Beverage preparation equipment

Abstract

A beverage preparation facility comprises a preparation system (5) capable and designed to produce a liquid product based on at least one liquid supplied to it. The preparation system comprises an upstream supply line (4) and a downstream product line (6). The facility has a first inlet (10) for a first liquid and a second inlet (20) for a second liquid and the supply line (4) is equipped with an inlet nozzle (40) that can be selectively connected to the first inlet (10) and to the second inlet (20). The inlet nozzle (40) comprises a first circumferential part (41) and is therefore compatible with the first inlet (10) downstream of the first circumferential part (41), the inlet nozzle (40) has a second circumferential part (42) and is therefore compatible with the second inlet (20).The second inlet (20) is wider than the first inlet (10) and therefore maintains a distance (s) around the first circumference part (41) of the inlet nozzle (40) when the inlet nozzle (40) is inserted into the second inlet (20).

Description

The present invention relates to a , comprising a preparation system that is capable and equipped on the basis of at least one liquid added thereto to prepare a liquid product, a first inlet for feeding a first fluid, a second inlet for the carrying a second fluid, a supply line upstream of the preparation system and a product pipeline downstream of the preparation system. In particular, the structure of the species described in the introduction relates to a , where the first liquid comprises a milk product with which a coffee product to be prepared will be enriched. Examples of such coffee products are cappuccino, latte macchiato, espresso macchiato, caffè latte and flat white, consisting of a freshly brewed espresso coffee with heated milk or milk foam is added. Within the framework of the invention, the terms "drink" and "Product" is to be interpreted broadly, so that it includes not only the desired end product, such as a coffee specialty like this, but also a semi-finished product, such as, for example, the heated or unheated product intended for that purpose milk foam or hot milk is to be understood. A challenge in such a facility when there is a dairy product in it involved is a thorough cleaning of the product and supply lines. Leakage residues can easily set in it and lead to spoilage, which should at all times to be avoided. To this end, the facility is usually performed after every preparation rinsed with hot water and furthermore regularly and / or always after a a certain number of preparation cycles subjected to a thorough cleaning operation where a cleaning fluid is passed through the pipes. At the well-known establishment, such a thorough cleaning often requires a user intervention required, whereby the user the supply line in a second reservoir with cleaning fluid protrudes and after completion of the placed back into the first reservoir during the cleaning cycle. During the _2_ during the cleaning cycle, the cleaning fluid is drawn from the second reservoir and flushed through the supply line and the outlet line(s) of the pump, followed by a rinse with clean water. The present invention aims, inter alia, to establish this procedure for the to simplify for the user and preferably fully automate. To achieve the intended goal, one of the in the heading described kind according to the invention as a characteristic that the supply line is equipped with an inlet nozzle that can be selectively connected to the first inlet and with the second inlet, that the inlet nozzle comprises a first circumferential part and the inlet nozzle is therefore suitably receivable in the first inlet comprises a second perimeter part downstream of the first perimeter part and can therefore be received in a fitting manner in the second inlet, and that the second inlet is more spacious than the first inlet and at the level of the first circumferential part of the inlet nozzle maintains a distance all around for this purpose when inserting the intake nozzle into the second inlet Thus, the mouthpiece connects in accordance with the invention with the first circumferential part in the first inlet and with the second circumferential part in the second inlet. The mouthpiece is can be selectively placed in the first inlet or the second inlet, depending on which liquid must be taken in. The first inlet can in particular be an inlet for a milk product include, while a cleaning fluid is supplied via the second inlet. is offered. By via the second inlet with a view to a cleaning operation to let in a cleaning fluid, which includes clean water, can the pipes of the facility be flushed with it. Although the mouthpiece is fitted into the first inlet at the first circumferential part received, it cannot be assured that not also towards an outside thereof liquid penetrates and the mouthpiece not only internally, but also on the the outside thereof comes into contact with the first fluid. Because the second inlet _3_ is wider than the first and the mouthpiece therefore at the location of the first if the circumferential part lies freely all around in the second inlet, the nozzle will be intended the site at the first perimeter part must also be rinsed with the second liquid as soon as it is let in. As a result, cleaning of an otherwise difficult also takes place. accessible outer wall of the mouthpiece location. The latter enables full automation of the cleaning process. In a The preferred form of execution is therefore the one according to the invention characterized by the fact that the inlet nozzle is coupled to an actuator device that controllable to switch the mouthpiece between the first and second inlet. The Control of the actuator can be part of a central control system and control of the system from an electronic control unit. By mechanization of mouthpiece placement and management from such a unit, can not only the monitoring but also the processing of always a timely the cleaning of the interior is completely taken out of the user's hands. [Pay attention to an adequate leak-free positioning of the mouthpiece in the first and second inlet, has a special design of the beverage dispensing device according to the invention characterized by the inlet nozzle at the level of the first circumferential part and the second perimeter part comprises a seal each time and thereby at least in main feature seals leak-free in the first inlet and the second inlet respectively. A further special implementation of the beverage dispensing establishment according to the The invention is characterized in that the inlet nozzle, at least at the level of the first perimeter part and the second perimeter part has a circular cross-section and in an outer wall thereof is provided with a perimeter groove, and that the seal each time includes an O-ring located in the circumferential groove. In this case, the seal avoids that liquid can extend beyond the relevant peripheral part of the nozzle penetrate. Rinse the mouthpiece at the level of the first circumferential part thus suffices for consistently effective cleaning. _4_ A further preferred form of implementation of the is, according to the invention characterized by the fact that at least one of the first inlet and the second inlet assumes a removable coupling device. [By Vlet name, this may involve a coupling device which, together with a reservoir for the relevant fluid, is in the The interior is installed and can be removed. A special design. of the has in that respect, according to the invention, as a characteristic that the coupling device is connected to a supply line that is axially common in a reservoir for the relevant fluid protrudes. By an axial adjustment of the the coupling device can be brought to the nozzle via the supply line or be removed from it, so that a placement or relocation of the reservoir in the facility will not be hindered thereby. The supply line comprises in the particularly a tube that is received sliding into the reservoir. A further preferred form of implementation of the has as characteristic that therein at least one of a first reservoir for the first liquid and A second reservoir for the second fluid is provided. In this case, the device can be implemented in a fully self-sufficient manner, whereby one of the two or, preferably, even both liquids can be drawn from a reservoir present in the facility. In particular, with regard to the reservoir, this concerns one from the installation. removable container that can be refreshed and / or refilled elsewhere or otherwise can be exchanged for a fully filled copy. [Looking out for a fully autonomous operation of the is a mutual positioning and alignment of the mouthpiece with the respective inlet of importance. In particular if the inlet is connected to a removable reservoir For the fluid in question, there is therefore a need for a self-aligning mechanism that brings about such an alignment. |in a further aspect, the invention therefore aims, among other things, to a to provide which independently has at least one inlet and the aligns or even positions the mouthpiece. _5_ To achieve this goal, a , comprising a preparation system that is capable and designed to produce from at least one of the following supplied liquid to prepare a liquid product, a supply line upstream of the preparation system and a product pipeline downstream of the preparation system, and a liquid reservoir for holding the liquid, which liquid reservoir extends essentially in a straight line into an inlet cavity of the device and is interchangeable therein, in a further aspect of the invention as a characteristic that the supply line includes an inlet nozzle that connects to an inlet originating from a coupling device, that the coupling device is connected to a supply line which commonly inserted into the reservoir, that a guide is provided in the inlet cavity which, at placement of the fluid reservoir in the inlet cavity, engaging with the coupling device and the coupling device to a defined starting position under the feeds the inlet nozzle. Thus, the guide leads the coupling device with the inlet to a fixed starting position up to below the mouthpiece. That starting position lies in the particularly fully aligned with the mouthpiece, resulting in a less critical, linear Moving them between them is sufficient to bring both parts together. A further special embodiment of the has in that in that the coupling device comprises a collar and the guide a rail on which the collar is received upon placement of the reservoir in the inlet cavity, which rails diagonally from an input side of the input cavity to the output position proceeds upwards. In this process, the coupling device strikes the guide with the collar at linear placement in the entry cavity. The rising course of the guide forces the coupling device then upwards to the starting position, corresponding to an end position of the reservoir. In a further preferred form of implementation, the according to the invention characterized by the fact that the coupling device is adjustable in height between the defined starting position, clear of the inlet nozzle, and an operating condition in which the intake nozzle is inserted into the intake of the coupling device. The hereby The provided height adjustment of the coupling device allows the coupling device is brought from the defined starting position to the operating condition in which the nozzle unites effectively with the inlet in the coupling device. The fluid The reservoir can now be drawn into the water via the mouthpiece. A further special embodiment of the has in addition according to the invention as a characteristic that an outer wall of the coupling device and a inner wall of the entry cavity over a spiral profile and a shoulder comprise those that interlock in the initial position, where the profile has a pitch that offers the coupling device during a rotation between the starting position and the adjusts operating condition in height. The spiral profile forces, thanks to its pitch, the coupling device for a fixed, strictly defined axial displacement with which a distance to the mouthpiece is bridged. The profile may include a spiral groove or include the rib and the shoulder may originate from a ridge, collar or otherwise molded edge. For the activation of the coupling device, a further special design is required. of the according to the invention as a characteristic that the coupling device offers a radially extending wing and thereby between the defined initial position and the operating condition is adjustable. The wing can serve as a handle for manual operation, but can also grip in the facility to, upon placement and / or removal of the container, in one or both directions of rotation to be touched upon incidentally. The invention will be explained in further detail below by means of a execution example and an accompanying drawing. The drawing shows: Figure 1 an example of implementation of a according to the invention in a first state; Figure 2 of Figure 1 in a second state; Figure 3 the of Figure 1 in a third state; Figure 3A a detailed view of Figure 3; Figure 4 the of figure 1 in a fourth state; and _7_ Figure 4A a detailed view of Figure 4; Incidentally, it should be noted that the figures are purely schematic and not always based on drawn to the same scale. [Vlet name may be omitted for the sake of clarity some dimensions are shown to a greater or lesser extent in an exaggerated manner. Corresponding parts are indicated in the figures with the same reference number. Figure 1 shows a typical example of one according to the invention. This concerns, for example, a beverage dispensing device with which a coffee product is prepared using a preparation system provided for that purpose and to a user is issued or, as here, a device with which from a a milk product is used to prepare heated or unheated milk foam moreover, are combined in the. In this regard, it should be noted that where reference is made to a milk product in the present application, thereunder both animal dairy and plant-based milk-like products are to be understood, such as for example soy milk, almond milk and oat milk. And the concept also serves coffee product to be understood broadly in such a way that it is not merely based on atmospherically brewed coffee, but also, for example, under increased pressure Extracted espresso is what is meant. The facility is housed in an enveloping enclosure 1 in which the relevant preparation system 5 is provided. This preparation system 5 includes for the preparation of Espresso coffee usually requires a hot water supply, such as a boiler or a flow-through heater, a brewing unit in which coffee powder is received and to a compact pill compressed, a pump with which hot water under increased pressure is guided through the brewing unit and a product outlet to which the extract can be removed. The coffee powder can be handed over to the facility in ground form. or the device may be equipped with a coffee grinder that produces a measured dose grinds coffee beans into coffee powder with a desired grind size and feeds to the brewing unit issues _g_ In this example, where the establishment prepares milk foam, it includes preparation system 5, except for a central electronic control and control unit, a pump with which a milk product via a supply line 4 is drawn in, in combination with means to the drawn-in product to aerate and heat. These means include, for example, an inlet for hot steam, whether or not in combination with extra air, or a heating element followed by a mechanically driven agitator, such as a stirrer. A combination of Both are also possible. The milk foam formed in this way is applied to a product management 6 issued to a product issue of the same establishment or that to be delivered from a linked facility. The milk product is thereby at preferably refrigerated, whether or not kept in the same appliance. For the milk supply, a reservoir in an interchangeable is used in the example. Container 3 is used, allowing a supply of fresh milk to be kept in the facility. brought, To this end, the device comprises an input cavity 2 which accommodates the container 3. A supply line is provided in the container, which in this example a riser tube 9 comprises, which is composed of two telescopic parts. A first part is firmly connected to a removable lid or side wall of the container and forms in the particularly unique, making it one whole. A second part of riser pipe 9 slides into the first part and is thus axially mobile and thereby able to adjust in height. This second part carries a coupling device 30 containing a milk inlet 10 for the layout. In the case of minor differences in height, however, it may possibly be done with merely the sliding part shall suffice that in that case directly to near the bottom of the container reaches. At the bottom, the coupling device 30 includes a collar 35 which, when the container is placed 3 in the machine encounters a guide 8 in the input cavity 2, see figure 1. The guide 8 includes a rail in a wall of the input cavity 2 that runs diagonally upwards. The rail 8 engages with the collar 35 of the coupling device 30 and pulls the riser pipe 9 with to that the coupling device 30 further out of the container 3 as the container 3 is pushed further in a straight line into the input cavity. Eventually, the guide leads the _9_ coupling device thus to a defined starting position under a nozzle 40 when the container has reached its final position, see Figure 2. The coupling device carries a spiral profile in the shape of a in its outer wall. spiraling rib or groove 33. This profile 33 is in the state shown in Figure 2 starting position in engagement with a shoulder 23 that of the fixed structure of the arrangement extends, for example in the form of a ridge or edge on an interior wall in the input cavity 2. Means are provided to the coupling device in this state a rotation to support a spiral axis of profile 33. A pitch of profile 33 thereby provides a precisely defined vertical displacement from the starting position of Figure 2 to the state shown in Figure 3, where that coupling device 30 with the milk inlet 10 connects leak-free to nozzle 40. In figure In 3A, this condition is shown in enlarged detail. The means to force the coupling device 30 into rotation include, in this example, a handle or otherwise a wing 37 on the coupling device. With this, the coupling device 30 be manually given a rotation around the helical axis; the riser pipe 9 rotates along with it in container 3. The pitch of profile 33 is such that chosen that a quarter turn or a half turn is sufficient to the distance between the to bridge the starting position of Figure 2 and the coupled state of Figure 3. Instead of such manual manipulation, a mechanical transmission may also be used. be provided that engages on the coupling device 30 and for the described rotation provides. Optionally, a driven actuator can also be provided that operates on the coupling device engages and drives into rotation. The mouthpiece 40 is attached to a first part 41 of its outer circumference fitting into the Receive inlet 10, see Figure 3A. The nozzle here comprises a circumferential groove with containing an elastomeric O-ring 43 that ensures a leak-tight seal. Via the supply line 4 to which nozzle 40 is connected can now milk from the container 3 is sucked in to be led to the preparation system 5. It is important in this regard that the milk-carrying pipes 4,6 and the preparation system be rinsed regularly and periodically thoroughly cleaned with a cleaning fluid to prevent the build-up of milk residues and spoilage. For this purpose, the facility comprises a second inlet 20 to which a second fluid can be supplied. The nozzle 40 is selectively movable by means of an actuator system 50. between the milk inlet 10 and the second inlet 20. Figure 4 shows the arrangement where the Nozzle 40 fitting into the second inlet 20 has been received. Nozzle 40 now connects. with a second part 42 of its circumference attached to an inner wall of the second mouthpiece. Here too, a circumferential groove containing a 45 O-ring ensures this in place. a leak-proof seal. The second inlet 20 has been chosen larger than the milk inlet 10 and the mouthpiece 40 closes upstream of the first part 41 of its circumference with a correspondingly wider second part 42 of its perimeter leak-tight in the second inlet, see figure 4A. As a result, nozzle 40 hangs at the level of the first perimeter section 41 completely free in the second inlet 20. In particular, the second preserves inlet 20 at the location around a distance s to the first part 41 of the perimeter of the mouthpiece containing the circumferential groove and O-ring 43. The second inlet 20 is connected to a suction line 7 for a cleaning fluid. which can now pass through the preparation system via nozzle 40 and supply line 4 are drawn in. Thanks to the exposed position of the first perimeter section 41 of the nozzle, this part will now also be cleaned together with the O-ring 43 with cleaning fluid rinsed. Thus it can be assured that also truly all parts of the facility that may have come into contact with milk actually subjected to a thorough cleaning be subjected. This paves the way for a fully autonomous cleaning cycle of the facility, whereby the cleaning fluid from a within the facility The included second reservoir is drawn from. Such a reservoir may be refillable. carried out, whereby cleaning fluid is replenished therein each time, but also a fully interchangeable cartridges include those always in new stock provide cleaning fluid. _11_ Although the invention for this purpose based on merely a single example of execution was further explained, it should be clear that the invention is by no means intended for that purpose limited. On the contrary, within the framework of the invention, for an average craftsman, many variations and forms are still possible. For example, in the given For example, likewise for the cleaning fluid, a assumption is made of relocatable container with a coupling device and guides like those also for the milk reservoirs were used. Alternatively, a fixed milk reservoir can be used. inlet are assumed to be connected to, for example, a flexible supply pipe. Furthermore is a permanent water connection possible, particularly in the case of a beverage dispensing device with which a coffee product will be prepared, which in that case can also be used for rinse water for the purpose of cleaning the fluid system _12_

Claims

1. , comprising a preparation system (5) capable and arranged on the basis of at least one fluid supplied thereto a to prepare liquid product, a first inlet (10) for feeding a first liquid, a second inlet (20) for feeding a second liquid, a supply line (4) upstream of the preparation system and a product line (6) downstream of the preparation system (5), characterized by the supply line (4) is equipped with an inlet nozzle (40) that can be selectively connected to the first inlet (10) and with the second inlet (20), that the inlet nozzle (40) a first peripheral part (41) and is therefore suitably receivable in the first inlet (10), that inlet nozzle (40) downstream of the first circumferential section (41) a second peripheral part (42) and can therefore be received fittingly in the second inlet (20), and that the second inlet (20) is wider than the first inlet (10) and at the level of the first circumference part (41) of the inlet nozzle (40) around a distance (s) stores upon insertion of the intake nozzle (40) into the second intake (20).

2. according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it inlet nozzle is coupled with an actuator device (50) which can be controlled to to switch the mouthpiece between the first and second inlet.

3. according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it inlet nozzle at the level of the first circumference part and the second circumference part each includes a seal (43, 45) and thereby seals at least essentially leak-free in respectively the first inlet and the second inlet.

4. according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that it intake nozzle at least at the level of the first circumferential part and the second the perimeter section has a circular cross-section and is provided in an outer wall thereof of a circumferential groove (48), and that the seal each time includes an O-ring (47) which in the circumferential groove is located. _13_ 5. in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims, with the characteristic that at least one of the first inlet and the second inlet originates from a removable coupling device (30).

6. according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the coupling device is connected to a supply line (9) which is axially free-moving in a reservoir (3) in front of the relevant liquid.

7. in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims with the characteristic that therein at least one of a first reservoir for the first liquid and a second reservoir for the second fluid is provided.

8. in accordance with one or more of the preceding conclusions, characterized by the fact that the second liquid is a cleaning liquid.

9. Beverage dispensing facility, comprising a preparation system (5) capable of and is designed to produce a liquid product from at least one liquid added to it to prepare, a supply line (4) upstream of the preparation system (5) and a product line (6) downstream of the preparation system (5), and a liquid reservoir (3) for holding the liquid, which liquid reservoir (3) in the main part is inserted in a straight line into an input cavity (2) of the device and inserted therein is replaceable, characterized by the fact that the supply line (4) has an inlet nozzle (40) includes that connects to an inlet (10) which is powered by a coupling device (30), that the coupling device (30) is connected to a supply line (9) which is common in the reservoir (3) protrudes, in which the inlet cavity (2) is provided a guide (8) which, at placement of the fluid reservoir (3) in the inlet cavity (2), on the coupling device (30) engages and the coupling device (30) to a defined starting position under the inlet nozzle (40) feeds.

10. according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the coupling device comprises a collar (35) and the guide a rail (8) on which the collar _14_ is received upon placement of the reservoir in the inlet cavity, which rails from a the inlet side of the inlet cavity slopes upwards towards the exit position.

11. according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by the fact that the coupling device is height-adjustable between the defined starting position, free of the intake nozzle, and an operating condition in which the intake nozzle is in the intake protrudes from the coupling device.

12. according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that a outer wall of the coupling device and an inner wall of the input cavity over a again a spiral profile (33) and a shoulder (23) that in the initial position mutually engage, whereby the profile provides a pitch that the coupling device at a rotation adjusts the height between the starting position and the operating state.

13. according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that the coupling device a radially extending wing (37) offers and thereby between the defined initial position and the operating condition is adjustable.

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