Beverage preparation device and method of cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation devices, such as coffee machines, fail to effectively clean the outer circumferential surface of the connection end during the flushing process, leaving residual liquid residues like milk unaddressed.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a rinsing chamber that allows the cleaning medium to back up and flow around the outer peripheral surface of the connection end, ensuring thorough cleaning by matching the contour of the connection end with the rinsing chamber's dimensions and providing a mechanism for the cleaning medium to swirl and remove adhering residues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connection end is fixed to a drip tray via a clamping element for cleaning, then the cleaning medium can reach the drip tray directly, but the outer peripheral surface of the connection end cannot be flushed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a rinsing chamber that provides a third spatial dimension for cleaning. Instead of only flushing the inner circumference of the connecting line, the rinsing chamber allows cleaning medium to contact the outer peripheral surface of the connection end by creating an annular rinsing space between the connection end and the chamber wall, thereby addressing the harmful liquid residues on the outer surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The rinsing chamber acts as an intermediary structure between the connection end and the collecting container. It provides a controlled environment where cleaning medium can be directed to flush both the inner channel and outer surface of the connection end, mediating the cleaning process to ensure complete removal of liquid residues.
2Ease of manufacture
If the outer peripheral surface is designed for easy connection, then connection simplicity is improved, but cleanability of the outer surface deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the cleaning function into two distinct parts: inner circumference flushing through the connecting line and outer surface rinsing through the rinsing chamber. This segmentation allows the connection end to maintain its simple connection design while the rinsing chamber provides dedicated outer surface cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By adding the rinsing chamber as an external cleaning structure, the invention adds another dimension to the cleaning process without modifying the connection end design itself, thus preserving ease of manufacture while improving cleanability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a rinsing chamber is added to enable outer surface cleaning, then complete cleanability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the rinsing chamber with the existing collecting container structure. The rinsing chamber is positioned to utilize the same space and drainage system as the drip tray, combining multiple cleaning functions into a single integrated structure rather than adding separate independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rinsing chamber serves multiple functions: it provides outer surface rinsing for the connection end, collects cleaning medium, and drains through the existing system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures complete cleanability of both the inner and outer surfaces of the connection end, preventing milk residue accumulation and enhancing the overall cleanliness of the beverage preparation system.
Implementation Method 1
the cleaning medium that is backed up in the rinsing chamber can be rinsed
Implementation Method 2
cleaning medium supply means for flushing (flushing) the connecting line with a cleaning medium
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a beverage preparation device (1), in particular a coffee machine, with a device for processing a liquid, in particular for heating and/or frothing milk, and with a device comprising, in particular, a flexible hose (9) and a fluid channel (10). Connection end (4) for fluid-conducting, detachable connection to a storage container (3), in particular a milk storage container, having a connecting line (2) via which liquid can be supplied to the device (1) for processing the liquid, and cleaning medium supply means for flushing through the connecting line (2 ) with a cleaning medium, in particular water and/or steam, in a cleaning position of the connecting line (2), in which the connection end (4) is fixed via fixing means (8) relative to a collecting container (6) for the cleaning medium, in particular a drip tray, and the connecting line (2) fluid-conducting with the collecting container (6), wherein the connection end (4) has an end face (12) and an outer circumferential surface (11) extending in a circumferential direction around the fluid channel (10). According to the invention, the connecting end (4) in the cleaning position protrudes with its outer peripheral surface (11) into a rinsing chamber (5) which is fluid-conductingly connected to the collecting container (6) in such a way that it communicates with the rinsing chamber (5) via the connecting line (2). suppliable and in the rinsing chamber (5) back-up cleaning medium can be rinsed. Furthermore, the invention relates to a cleaning method.