Dispensing nozzle assembly for beverage dispensing device

Abstract

FIELD: food industry.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a discharge nozzle of a beverage dispensing device, which is adapted to be cleanable with a cleaning liquid. The beverage dispensing device comprises a nozzle unit comprising a plurality of nozzles, wherein at least one of the plurality of nozzles is an outlet nozzle for dispensing drinking liquid and at least one of the plurality of nozzles is a cleaning return nozzle; and a cleaning chamber housing configured to be moved repeatedly between a folded position and an operating position for cleaning the nozzle assembly, wherein the cleaning chamber housing comprises an internal cavity that hermetically receives a plurality of nozzles when the cleaning chamber housing is in the operating position, wherein the cleaning chamber housing comprises a well for each of the outlet nozzles, wherein each well comprises a side wall that forms a cleaning cavity that receives the end of the corresponding outlet nozzle, and a well drain hole in the side wall of each well, through which the cleaning liquid can flow out of the well into the cleaning chamber housing, wherein the side wall of the well is configured to redirect the cleaning liquid supplied from the corresponding outlet nozzle along the outer surface of the corresponding outlet nozzle.EFFECT: creating an improved outlet nozzle assembly for a beverage dispensing device.22 cl, 5 dwg

Description

[0001] Field of application of the invention

[0002] This description relates to a beverage dispensing device outlet nozzle that is capable of being cleaned with a cleaning liquid.

[0003] Prerequisites for the creation of the invention

[0004] Beverage dispensing devices that prepare and dispense beverages are well known in the art. These devices typically include one or more outlet nozzles from which the beverage is dispensed into a container. The outlet nozzles require periodic cleaning to maintain beverage quality.

[0005] WO 2018 / 208156 describes a beverage preparation device that includes at least one beverage outlet nozzle for dispensing a beverage into a beverage container and a cleaning structure for cleaning the outer surface of the beverage outlet nozzle. The cleaning structure is movable from an inactive position to a cleaning position using a cam wheel and a pair of support elements configured to rotate the cleaning structure forward. In use, the cleaning structure provides a sealed cavity for each nozzle to ensure cleaning of the outer surface of each nozzle, as well as a common drain from which used cleaning fluid can be drained by gravity.

[0006] SN 707837 describes a beverage vending machine that includes a downward-facing outlet for dispensing a beverage prepared in the vending machine into a receptacle located below. A receptacle is located in the area of ​​the outlet, movable between a first position in which the prepared beverage is dispensed, and a second position in which the receptacle is positioned below the outlet and can be filled with cleaning fluid. After cleaning is complete, the receptacle returns to its first position, causing the liquid to drain from the receptacle into the drain.

[0007] The present invention is directed to an improved outlet nozzle assembly for a beverage dispensing apparatus.

[0008] Statement of the invention

[0009] The present invention provides a beverage dispensing device in accordance with the appended claims.

[0010] The present description provides a beverage dispensing device. The beverage dispensing device may comprise: a nozzle assembly comprising a plurality of nozzles, wherein at least one of the plurality of nozzles is an outlet nozzle for dispensing a drinking liquid and at least one of the plurality of nozzles is a cleaning return nozzle. The beverage dispensing device may comprise: a cleaning chamber housing configured to be repeatedly moved between a folded position and an operating cleaning position. The cleaning chamber housing may comprise an internal cavity that receives the plurality of nozzles in the operating position. The internal cavity may be sealed.

[0011] The cleaning return nozzle may be configured to remove cleaning fluid from the cleaning chamber housing. The cleaning return nozzle may extract the cleaning fluid by suction. The cleaning return nozzle may be in fluid communication with a pump.

[0012] The cleaning chamber housing may comprise a base and at least one side wall. The side wall may extend upward from the base. The base and side wall may form an internal cavity.

[0013] A plurality of nozzles may be configured to extend into the interior cavity when the cleaning chamber housing is in the operating position. A cleaning return nozzle may be provided at the lowest point of the interior cavity relative to at least one outlet nozzle. The cleaning return nozzle may be located in the area of ​​the cleaning chamber housing's sump. The sump may be the lowest portion of the cleaning chamber housing into which cleaning fluid can flow from the outlet nozzles. The cleaning return nozzle may be located near the base of the cleaning chamber housing.

[0014] The internal cavity may include a peripheral seal that fits tightly against the nozzle assembly to collectively seal a plurality of nozzles within the internal cavity. The peripheral seal may be provided on the upper edge of the side wall of the cleaning chamber housing. The peripheral seal may enclose the plurality of nozzles when the cleaning chamber housing is in the operating position. The seal may include a sealing element such as an O-ring or gasket. The sealing element may be pressed against a corresponding sealing surface of the nozzle assembly.

[0015] A plurality of nozzles may extend from a proximal end attached to the main portion of the nozzle assembly to a distal end, wherein the distance between the proximal end and the distal end constitutes the length of each nozzle. The cleaning return nozzle may have the longest length of the plurality of nozzles.

[0016] The plurality of outlet nozzles may comprise at least one or more of the following: a coffee outlet nozzle, a milk outlet nozzle, a milk outlet nozzle, and a water outlet nozzle. In some embodiments, the water outlet nozzle may be configured to provide a cleaning return nozzle. Each of the plurality of outlet nozzles may be configured to provide cleaning fluid during the cleaning process.

[0017] The cleaning chamber housing may comprise a well for each outlet nozzle. Each well may comprise a sidewall defining a cleaning cavity that receives the end of the corresponding outlet nozzle. The sidewall of the well may be configured to redirect cleaning fluid discharged from the corresponding nozzle outlet along the outer surface of the corresponding outlet nozzle.

[0018] Each well may comprise a well base, wherein the well base is elevated relative to the base of the cleaning chamber housing. The well may comprise a support or pillar extending from the base of the cleaning chamber housing, or formed as part thereof. The support may be a cylindrical pillar. The well may comprise a recess at the end of the support.

[0019] Each well sidewall may contain a well drain through which residual cleaning fluid can flow from the well into the cleaning chamber housing. The well drain comprises an opening in the sidewall of each well. The opening may be a cutout extending from the top edge of the sidewall to the base. The drain may face a cleaning return nozzle to direct the flow of residual cleaning fluid to the cleaning return nozzle.

[0020] The device may further comprise a drive mechanism configured to move the cleaning chamber housing between a folded position and an operating position. The drive mechanism may be a reciprocating drive, such that the cleaning chamber housing is configured to repeatedly move between the folded position and the operating position, and vice versa.

[0021] The drive mechanism may comprise a feed guide along which the cleaning chamber housing moves between the folded and operating positions. The feed guide may be curved. The drive mechanism may further comprise a drive lever configured to rotate for sliding the cleaning chamber housing along the feed guide. The drive lever may be connected to the cleaning chamber housing via a drive rod. The drive rod may be rotatably connected to the drive lever and the cleaning chamber housing at their respective ends. The drive rod may be configured to rotate relative to the drive lever and the cleaning chamber housing during actuation of the drive lever. The drive lever may rotate using an electric motor. The electric motor may be connected to the drive lever via a worm gear. The worm gear may comprise a worm screw and a worm gear.There may be multiple drive levers, one on each side of the cleaning chamber housing, each configured to move the cleaning chamber housing along corresponding feed guides on both sides of the cleaning chamber housing. Each drive lever may be rotated by a common actuator.

[0022] The feed guide can receive a feed engaging member of the cleaning chamber body. The feed engaging member can be configured to rotate within the guide and slide along it under the action of a drive lever. Thus, when the cleaning chamber body moves along the feed guide via the drive lever, the cleaning chamber body rotates relative to the feed guide as it moves along the feed guide.

[0023] The feed engaging element may be located above the sealing surface of the cleaning chamber housing. Providing the feed engaging element above the sealing surface of the cleaning chamber housing allows the cleaning chamber housing to be suspended beneath the nozzle assembly, while the feed guide is located above the nozzle assembly and concealed within the device housing. The feed engaging element may be provided on the distal end of a lever extending upward from the cleaning chamber housing or its upper surface.

[0024] A feed engaging member may be provided at a first end of the cleaning chamber body, and a drive lever may be movably connected to a second end of the cleaning chamber body. The first end may be located in front of the nozzle assembly in the operating position and behind the nozzle assembly in the folded position. The second end may be located behind the nozzle assembly in both the folded and operating positions.

[0025] The cleaning chamber body can be rotatably pressed against the nozzle assembly. A movable joint can be lifted using a drive lever to rotate the cleaning chamber body around the feed engaging member.

[0026] The device may further comprise one or more beverage preparation modules. The beverage preparation modules may comprise a coffee module configured to prepare coffee (e.g., brew it), a mixing module configured to prepare a mixed liquid from a mixing liquid (e.g., milk, water, etc.) and a dry edible powder (e.g., chocolate, soup, sweetener, etc.). The cleaning chamber housing may form part of a cleaning circuit in which the cleaning liquid circulates through one or more beverage preparation modules and the cleaning chamber housing. The device may further comprise a hot water module configured to heat the supplied water for circulation through the cleaning circuit.

[0027] The cleaning circuit may be a closed loop and / or an open loop that terminates at an external drain. The external drain may be connected to the cleaning chamber.

[0028] The cleaning circuit may comprise multiple beverage preparation modules. The cleaning circuit may be configured to connect a water heater module and a cleaning module in a closed loop to produce a cleaning fluid. The cleaning circuit may include a cleaning module and one or more beverage preparation modules. The cleaning circuit may comprise a cleaning chamber. The cleaning chamber may be connected to each of the beverage preparation modules via at least one outlet nozzle. The cleaning chamber may be connected to the cleaning module via a cleaning return nozzle.

[0029] According to the present disclosure, a method for cleaning a beverage dispensing device is provided. The beverage dispensing device may be any beverage dispensing device described herein.

[0030] The method may include: sealingly engaging a nozzle assembly and a cleaning chamber housing to form a cleaning chamber around a plurality of nozzles; circulating cleaning fluid through the cleaning chamber. Circulating the cleaning fluid through the cleaning chamber may include providing an inflow of cleaning fluid from one or more of the plurality of nozzles and extracting the cleaning fluid using a cleaning return nozzle. The cleaning return nozzle may be configured to suck the cleaning fluid from the cleaning chamber. The cleaning return nozzle may be in fluid communication with a pump. The pump may be provided with a cleaning module.

[0031] When the beverage dispensing device comprises a beverage preparation module, the method may further include circulating a cleaning liquid through the beverage preparation module to an external drain or a cleaning module. The method may further include conducting one or more phases of rinsing residues, in which hot or cold water is circulated through one or more beverage preparation modules to an external drain through a cleaning chamber; a sanitization phase, in which the cleaning liquid is circulated through one or more beverage preparation modules and a cleaning module in a closed circuit including the cleaning chamber, before connecting to the external drain through the cleaning chamber; and a cleaning liquid rinsing phase, in which water is passed through one or more beverage preparation modules to an external drain through the cleaning chamber. The method may further include removing residual liquid from the cleaning chamber using a flow of air or liquid.

[0032] The device can heat the cleaning liquid to a temperature of at least 50°C, preferably at least 60°C, preferably at least 70°C, and most preferably about 75°C.

[0033] The device can circulate the cleaning fluid through all subsystems at an elevated temperature for a selected period of time, such as at least 2 minutes, preferably at least 3 minutes, preferably at least 4 minutes, and more preferably at least 5 minutes.

[0034] The cleaning fluid can then be drained from the dispensing circuit. It is recommended that all subsystems be flushed to remove any remaining cleaning fluid. The outlet compartment can then be opened to return the device to dispensing mode.

[0035] The device can be used in an intermediate flush mode, in which the outlet compartment can be closed to isolate the source of the dispensed fluid, allowing the device to enter intermediate flush mode. Preferably, all subsystems can then be flushed to remove any residual dispensed fluid from the dispensed circuit. After this, the outlet compartment can be opened to return the device to dispensing mode.

[0036] One skilled in the art will understand that, except where mutually exclusive, features described with respect to any of the aspects, embodiments, or examples described herein may be applied mutatis mutandis to any other aspect, embodiment, or example. Furthermore, except where mutually exclusive, any feature described herein may be applied to any aspect and / or combined with any other feature described herein.

[0037] Brief description of graphic materials

[0038] For a better understanding of the invention, one or more embodiments of the invention will be described below, solely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying graphic materials, in which:

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a nozzle assembly and a housing of a cleaning chamber in accordance with the present invention;

[0040] Fig. 2 shows the lower side of the nozzle assembly shown in Fig. 1, from which drinking liquid is dispensed;

[0041] Fig. 3a and 3b are side views of a drive mechanism that can be used to move the cleaning chamber housing between a folded position (Fig. 3a) and an operating position (Fig. 3b);

[0042] Fig. 4a-4h show the drive mechanism shown in Fig. 3a and 3b at various stages; and

[0043] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a beverage dispensing device that includes a nozzle assembly and a cleaning chamber housing according to the present invention.

[0044] Detailed description of the invention

[0045] In the following description, references to the front portion may refer to the front portion of the beverage dispensing device facing the user and receiving the beverage container. References to the rear portion may refer to the location behind the nozzle assembly relative to the user of the beverage dispensing device. References to the centerline may refer to the axis that extends between the front and rear portions of the nozzle assembly. References to the top and bottom portions should be considered relative to the orientation during use.

[0046] Figures 1 and 2 show a nozzle assembly 10 comprising a plurality of nozzles 12a-12e. At least one of the nozzles 12a may be a beverage dispensing nozzle. At least one of the nozzles may be a cleaning return nozzle 12e. Figure 1 also shows a cleaning chamber housing 14, which is configured to be repeatedly moved between an operating position, a cleaning position, and a folded position. For clarity, Figure 1 shows the cleaning chamber housing 14 behind the nozzle assembly 10 in the folded position without the surrounding structure of the beverage dispensing device and the drive mechanism. The housing and the drive mechanism are described with reference to Figures 3a, 3b, and 4a-4h. An example of a beverage dispensing device, which may include the cleaning chamber housing 14 and the nozzle assembly 10, is shown in Figure 5 and is further described below.

[0047] The cleaning chamber housing 14 may comprise an internal cavity 16, in which a plurality of nozzles 12a-12e are hermetically received when the cleaning chamber housing 14 is in the working position. Thus, the cleaning chamber housing 14 and the nozzle assembly 10 interact to form a cleaning chamber when the nozzles 12a-12e are hermetically received in the internal cavity 16. The cleaning chamber is designed in such a way that it includes all of the plurality of nozzles 12a-12e within the same hermetically sealed volume, so that the nozzles 12a-12d are in fluid communication with the internal cavity 16 and at least one cleaning return nozzle 12e. Providing outlet nozzles 12a-12e in the same cleaning chamber makes it possible to collect cleaning liquid in the common area and remove it from it using the cleaning return nozzle 12e.

[0048] The cleaning return nozzle 12e can be used to pump cleaning fluid out of the cleaning chamber. Using the pump can provide increased flow of cleaning fluid along the inner and outer surfaces of the outlet nozzles 12a-12d and can clean the outlet nozzles 12a-12d, forming part of the cleaning circuit.

[0049] The cleaning fluid can be pumped into the cleaning chamber through the outlet nozzles 12a-12d, either together or separately, and pumped out via the cleaning return nozzle 12e. The cleaning fluid circuit may comprise multiple components within the beverage dispensing device and circulate the cleaning fluid through the multiple components before being discharged into the external drain.

[0050] An additional advantage of providing a single cleaning chamber is the ability to clean the surrounding area of ​​the nozzle assembly 10, from which the nozzles 12a-12e extend. This area may be contaminated by the dispensed liquid that has splashed back toward the nozzles 12a-12e.

[0051] The presence of a cleaning return nozzle provides a convenient and compact way to remove cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid chamber. Therefore, no drainage channels or drain tube are required in the cleaning chamber housing.

[0052] Fig. 2 shows the lower side of the nozzle assembly 10, revealing the outwardly facing outer side of the nozzle assembly, from which a plurality of nozzles 12a-12e extend. The outer side is located above the container, so that drinking liquid can be dispensed into the container located below. The outer side can also provide a sealing surface 18, against which the housing 14 of the cleaning chamber is pressed to form a cleaning chamber. The sealing surface 18 surrounds a plurality of nozzles, so that they can be placed inside the same sealed chamber. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the rear side of the nozzles 12-12e can comprise various connecting elements 13, to which, during use, tubes for supplying liquid can be connected. In this way, the liquid dispensed from the nozzles 12a-12d enters the rear part of the nozzle assembly 10 shown in Fig. 1, and exits the nozzle assembly from the side shown in Fig. 2.

[0053] The nozzle assembly 10 may comprise a nozzle assembly main portion 20 from which a plurality of nozzles 12a-12e extend. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a plurality of outlet nozzles 12a-12d and one cleaning return nozzle 12e may be provided, although other configurations are possible, and in some embodiments, one outlet nozzle 12a and one or more cleaning return nozzles 12e may be provided. The nozzles 12a-12e shown in Figs. 1 and 2 may include, for example, a nozzle 12d for discharging water, nozzles 12c for discharging coffee, a nozzle 12d for discharging chocolate, a nozzle 12a for milk, and a cleaning return nozzle 12e. In other embodiments, the nozzles may contain any consumable liquid and may include, but are not limited to, one or more nozzles for dispensing coffee, chocolate, soup, tea, soft drinks, or water. Nozzles 12a-12e may extend from the plane of the outer surface of nozzle assembly 10. The outer surface may be flat.The main part 20 of the nozzle assembly may comprise one or more fastening elements 15 for attaching the nozzle assembly to the beverage dispensing device.

[0054] The cleaning return nozzle 12e can be configured to extend into the inner cavity 16 of the cleaning chamber body 14, so that the cleaning liquid that has been introduced into the inner cavity 16 can be drawn in and removed by the cleaning return nozzle 12e. Thus, the cleaning return nozzle 12e can extend into the inner cavity 16 and end at the lowest point of the inner cavity 16 or be located near the base 22 of the cleaning chamber body 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the region of the cleaning chamber body 14, into which the cleaning return nozzle 12e extends, includes a flat base 22, however, it should be understood that the cleaning chamber body 14 can contain one or more recesses or cavities of another shape to provide a tray in which, during use, the cleaning liquid can be collected and the cleaning return nozzle 12e can be received.

[0055] In some embodiments, the base 22 of the cleaning chamber housing 14 may be positioned horizontally in the operating position or may be inclined toward the location of the cleaning return nozzle 12e, so that the cleaning fluid reaches the cleaning return nozzle 12e to ensure improved extraction of the cleaning fluid. The inclination of the base 22 may be achieved by the general orientation of the cleaning chamber housing 14 in the operating position or by inclining the base 22 relative to the upper surface that is adjacent to the sealing surface 18 of the nozzle assembly. The inclination of the base 22 may be in the same plane or may be directed toward one point, so that the flow line between each outlet nozzle is directed toward the cleaning return nozzle 12e. The region 12e' of the cleaning chamber housing 14, which is opposite the cleaning return nozzle 12e, may be called the tray region.Providing a cleaning return nozzle 12e in the area of ​​the tray allows cleaning liquid to be removed from the internal cavity 16 to a level that is below the end ends of the beverage outlet nozzles 12a-12d.

[0056] As noted above, the nozzle assembly 10 may comprise a main portion 20 of the nozzle assembly, from which nozzles 12a-12e extend. In the illustrated embodiment, the main portion 20 of the nozzle assembly comprises a plate-like structure with nozzles 12a-12e extending from its substantially flat outer lower portion, however, this is not limiting, and other shapes are possible within the framework of the present invention. For example, the nozzle assembly 10 may comprise a sealing element or other element to provide an improved sealing surface 18, against which the housing 14 of the cleaning chamber can be pressed.

[0057] Nozzles 12a-12e are typically cylindrical in shape, with a central axis that extends perpendicular to the surface of the main portion 20 of the nozzle assembly. The diameter of nozzles 12a-12e may vary depending on the application and nozzle type.

[0058] In the cleaning configuration, the nozzles 12a-12e extend toward the base 22 of the cleaning chamber housing and may have a length that determines their distance from the base 22. As noted above, the cleaning return nozzle 12e may be located closest to the base 22 and may be the longest nozzle of the plurality of nozzles 12a-12e. The length of the nozzles 12a-12e can be measured from the outer surface of the main portion 20 of the nozzle assembly.

[0059] The cleaning chamber housing 14 comprises a plate structure having a recess on one side thereof, forming an internal cavity 16, in which a plurality of nozzles 12a-12e are received. The internal cavity 16 comprises a base 22 and at least one peripheral side wall 24. The upper end of the internal cavity 16, which faces the nozzles 12a-12e and receives them, is substantially open. Thus, when used, a base 22 is provided on the lower side of the nozzle assembly 10 to provide a tray for receiving the cleaning liquid and directing it to the cleaning return nozzle 12e. The outer surface of the base (which is hidden from view) provides the outer surface of the nozzle assembly 10 in the working position and during the cleaning procedure.

[0060] The peripheral side wall 24 of the internal cavity 16 has a substantially circular shape to form a cavity in which the discharge nozzles 12a-12e are received, however, in some embodiments, other shapes may be used.

[0061] The distal end of the side wall 24 ends on the upper surface 26 of the housing 14 of the cleaning chamber, which faces the nozzle assembly 10 in the operating position. The upper surface 26 can form a sealing surface that is pressed against the sealing surface 18 of the nozzle assembly to form and seal the cleaning chamber. The sealing surface 26 can include a sealing element 28, such as a gasket or an O-ring, to facilitate sealing. The sealing element 28 can be provided on the upper surface 26 of the housing of the cleaning chamber and / or the nozzle assembly 10. Providing the sealing element 28 on the housing 14 of the cleaning chamber may be preferable in some embodiments, since this allows the opposite surface of the nozzle assembly 10 to be flat and smooth.The presence of a flat and smooth wall surrounding the nozzles 12a-12e on the nozzle unit 10 may be considered preferable from a hygienic and aesthetic point of view.

[0062] The position of the sealing element 28 may be at the end edge of the side wall 24 in order to limit the volume of the sealed chamber to the internal cavity 16. However, in other embodiments, the seal may be located in other locations.

[0063] The internal cavity 16 of the cleaning chamber may have substantially smooth walls, a flat base 22, and uniformly curved side walls around the circumference. Thus, the internal cavity 16 may accommodate nozzles within a common volume. However, as can be seen from the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the housing 14 of the cleaning chamber may comprise one or more elements that facilitate the cleaning of a plurality of nozzles, the outlet nozzles 12a-12d.

[0064] Figure 1 shows a plurality of internal recesses 30 in which the nozzles 12a-12d can be individually received. The region in which there are no recesses, indicated by the dotted circle 12e', reflects the location of the cleaning return nozzle 12e. The recesses 30 can have the shape of a cup that forms a cavity of the recess (which can be called a cleaning cavity), the dimensions of which allow it to freely receive the corresponding discharge nozzle. Each of the recesses 30 includes a base 30a and a side wall 30b that extends upward from the base 30a of the recess to form a recess / cup of the recess 30 for receiving the nozzle. The nozzles 12a-12d are received inside the corresponding recess 30, so that between the base 30a and the side wall 30b around the outer surfaces of the nozzle at its end there is a distance.

[0065] The distance between the nozzle 12a-12d and the opposite surface of the well 30 provided by the base 30a or the side wall 30b may be of a suitable size to provide a flow path for the cleaning fluid around the outer surface of the nozzle 12a-12d. The distance between the nozzle 12a-12d and the side wall 30b of the well may be uniform around the entire circumference of the nozzles 12a-12d, thereby contributing to ensuring a substantially uniform flow of the cleaning fluid during use.

[0066] As the cleaning liquid is introduced into the well 30 from the outlet nozzle 12a-12d, it passes along the inner surfaces of the nozzle 12a-12d, after which it is turned by the base 30a of the well and directed outward along the outer surface of the nozzles by the side walls 30b. As shown, the wells 30 can be open, so that the liquid can freely flow over the upper edge of the side wall of the well 30 and enter the volume of the internal cavity 16 and the tray 12e' for extraction by the common cleaning return nozzle 12e.

[0067] Each well 30 may be raised above the base 22 of the cleaning chamber housing and formed on a stand / pedestal extending from the base 22, or constitute a part thereof. Each base 30a may be at the same height or in an elevated position relative to the base 22 of the cleaning chamber housing, while each base 30a may have a different height compared to the other bases and the side wall 30b. From the above, it should be understood that the nozzles 12a-12d may be located concentrically above the wells 30.

[0068] In order to prevent the cleaning liquid from being retained in the wells 30, each well 30 can be provided with a drain hole 30c so that water can flow into the internal cavity 16 of the cleaning chamber, which acts as a tray from which the cleaning return nozzle 12e. The drain hole 30c can be any suitable opening in the side wall 30b or the base 30a of the well 30 and can have a suitable size to prevent the drainage of an excess amount of cleaning liquid from the well during the cleaning operation, thereby ensuring a suitable flow around the outer surface of the nozzles 12a-12d. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the side walls 30b are provided with cutouts that extend from the distal end of the side wall 30b to the base 30c.The cutouts may be provided anywhere around the circumference of the side wall 30b or base 30a, but as can be seen, they may be provided near the cleaning return nozzle 12e so that the remaining cleaning fluid flows along a common path in the direction of the cleaning return nozzle to facilitate the timely removal of the fluid.

[0069] The movement of the cleaning chamber body 14 as a whole is indicated by the arrows 32 shown in Fig. 1. Thus, the cleaning chamber body 14 moves forward from behind the nozzle assembly 10 under the nozzle assembly 10, and then is pressed upward, tightly fitting against the lower side of the nozzle to ensure the sealing of the cleaning chamber.

[0070] The orientation of the cleaning chamber housing 14 may change when moving between the folded and operating positions, but in preferred embodiments it may remain facing substantially upward and / or toward the nozzle assembly 10.

[0071] To move the cleaning chamber housing 14 from the folded position to the operating position and back, the beverage dispensing device may include a drive mechanism. An example of a drive mechanism 300 is shown in Figs. 3a and 3b, in which the cleaning chamber housing 14 is in the folded and operating positions, respectively.

[0072] The drive mechanism 300 may include a linear actuator having a feed guide 334 along which the cleaning chamber housing 14 moves and, in some embodiments, rotates. The feed guide 334 may be any suitable guide along which the cleaning chamber housing 14 can be guided. The feed guide 334 may be a rail, a groove, a channel, a groove or a protrusion, a recess or an opening of any other suitable type. The feed guide 334 shown in Fig. 3a and 3b comprises an elongated groove in a wall 335 or other suitable structure that is adjacent to the side of the nozzle assembly 10. The wall 335 may be a wall of the nozzle assembly housing 340, in which the nozzle assembly 10 is provided.

[0073] The nozzle assembly housing 340 may comprise a housing or a part of a beverage dispensing device in which the nozzle assembly 10, the cleaning chamber housing 14 and / or the drive mechanism 300 are provided. The nozzle assembly housing 340 may comprise one or more walls and suitable elements for mounting the nozzle assembly 10, the drive mechanism 300 and the cleaning chamber housing 14.

[0074] The feed guide 334 may be configured to slide in and receive one or more feed engaging members 342 that are attached to the cleaning chamber body 14. It should be understood that the shape of the feed engaging member 342 depends on the shape of the feed guide 334. In embodiments in which the feed guide 334 is a groove, as shown in Figs. 3a and 3b, the feed engaging member 342 may be a projection, such as a pin, that is received inside the groove. The engaging member 342 may be configured to slide along the length of the feed guide 334 and rotate. In this way, the feed engaging member 342 may form an axis of rotation around which the cleaning chamber body 14 can rotate / pivot.

[0075] The advantage of using the feed engaging member 342, which is slidably and rotatably engaged within the guide 334, is that it can provide axial movement of the cleaning chamber body 14 and a rotational action relative to the nozzle assembly 10. Thus, as the cleaning chamber body 14 moves along the length of the feed guide 334, it can change its angular orientation. This can make it possible for the cleaning chamber body 14 to rotate away from the nozzle assembly 10 to ensure that the cleaning chamber body 14 moves under the nozzle assembly 10, and also ensure that the cleaning chamber body 14 and the nozzle assembly 10 are pressed against each other due to the rotational action.Furthermore, thanks to the sliding, rotating design, the cleaning chamber housing 16 can be moved using a simple actuator structure, such as that described herein, which can reduce the complexity of the drive used to operate the cleaning chamber housing 16. Another advantage of this design is that, due to the correct shape of the feed guide, the clearance required to move the cleaning chamber housing from the folded position to the operating position can be minimized. Thus, the risk of the cleaning chamber housing colliding with a beverage container left beneath the outlet nozzles is reduced when moving between the folded and operating positions.

[0076] Although not shown in the drawings, a plurality of feed guides 334 and drive mechanisms may be provided, one on each side of the nozzle assembly 10, so that the cleaning chamber body 14 can be supported on both sides. Providing support on both sides of the nozzle assembly 10 can ensure smoother movement of the cleaning chamber body 14 between the folded and operating positions and can provide an improved and more uniform seal between the cleaning chamber body 14 and the nozzle assembly 10.

[0077] The feed engaging element 342 may be provided in any suitable location on the cleaning chamber housing 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the feed engaging element 342 is provided in the direction of the front of the cleaning chamber housing 14. Providing the feed engaging elements 342 in the direction of the front of the cleaning chamber housing 14 and the drive rod 346, which is actuated to move the cleaning chamber housing 14, in the direction of or near the rear, allows the existing length of the cleaning chamber housing 14 to be used to install it in place, thereby reducing the drive force required to create a seal.

[0078] The feed engaging elements 342 can be provided above the base plane 22 of the cleaning chamber housing. To achieve this, the feed engaging element 342 can be provided on the distal ends of the levers 344, which extend upward from the upper surface of the cleaning chamber housing 14. The use of the lever 344 allows the corresponding feed guide 334 to be positioned above the lower surface of the nozzle assembly 10, thereby concealing it inside the nozzle assembly housing 340 of the beverage dispensing device. The feed engaging elements 342 can extend outward from the levers 344 along the rotational axis of the cleaning chamber housing 14. The levers 344 can be seen more clearly in Figs. 4c and 4d.

[0079] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the position of the feed engaging member 342 and the drive rod 346 may be reversed, so that the drive rod 346 is attached to the front part of the cleaning chamber housing 14, and the feed engaging member 342 is provided in the rear part.

[0080] The distance between the feed engaging member 342 and the sealing surface 26 of the cleaning chamber body 14 may correspond to the vertical distance between the second end 338 of the feed guide 334 and the sealing surface 18 of the nozzle unit 10. Thus, when the feed engaging member 342 is in the second end 338 of the feed guide 334, the cleaning channel body 14 can be pressed against the sealing surface of the nozzle unit 10.

[0081] As shown, the feed guide 334 can extend from the rear of the nozzle assembly 10 to the front of the nozzle assembly 10, so that the axial movement of the cleaning chamber body 14 occurs from the rear folded position to the front operating position. The feed guide 334 can follow an indirect path between the first end 336, which represents the starting point, and the second end 338, which represents the ending point. The starting point can refer to the folded position, and the ending point represents the operating position.

[0082] The indirect path may be a curved path, so that the lift of the feed engaging member 342 and the orientation of the cleaning chamber body 14 relative to the nozzle assembly 10 can be changed as the cleaning chamber body 14 moves along the length of the feed guide 334. The first end 336 of the feed guide 334 can be located above the second end 338 and the nozzle assembly 10, so that the cleaning chamber body 14 can be located above and behind the nozzle assembly 10, the sealing surface 18 and / or the nozzles 12a-12e and is completely hidden in the folded position.

[0083] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3a and 3b, the feed guide 334 extends forward and downward from the first end 336 to a minimum level, which is located substantially at approximately the midpoint of the length of the guide 334, and then turns upward to the second end. The feed guide 334 is shown as continuously curved from the first end 336 to the second end 338, where the direction of curvature changes at the bend to the second end 338, and ends with a short horizontal part, in which the feed engaging element 342 is installed in the working position. It should be understood that, although the guide 334 is shown as continuously curved, there may be one or more straight parts, and the horizontal end end is optional. The feed guide 334 can generally be described as a shallow U-shaped profile. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the specific shape of the feed guide 334 may differ.For example, the relative heights of the first 336 and second 338 ends may be the same, or the second end 338 may be located higher. Furthermore, the midpoint of curvature may be offset toward the first 336 or second 338 ends. Furthermore, the guide 334 may not be continuously curved and may comprise one or more straight portions.

[0084] The first part of the feed guide 334, which extends from the first end 336 to the lowest part, contains a trajectory that is substantially directed downwards and ensures the movement of the cleaning chamber body 14 downwards into a position in which it can move forward under the nozzle assembly 10 to the lowest point. From here, the movement of the cleaning chamber body 14 further forward leads to the lifting of the front end relative to the nozzle assembly 10 and the rear part of the cleaning chamber body 14 to the end of the guide 334. From here, as described further below, the rotation of the cleaning chamber body 14 around the axis of the feed engaging element 342 further leads to the lifting of the rear part of the cleaning chamber body 14, so that a sealed contact is established between the cleaning chamber body 14 and the nozzle assembly 10.

[0085] The drive mechanism may comprise an actuator 348 configured to move the cleaning chamber housing 14 from the folded position to the operating position in a reciprocating manner. The actuator 348 may be a linear or rotary actuator, as is well known in the art.

[0086] The drive mechanism may be electrically driven and may include one or more electric motors 348, such as a stepper motor.

[0087] The drive mechanism 300 may further comprise a crank, in which the rotation of the rotor causes a linear movement of the cleaning chamber housing 14 through a drive rod 346 (which may be referred to as a pusher). The drive rod 346 may extend between the rotor drive lever 350 and the cleaning chamber housing 14 and may be rotatably connected at both ends to ensure relative rotation with respect to the rotor and the cleaning chamber housing 14.

[0088] In the embodiment shown, the electric motor 348 engages with the rotor drive arm 350 and rotates it. The rotor drive arm 350 can be connected directly to the shaft of the electric motor 348 or can be connected via one or more gears. In the embodiment shown, the electric motor 348 drives the drive arm 350 via the worm gear 352. The worm gear 352 can comprise a worm screw 352a and a worm gear 352b, and can be configured to rotate the drive arms 350 on both sides of the cleaning chamber housing 14. Thus, the drive mechanism 300 can comprise one motor for simultaneously driving both sides of the cleaning chamber housing 14.

[0089] The drive lever 350 is connected to the shaft 354 of the worm gear 352b by means of a suitable fastening, for example, a spline, so that the rotation of the shaft 354 causes the rotation of the drive lever 350. The distal part of the drive lever 350 is attached to the drive rod 346 by means of a hinge, so that the drive rod 346 and the drive lever 350 can rotate relative to each other. The distal end of the drive rod 346 is attached to the housing 14 of the cleaning chamber by means of an additional hinge, so that the drive rod 346 and the housing 14 of the cleaning chamber can rotate relative to each other. The opposite end of the housing 14 of the cleaning chamber contains a feed engaging element 342, which extends into the feed guide 334. The engagement between the feed guide 334 and the feed engaging element 342 ensures the sliding of the cleaning chamber housing 14 forward and backward, as well as the rotation of the cleaning chamber housing 14 relative to the feed guide 334.

[0090] In addition, the structure also provides a tension member 356 in the form of a spring, which pushes the drive lever 350 and the drive rod 346 away from each other, thereby moving the cleaning chamber body 14 forward when it is in the working position, and / or raising the cleaning chamber body 14 when it is in the working position.

[0091] The lengths and positions of the drive shaft 354, the drive lever 350, the drive rod 346, the connection points on the cleaning chamber housing 14, and the angle at which the drive lever moves may vary in accordance with specific embodiments and the desired trajectory of movement for the cleaning chamber housing 14. In some embodiments, the cleaning chamber housing 14 may be retracted to a position that substantially coincides with the initial lowering of the feed guide 334, so that the cleaning chamber housing 14 can more easily move along the guide 334 when moving forward. The angle between the plane of the cleaning chamber housing 14 and the horizontal may be from 0 degrees to 90 degrees, optionally from 40 degrees to 50 degrees, optionally 45 degrees. In the operating position, the drive rod 346 may be in a substantially vertical orientation so that the cleaning chamber housing 14 may be more easily pressed against the nozzle assembly 10.

[0092] The movement angle of the 350 drive lever can be from 180 degrees to 90 degrees.

[0093] Figures 4a-4h show the translational movements of the cleaning chamber housing 14 and the drive mechanism 300 at various stages of deployment. Although reference numerals are not included in these drawings, it should be understood that the features are the same as those shown in Figures 3a and 3b. More specifically, Figure 4a shows the cleaning chamber housing 14 in the folded position, as in Figure 3a; Figure 4b shows the initial lowering phase, in which rotation of the drive lever causes the cleaning chamber housing 14 to lower from the nozzle assembly housing 10; Figures 4c-4e show the continued rotation of the drive lever and the movement of the feed engaging member along the feed guide. Figure 4f shows the feed engaging member that reaches the end of the feed guide. In Fig. 4g shows the continued rotation of the drive lever, which results in the rear end of the cleaning chamber housing being raised, and in Fig.4h shows the end of the rotation phase of the drive lever, in which the housing 14 of the cleaning chamber and the nozzle assembly 10 are hermetically pressed against each other, so that the cleaning process can be carried out. Since the drive mechanism 300 shown in Figs. 4a-4h corresponds to that shown in Figs. 3a and 3b, reference numerals are not repeated so as not to obscure the graphic materials.

[0094] After the cleaning process is completed, the steps shown in Fig. 4a-4h can be performed in reverse order so as to move the cleaning chamber body 14 from the working position to the folded position.

[0095] It should be understood that any liquid remaining in the cleaning chamber body 14 after the cleaning process may evaporate.

[0096] Figure 5 shows a beverage dispensing device 500 in the form of a coffee machine. Reference numerals 5XX correspond to reference numerals XX and 3XX indicated previously. The coffee machine 500 comprises a dispensing nozzle assembly 510 and a cleaning chamber housing 514 in accordance with the present invention. Although not shown, the nozzle assembly 510 is located above the beverage container. The beverage container may be provided on a drip tray.

[0097] As shown, the beverage dispensing device 500 may comprise one or more beverage preparation modules, such as a coffee module 558 configured to receive dry coffee powder and brew coffee for dispensing from one of the dispensing nozzles 12a-12d; a milk module 560, which may be configured to provide heated and / or frothed milk for dispensing from one of the dispensing nozzles 12a-12d; a mixing module 562 for mixing dry powder with a liquid, such as chocolate powder with water, for dispensing into another of the dispensing nozzles 12a-12d; a cleaning module 564 configured to provide a cleaning agent for cleaning the various modules; and a water heater module 566 configured to heat water. It should be understood that the various modules 558-566 described herein are illustrative.Various embodiments may include fewer modules, and the modules may differ from those described herein. For example, a beverage dispensing device may be or include equipment for preparing soup or other food products, or may be a tea maker. Other examples may be familiar to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, modules 558-566 themselves may be considered conventional in many respects, so their internal components are not described in detail.

[0098] Each of the modules 558-566 of the beverage dispensing device 500 can be connected to the outlet nozzle assembly 510, which comprises a plurality of outlet nozzles 512a-512d, as described above. Thus, the coffee maker 558 is connected to the first outlet nozzle 512a, the milk module 560 is connected to the second outlet nozzle 512b, the mixing module 562 is connected to the third outlet nozzle 512c, and the water source 570 is connected to the fourth outlet nozzle 512d either directly or through the water heater module 566. Each of the water heater module 566, the milk module 560, the coffee module 558, and the mixing module 562 is configured to receive water either from a water source directly or indirectly, or from a cleaning module 564. The cleaning module 564 is additionally connected to an external drain 582 and a cleaning return nozzle 512e. The cleaning return nozzle 512e is connected to the external drain 582.It should be understood that the external drain 580 can be connected to the sewerage system in the room where the device 500 is located, or to a suitable receiving tank for temporary storage of waste.

[0099] The connections of the various modules 558-566 and the external drain 582 are provided by suitable pipelines and valves 574-580, which selectively operate under the control of the controller 568 to connect the various modules 558-566 and the nozzles 12a-12e in accordance with the desired configuration. The valves can be any suitable valves known in the art and can include one-way valves 572, 573, shut-off valves 575-579, three-way valves 574, 580, etc. The valves 574-580 can be controlled by the controller 568 in accordance with a predetermined operating schedule necessary for beverage preparation and cleaning.

[0100] Water inlet 570 supplies pressurized water to beverage dispensing device 500, as is known in the art. Although not shown, it should be understood that beverage dispensing device 500 or its modules may include one or more pumps for transferring various liquids between the modules and outlet nozzles 512a-512e.

[0101] The presence of the cleaning chamber housing 514 allows for the creation of a fluid circuit between each of the modules 558-566 and the drain 582, as well as each of the beverage preparation modules 558-562 and the cleaning module 564. Thus, the presence of the cleaning chamber housing 514 provides a convenient way to pass a cleaning liquid (for example, cold or hot water, steam or a cleaning liquid containing a cleaning agent) through all of the beverage preparation modules 558-562, as well as the corresponding pipelines and outlet nozzles 512a-512d for each of the modules 558-562 to be cleaned in an automated and convenient way.

[0102] Since the cleaning chamber 584 is hermetically sealed, the cleaning liquid can circulate for a predetermined period of time, after which it is discharged into the external drain 582. The various beverage preparation modules 558-562 can be cleaned individually. However, in some embodiments, the cleaning liquid can circulate through multiple beverage preparation modules 558-562 in series or in parallel, after which it is discharged into the drain 582. It should be understood that additional piping, other than that shown in Fig. 5, may be required to ensure a sequential flow through the modules 558-562.

[0103] The cleaning process may include a residual rinsing phase, in which hot and / or cold water is alternately passed through each of the beverage preparation modules 558-562 and the associated pipelines, after which it is discharged into the external drain 582 through the cleaning chamber 584. The cleaning process may additionally or alternatively include a disinfection phase, in which a cleaning liquid containing a cleaning agent is circulated through the various beverage preparation modules 558-562. In some embodiments, the cleaning liquid may be produced inside the cleaning module 564.

[0104] To obtain a cleaning liquid within the cleaning module 564, hot water can be circulated through the cleaning module 564 and the hot water module 566 via the cleaning chamber 584 and the associated pipeline. The cleaning module 564 can be configured to add a cleaning agent to the hot water to obtain a hot cleaning liquid containing the appropriate cleaning agent. The hot water can continuously circulate through the "water heater cleaning module" circuit to provide a properly mixed and heated cleaning liquid. The disinfection phase can then continue by circulating the resulting cleaning liquid through each of the beverage preparation modules 558-562 individually or sequentially through the cleaning chamber 584 in a closed circuit.Following the disinfection phase, the cleaning process may include a cleaning fluid rinsing phase, in which cold and / or hot water is used to rinse one or more beverage preparation modules 558-563 and discharged into the drain 582 through the cleaning chamber 584. The cleaning phase may additionally or alternatively include an air purge, in which air is passed through one or more different modules, conduits, nozzles 512a-e, and the cleaning chamber to displace any residual cleaning fluid and / or water. Thus, the beverage dispensing device 500 may comprise one or more air sources and vents for introducing and optionally forcing air through the cleaning chamber 584.

[0105] As an example, to clean the coffee module 558, cold water can be supplied to the water heater module through the shut-off valve 575 and the check valve 573. After heating, the valves 574 and 577 can be opened to direct hot water through the coffee module 577 and the tube that connects the coffee module 558 to the nozzle 512a. Then, the hot water enters the cleaning chamber 584, where it is retained by the housing 514 of the cleaning chamber, the nozzle assembly 512 and the seals 528, and then is extracted through the cleaning return nozzle 512e into the external drain 582 through the valve 580.

[0106] During the disinfection phase, the water heater module 566 is connected to the cleaning module 564 via the valves 574, 577 and 584 through the cleaning chamber 584. Hot water is used to dissolve the cleaning agent inside the cleaning module 564 and is returned to the water heater module 566 through the check valve 572. In this way, water can continuously circulate through the hot water module 566 and the cleaning module 564 until a suitable temperature is reached and / or a suitable amount of cleaning agent is dissolved in the hot water to obtain a suitable cleaning liquid. After this, the left flow path of valve 574 can be opened to bypass water heater module 566, and valve 577 is opened to allow cleaning liquid to flow through coffee module 558 into cleaning chamber 584. At this time, the outlet of the valve passing to drain 580 can be closed.

[0107] After sufficient water flow has passed through the coffee module 558, the outlet of valve 580 connected to the drain can be opened to allow the discharge of the used cleaning fluid into the external drain. At this time, the outlet of valve 580 connected to cleaning module 564 can be closed.

[0108] The cleaning liquid flush phase is similar to the residue flush phase, but instead of passing water through the water heater module 566, the cold water inlet of the valve 574 is opened so that water can bypass the hot water module 566 and flow directly into the coffee module 558 and the external drain 582.

[0109] It should be understood that the other beverage dispensing modules 560 and 562 can be cleaned in a similar manner by controlling valves 576 and 579 and sequentially for each of the cleaning phases. It should also be understood that the cleaning process may differ from that described above. For example, in some embodiments, the cleaning fluid may be obtained from outside the beverage dispensing device 500 or may be provided as a ready-to-use solution. In this case, the steps associated with obtaining the cleaning fluid may be omitted. In other embodiments, rinsing of residues may not be required or may be accomplished using a closed cleaning circuit. Furthermore, the cleaning chamber 584 may be cleared of water or cleaning fluid using air.

[0110] As noted above, the beverage dispensing device 500 may include a controller 568, which is configured to control various parts of the beverage dispensing device 500 to ensure the preparation and dispensing of beverages, as well as the execution of any necessary cleaning processes at the direction of the user. Thus, although not shown, the controller 568 is connected to each of the valves and modules of the beverage dispensing device 500 to ensure the actuation and determination of the parameters necessary during the beverage preparation or cleaning process. The controller 568, actuators and sensors provided in various parts and communication lines for sending and receiving commands or data to and from the sensors are conventional and well known in the art and are not described in detail herein.

[0111] From the description as a whole, it should be understood that the controller 568 can also be configured to control the drive mechanism 300 so that the cleaning chamber housing 514 can move between the folded and operating positions, as required during the cleaning process. Thus, the cleaning process described herein with respect to the device 500 can begin with moving the cleaning chamber housing 514 to the operating position so that it is sealedly connected to the nozzle assembly 512 to form the cleaning chamber 584.

[0112] The controller 568 may comprise a user interface. The user interface may be configured to receive commands from the user and / or provide a display to provide information to the user. The user interface may, for example, comprise an output display 588 and an input device 586, such as a touchscreen input device or one or more buttons, to enable the user to select options or control the device.

[0113] The controller 568 may be configured to allow the user to select, for example, the type of beverage to be dispensed or a cleaning operation, and / or may be configured to provide, for example, stock levels in the device 500 or an operating state.

[0114] The controller 568 may comprise a timer and / or scheduler that enables cleaning operations to be performed at predetermined times and / or according to a predetermined schedule. Thus, the controller 568 may be configured to automatically perform the cleaning operation without user interaction. Due to the configuration of the cleaning chamber housing 514 and the nozzle assembly 512, the user does not need to perform any specific actions regarding the cleaning operation of the beverage dispensing device 500, and therefore, the cleaning can be scheduled according to a preferred time of day or week, for example, during non-working hours and / or after a predetermined operating time.

[0115] It should be understood that the nozzle assembly and cleaning chamber housing according to the present invention are advantageous because they create a cleaning circuit within the beverage dispensing device. This is not only convenient but also allows for a significant degree of automation of the device's cleaning.

[0116] An additional advantage of the cleaning chamber and nozzle housing is that each of the liquid paths for each of the drinking liquids can be cleaned from the beverage preparation modules to the nozzles, including the outside of the nozzles.

[0117] Furthermore, since in some embodiments the cleaning chamber formed by the nozzle assembly and the cleaning chamber housing is sealed, a cleaning circuit can be used to circulate one or more of cold, hot, and cleaning fluids around the various beverage preparation modules of the beverage dispensing device. The cleaning circuit can be a closed loop and / or an open loop, in which the circulating fluid is fed to an external drain. Furthermore, the cleaning fluid can be continuously circulated or left to dry to ensure a suitable level of cleanliness.

[0118] The device can heat the cleaning liquid to a temperature of at least 50°C, preferably at least 60°C, preferably at least 70°C, and most preferably about 75°C.

[0119] The device can circulate the cleaning fluid through all subsystems at an elevated temperature for a selected period of time, such as at least 2 minutes, preferably at least 3 minutes, preferably at least 4 minutes, and more preferably at least 5 minutes.

[0120] The cleaning fluid can then be drained from the dispensing circuit. It is recommended that all subsystems be flushed to remove any remaining cleaning fluid. The outlet compartment can then be opened to return the device to dispensing mode.

[0121] The device can be used in an intermediate flush mode, in which the outlet compartment can be closed to isolate the source of the dispensed fluid, allowing the device to enter intermediate flush mode. Preferably, all subsystems can then be flushed to remove any residual dispensed fluid from the dispensed circuit. The outlet compartment can then be opened to return the device to dispensing mode.

[0122] One or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Various variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection provided by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing device comprising: a nozzle assembly comprising a plurality of nozzles, wherein at least one of the plurality of nozzles is an outlet nozzle for dispensing a drinking liquid and at least one of the plurality of nozzles is a cleaning return nozzle; and a cleaning chamber housing configured to be moved repeatedly between a folded position and an operating position for cleaning the nozzle assembly, wherein the cleaning chamber housing comprises an internal cavity in which a plurality of nozzles are hermetically received when the cleaning chamber housing is in the operating position, wherein the housing of the cleaning chamber comprises a well for each of the outlet nozzles, wherein each well comprises a side wall forming a cleaning cavity that receives the end end of the corresponding outlet nozzle, and a well drain hole in the side wall of each well, through which the possibility of flowing out of the cleaning liquid from the well into the housing of the cleaning chamber is provided, wherein the side wall of the well is configured to redirect the cleaning liquid supplied from the corresponding outlet nozzle along the outer surface of the corresponding outlet nozzle.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning chamber body comprises a base, and the side wall of the well comprises at least one side wall extending upward from it, wherein said at least one side wall forms a cleaning cavity.

3. A device according to any one of paragraphs 1 or 2, in which the plurality of nozzles are configured to pass into the internal cavity when the housing of the cleaning chamber is in the working position, wherein the cleaning return nozzle is provided at the lowest point of the internal cavity relative to at least one outlet nozzle.

4. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning chamber housing comprises a peripheral seal that fits tightly against the nozzle assembly to together seal the plurality of nozzles within the internal cavity.

5. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of nozzles extend from a proximal end attached to the main portion of the nozzle assembly to a distal end, wherein the distance between the proximal end and the distal end forms the length of each nozzle, and the cleaning return nozzle has the greatest length of the plurality of nozzles.

6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of outlet nozzles comprises at least one or more of the group consisting of: a coffee outlet nozzle, a chocolate outlet nozzle, a milk outlet nozzle, a water outlet nozzle.

7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of outlet nozzles are configured to provide cleaning fluid during the cleaning process.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the drain hole of the well faces the cleaning return nozzle to direct the flow of cleaning fluid to the cleaning return nozzle.

9. The device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a drive mechanism configured to move the housing of the cleaning chamber between the folded position and the working position and vice versa.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a feed guide along which the cleaning chamber housing moves between the folded and working positions.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the feed guide is curved.

12. The device according to claim 10 or 11, in which the drive mechanism comprises a drive lever configured to rotate for sliding movement of the cleaning chamber housing along the feed guide.

13. The device according to claim 12, in which the feed guide receives the feed engaging element of the cleaning chamber housing, and the feed engaging element is configured to rotate in the guide and slide along it under the action of the drive lever.

14. The device according to claim 13, in which the feed engaging element is located above the sealing surface of the cleaning chamber housing.

15. The device according to any one of claims 13 or 14, in which the feed engaging member is provided at the first end of the cleaning chamber housing, and the drive lever is movably connected to the second end of the cleaning chamber housing.

16. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning chamber housing is rotatably pressed against the nozzle assembly.

17. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more beverage preparation modules, wherein the cleaning chamber housing forms part of a cleaning circuit in which cleaning fluid circulates through the one or more beverage preparation modules and the cleaning chamber housing.

18. The device according to claim 17, further comprising a hot water module configured to heat the supplied water for circulation through the cleaning circuit.

19. The device according to any one of claims 17 or 18, wherein the cleaning circuit is a closed circuit and / or an open circuit that ends at an external drain.

20. A method for cleaning a beverage dispensing device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising: sealingly engaging the nozzle assembly and the cleaning chamber housing to form a cleaning chamber around a plurality of nozzles; and circulation of cleaning fluid through the cleaning chamber.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the beverage dispensing device comprises a beverage preparation module, and wherein the cleaning fluid circulates through the beverage preparation module before being discharged to an external drain.

22. The method according to any one of paragraphs 20 and 21, further comprising removing residual liquid from the cleaning chamber using an air flow.

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