WO2024251887A1 - Procédé et appareil de traitement autonome - Google Patents

Procédé et appareil de traitement autonome Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024251887A1
WO2024251887A1 PCT/EP2024/065625 EP2024065625W WO2024251887A1 WO 2024251887 A1 WO2024251887 A1 WO 2024251887A1 EP 2024065625 W EP2024065625 W EP 2024065625W WO 2024251887 A1 WO2024251887 A1 WO 2024251887A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fluid
treatment
beverage preparation
outlet
preparation machine
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/EP2024/065625
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Dennis KEMP
Eduard PATER
Koen Standaar
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Koninklijke Douwe Egberts BV
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Douwe Egberts BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koninklijke Douwe Egberts BV filed Critical Koninklijke Douwe Egberts BV
Priority to AU2024284241A priority Critical patent/AU2024284241A1/en
Priority to CN202480038259.7A priority patent/CN121398724A/zh
Publication of WO2024251887A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024251887A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
    • A47J31/60—Cleaning devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/002—Apparatus for making beverages following a specific operational sequence, e.g. for improving the taste of the extraction product
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/40—Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
    • A47J31/401—Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea whereby the powder ingredients and the water are delivered to a mixing bowl
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
    • B08B3/04—Cleaning involving contact with liquid

Definitions

  • WO2018208156 describes an apparatus for the preparation of a beverage, including at least one beverage outlet nozzle for discharging the beverage into a beverage container, characterized in that the apparatus includes a cleaning structure for cleaning an exterior surface of the beverage outlet nozzle. With such cleaning structure, residues and ingredients of beverages may be removed from the exterior surface of the beverage outlet nozzle.
  • This document describes an apparatus which cleans the exterior of a beverage dispensing nozzle by locating the nozzle in a receptacle and expelling cleaning fluid through the nozzle such that the cleaning fluid is directed over the sides of the nozzle and out of the receptacle in an overflow configuration.
  • the cleaning structure is connected to a suspension arm via a first connecting arm and a second connecting arm, the first connecting arm is near a proximal end pivotally connected to an upper part of the suspension arm via an upper pivot point and near a distal end of the first connecting arm pivotally connected to a proximal end of the cleaning structure via a proximal pivot point and the second connecting arm is near a proximal end pivotally connected to a lower part of the suspension arm via a lower pivot point and near a distal end of the second connecting arm pivotally connected to a distal end of the cleaning structure via a distal pivot point.
  • the method for cleaning a hot beverage dispensing device comprises a sequence of at least a first rinsing step, a treatment step and a second rinsing step.
  • the first rinsing step comprises rinsing at least part of the beverage preparation module and the beverage outlet with a rinsing fluid having a first rinsing fluid temperature.
  • the treatment step comprises treating at least part of the beverage preparation module and the beverage outlet with a treatment fluid.
  • the treatment fluid has a temperature that is higher than the first rinsing fluid temperature.
  • the second rinsing step comprises rinsing at least part of the beverage preparation module and the beverage outlet with a rinsing fluid having a second rinsing fluid temperature.
  • the improved hot beverage device further comprises a cleaning module.
  • the cleaning module subsequently performs a first rinsing step, a treatment step and a second rinsing step as specified above.
  • an autonomous treatment process for a beverage preparation machine including the steps of: a. Automatically triggering the beverage preparation machine into a treatment mode, the treatment mode implementing a treatment method comprising the sub-steps of: i. Deploying at least one fluid collection trough from a beverage dispensing position separated from at least one fluid dispensing outlet of the beverage preparation machine to a treatment position below the at least one fluid dispensing outlet of the beverage preparation machine; ii. Flushing the at least one fluid dispensing outlet and at least one mixing chamber of the beverage preparation machine with a flushing fluid; iii. Retract the at least one fluid collection trough from the treatment position to the beverage dispensing position; and b. Returning the beverage preparation machine to the dispensing mode.
  • the autonomous treatment process may further include the steps of:
  • a beverage preparation machine for an autonomous treatment process, the beverage preparation machine comprising at least one fluid dispensing outlet and at least one fluid collection trough positioned relative to the at least one fluid dispensing outlet and moveable between a dispensing position separated from at least one fluid dispensing outlet to a treatment position below at least one outlet wherein when in the treatment position, the at least one fluid dispensing outlet is positioned within the at least one fluid collection trough to clean an outer surface of the at least one fluid dispensing outlet.
  • an autonomous treatment beverage preparation machine comprising at least one fluid dispensing outlet and at least one fluid collection trough positioned relative to the at least one fluid dispensing outlet and moveable between a dispensing position separated from at least one fluid dispensing outlet to a treatment position below at least one outlet wherein when in the treatment position, the at least one fluid dispensing outlet is positioned within the at least one fluid collection trough to clean an outer surface of the at least one fluid dispensing outlet, automatically triggering a treatment mode in which the at least one fluid collection trough deploys from a dispensing position separated from at least one fluid dispensing outlet of the beverage preparation machine to a treatment position below the at least one fluid dispensing outlet of the beverage preparation machine, an outlet and mixing chamber of the beverage preparation machine is flushed with a flushing fluid, the at least one fluid collection trough is retracted from the treatment position to the dispensing position and the beverage preparation machine is returned to the dispensing mode.
  • the autonomous treatment beverage preparation machine may treat at least one fluid receptacle in the beverage preparation machine with a treatment fluid after the flushing step.
  • the at least one fluid receptacle may be flushed with a flushing fluid, after the treating with the treatment fluid and prior to retraction of the at least one fluid collection trough from the treatment position.
  • Providing an autonomous cleaning process for a beverage preparation machine, and a beverage preparation machine for an autonomous treatment process as described above means that the treatment can be started without human interaction and at a frequency based on the use of the machine.
  • the provision of at least one fluid collection trough ensures that at least one fluid dispensing outlet is positioned within the at least one fluid collection trough to clean an outer surface of the at least one fluid dispensing outlet but that the fluid collection trough does not otherwise obstruct operation of the beverage preparation machine.
  • the terms ‘treat’, ‘treatment’ or ‘treating’ is intended to cover cleaning and/or descaling although different components of the beverage preparation machine may be flushed, cleaned and/or descaled.
  • the autonomous cleaning process for a beverage preparation machine, and a beverage preparation machine for an autonomous treatment process as described herein could be used for beverage preparation machines using liquid ingredients, such as liquid coffee, milk and/or chocolate, but also for beverage preparation machines using one or more instant ingredients, capsules/pad and/or roast and/or ground coffee.
  • the basic proposition for the autonomous cleaning process described herein is that it could be used with any ingredient spout/outlet for which cleaning or other treatment is required or desired.
  • the beverage preparation machine may preferably prepare and dispense beverages.
  • the machine may dispense various types of beverages, typically characterised according to the component ingredients.
  • the beverage preparation machine may prepare beverages which are water-based, milk-based and different types of milk may also be used.
  • the beverage preparation machine may prepare beverages which are water-based which then have milk added thereto. Additionally, different beverages may be prepared and dispensed such as soup for example.
  • the beverage preparation machine may utilise liquid ingredients and/or powdered ingredients.
  • the beverage preparation machine will preferably include various components provided as a part of one or more beverage preparation and dispensing circuits provided within the machine.
  • the machine may be a hot beverage preparation and dispensing circuit and/or a cold or cooled beverage preparation and dispensing circuit.
  • the hot circuit and the cold circuit may interact with one another.
  • the beverage preparation machine may include a boiler to provide heated fluid.
  • the beverage preparation machine may include a cold or cool treatment component or subsystem to create chilled or cooled beverages or beverage components.
  • the beverage preparation machine may include one or more mixing chambers to mix beverage ingredients to create a beverage to be dispensed.
  • the one or more mixing chambers may include agitation or stirring devices or systems to agitate or stir the ingredients once the ingredients have been provided into the mixing chamber.
  • the beverage preparation machine may include one or more chilled storage units in which one or more ingredients may be stored.
  • the autonomous treatment process may be based on at least one parameter relating to the use of the beverage preparation machine.
  • the beverage preparation machine may monitor at least one use parameter whilst in a dispensing mode.
  • the autonomous treatment process may be triggered according to use of one or more of the ingredients. For example, if the beverage preparation machine is configured to use milk as an ingredient, any beverage preparation circuit which utilises milk as an ingredient may require treatment more often for example once each day than a beverage preparation circuit which utilises only water, which may only require treatment once per week. Further, any circuit which prepares and dispenses cold or cooled beverages may require treatment more often than a circuit which provides only hot beverages. For example, a cold or cooled beverage circuit may require treatment once each day whereas a hot circuit may only require treatment once every few days or once per week.
  • the beverage preparation machine may be triggered into the treatment mode based on the level of use. For example, more intense use which creates a high throughput of material through the beverage preparation machine may trigger the treatment mode more often.
  • the treatment mode may be triggered based on the at least one use parameter in combination with at least one other parameter which may affect the operational efficiency of the beverage preparation machine. For example, water hardness may influence operational efficiency and therefore, a machine used in combination with harder water may require more frequent descaling than a machine used with softer water where use is at the same level of throughput.
  • the beverage preparation machine will preferably be provided with a controller associated with one or more sensors to sense a flow or use of ingredients in order to measure the use of ingredients and/or any other parameter related to the ingredients, such as for example water hardness.
  • the beverage preparation machine and in particular any controller provided to control the autonomous cleaning process is provided with a defined threshold of use to trigger the autonomously process.
  • the autonomous cleaning process may be triggered based on time as a use parameter. In one form, if a defined threshold of use is not reached, then the autonomous cleaning process may be triggered according to a default time period. For example, the beverage preparation machine may be triggered into the treatment mode based on a time schedule. In one embodiment, the treatment mode may be triggered based on the at least one use parameter of the beverage preparation machine and also treatment schedule based on time. The treatment based on the at least one use parameter of the beverage preparation machine may take precedence over a schedule of treatment based on time, with the schedule of treatment based on time being a default backup.
  • the beverage preparation machine may have a default schedule of treatment which triggers the treatment mode based on hours of operation (the treatment mode may be triggered overnight for example), or if the beverage preparation machine is idle for a period of time (this may be partially based on the ingredient used, as milk may require more frequent cleaning/flushing than water). Further, the beverage preparation machine may be triggered into the treatment mode on a time basis, such as once very hour of use for example.
  • More frequent treatment may be triggered based on ingredient use as a parameter, but with the treatment schedule based on time as an underlying or backup treatment schedule.
  • the treatment schedule based on time may occur regardless of primary use parameters such as ingredient use.
  • the treatment schedule based on time may only be used if a defined threshold of use is not reached between time scheduled treatments.
  • the method for treatment a beverage preparation machine may comprise a sequence of at least a flushing step.
  • the flushing step preferably comprises flushing at least part of the beverage preparation machine or component and the beverage outlet with a flushing fluid.
  • the beverage preparation machine may be flushed and then returned to the dispensing mode.
  • the method for treatment a beverage preparation machine may comprise a sequence of at least a first flushing step, a treatment step and a second flushing step.
  • the first flushing step preferably comprises flushing at least part of the beverage preparation machine or component and the beverage outlet with a flushing fluid.
  • the treatment step preferably comprises treating at least part of the beverage preparation machine or component and the beverage outlet with a treatment fluid.
  • the treatment fluid may have a temperature which is higher or lower than the flushing fluid temperature.
  • the second flushing step may comprise flushing at least part of the beverage preparation machine or component and the beverage outlet with a flushing fluid.
  • At least one controller associated with beverage preparation machine will monitor the use and trigger the change in modes.
  • a warning may be given.
  • a warning with a "time remaining before treatment” may be provided.
  • the warning may be or include a number of beverages which can be dispensed before treatment mode is triggered.
  • the at least one fluid collection trough is preferably deployed from the beverage dispensing position to the treatment position.
  • the at least one fluid connection trough is preferably located adjacent to, but separated from the at least one fluid dispensing outlet of the beverage preparation machine.
  • the at least one fluid collection trough is preferably deployed to the treatment position before any treatment begins in order to catch any flushing/treatment fluid from the at least one fluid dispensing outlet and/or any remaining material from the beverage preparation circuit.
  • the deployment of the at least one fluid collection trough may cause movement in the at least one fluid dispensing outlet.
  • the at least one fluid dispensing outlet may be mounted for movement relative to a mounting portion of the beverage preparation machine. In many embodiments, the at least one fluid dispensing outlet will be substantially vertically oriented.
  • the at least one fluid dispensing outlet may be movable between a lowered, dispensing position and a raised position.
  • the deployment of the at least one fluid collection trough may cause the at least one fluid dispensing outlet to be raised and then to lower again once the at least one fluid dispensing outlet is positioned above the at least one fluid collection trough.
  • the at least one fluid dispensing outlet may be biased into a lowered, dispensing position and movement of the at least one fluid collection trough may force the at least one fluid dispensing outlet upwardly against the bias and then the bias may preferably return the at least one fluid dispensing outlet to the lowered position.
  • the at least one fluid dispensing outlet In the dispensing position, the at least one fluid dispensing outlet is preferably in the lowered position but outside the at least one fluid collection trough.
  • the at least one fluid dispensing outlet is preferably in the lowered position but inside the at least one fluid collection trough.
  • the deployment of the at least one fluid collection trough may cause the at least one fluid dispensing outlet to be raised then lowered into the treatment position and retraction of the at least one fluid collection trough may cause the at least one fluid dispensing outlet to be raised then lowered into the fluid dispensing position.
  • the at least one fluid dispensing outlet may have a tapered lower end.
  • the at least one fluid dispensing outlet may have a V- tapered end with a downwardly angled end portion on a side facing the at least one fluid collection trough and an upwardly angled end portion on a side facing away from the at least one fluid collection trough. The provision of the angled end portions on the at least one fluid dispensing outlet may cause the at least one fluid dispensing outlet to be raised against the bias by the movement of the at least one fluid collection trough.
  • the at least one fluid collection trough may have a tapered outer end.
  • the at least one fluid collection trough may have an inverted V-tapered end with an outer wall or portion which is angled upwardly and away from the at least one fluid dispensing outlet and an inner wall or portion which is angled downwardly and away from the at least one fluid dispensing outlet.
  • an abutment tab may be provided on an outer or forward wall of the fluid collection trough.
  • the abutment tab may be provided on an outer side thereof and facing the outlets/outlet assembly and extending away from the fluid collection trough.
  • the abutment tab may have a forward abutment portion.
  • the abutment tab may have any shape.
  • the abutment tab may have an angled wall which is angled upwardly away from the outer wall of the fluid collection trough and which has a forward abutment apex.
  • a rounded abutment tab may be provided.
  • Figure 3 is an axonometric view from the front of the biased outlet illustrated in Figure 2 and a fluid collection trough in the dispensing position.
  • Figure 4 is an axonometric view from above of a biased outlet according to an embodiment in a partially deployed position.
  • Figure 5 is an axonometric view from the front of the biased outlet illustrated in Figure 4 and a fluid collection trough in the partially deployed position.
  • Figure 10 is a side view of the beverage preparation machine illustrated in Figure 9.
  • the coffee outlet 11 is associated with a mixer 18.
  • the mixer is selectively connectable to a chiller unit 14 or an open boiler 15 through operation of valves VI 1 and VI 2 and also a source of coffee Dll stored in a refrigerator 17.
  • Both the chiller unit 14 and open boiler 15 are fed from a water inlet. Operation of the respective valves can adjust the temperature of the water in any one of the circuits and direct fluid through the required circuit. As shown, a detergent reservoir 19 is associated with each mixer 16, 18, via pumps Pl 1.
  • a fluid collection trough 20 (identified as ‘docking for cleaning’ in Figure 1) positioned relative to the fluid dispensing outlet 11 and 12 and is moveable between a dispensing position separated from the coffee and milk dispensing outlets 11, 12 as shown in Figure 3, to a treatment position below the coffee and milk dispensing outlets 11, 12 as shown in Figure 7.
  • the coffee and milk dispensing outlets 11, 12 are positioned within the fluid collection trough 20 to clean an outer surface of the coffee and milk dispensing outlets 11, 12.
  • a drain 21 is provided connected at least to the trough 20 and the boiler overflow.
  • the beverage preparation machine 10 shown implements an autonomous treatment process including the steps of: a. Monitoring at least one use parameter of the beverage preparation machine 10 whilst in a dispensing mode; b. Automatically triggering the beverage preparation machine 10 into a treatment mode dependent upon the at least one use parameter, the treatment mode implementing a treatment method comprising the substeps of: i. Deploy the fluid collection trough 20 from the beverage dispensing position shown in Figure 3 to the treatment position shown in Figure 7 below the coffee and milk dispensing outlets 11, 12; ii. Flushing the coffee and milk dispensing outlets 11, 12 and at least one mixing chamber 16, 18 with a flushing fluid; iii.
  • each mixing chamber 16, 18 will preferably include an agitation or stirring device to agitate or stir the ingredients once the ingredients have been provided into the mixing chamber 16, 18.
  • the autonomous treatment process may be based on at least one parameter relating to the use of the beverage preparation machine 10.
  • the autonomous treatment process may be triggered according to use of one or more of the ingredients.
  • any beverage preparation circuit which utilises milk as an ingredient may require treatment more often, for example once each day, than a beverage preparation circuit which utilises only water, which may only require treatment once per week.
  • any circuit which prepares and dispenses cold or cooled beverages may require treatment more often than a circuit which provides only hot beverages.
  • a cold or cooled beverage circuit may require treatment once each day, whereas a hot circuit may only require treatment once every few days or once per week.
  • the beverage preparation machine may be triggered into the treatment mode based on the level of use. For example, more intense use which creates a high throughput of material through the beverage preparation machine may trigger the treatment mode more often.
  • the treatment mode may be triggered based on the at least one use parameter in combination with at least one other parameter which may affect the operational efficiency of the beverage preparation machine. For example, water hardness may influence operational efficiency and therefore, a machine used in combination with harder water may require more frequent descaling than a machine used with softer water where use is at the same level of throughput. It is preferably the boiler and any hot water circuit that will be descaled.
  • the beverage preparation machine will preferably be provided with a controller (not shown) associated with one or more sensors to sense a flow or use of ingredients in order to measure the use of ingredients and/or any other parameter related to the ingredients, such as for example water hardness.
  • a controller not shown
  • sensors to sense a flow or use of ingredients in order to measure the use of ingredients and/or any other parameter related to the ingredients, such as for example water hardness.
  • the beverage preparation machine and in particular any controller provided to control the autonomous cleaning process is provided with a defined threshold of use to trigger the autonomously process, if the defined threshold of use is not reached, then the autonomous cleaning process may be triggered according to a default time period.
  • the fluid collection trough 20 is deployed from the beverage dispensing position to the treatment position as is shown in Figures 3, 5 and 7.
  • the fluid collection trough 20 is preferably deployed to the treatment position shown in Figure 7 before any treatment begins in order to catch any flushing/treatment fluid from the outlets 11, 12 and/or any remaining material from a beverage preparation circuit.
  • the deployment of the fluid collection trough 20 may cause movement in the dispensing outlets 11, 12.
  • the dispensing outlets 11, 12 of the illustrated embodiment are mounted for movement relative to a mounting portion of the beverage preparation machine 10.
  • the dispensing outlets 11, 12 are substantially vertically oriented.
  • the dispensing outlets 11, 12 shown are movable between a lowered, dispensing position (in the beverage dispensing position Figure 3 and the treatment position, Figure 7) and a raised position ( Figure 5) to allow the trough 20 to pass under the dispensing outlets 11, 12.
  • dispensing outlets 11, 12 are biased into a lowered, dispensing position and movement of the fluid collection trough 20 forces the dispensing outlets 11, 12 upwardly against the bias and then the bias returns the dispensing outlets 11, 12 to the lowered position.
  • the dispensing outlets 11, 12 are in the lowered position but outside the fluid collection trough 20.
  • the dispensing outlets 11, 12 are in the lowered position but inside the fluid collection trough 20.
  • the dispensing outlets 11, 12 have a V-tapered lower end with a downwardly angled end portion on a side facing the fluid collection trough 20 and an upwardly angled end portion on a side facing away from the fluid collection trough 20.
  • the provision of the angled end portions on the dispensing outlets 11, 12 causes the dispensing outlets 11, 12 to be raised against the bias, as the dispensing outlets 11, 12 move between positions.
  • the fluid collection trough 20 moves laterally in a horizontal direction.
  • the movement of the fluid collection trough 20 is reciprocal between the beverage dispensing position and the treatment position.
  • the fluid collection trough 20 shown is sufficiently large to contain the dispensing outlets 11, 12 therein, and to at least partially immerse the dispensing outlets 11, 12 in treatment fluid.
  • the dispensing outlets 11, 12 and/or trough 20 are configured to ensure that the fluid collection trough 20 fills to a level to treat an outer surface of the dispensing outlets 11, 12. If this occurs, then at least a portion of an inner surface of the dispensing outlets 11, 12 will also be treated.
  • the fluid collection trough 20 will not be filled to overflow.
  • One or more drain valves is preferably provided as an outlet from the fluid collection trough 20.
  • the one or more drain valves may be controlled to ensure that the at least one fluid collection trough is filled to the required level.
  • the fluid collection trough 20 is driven between the beverage dispensing position and the treatment position. Any mechanism may be used.
  • the at least one fluid collection trough may be provided at least partially within a housing 25.
  • the housing 25 may completely enclose the fluid collection trough 25 when in the beverage dispensing position as shown in Figure 3.
  • a rear end of the fluid collection trough 20 remains received in the housing 25 and an outer end extends outside the housing 25 through a shaped receiving opening to guide movement of the fluid collection trough 20 and to brace the fluid collection trough in the treatment position shown in Figure 7. This will also minimise deflection of the fluid collection trough 25 during movement, which in turn forces the dispensing outlets 11, 12 upwardly against the bias.
  • the fluid collection trough 20 is provided at a level substantially coplanar with the dispensing outlets 11, 12 and is driven horizontally, reciprocally between the beverage dispensing position and the treatment position.
  • the dispensing outlets 11, 12 are provided in a single body 27 which is divided by a central wall 28 which is mounted within a housing 26.
  • a supply line 29 is provided for outlet 11 and a second supply line 30 is provided for outlet 12.
  • the dispensing outlets 11 , 12 are biased downwardly. Any biasing mechanism may be used.
  • the body 27 is biased downwardly using a pair of springs 31 mounted about upright posts.
  • Figure 4 shows the pair of springs 31 are compressed as the trough 20 moves past the lower end of the dispensing outlets 11, 12, forcing the body 27 upwardly to allow the trough 20 to pass beneath the temporarily raised dispensing outlets 11, 12 as shown in Figure 5.
  • any outlet valve from the at least one mixing chamber 16, 18 is closed in order to allow the mixing chamber 16, 18 to be filled with cleaning fluid.
  • Cleaning fluid is then be introduced into the mixing chamber 16, 18.
  • the cleaning fluid may be or include a cleaning agent and/or water.
  • an amount of cleaning agent or detergent is dosed into an amount of water inlet into the at least one mixing chamber 16, 18.
  • the detergent can be dosed into the water inlet 35 to the at least one mixing chamber 16, 18 via a needle valve 36 supplied from the detergent reservoir 19 using a supply conduit 37 in order to prevent the Venturi effect drawing cleaning agent out during normal beverage dispensing operation.
  • sufficient cleaning fluid is provided to fill the at least one mixing chamber 16, 18.
  • sufficient cleaning fluid is used to overflow the at least one mixing chamber 16, 18 in order to ensure that the cleaning fluid fills the at least one mixing chamber 16, 18 to above the normal use level.
  • the agitator or stirring apparatus associated with the at least one mixing chamber 16, 18 may be operated during a cleaning step/soaking step to provide agitation or turbulence in the cleaning fluid within the at least one mixing chamber 16, 18.
  • agitator or stirring apparatus When operated during a cleaning step/soaking step, and agitator or stirring apparatus may be operated at a low speed.
  • an outlet valve from the mixing chamber 16, 18 is preferably opened to empty the mixing chamber 16, 18.
  • An agitator or stirring apparatus associated with the mixing chamber 16, 18 can be operated during the emptying of the mixing chamber.
  • the agitator or stirring apparatus may be operated at a medium speed during the emptying of the mixing chamber 16, 18.
  • the outlet valve is preferably closed.
  • the mixing chamber 16, 18 may undergo a flushing step in which the mixing chamber 16, 18 is flushed with a flushing fluid. This may be a second flush to flush the mixing chamber 16, 18 of any remaining cleaning fluid. Preferably, the second flushing step may occur to overflow the mixing chamber 16, 18 to ensure that the mixing chamber is flushed completely.
  • the cleaning/soaking step may occur more than once in any cleaning cycle.
  • the cleaning/soaking step may occur more than once, but may be undertaken only once for beverages which are water-based such as tea or coffee for example.
  • the fluid collection trough 20 is then be moved or retracted from the treatment position to the beverage dispensing position and the beverage preparation machine returned to the normal, dispensing mode.
  • the fluid collection trough 20 is deployed.
  • the fluid dispensing outlets 11, 12 and mixing chamber 16, 18 of the beverage preparation machine can then be flushed with a flushing fluid.
  • the boiler 15 may be filled with descaling fluid to overflow in order to ensure that the descaling fluid reaches the normal operating or fill level of the boiler 15.
  • the descaling process may include a soaking step in which the descaling fluid remains in the boiler 15 for a period of time.
  • one or more outlet valves from the boiler 15 may be opened and closed.
  • at least one outlet valve from the boiler 15 may be opened and then closed at one or more times during the descaling process to descale any valves associated with the boiler 15. If this occurs, additional descaling agent and/or water may be added into the boiler 15 to maintain the level of descaling fluid within the boiler.
  • the boiler 15 will preferably be drained of descaling fluid.
  • the boiler 15 may be flushed with a flushing fluid.
  • the flushing fluid may fill the boiler 15 to overflow to ensure flushing to at least a normal operational level. Once flushed, the boiler 15 may then be filled with replacement water to be heated.
  • At least one mixing chamber 16, 18 may also be flushed.
  • the mixing chamber 16, 18 may be flushed to overflow.
  • the descaling process may be repeated one or more times. Once the descaling and flushing has been completed, the fluid collection trough 20 may then be retracted from the treatment position to the beverage dispensing position and the beverage preparation machine reset to the dispensing mode.
  • the steps in the method may be undertaken at any temperature.
  • the first flush may be undertaken with inlet water at the delivery temperature. Any treatment step may be undertaken with heated fluid.
  • the second flush may be 1 undertaken with inlet water at the delivery temperature. Heated water and/or cooled water may be used as required.
  • FIG. 9 An embodiment of a beverage preparation machine 10 is illustrated in Figures 9 to 13.
  • the outlet assembly 50 and the fluid collection trough 20 are each shown in overall position on a forward side of a beverage preparation machine 10 in Figures 9 to 11.
  • the outlet assembly 50 and the fluid collection trough 20 are shown in more detail in Figure 12.
  • the fluid collection trough 20 is shown with a forward or outer wall which has an abutment tab 51 provided on an outer side thereof and facing the coffee outlet 11 and milk outlet 12.
  • the abutment tab has an angled wall which is angled upwardly away from the outer wall of the fluid collection trough 20 and which has a forward abutment apex 53.
  • the outlet assembly 50 includes a biased dual outlet including the coffee outlet 11 and milk outlet 12. Positioned between the coffee outlet 11 and milk outlet 12 is an abutment tab 54. Abutment tab 54 has a pair of opposed ramped surfaces, namely an inner ramp surface 55 and an outer ramp surface 56. The inner ramp surface 55 faces the fluid collection trough 20 and is aligned with the abutment tab 51 provided on an outer side of the forward wall of the fluid collection trough 20.
  • the forward abutment apex 53 of the abutment tab 51 abuts the inner ramp surface 55 and as the deployment outwardly continues, the forward abutment apex 53 of the abutment tab 51 slides over the inner ramp surface 55, which in turn forces the dual outlet upwardly, allowing the forward or outer wall of the fluid collection trough 20 to pass under the biased dual outlet including the coffee outlet 11 and milk outlet 12.
  • Figure 13 shows one mechanism which could be used to drive movement of the fluid collection trough 20, namely the provision of plurality of linear teeth on the fluid collection trough 20 and a motor 57 which drives reversible rotation of a toothed wheel 58 to move the fluid collection trough 20. Also shown in Figure 13 is an enlarged rear drain 59, spanning the width of the rear end of the fluid collection trough 20, which connects to a smaller lower drain conduit 60 to receive fluid from the rear end of the fluid collection trough 20.

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  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé de traitement autonome pour une machine de préparation de boisson et une machine de préparation de boisson qui déclenche automatiquement un mode de traitement par la machine de préparation de boisson en fonction d'au moins un paramètre d'utilisation ou d'un calendrier, provoquant le déploiement d'au moins une cuvette de collecte de fluide par rapport à au moins une sortie de distribution de fluide pour nettoyer la machine et la ou les sorties de distribution de fluide.
PCT/EP2024/065625 2023-06-08 2024-06-06 Procédé et appareil de traitement autonome Pending WO2024251887A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2024284241A AU2024284241A1 (en) 2023-06-08 2024-06-06 Autonomous treatment process and apparatus
CN202480038259.7A CN121398724A (zh) 2023-06-08 2024-06-06 自主处理方法和设备

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2308526.9A GB2630788A (en) 2023-06-08 2023-06-08 Autonomous treatment process and apparatus
GB2308526.9 2023-06-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024251887A1 true WO2024251887A1 (fr) 2024-12-12

Family

ID=87291547

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2024/065625 Pending WO2024251887A1 (fr) 2023-06-08 2024-06-06 Procédé et appareil de traitement autonome

Country Status (4)

Country Link
CN (1) CN121398724A (fr)
AU (1) AU2024284241A1 (fr)
GB (1) GB2630788A (fr)
WO (1) WO2024251887A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009012011A2 (fr) * 2007-07-13 2009-01-22 The Coca-Cola Company Système de nettoyage sur place pour distributeurs de boissons
WO2014154376A1 (fr) * 2013-03-26 2014-10-02 Schaerer Ag Distributeur automatique de boissons, et procédé pour faire fonctionner un tel distributeur automatique de boissons
WO2018208156A1 (fr) 2017-05-10 2018-11-15 Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. Appareil d'infusion de boisson à nettoyage extérieur de bec verseur
DE102019104976A1 (de) * 2019-02-27 2020-08-27 Miele & Cie. Kg Getränkeautomat mit automatischer Pflegevorrichtung
WO2023046749A1 (fr) * 2021-09-21 2023-03-30 Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V Dispositif de buse de sortie pour appareil de distribution de boissons

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20230107194A1 (en) * 2021-10-04 2023-04-06 Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc. Self-cleaning frothing appliance

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009012011A2 (fr) * 2007-07-13 2009-01-22 The Coca-Cola Company Système de nettoyage sur place pour distributeurs de boissons
WO2014154376A1 (fr) * 2013-03-26 2014-10-02 Schaerer Ag Distributeur automatique de boissons, et procédé pour faire fonctionner un tel distributeur automatique de boissons
WO2018208156A1 (fr) 2017-05-10 2018-11-15 Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. Appareil d'infusion de boisson à nettoyage extérieur de bec verseur
WO2018208157A1 (fr) 2017-05-10 2018-11-15 Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. Dispositif de distribution de boissons pourvu d'un module de nettoyage et procédé de nettoyage dudit dispositif
DE102019104976A1 (de) * 2019-02-27 2020-08-27 Miele & Cie. Kg Getränkeautomat mit automatischer Pflegevorrichtung
WO2023046749A1 (fr) * 2021-09-21 2023-03-30 Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V Dispositif de buse de sortie pour appareil de distribution de boissons

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN121398724A (zh) 2026-01-23
GB2630788A (en) 2024-12-11
AU2024284241A1 (en) 2025-12-18
GB202308526D0 (en) 2023-07-26

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