Method for cleaning and/or disinfecting a milk-carrying system of a coffee machine, and coffee machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machine milk-carrying systems are not completely cleaned and disinfected, leading to contamination and increased operational effort, as conventional methods fail to effectively flush the entire system and separate cleaning agents from milk residues.
Innovation Solution
A method and coffee machine design that utilize a milk preparation device with a Venturi effect to draw a cleaning solution through the milk delivery line, followed by water flushing, allowing for complete separation and effective cleaning/disinfection of the milk-carrying system with minimal user interaction, using a dual-container system and automated processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated cleaning processes are implemented in conventional coffee machines, then cleaning automation is improved, but complete cleaning of the milk-carrying system is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process is segmented into distinct phases: first water is supplied to the air inlet to flush the milk-carrying system, then the same water is supplied to the fluid inlet to clean the milk preparation device. This segmentation allows each phase to target specific areas, ensuring complete cleaning while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of supplying cleaning agent only through the fluid inlet as in conventional systems, this invention supplies water through the air inlet first to flush the milk delivery line from the milk container side, then switches to supply through the fluid inlet. This inverted approach ensures complete coverage of all milk-carrying surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If cleaning agent is circulated in a loop through the milk-carrying system, then automated cleaning is simplified, but the cleaning agent becomes increasingly contaminated over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system discards the cleaning water after a single pass through the milk-carrying system. Water is supplied through the air inlet, collects milk residues in a reservoir, and is then discarded rather than recirculated. This prevents contamination accumulation while maintaining automated operation through fresh water supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning water is extracted from the system after one use cycle. The water that has contacted milk residues is separated from the clean water supply and removed from the circulation loop, preventing re-contamination of the cleaning agent.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a permanently installed dispensing and cleaning unit is provided, then cleaning function is integrated, but the coffee machine size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing air inlet and fluid inlet systems are made multi-functional. The air inlet is used both for its original ventilation function and for supplying water to flush the milk-carrying system. The fluid inlet serves both milk preparation and cleaning functions. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated cleaning units.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning function is merged with the existing milk preparation system components. The water supply system, pump, and control mechanisms are shared between milk preparation and cleaning operations, consolidating functions into existing infrastructure rather than adding separate units.
4Reliability
If manual cleaning procedures are required multiple times during disinfection, then cleaning thoroughness is improved, but user effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process operates continuously without requiring user intervention to stop and restart. Water is supplied continuously through the air inlet, then through the fluid inlet, flushing the system in one uninterrupted sequence. The control unit manages the entire process automatically, eliminating repeated manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-cleaning through automated water supply and circulation. The control unit automatically manages water flow through different inlets, activates the pump, and controls the cleaning sequence without user intervention, making the system serve itself.
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
Enables complete and efficient cleaning/disinfection of the milk-carrying system, improving hygiene and reducing user effort by ensuring the cleaning fluid is not reused, thus maintaining system integrity and readiness for milk preparation.
Implementation Method 1
a milk preparation device, with a milk outlet as well as a fluid inlet, an air inlet and a milk inlet, which is designed for conveying milk from the milk inlet to the milk outlet by utilising the Venturi effect
Data Source
AI summary
A method for cleaning and/or disinfecting a milk-carrying system of a coffee machine for producing coffee mix drinks, and a coffee machine for carrying out the method has the aim of allowing the entire milk-carrying system to be cleaned, completely and in a way that can be easily automated. The milk delivery line is separated from the milk container, for carrying out the cleaning Process, and is connected to a first container, and a second container is arranged under a milk outlet of a milk preparation device of the milk-carrying system. Fluid is then delivered to fluid inlet in order to convey the active cleaning and/or disinfecting substance through the milk delivery line and a milk outlet into the second container. Thereafter, water is conveyed to the air inlet and the fluid inlet is closed, in order thereby to flush the milk-carrying system.