• 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 containment body and a mixing body in turn comprising a mixing chamber with a Venturi effect, a channel for feeding the milk from the containing body to the mixing chamber, an adduction channel for steam to the mixing chamber, an air supply channel to the mixing chamber, and a milk outlet channel from the mixing chamber, a shut-off valve having a shutter operable in opening by a negative pressure variation in the mixing chamber.
    公开号:CH711024B1
    申请号:CH00468/16
    申请日:2016-04-11
    公开日:2019-12-13
    发明作者:De' Longhi Giuseppe；Panciera Antonio
    申请人:De Longhi Appliances Srl；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Description [0001] The present invention refers 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 milk foaming device comprises a milk containment body and a mixing body positioned above the milk containment body. The mixing body in turn comprises a mixing chamber with a Venturi effect, a channel for feeding the milk to the mixing chamber, a channel for supplying steam to the mixing chamber, a channel for supplying air to the mixing chamber, and an outlet channel for the frothed milk from the mixing chamber. When the steam flow is delivered, thanks to the depression created in the mixing chamber, the milk adduction channel sucks the milk from the underlying milk containment body. The flow of the sucked milk however varies considerably according to the filling level of the milk containment body, and more precisely the flow of sucked milk decreases as the milk containment body empties. In fact, as the milk level decreases, the head required for the suction system increases to lift the milk and bring 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 skimming of the milk.
    [0004] The technical task proposed by the present invention is therefore to provide a milk foaming device which allows to eliminate the technical drawbacks alleged by the prior art.
    [0005] Within the scope of this technical task, an object of the invention is to provide a milk foaming device that allows complete control of the mixing of steam, air and milk to ensure the correct foaming is performed.
    [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 containment body and a mixing body in turn comprising a mixing chamber with a Venturi effect, a milk supply channel from the containment body 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 from the mixing chamber, characterized from the fact that between an inlet and an outlet of said milk feed channel which opens in said mixing chamber there is an interception valve having a shutter which can be actuated during opening by a negative pressure variation in the mixing chamber.
    [0007] The present invention also reveals a coffee machine comprising such a milk frothing device.
    Finally, the present invention discloses a method of controlling the foaming of the milk with a foaming device comprising a milk containment body and a mixing body in turn comprising a mixing chamber with a Venturi effect, an adduction channel of the milk from the containment body 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 from the mixing chamber, characterized in that it uses the negative pressure variation induced in the mixing chamber by an incoming flow of steam as motive force for opening an interception valve provided in said milk feed channel.
    Other features of the present invention are further defined in the dependent claims.
    [0010] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer 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 accompanying drawings, wherein:
    fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a coffee machine with the foaming device mounted;
    fig. 2 shows the foaming device detached from the coffee machine;
    fig. 3 shows a section of the foaming device with the milk shut-off valve in the closed position; and fig. 4 shows a section of the foaming device with the milk shut-off valve in the open position.
    [0011] With reference to the figures cited, the milk frothing device 1 is of the type that can be associated with a coffee machine 100.
    The coffee machine 100 comprises a frame 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108 inside which there is a hot water circuit (not shown) connected to an infusion unit (not shown) equipped with a dispenser outside of coffee 101, and a steam circuit (not shown) equipped with a steam dispenser 102.
    CH 711 024 B1 [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.
    The external coffee dispenser 101 protrudes from the front wall 103 of the frame at a certain height above a support surface 110 for cups 111 which in turn extends from the support base 107 in front of the front wall 103 of the frame.
    [0015] The milk foaming device 1 comprises a milk containment body 2 and a mixing body 3 rigidly connected to each other.
    The mixing body 3 in turn comprises a mixing chamber 4 with a Venturi effect, a channel 5 for feeding the milk to the mixing chamber 4 having an inlet 5a and an outlet 5b which opens into the mixing chamber 4, 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 in the mixing chamber 4, and a channel 8 for leaving the mixing chamber 4 having an inlet 8a which opens in the mixing chamber 4 and an outlet 8b.
    [0017] The steam supply channel 6 has the inlet 6a obtained in a fitting 17 for connection to the steam dispenser 102 of the coffee machine 100 and the outlet 6b at the end of a tube-shaped terminal section of Venturi suitable for the generation of a negative pressure variation in the mixing chamber 4 when a flow of steam is delivered.
    [0018] The steam adduction channel 6 at least in its end portion comprising the outlet 6b develops rectilinearly along an axis L for introducing the steam into the mixing chamber 4. Preferably the steam adduction channel 6 extends along the entire length the axis L for introducing the steam into the mixing chamber 4.
    [0019] The milk adduction channel 5 has an axis M for introducing the milk into the mixing chamber 4 oriented orthogonally with respect to the axis L for introducing the steam. In particular, the milk adduction channel 5 develops entirely along the axis M of introduction of the milk into the mixing chamber 4.
    [0020] The air supply channel 7 also has an axis for introducing air into the mixing chamber 4 oriented orthogonally with respect to the axis L for introducing the steam.
    [0021] The outlet channel 8 has a first section proximal to the mixing chamber 4 which develops coaxially with respect to the axis L of the steam adduction channel 6 and a second section distal from the mixing chamber 4 which develops radially with respect to the L axis of the steam supply channel 6.
    [0022] The fitting 17 has a shape conjugated to a support seat 18 obtained on the front wall 103 of the coffee machine 100. The support seat 18 supports the foaming device 1 in air suspension at a distance above the support surface 110 for the 111 cups.
    [0023] The support seat 18 is formed in particular by a recess of the front wall 103 of the frame of the coffee machine 100 which also has the function of protecting the steam dispenser 102.
    [0024] Advantageously, between the inlet 5a and the outlet 5b of the milk adduction channel 5 there is an interception valve 9 having a shutter 10 which can be actuated during opening by a negative pressure variation in the mixing chamber 4. The shutter 10 is movable in contrast and by the action of an elastic element 11 which is also positioned in the milk adduction channel 5.
    [0025] In particular, the obturator 10 is formed by a sphere while the elastic element 11 is formed by a helical spring. The shutter 10 is positioned between the elastic element 11 and a wall 5c at the end of the milk adduction channel 5 where the inlet 5a is obtained.
    [0026] The elastic element 11 is positioned between the obturator 10 and an internal shoulder 19 of the milk adduction channel 5 proximal to the outlet 5b.
    [0027] The sphere can therefore be operated for the direct closure of entrance 5a.
    [0028] In the steam adduction channel 6 there is a non-return valve 20 having a shutter 21 movable in contrast and by the action of an elastic element 23 for the opening of an orifice 22 which connects the inlet 6a and the outlet 6b of the steam adduction channel 6.
    [0029] Also in this case the shutter 21 is formed by a sphere while the elastic element 23 is formed by a helical spring.
    [0030] The elastic element 23 is positioned between the shutter 21 and an internal shoulder 24 of the steam adduction channel 6 proximal to the outlet 6b.
    [0031] 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 axis M for introducing the milk into the mixing chamber 4.
    CH 711 024 B1 [0032] 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 external to the cylinder having apically the wall 5c where entrance 5a is obtained.
    [0033] In the position of use in which the fitting 17 is engaged in the support seat 18, the foaming device 1 is arranged in front of the front wall 103 of the frame of the coffee machine 100 with the axis L for introducing the steam into the chamber. mixer 4 oriented parallel to the support surface of the coffee machine 100.
    [0034] In the use position, moreover, the milk feeding 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 use position the axis M for introducing the milk into the mixing chamber 4 is oriented orthogonally to the support surface of the coffee machine 100.
    [0035] The method of controlling the foaming of the milk with the foaming device 1 involves using the negative pressure variation induced in the mixing chamber 4 by an incoming flow of steam as the driving force for opening the shut-off valve 9.
    [0036] The operation of the milk foaming device 1 is briefly as follows.
    [0037] First remove the lid 15 and fill the containment body 2 with milk, then close the containment body 2 with the lid 15 and connect the foaming device 1 to the coffee machine 100 if you do not previously connected.
    [0038] The connection is made with a translational movement of the foaming device 1 in the direction of the L axis until completion of the engagement of the fitting 17 in the support seat 18.
    [0039] The milk delivery cycle begins when the controller of the coffee machine commands the start of the delivery of a flow of steam that the steam adduction channel 6 conveys to the mixing chamber 4.
    [0040] The pressure of the steam generates an opening force on the shutter 21 of the non-return valve 20 which exceeds the elastic closing force exerted by the elastic element 23.
    [0041] The non-return valve 20 initially closed consequently opens allowing steam to access the mixing chamber 4.
    [0042] The steam entering the mixing chamber 4 generates a negative pressure variation inside the mixing chamber which produces an opening force on the shutter 10 of the shut-off valve 9 which exceeds the elastic closing force exerted by the element elastic 11.
    [0043] The shut-off valve 9 initially closed consequently opens allowing the suction of milk into the mixing chamber 4.
    [0044] At the same time the negative pressure variation draws air into the mixing chamber 4 through the air supply channel 7.
    [0045] When the controller of the coffee machine commands the stop of the steam supply, there is no Venturi effect in the mixing chamber 4, there is a positive change in pressure which returns to the atmospheric pressure value.
    Consequently, the opening force acting on the shut-off valve 9, which closes again, vanishes.
    [0047] In the absence of a vapor pressure, the opening force acting on the non-return valve 20 also vanishes, which closes again thus preventing the backflow of milk towards the steam supply channel 6.
    [0048] To regulate the milk froth degree, it is possible to provide on the air supply channel 7 special 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.
    [0049] In the milk foaming device according to the invention, the milk dispensing cycle is completely subordinated to the steam dispensing cycle in that it begins when steam delivery is started and continues as long as the dispensing of the milk persists. steam, possibly until the container 2 is completely emptied.
    [0050] Furthermore, the provision of the containment body 2 above the mixing body 3 allows for greater uniformity in the foaming process which is not subject to variations due to the difference in the milk drawing height typical of traditional devices where the body of mixing is placed above the milk containment body.
    [0051] The milk foaming device thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the independent claims; moreover, all the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements.
    [0052] In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.
    CH 711 024 B1
    权利要求:
    Claims (12)
    [1]
    claims
    1. Milk foaming device (1) comprising a milk containment body (2) and a mixing body (3) in turn comprising a mixing chamber (4) with Venturi effect, an adduction channel (5) milk from the containment body (2) to the mixing chamber (4), a channel (6) for supplying steam to the mixing chamber (4), a channel (7) for supplying air to the mixing chamber (4) , and a channel (8) for the milk to exit from the mixing chamber (4), characterized in that between an inlet (5a) and an outlet (5b) of said milk feed channel (5) which opens into said a mixing chamber (4) is provided with a shut-off valve (9) having a shutter (10) which can be activated on opening by a negative pressure variation in the mixing chamber (4).
    [2]
    Milk foaming device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said shutter (10) is movable in contrast and by the action of an elastic element (11).
    [3]
    Milk foaming device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said elastic element (11) is formed by a helical spring.
    [4]
    Milk foaming device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said shutter (10) is formed by a sphere.
    [5]
    Milk foaming device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the position of use said containment body (2) is arranged above said mixing body (3).
    [6]
    Milk foaming device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said milk feed channel (5) has said inlet (5a) at a bottom wall (2a) of the containment body (2 ).
    [7]
    Milk foaming device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that in the position of use said milk feed channel (5) has said outlet (5b) below said inlet (5a).
    [8]
    Milk foaming device (1) according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that said bottom wall (2a) has the configuration of a cone apically presenting said inlet (5a).
    [9]
    Milk foaming device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said steam supply channel (6) has a non-return valve (20).
    [10]
    Milk foaming device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said containment body (2) has a removable closing cover (14) provided with at least one vent opening (15).
    [11]
    Coffee machine (100) comprising a milk foaming device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.
    [12]
    12. Method for controlling the foaming of the milk with a foaming device (1) comprising a milk containment body (2) and a mixing body (3) in turn comprising a mixing chamber (4) with a Venturi effect, a channel (5) for supplying the milk from the containment body (2) to the mixing chamber (4), a channel (6) for supplying steam to the mixing chamber (4), a channel (7) for supplying air to the mixing chamber (4), and a channel (8) for the milk to exit from the mixing chamber (4), characterized in that it uses the negative pressure variation induced in the mixing chamber (4) by an incoming flow of steam as motive force for opening an interception valve (9) provided in said milk supply channel (5).
    CH 711 024 B1

    CH 711 024 B1
    106


    CH 711 024 B1
    G
    6 a

    100 .1
    CH 711 024 B1
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    DE102016206160A1|2016-10-20|
    ITMI20150552A1|2016-10-16|
    CH711024A2|2016-10-31|
    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
    ITMI2015A000552A|ITMI20150552A1|2015-04-16|2015-04-16|MILK FOAMING DEVICE|
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