• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The milk foaming device comprises a milk containing body and a mixing body in turn comprising a mixing chamber, a milk supply channel from the containment body to the mixing chamber, a steam supply circuit comprising a steam supply channel to the mixing chamber, an air supply channel to the mixing chamber, and a milk outlet channel from the mixing chamber, in the milk supply channel an interception valve operated by the circuit steam is provided of steam supply.
    公开号:CH711023A2
    申请号:CH00470/16
    申请日:2016-04-12
    公开日:2016-10-31
    发明作者:De' Longhi Giuseppe；Panciera Antonio
    申请人:De' Longhi Appliances S R L；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    [0001] The present invention relates to a milk foaming device particularly but not exclusively of the type that can be associated with the steam dispenser of a coffee machine.
    [0002] A known type of milk foaming device comprises a milk containment body and a mixing body positioned above the milk containing body. The mixing body in turn comprises a mixing chamber with a Venturi effect, a milk supply channel to the mixing chamber, a steam supply channel to the mixing chamber, an air supply channel to the mixing chamber, and a milk outlet channel frothed from the mixing chamber. When the flow of steam is delivered, thanks to the depression created in the mixing chamber, the milk supply channel sucks milk from the milk containment body below. The flow of the sucked milk however varies considerably depending on the filling level of the milk containment body, and more precisely the flow of aspirated milk decreases as the milk containment body is emptied. In fact, as the milk level decreases, the prevalence required by the suction system increases to lift the milk and take it to the mixing chamber.
    [0003] In this circumstance the proportion of milk in the mixture of air, steam and milk present in the mixing chamber is variable and does not ensure the achievement of a correct foaming of the milk.
    [0004] The technical task proposed by the present invention is, therefore, to provide a milk foaming device which allows the technical drawbacks of the known art to be eliminated.
    [0005] Within the scope of this technical task, one aim of the invention is to provide a milk foaming device which allows a complete control of the mixing of steam, air and milk to guarantee the execution of a correct foaming.
    [0006] The technical task, as well as these and other purposes, according to the present invention are achieved by realizing a milk foaming device comprising a milk containing body and a mixing body in turn comprising a mixing chamber, a channel of feeding the milk from the containment body to the mixing chamber, a steam supply circuit comprising a steam supply channel to the mixing chamber, an air supply channel to the mixing chamber, and a milk outlet channel from the chamber mixing system, characterized in that in said milk supply channel there is a shut-off valve operated by the steam of the steam supply circuit.
    [0007] The present invention also discloses a coffee machine comprising such a milk foaming device.
    [0008] The present invention finally reveals a method for controlling milk foaming with a foaming device comprising a milk containment body and a mixing body in turn comprising a mixing chamber, a milk supply channel from the body containment to the mixing chamber, a steam supply circuit comprising at least one steam supply channel to the mixing chamber, an air supply channel to the mixing chamber, and a milk outlet channel from the mixing chamber, characterized in that it uses the steam energy of said steam circuit as a driving force for opening a shut-off valve provided in said milk supply channel.
    [0009] Other features of the present invention are defined, moreover, in the subsequent claims.
    [0010] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more evident from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the milk foaming device according to the invention, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in the attached drawings, in which:<tb> Fig. 1 <SEP> shows a perspective view of a coffee machine with the foaming device mounted;fig. 2 <SEP> shows the foaming device detached from the coffee machine;fig. 3 <SEP> shows a detail in section of the foaming device with milk on-off valve in the closed position; isfig. 4 <SEP> shows a section of the foaming device with milk on-off valve in the open position.
    [0011] With reference to the above figures, the milk foaming device 1 is of the type that can be associated with a coffee machine 100.
    [0012] The coffee machine 100 comprises a frame 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108 in which there is a hot water circuit (not shown) connected to an infusion unit (not shown) provided with a dispenser external coffee 101, and a steam circuit (not shown) provided with a steam dispenser 102.
    [0013] The frame of the coffee machine 100 more precisely comprises a front wall 103, a rear wall 104, sides 105, 106, a support base 107 and an upper wall 108.
    [0014] The external coffee dispenser 101 projects from the front wall 103 of the frame at a certain height above a surface 110 for supporting cups 111 which in turn extends from the support base 107 forward of the front wall 103 of the frame.
    [0015] The milk foaming device 1 comprises a milk containing body 2 and a mixing body 3 rigidly connected to each other.
    [0016] The mixing body 3 in turn comprises a mixing chamber 4, a milk supply channel 5 to the mixing chamber 4 having an inlet 5a and an outlet 5b which opens into the mixing chamber 4, a circuit of supply of steam comprising a channel 6 for supplying steam to the mixing chamber 4 having an inlet 6a and an outlet 6b which opens into the mixing chamber 4, a channel 7 for supplying air to the mixing chamber 4 having an inlet 7a and an outlet 7b which opens into the mixing chamber 4, and an outlet channel 8 from the mixing chamber 4 having an inlet 8a which opens into the mixing chamber 4 and an outlet 8b.
    [0017] The steam supply channel 6 has the outlet 6b at the end of a venturi-shaped end portion adapted for generating a negative pressure variation in the mixing chamber 4 when a steam flow is delivered.
    [0018] In the steam supply channel 6 there is a non-return valve 20 having a shutter 21 which is movable in contrast and by the action of an elastic element 23 for opening an orifice 22 which connects the inlet 6a and the outlet 6b of the steam supply channel 6.
    [0019] The elastic element 23 is positioned between the shutter 21 and an inner shoulder 24 of the steam supply channel 6 proximal to the outlet 6b.
    [0020] The shutter 21 is formed by a sphere while the elastic element 23 is formed by a helical spring.
    [0021] Advantageously, in the milk supply channel 5 there is a shut-off valve 9 having a shutter 10 operable by the steam of the steam supply circuit.
    [0022] The steam supply circuit advantageously has, in addition to the steam supply channel 6 to the mixing chamber 4, a further steam supply channel 25 for controlling the opening movement of the shutter 10.
    [0023] The steam supply channel 25 intersects the milk supply channel 5 transversely.
    [0024] The steam dispenser 102 of the coffee machine 100 has a first outlet 102a for supplying the steam supply channel to the mixing chamber 4 and a second outlet 102b for supplying the steam supply channel 25 for the movement of the shutter 10.
    [0025] Alternatively, a single outlet of the steam dispenser in the coffee machine 100 and a bifurcation of the steam supply circuit directly inside the mixing body 3 can be provided.
    [0026] At least in the terminal portion comprising the end proximal to the milk supply channel 5, the steam supply channel 25 has a rectilinear development.
    [0027] Preferably, the steam supply channel 25 extends entirely along a rectilinear axis L.
    [0028] At least in its terminal portion comprising the outlet 6b, the steam supply channel 6 extends along an axis L 'for introducing the steam into the mixing chamber 4.
    [0029] Preferably the steam supply channel 6 develops entirely along the axis L 'for introducing the steam into the mixing chamber 4.
    [0030] The steam supply channel 6 and the steam supply channel 25 are arranged with their axes L, L 'oriented parallel.
    [0031] The obturator 10 has a first portion 10a for intercepting the vapor which is sealingly engaged in the steam supply channel 25, and a second portion 10b for intercepting the milk.
    [0032] The obturator 10 is supported in a translatable way along the steam supply channel 25 in contrast and by the action of an elastic element 11, for example formed by a helical spring. The elastic element 11 is positioned between the second portion 10b of the shutter 10 and a sliding seat 26 for the second portion 10b of the shutter 10 which transversely intersects the milk supply channel 5 on the side diametrically opposite to the supply channel of steam 25.
    [0033] The milk supply channel 5 has an axis M for introducing milk into the mixing chamber 4 oriented orthogonally with respect to the steam introduction axis L '.
    [0034] In particular, the milk supply channel 5 extends entirely along the milk introduction axis M into the mixing chamber 4.
    [0035] The air supply channel 7 also has an air introduction axis in the mixing chamber 4 oriented orthogonally with respect to the steam introduction axis L '. The outlet channel 8 has a first portion proximal to the mixing chamber 4 which develops coaxially with respect to the axis L 'of the steam supply channel 6 and a second segment distal from the mixing chamber 4 which develops radially with respect to the axis L 'of the steam supply channel 6.
    [0036] The foaming device 1 is supported in air suspension at a distance above the support plane 110 for the cups 111. In particular, the steam supply channel 6 and the steam supply channel 25 engage in a sealed manner in corresponding support seats 27, 28 where the outlets 102a and 102b of the steam dispenser of the coffee machine 100 exit.
    [0037] The support seats 27, 28 are formed by recesses of the front wall 103 of the frame of the coffee machine 100.
    [0038] The containment body 2 comprises a bottom wall 2a, a side wall 2b and a removable closing cover 14 provided with one or more vent openings 15 which create a connection between the inside and the outside of the body of connection 2. The containment body 2 develops coaxially with the milk introduction axis M in the mixing chamber 4.
    [0039] In particular, the side wall 2b of the containment body 2 is formed by a cylinder while the bottom wall 2a of the containment body 2 is formed by a coaxial cone and outside the cylinder apically showing the inlet 5a.
    [0040] In the position of use in which it is connected to the coffee machine 100, the foaming device 1 is arranged at the front of the front wall 103 of the frame of the coffee machine 100 with the axes L, L 'oriented parallel to the support plane of the machine coffee 100.
    [0041] In the position of use, moreover, the milk supply channel 5 has the outlet 5b below the inlet 5a and the containment body 2 is arranged above the mixing body 3. In particular in the position of use the milk introduction M axis in the mixing chamber 4 is oriented orthogonally to the supporting plane of the coffee machine 100.
    [0042] The milk foaming control method with the foaming device 1 foresees using the steam energy as a driving force for opening the interception valve 9.
    [0043] Operation of the milk foaming device 1 is briefly as follows.
    [0044] First, the cover 15 is removed and the containment body 2 is filled with milk, then the containing body 2 is closed with the cover 15 and the foaming device 1 is connected to the coffee machine 100 if it is not used. already been previously connected.
    [0045] The connection is made with a translation movement of the foaming device 1 in the direction of the axes L, L 'up to the completion of the engagement of the channels 6, 25 in the relative support seats 27, 28.
    [0046] The milk dispensing cycle begins when the coffee machine controller controls the start of the delivery of a steam flow which is channeled partly towards the steam supply channel 6 and partly towards the supply channel of steam 25.
    [0047] The pressure of the part of steam flowing in the steam supply channel 6 generates on the shutter 21 of the non-return valve 20 an opening force which exceeds the elastic closing force exerted by the elastic element 23.
    [0048] The non-return valve 20 initially closed consequently opens, allowing the steam to enter the mixing chamber 4.
    [0049] At the same time the pressure of the part of steam flowing in the steam supply channel 25 generates on the first portion 10a of the shutter 10 an opening force of the shutter 10 which overcomes the elastic closing force exerted by the elastic element 11.
    [0050] The shut-off valve 9 initially closed consequently opens allowing the milk to enter the mixing chamber 4.
    [0051] The steam entering the mixing chamber 4 generates within the latter a negative pressure variation which recalls milk and air in the mixing chamber 4 through the relative feed channels 5, 7.
    [0052] It should be noted that the correct operation of the foaming device 1 is in any case ensured by the fact that the milk flows inside the mixing chamber 4 also due to its own weight, being as said contained in a containment body 2 placed above the mixing body 3.
    [0053] When the controller of the coffee machine commands the steam supply to stop, the opening force acting on the on-off valve 9 disappears, which consequently closes due to the undisputed action of the elastic element 11.
    [0054] In the same way the opening force acting on the non-return valve 20 which closes due to the undisputed action of the elastic element 23 also vanishes thus preventing the reflux of milk towards the steam supply channel 6.
    [0055] To regulate the degree of foaming of the milk it is possible to provide on the air supply channel 7 suitable means (not shown) for adjusting the passage section which can be activated from a position of complete opening of the air passage section to obtain the maximum degree of foam and a position of complete closure of the air passage section to obtain milk without foam.
    [0056] In the milk foaming device according to the invention the milk dispensing cycle is completely subordinate to the steam dispensing cycle since it starts when the steam is dispensed and continues as long as the delivery of the steam, possibly until the containment body is completely emptied 2.
    [0057] Furthermore, the provision of the containment body 2 above the mixing body 3 allows a greater uniformity in the foaming process which is not subject to variations due to the difference in height, of milk draft typical of traditional devices where the body mixing is placed above the milk containment body.
    [0058] The milk foaming device thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept; furthermore all the details may be replaced by technically equivalent elements.
    [0059] In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and to the state of the art.
    权利要求:
    Claims (15)
    [1]
    1. Milk foaming device (1) comprising a milk containment body (2) and a mixing body (3) in turn comprising a mixing chamber (4), a milk supply channel (5) from the containment body (2) to the mixing chamber (4), a steam supply circuit comprising at least one steam supply channel (6) to the mixing chamber (4), an air supply channel (7) to the chamber mixing (4), and a milk outlet channel (8) from the mixing chamber (4), characterized in that in said milk supply channel (5) there is a shut-off valve (9) operated by the steam of the steam supply circuit.
    [2]
    2. Milk foaming device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said steam supply circuit comprises a further steam supply channel (25) for controlling the opening movement of a shutter (10) of said shut-off valve (9).
    [3]
    3. The milk foaming device (1) according to the previous claim, characterized in that said obturator (10) has a first portion (10a) for intercepting the steam which is sealingly engaged in said further steam supply channel (25), and a second portion (10b) of milk interception.
    [4]
    4. Milk foaming device (1) according to the previous claim, characterized in that said further steam supply channel (25) crosses said milk supply channel (5) transversely.
    [5]
    5. Milk foaming device (1) according to the previous claim, characterized in that said obturator (10) is supported in a translatable way along said further steam supply channel (25).
    [6]
    6. Milk foaming device (1) according to the previous claim, characterized in that said obturator (10) is movable in contrast and by the action of an elastic element (11).
    [7]
    7. Milk foaming device (1) according to claims 3 to 6, characterized in that said elastic element (11) is positioned between said second portion (10b) of the shutter (10) and a sliding seat for said second portion (10b) of the shutter (10) which crosswise crosses said milk supply channel (5) on the side diametrically opposite to said further steam supply channel (25).
    [8]
    8. Milk foaming device (1) according to any previous claim, characterized in that in use position said containing body (2) is arranged above said mixing body (3).
    [9]
    9. Milk foaming device (1) according to the previous claim, characterized in that said milk supply channel (5) has an inlet (5a) at a bottom wall (2a) of the containing body (2 ).
    [10]
    10. Milk foaming device (1) according to the previous claim, characterized in that in position of use said milk supply channel (5) has an outlet (5b) below said inlet (5a).
    [11]
    11. Milk foaming device (1) according to claims 9 and 10, characterized in that said bottom wall (2a) has the configuration of a cone presenting apically said inlet (5a).
    [12]
    12. Milk foaming device (1) according to any previous claim, characterized in that said containment body (2) has a removable closure cover (14) provided with at least one venting opening (15).
    [13]
    13. Milk foaming device (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that said steam feeding haul (6) has a terminal section shaped like a Venturi tube suitable for generating a negative pressure variation in the chamber of mixing (4) when a steam flow is delivered.
    [14]
    14. Coffee machine (100) comprising a milk foaming device (1) according to any previous claim.
    [15]
    15. Milk foaming control method with a foaming device (1) comprising a milk containment body (2) and a mixing body (3) in turn comprising a mixing chamber (4), a channel ( 5) for feeding the milk from the containment body (2) to the mixing chamber (4), a steam supply circuit comprising a channel (6) for supplying steam to the mixing chamber (4), a channel (7) supply of air to the mixing chamber (4), and a milk outlet channel (8) from the mixing chamber (4), characterized in that it uses the steam energy of said steam supply circuit as a driving force for opening a shut-off valve (9) provided in said milk supply channel (5).
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    CH711023B1|2019-12-13|
    ITMI20150553A1|2016-10-16|
    DE102016206166A1|2016-10-20|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    法律状态:
    2017-01-31| PCAR| Change of the address of the representative|Free format text: NEW ADDRESS: VIA ARIOSTO 6, 6901 LUGANO (CH) |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    ITMI2015A000553A|ITMI20150553A1|2015-04-16|2015-04-16|MILK FOAMING DEVICE|
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