably at least 90° C.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the steps includes a first rinse step, and a second rinse step is performed using cold or lukewarm water. (See paragraphs 0026 and 0027 below)The use of cold water, or preferably tepid water, in the first rinse step effectively removes at least a substantial amount of residue from the rinsed portion of the device while avoiding protein coagulation. The use of cold or tepid water in the second rinse step cools the rinsed portion of the system. Although a relatively fast cooling is achieved using cold rinse water, tepid water may alternatively be used, for example after a high temperature descaling treatment, e.g. to reduce any risk of thermal shock. The second rinse step may further remove any residue of a cleaning agent or other treatment agent, if such an agent was used during the treatment step.

[0013] In such an embodiment, the treatment fluid leaves the beverage outlet and is recovered and reused. This is advantageous in that the active ingredients can be used more effectively and less energy is required to maintain the treatment fluid at the required temperature. It may also be contemplated to recover and reuse the rinsing fluid during the first and / or second rinsing steps. In that case, the recovered rinsing fluid and / or treatment fluid may, for example, be passed through a filter to filter out contaminants present therein before being reused.

[0014] In a further improved embodiment of the invention, gas is introduced in pulses into the rinsing or processing fluid flow. In this way, the gas induces turbulence in the rinsing or processing fluid flow, improving the effectiveness of the treatment. Moreover, this is particularly beneficial in treatment steps that require high temperatures. The gas bubbles present in the flow can, for example, locally increase the temperature of a heater element, so that, for example, descaling can be performed more effectively.

[0015] In yet another embodiment of the invention, in the second operating mode, the conductivity of the treatment fluid or the rinsing fluid is measured. In particular, the distribution of the active ingredient in the fluid may be monitored using the conductivity measurement. In this way, it is possible to effectively ensure at the start of the treatment process that the active ingredient is present in the treatment fluid to perform the treatment process properly. Also, in the second rinsing step, it is possible to ensure that the active ingredient is no longer present in the treated part.

[0016] The flow rate of the rinsing or processing fluid may be determined by measuring the temperature difference at two locations in the machine for each rinsing or processing fluid. One location is downstream of the heater and the second location is upstream of the heater. In this way, a separate flow meter can be avoided and the temperature can be controlled according to the available time. In this way, it is also possible to check that a separate flow meter, if installed, is functioning properly.

[0017] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the hot beverage preparation module of the hot beverage preparation device includes a hot water supply unit for supplying hot water, an ingredient supply unit for supplying one or more ingredients, and a hot water supply unit for preparing a beverage from the supplied hot water and the supplied one or more ingredients and supplying the prepared beverage to a container. beverage outlet and a mixing section for sending the mixture to the

[0018] A fluid interface may be provided between the cleaning module and the hot beverage preparation module. The fluid interface may include a flow redirection mechanism upstream or downstream of the heater in the hot water supply for selectively redirecting the flow of rinsing / treatment fluid from the cleaning module. The fluid interface with the redirection mechanism allows for efficient reuse of the cleaning device for descaling the device.

[0019] In another embodiment of the present invention, a hot beverage dispensing apparatus includes a fluid transport path having at least one of a pump and a heater, the apparatus in a first operation mode supplies ingredients as components of a hot beverage to a beverage outlet through the fluid transport path, and the apparatus in a second operation mode directs a flow of a rinsing or treatment fluid through the fluid transport path. In this way, a part of the hot beverage preparation apparatus is efficiently reused for cleaning the apparatus.

[0020] The fluid transport path may further comprise one or more sensors, such as a conductivity sensor, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor. The sensors disposed in the fluid transport path may be used to perform various measurements for performance verification during the first and second modes of operation.

[0021] In yet another embodiment of the improved hot beverage dispensing apparatus, an inlet of the fluid transport path is coupled to an ingredient reservoir for said ingredient and a rinse / treatment fluid reservoir via a selection valve. In a first and a second operating mode, the selection valve selects the ingredient reservoir and the rinse / treatment fluid reservoir, respectively, as inputs of the fluid transport path. This allows for a fast and efficient transition between the first and second operating modes.

[0022] It should be noted that two or more embodiments of the improved beverage device as described above may be combined into a beverage dispensing system.

[0023] The improved hot beverage dispensing apparatus may further comprise a flow directing element disposed upstream of the outlet, the flow directing element being configured to selectively redirect the flow of fluid flowing toward the outlet toward the rinsing / treatment fluid reservoir. In this manner, an effective circulation of the rinsing / treatment fluid is achieved. Alternatively, the rinsing / treatment fluid may be collected in a collection tray.

[0024] Another improved hot beverage dispensing apparatus is provided with a fluid capture element disposed downstream of the outlet. In this embodiment, the hot beverage dispensing apparatus is configured to selectively couple the fluid capture element to the outlet to capture the fluid exiting the outlet and redirect the fluid toward the rinse / treatment fluid reservoir. This is advantageous in that the rinse / treatment fluid also rinses / treats the outlet while providing a more effective recirculation than if the fluid were collected from a collection tray with a relatively large surface area where a certain amount of the rinse / treatment fluid may remain as droplets. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings: [Figure 1] 1 illustrates diagrammatically an embodiment of a hot beverage preparation device according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates a schematic representation of an embodiment of the method according to the invention; [Diagram 3] 2 shows diagrammatically a further embodiment of a hot beverage preparation device according to the invention; [Figure 4A] 5 shows a schematic representation of a first step of an embodiment of the method according to the invention, carried out in the apparatus of FIG. [Figure 4B] 5 shows a schematic representation of a second step of an embodiment of the method according to the invention, carried out in the apparatus of FIG. [Figure 4C] 5 shows a schematic representation of a third step of an embodiment of the method according to the invention, carried out in the apparatus of FIG. [Figure 5A] 5 shows a schematic representation of a fourth step of an embodiment of the method according to the invention, carried out in the apparatus of FIG. [Figure 5B] 5 shows a schematic diagram of a fifth step of an embodiment of the method according to the invention, carried out in the apparatus of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 shows diagrammatically a further embodiment of a hot beverage preparation device according to the invention. [Figure 6A] 2 shows a schematic view of a part of another embodiment of a hot beverage preparation device according to the invention; [Figure 7]6B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a portion of FIG. 6A. [Figure 8] 7 illustrates various sensor readings obtained during operation of the device of FIG. 6 during a second mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a hot beverage dispensing device 1. The device comprises at least one water inlet 11, a hot beverage preparation module 2 located downstream of the water inlet, and a beverage outlet 26 located downstream of the beverage preparation module for supplying a prepared beverage to a container in a first operating mode M0 of the device. The preparation and delivery of a hot beverage is shown diagrammatically as step S0 in Fig. 2. In practice, step S0 comprises several sub-steps well known to those skilled in the art. The hot beverage dispensing device further comprises a cleaning module 30.

[0027] In a second operating mode M1 of the device, Washing The module 30 subsequently performs a first rinsing step S1, a treatment step S2 and a second rinsing step S3, as shown in Fig. 2. In the first rinsing step S1, at least a part of the beverage preparation module and the beverage outlet 26 are rinsed with a rinsing fluid having a first rinsing fluid temperature. In the treatment step S2, at least a part of the beverage preparation module 2 and the beverage outlet 26 are treated with a treatment fluid having a temperature higher than the first rinsing fluid temperature. In the second rinsing step S3, at least a part of the beverage preparation module 2 and the beverage outlet 26 are rinsed with a rinsing fluid having a second rinsing fluid temperature. Once completed, the device goes into a standby mode M00, waiting for preparation instructions, for example provided from a user interface 18, for example a graphical user interface S00.

[0028] The rinsing fluid used in the first rinse step may be water, or another fluid such as air, or a combination thereof, at a relatively low temperature, for example in the range of 10-40°C. The first rinse step substantially flushes any milk and / or coffee residues from the rinsed parts of the machine and from the outlet 26. In particular, rinsing with lukewarm water having a temperature in the range of 35-40°C substantially dissolves any fat present in these parts while avoiding protein coagulation. The used rinsing fluid leaving the outlet 26 is typically collected and drained.

[0029] In a second step S2, the relevant part is treated with a treatment fluid having a temperature higher than the first rinsing fluid temperature. For example, the temperature of the treatment fluid may be at least 50° C., preferably at least 60° C. The treatment of the treatment fluid in this second step is very effective due to its relatively high temperature, while the removal of proteins during the first step prevents their coagulation. The treatment fluid may be water provided with active ingredients, for example antibacterial agents and / or descaling substances. Also other treatment fluids, such as alcohol, may be considered for this purpose. In step S2, the treatment fluid leaving the beverage outlet may be recovered and reused. This is advantageous in that the active ingredients can be used more effectively and that less energy is required to maintain the treatment fluid at the required temperature. It may also be envisaged to recover and reuse the rinsing fluid in step S1. In that case, the recovered rinsing fluid may for example be passed through a filter to filter out contaminants present therein before being reused.

[0030] In a third step S3, the relevant part is rinsed with a rinsing fluid having a second rinsing fluid temperature. In this step, any components used during the treatment step S2 are washed away through the outlet. In this step, cold water is typically used, which cools the relevant part of the device for normal operation. In general, fresh tap water is suitable for this purpose. In some cases, an inlet filer may be applied or the rinsing fluid may be supplied from a separate source. Also in this step S3, the beverage outlet is rinsed with a rinsing fluid. rinse It may be contemplated that the fluid may be recovered and reused, for example means may be provided to alternately allow a quantity of rinsing fluid to be circulated within the relevant portion and for the rinsing fluid to be flushed away to replace it with a fresh quantity of rinsing fluid.

[0031] Improved Hot Beverages distribution An example of the device 1 is shown in more detail in Figure 3. The hot beverage dispensing device 1 comprises a hot beverage preparation module 2 having a hot water supply 20 for supplying hot water, an ingredient supply 22 for supplying one or more ingredients and a mixing section 24 for preparing a hot beverage from the supplied hot water and the supplied one or more ingredients. The hot beverage prepared in a first operating mode is supplied to a container (not shown) through an outlet 26.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the hot water supply 20 includes, downstream of the inlet 11, an inlet valve 201, a water reservoir 202, a pump 203, a flow meter 204, and heater 205. These portions may be controllable by and / or provide output signals to the controller 12 as shown in FIG.

[0033] 3, the ingredient supply 22 comprises a first ingredient supply element 221 for supplying coffee and a second ingredient supply element 222 for supplying milk. It will be understood that in practice there may be further ingredient supply elements for supplying, for example, hot chocolate or soup.

[0034] The mixing section 24 here comprises mixing elements 241 / 2 in the form of water jet mixers for mixing the supplied raw materials with water.

[0035] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the cleaning module 30 comprises, downstream of the water inlet 300, an inlet valve 301, a reservoir 302, an inlet filter 303, a pump 305, a heater 306, a conductivity sensor 307 and a temperature sensor 308. It should be noted that these elements may also be provided in a different order. However, it is preferred that the pump 305 is located downstream of the reservoir 302. The cleaning module 30 further comprises a treatment agent dispenser 304 for dispensing a treatment agent, e.g. a descaling agent, an antibacterial agent or a cleaning agent, into the water reservoir. Washing The module 30 has an outlet 310 for supplying rinsing or treatment fluid to the hot beverage preparation module 2 and an inlet 311 for receiving rinsing or treatment fluid withdrawn from the hot beverage preparation module 2. The cleaning module 30 further includes a multi-way valve 309 for directing returned fluid either to the reservoir 302 or to a drain outlet 313. A further inlet 312 is provided for receiving rinsing or treatment fluid from the hot water supply 20 of the hot beverage preparation module 2.

[0036] In the embodiment shown, the cleaning module 30 and the hot beverage preparation module 2 are coupled via an interface 41. A conduit 42 serves to direct the process / rinsing fluid from an outlet 310 to the interface 41. An inlet 311 receives the process / rinsing fluid collected from a collector 44 via a conduit 46. A further inlet is coupled to the interface 41 via a conduit 43. The flow of the rinsing / processing fluid between the cleaning module 30 and the hot beverage preparation module 2 is controlled by controllable valves 411, 412, 413 and a controllable multi-way valve 309.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the hot water supply 20 includes: heater There are further provided first and second one-way valves 206, 207 on each side of 205.

[0038] 4A-4C, the operation of the exemplary embodiment in the second mode will now be described, where the flow of rinsing / processing fluids is indicated diagrammatically by dashed arrows, and closure valves or other closure elements are indicated using a cross (X).

[0039] FIG. 4A shows the first step S1 in more detail. As shown in FIG. 4A, the pump 305 is actuated to pump the rinsing fluid from the reservoir 302 to the outlet 310 and through the conduit 42 to the interface 41. In this state, the controllable valve 411 and the controllable valve 413 are kept in a closed position, and only the valve 412 is opened, so that the rinsing fluid flows to the mixing section 24. In this case, the first step S1 includes a first sub-step in which the controllable valve 243 is opened and the controllable valve 244 is kept in a closed position. In a second sub-step, the controllable valve 244 is opened and the controllable valve 243 is kept in a closed position. In this way, the mixing elements 241, 242, here shown as water jet mixers, are rinsed more intensively than would be possible if both were rinsed at the same time. Typically, in this step, the multi-way valve 309 is set to redirect the rinsing fluid towards the outlet 313. The temperature of the rinsing fluid, typically water, is, for example, in the range of 20-40°C.

[0040] 4B shows the second step S2 in more detail. In this step, the treatment fluid is guided from the mixing unit 24 through the conduit 42 and through the valve 412 to the outlet 26. The treatment fluid leaving the outlet is collected in the tray 44 and returns to the reservoir 302 through the valve 309. Also in this step, the valves 243, 244 may be opened one at a time to provide a more intensive cleansing of each water jet mixer 241, 242 and the associated outlet 26. In this step S2, a treatment agent, for example an antibacterial agent and / or a cleaning agent, may be released by the treatment agent dosing device 304. In this step, the temperature of the treatment fluid may be increased to a value higher than the rinsing fluid temperature of the first step S1, for example the treatment fluid may be increased to a value of at least 50° C., for example 60° C.

[0041] 4C shows the third step S3 in more detail. As in the first step, the rinsing fluid may be cold or lukewarm water, for example at 20-40° C. Typically, the multi-way valve 309 is set to redirect the used rinsing fluid towards the outlet 313.

[0042] 5A shows an optional descaling step S4, in which a process fluid, typically containing a descaling agent, is provided at outlet 310 and passes through conduit 42 to fluid interface 41. The process fluid passes through one-way valve 207, open valve 413 and conduit 43, where it is redirected by valve 411 towards the inlet of heater 205. Washing The process fluid is returned to the inlet 312 of the module. For best results, the process fluid is heated to a temperature above 80° C., preferably above 80° C., for example up to 95° C. Once the process fluid is returned to the reservoir 302 it can be efficiently used with a relatively modest amount of electrical energy. During the descaling step S4, the presence of the descaling agent in the process fluid can be ascertained from the reading of the conductivity sensor 307, i.e. the conductivity of the process fluid increases due to the presence of the descaling agent in the process fluid.

[0043] Figure 5B shows the descaling step S4 is followed by a rinsing step S5. Similar to step S3, the relevant parts of the hot beverage preparation module 2 are rinsed with cold or lukewarm water, in this case to remove the descaling agent from these parts.

[0044] FIG. 6 shows a hot beverage according to the present invention. distribution Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the device 1. distribution The device is particularly suitable for preparing frothed milk. distribution The device may, for example, be a hot beverage dispenser as shown in FIG. 1 and / or FIG. distribution The device may also be incorporated into a beverage preparation system.

[0045] The device of FIG. 1 comprises a water inlet 11, a hot beverage preparation module 2 located downstream of the water inlet, and a beverage outlet 21. In FIG. The water inlet 11 is coupled via an inlet valve 201 to a selection valve 509, a temperature sensor 508, a pump 507, a flow restriction 506, a heater 504 and a diverter valve 515, which is in turn coupled to the outlet 26. The device also comprises a reservoir 222, for example for milk, and a rinsing fluid / Processing Fluid (Hereinafter, this may simply be referred to as "rinse / treatment fluid.") and a reservoir 302 for receiving the first and second selector valves 509. A second input of the selector valve 509 is coupled via a conductivity sensor 307 to an outlet of a further selector valve 512, the further selector valve 512 having respective inputs coupled to respective reservoirs 222, 302.

[0046] The hot beverage dispensing device 1 of Fig. 6 comprises a fluid transport path 500 having at least one of a pump 507 and a heater 504. In Fig. 6, both a pump and a heater are present. In a first mode of operation, the device supplies ingredients as components of the hot beverage through the fluid transport path to the beverage outlet 26. More specifically, in the first mode of operation, an ingredient, for example milk, in the reservoir 222 is supplied with water obtained from the inlet 11 and with a controllable restriction from the inlet 511. 520 The mixture is then pumped through valve 512, through a conductivity sensor and into a first inlet of valve 509 while being mixed with air obtained via the valve 512. The mixture is then guided through a temperature sensor 508, through pump 507 and control 506 to heater 504 where it is heated to the desired temperature and dispensed at outlet 26. In this mode, the second input of valve 512 coupled to outlet 510 of reservoir 302 is closed and the second output of selection valve 515 coupled to inlet 511 of reservoir 302 is also closed.

[0047] In a second operating mode of the device, a flow of rinsing or processing fluid is directed through the fluid transport path 500. More specifically, a selection valve 512 is configured to selectively receive the rinsing / processing fluid from an outlet 510 of a reservoir 302 provided in the fluid transport path 500. Depending on the process being performed in the second operating mode, the rinsing / processing fluid may either be discarded at the outlet 26 or returned to the inlet 511 of the fluid reservoir.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid transport path 500 further includes a conductivity sensor 307 and a temperature sensor 508. In alternative configurations, a flow sensor may be included.

[0049] As noted above, the hot beverage dispensing apparatus of Figure 6 includes a flow directing element 515 disposed upstream of the outlet 26 that is configured to selectively redirect a flow of fluid flowing in the direction of the outlet 26 towards the rinse / treatment fluid reservoir 302. In this manner, for example, the treatment fluid, along with the treatment agent dissolved therein, can be circulated for more efficient use, with associated reductions in energy consumption.

[0050] As an alternative to the flow directing element 515, a fluid capture element 518 may be provided. As shown diagrammatically in Fig. 6A, the fluid capture element 518 is located downstream of the outlet 26. The hot beverage dispensing apparatus is configured to selectively couple the fluid capture element 518 with the outlet 26 to capture the fluid exiting the outlet and to redirect the fluid towards the rinse / treatment fluid reservoir 302. A seal may be provided to avoid any fluid leakage between this coupling.

[0051] 7 shows a particular embodiment of a fluid capture element 518. In this embodiment, the outlet 26 includes at least one outlet opening 261, 262 and a drain (e.g., reservoir 302). (Figure 6) 3 )。 When the fluid capture element 518 is coupled to the outlet 26, the fluid flows back through the return opening 263 and into the drain. In this case, the fluid capture element 518 receives each protrusion of the outlet 26 in the coupled state. Cavity It is a particular advantage of this embodiment that the rinsing fluid / treatment liquid circulates in a turbulent manner around these protrusions, thereby also intensively cleaning the outside of the protrusions.

[0052] An embodiment of the method according to the invention applied to the device of FIG. 6 will now be described with reference to the following table. As shown in the first column, the first rinsing step comprises a series of sub-steps S101 to S113. The first treatment step comprises sub-steps S201 to S212 and the second rinsing step comprises S301 to S305. The purpose of each sub-step is summarized in the second column and the settings of the various elements are shown in the following columns. In column "201", the numbers "0", "1" indicate that the valve 201 is closed or open, respectively. The numbers in column 507 indicate the operation of the pump 507. The number 0 indicates that the pump is turned off and the number 1 indicates that the pump is operating at its maximum capacity. The numbers 0 to 1 indicate that the pump operates at its corresponding capacity number, for example 0.2 in state S103 indicates that it operates at 20% of its maximum capacity. Column 504 indicates the temperature (° C.) to be set for the heater 504. A value of 0 means the heater is turned off.

[0053] Columns 509 and 512 indicate the selected inlet side A or side B. For example, in state S103, valve 509 opens inlet A coupled to the output of valve 201, and valve 512 opens inlet B coupled to cleansing liquid reservoir 302. Column 515 indicates the output of valve 515 to which the fluid is directed. "A" means that output A towards reservoir 302 is selected, and "B" means that output B towards outlet 26 is selected.

[0054] Finally, column 520 indicates the setting of the air valve 520, where 0 is closed, 1 is open, and 0 / 1 means the valve is alternately opened and closed.

[0055] [Table 1]

[0056] In summary, by controlling the settings according to this table, sub-step S101 and sub-step S102 of the first rinse step empty the fluid transport path 500 first.

[0057] In sub-step S101, pump 507 is operated at its maximum capacity to substantially remove remaining liquid from path 500. The conductivity value may be monitored by sensor 307 and an error message may be issued if an unexpected value is measured. This may indicate improper operation, for example indicating that no remaining milk is detected.

[0058] Next, sub-step S103 S104 In sub-step S106 and sub-step S107, water is pumped from the reservoir 302 through the fluid transport path 500 to the outlet 26 in order to remove dirty rinsing liquid from the reservoir 302 and the fluid transport path 500. In sub-step S113, operation of the system is paused for a few seconds before proceeding to the next series of sub-steps S201-S212.

[0059] In the next series of sub-steps, namely the sub-steps of process step S2, the reservoir is first filled with heated water in sub-steps S201-S203. In sub-steps S204, S205, the water is heated and circulated for some time until it reaches a desired temperature, for example at least 60° C. After this temperature is reached, in sub-step S206, the treatment agent is dispensed by the treatment agent dispenser 304. The heater 504 is then reactivated (sub-step S207), additional water is provided (S208), and once the treatment agent has dissolved in the water, in sub-step S209, the treatment fluid is circulated through the fluid transport path 500, the valve 515, and the reservoir 302.

[0060] In sub-step S210, the treatment is enhanced by periodically supplying air through valve 520 into the treatment fluid. For example, every 10 seconds, air is supplied for a few seconds. For example, air may be supplied for 4 seconds every 20 seconds during circulation of the treatment fluid. This cycle may be repeated several times, for example 5 times. Once the treatment is completed, in sub-step S211, the reservoir 302 is drained and in sub-step S212, the fluid transport path 500 is emptied. In sub-step S212, valve 520 is opened to allow the supplied air to drain a substantial amount of the remaining fluid from the fluid transport path 500.

[0061] This is followed by a second rinse step S3 with sub-steps S301 to S305. In sub-step S302, the reservoir is filled with tap water. As an added precaution, sub-step S302 may be preceded by an additional reservoir drain sub-step S301. Once the reservoir 302 is filled, it is emptied via the fluid transport path 500 and the rinse fluid is discarded through the outlet 26. Any remaining fluid is then discarded by admitting air into the valve 520. In this case, proceed to the final sub-step S304 and allow the device to cool before proceeding further.

[0062] FIG. 8 shows, with reference to the table above, the sensor readings S obtained during the cleansing cycle. C , S TH , and S TL The left side shows the readings S in the range of 0 to 120°C. TH and S TL On the right is a conductivity scale with values ​​Sc ranging from 0 to 700, where a value of 0 indicates a relatively high conductivity and a value of 700 indicates a relatively low conductivity. The horizontal axis indicates the time in seconds elapsed since the start of the wash cycle. Figure 8 shows, for example, the rapid increase in conductivity after dosing with cleaning agent in sub-step S206, and the measured variation in rinse fluid temperature when air is periodically added during sub-step S201.

Claims

1. A method for cleaning a hot beverage dispensing device (1), said device comprising at least one water inlet (11), a hot beverage preparation module (2) located downstream of said water inlet, and a beverage outlet (26) downstream of said hot beverage preparation module, The method comprises: - a first rinsing step (S1) of rinsing at least a part of the hot beverage preparation module and the beverage outlet with a rinsing fluid having a first rinsing fluid temperature; - a treatment step (S2) of treating at least a part of the hot beverage preparation module and the beverage outlet with a treatment fluid, the treatment fluid having a temperature higher than the first rinsing fluid temperature; - a second rinsing step (S3) of rinsing at least a part of the hot beverage preparation module and the beverage outlet with a rinsing fluid having a second rinsing fluid temperature; Including, At least one of the first rinsing step (S1) and the second rinsing step (S3) is carried out using low-temperature water; The process fluid exits the beverage outlet, is recovered, maintained at a required temperature and reused.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein both the first rinsing step (S1) and the second rinsing step (S3) are performed with cold water.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the treatment fluid comprises an active ingredient.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the temperature of the treatment fluid is at least 50°C.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the beverage outlet (26) is cleaned by the rinsing step (S1, S3) and the treating step (S2).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the hot beverage preparation module (2) includes a water heater in a hot water supply (20), and the method includes a water heater descaling process including a descaling treatment step of the water heater and a subsequent step of rinsing the water heater.

7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the rinsing fluid exits the beverage outlet and is recovered and reused.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising measuring the conductivity of the treatment fluid and / or the rinsing fluid.

9. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the conductivity measurements obtained by measuring the conductivity of the treatment fluid and / or the rinsing fluid are used to assess the level of active ingredients in the treatment fluid and / or the rinsing fluid.

10. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the flow rate of the rinsing fluid or the processing fluid is determined from a difference between temperatures measured at two locations of the rinsing fluid or the processing fluid, respectively, one location being immediately downstream of the water heater and a second location being immediately upstream of the water heater.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein gas is added in pulses to the stream of rinsing fluid and / or the stream of treatment fluid.

12. A hot beverage dispensing apparatus comprising at least one water inlet (11), a hot beverage preparation module (2) located downstream of said water inlet, and a beverage outlet (26) located downstream of said hot beverage preparation module for supplying a prepared beverage to a container in a first operation mode of the apparatus, a cleaning module (30) which, in a second operating mode of the device, subsequently performs a first rinsing step (S1), a treatment step (S2) and a second rinsing step (S3), wherein the cleaning module (30) comprises a rinsing fluid / treatment fluid reservoir (302); - said first rinsing step (S1) comprises rinsing at least a part of said hot beverage preparation module and said beverage outlet with a rinsing fluid having a first rinsing fluid temperature; - said treatment step (S2) comprises treating at least a part of said hot beverage preparation module and said beverage outlet with a treatment fluid, said treatment fluid having a temperature higher than said first rinsing fluid temperature, - said second rinsing step (S3) comprises rinsing at least a part of said hot beverage preparation module and said beverage outlet with a rinsing fluid having a second rinsing fluid temperature; The hot beverage dispensing apparatus further includes a fluid capture element (518) disposed downstream relative to the beverage outlet (26), the hot beverage dispensing apparatus being configured to selectively couple the fluid capture element (518) to the beverage outlet (26) to capture process fluid exiting the beverage outlet and to redirect the process fluid towards the rinsing fluid / process fluid reservoir (302). and said beverage outlet (26) comprises at least one outlet opening (261, 262) and at least one return opening (263) coupled to a drain towards the inlet of said rinsing fluid / treatment fluid reservoir (302), and said fluid capture element (518), when coupled to said beverage outlet (26), directs said captured treatment fluid back through said return opening (263) and into said drain.

1. A hot beverage dispensing device comprising:

13. The hot beverage dispensing apparatus (1) of claim 12, wherein the hot beverage preparation module (2) includes a hot water supply section (20) for supplying hot water, a raw material supply section (22) for supplying one or more raw materials, and a mixing section (24) for preparing a beverage from the supplied hot water and the supplied one or more raw materials and sending the prepared beverage to the beverage outlet (26) for supplying the prepared beverage to a container (R).

14. The hot beverage dispensing apparatus (1) of claim 12, further comprising a fluid transport path (500) having at least one of a pump (507) and a heater (504), wherein in a first operating mode, the hot beverage dispensing apparatus supplies raw materials as components of a hot beverage to the beverage outlet (26) through the fluid transport path, and in a second operating mode, the hot beverage dispensing apparatus induces a flow of a rinsing fluid or a treatment fluid through the fluid transport path (500).

15. The hot beverage dispensing device (1) of claim 14, wherein the fluid transport path (500) further comprises at least one of a conductivity sensor (307), a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor (508).

16. A hot beverage dispensing apparatus (1) as described in claim 14 or 15, wherein an inlet of the fluid transport path (500) is coupled to an ingredient reservoir (222) for the ingredient and a rinsing fluid / processing fluid reservoir (302) via a selection valve (512), and in the first and second operating modes, the selection valve (512) selects the ingredient reservoir (222) and the rinsing fluid / processing fluid reservoir (302), respectively, as inputs to the fluid transport path (500).

17. The hot beverage dispensing apparatus (1) of claim 12, further comprising a flow directing element (515) arranged upstream relative to the beverage outlet (26), the flow directing element (515) being configured to selectively redirect a flow of fluid flowing in the direction of the beverage outlet (26) towards a rinsing fluid / treatment fluid reservoir (302).

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