瑞士专利CH711865A2 Method and device for producing milk foam.

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专利摘要:
In a method for producing milk foam, in particular for the preparation of milk foam-containing beverages in a coffee maker, the transported milk, a gaseous medium, in particular air, fed and conveyed the milk / air mixture formed to an outlet for milk foam or milk foam-containing beverages. The consistency of the milk foam produced is determined and controlled by a control process and / or changed by a setting. This ensures a perfect quality of the milk foam produced, even with variable conditions of use and operating conditions, in which, moreover, its consistency can be changed. The device for carrying out the above-mentioned method controls the adjustment of the consistency of the milk froth produced by means of a circuit. In a control process, at least one sensor (31) determines the consistency as an actual value transmitter for a control loop (35) with a setpoint generator.
公开号:CH711865A2
申请号:CH01853/15
申请日:2015-12-15
公开日:2017-06-15
发明作者:Steiner Adrian
申请人:Steiner Ag Weggis；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

The invention relates to a method for producing milk foam, in particular for the preparation of milk foam-containing beverages in a coffee machine, wherein the transported milk, a gaseous medium, in particular air, can be supplied and the milk / air mixture formed to an outlet for Milk foam or milk foam containing beverages is promoted, wherein the milk froth produced has a certain consistency.
In a generic device of a coffee machine according to the document EP-A-2 120656 B1 both cold and warm milk drinks as well as cold and warm milk foam for milk foam drinks, such as cappuccino, latte macchiato, milk coffee or chocolate drinks can be produced.
Such a coffee maker must always meet high standards in terms of product quality, although their use and operating conditions often vary. For example, the prevailing atmospheric pressure plays an important role for the quality of the milk froth produced, because depending on the location of the coffee machine, whether on a mountain or at sea level, the air supply quantity is influenced due to the different air pressure. Other factors include the temperature and / or nature of the type of milk used.
In the previously known coffee machines of the type mentioned, the air supply can indeed be set by hand with a throttle or the like means. The once set amount of air is then exposed to the above-mentioned disturbing factors in operation, which cause unintentional fluctuations in the intake air quantity and consequently the quality of the milk foam can change and be insufficient.
The invention has for its object to avoid these disadvantages and to provide a method of the type mentioned that ensures a constant impeccable quality of the milk foam produced even with variable operating conditions and operating conditions.
This object is achieved by the method according to the features of claim 1 and by the apparatus according to claim 11.
By this inventive determination of the consistency of the milk foam produced and the control of the same by a control process and / or by adjusting the consistency on the one hand the quality of the milk foam in the changing operating conditions can always be optimally maintained and its consistency can be adjusted as desired.
During the control process, this consistency of the milk foam produced is determined and changed in deviation from a target value in particular by controlling the air supply, so that this consistency always approximately corresponds to the target value.
The invention further provides that the desired value of the air supply quantity in dependence on the temperature and / or consistency of the milk foam to be produced is adjustable. This allows precise regulation of the amount of air in both cold and hot foamy drinks. This also applies to the preparation of drinks with different foam consistencies.
The invention further provides that the desired value of the air supply amount is also adjustable depending on the type of milk used and / or the level of the milk storage container. For example, this allows specific settings for uperized milk, whole milk or skimmed milk. The same applies to the operation with a full or nearly empty milk container.
The inventive device consists of largely standardized components that take up little space and are easy to install in new and used coffee machines. The device is also easy to expand and thus can be used in different types of machines.
Very advantageously, at least one consistency determining sensor is provided as an actual value transmitter for a control loop, wherein this can be done by a capacitive measurement or an electrical resistance measurement.
The invention further provides that the setpoint generator of air flow regulation by a milk foam heating controlling valve and / or by the power consumption of the pump as a measure of the consistency of the milk foam is adjustable. In this way, the air flow control for both cold and hot drinks is effective, regardless of the type of drink to be prepared and the appropriate degree of consistency of the milk foam.
The inventive device may also be provided with a control circuit for the amount of current of the pump, which can be drawn by this different amount of electricity a conclusion on the milk foam consistency.
To set the setpoint generator and the milk storage tank with a standing in conjunction with him Milchsortenanzeige and / or a level indicator and / or a temperature display can be provided. Thereby, the air supply amount can be regulated according to the type of milk used and / or the level of the milk container.
In coffee machines, which are provided with a grinding degree automatically regulating coffee grinder, it is expedient in terms of optimized product quality as needed, to take into account when setting the setpoint generator and the degree of grinding of the coffee.
The invention will be described below with reference to an embodiment with reference to the drawings. It shows:
Fig. 1 shows a diagram of an inventive device for producing milk foam and / or drinks containing milk foam.
The device according to FIG. 1 has one or more milk containers 1, 1 'from which cold milk is sucked in via a suction line 2 by means of a pump 3. The milk containers 1, 1 'can optionally be connected to the intake line 2 via a directional control valve 4. They may contain different types of milk, such as up-fermented milk, whole milk or skimmed milk, as well as milk with additives such as chocolate, vanilla, etc. In the suction line 2 is also preferably a measuring device 5, with which the flow rate of sucked by the pump 3 milk can be measured.
This device may be constructed as a separate unit. But it can also be advantageous as part of a commercial coffee machine.
To produce the milk foam, the milk is admixed via an opening into the intake 2 air supply line 6 with an air inlet 6 ', a certain amount of air or a comparable gas medium. Of course, the air supply for the outlet can also be suppressed to omit only hot or cold milk without foaming.
The pump 3 is in turn equipped with a built-in speed controller in the device, consisting of a setpoint generator 17, an actuated via the motor power line 21 and 20 a value of the actual value of the setpoint determining signal generator 19 via the line 18 and optionally subsequent adjustment of the pump speed via the line 21 composed.
In the suction line 2 for the milk and possibly air is immediately after the pump 3 or after a line section, a throttle point 22, which may be a throttle valve or a nozzle, the passage opening is first tapered and then expanded. It supports the conversion of the supplied milk / air mixture into milk foam. This throttle point 22 could also connect directly to the pump 3.
Following the leading to the pump 3 suction line 2 is followed by a line 23, to which an intended as a pipe or hose outlet line 24, which preferably has a length of up to 30 cm, so that the milk foam is formed in this line and so far can consolidate that a high-quality and consistent in its consistency foam is formed, for example, when it is passed into a cup 25.
The device allows the optional production of cold and warm milk foam by the line 23 has two optionally via a directional control valve 26 switchable parallel sections 23a, 23b, wherein the line section 23a is provided with a water heater 27. When the milk froth is passed through the conduit section 23a, warm milk froth or a warm foamy beverage results in the outlet line 24. Otherwise, the milk foam is continued directly via the line section 23b in the outlet line 24 and can be removed there as a cold milk foam or cold foamy beverage. This could also connect directly to the pump 3. Furthermore, in each case a throttle point 22 could be present at these parallel sections 23a, 23b.
According to the invention, the milk foam produced is controlled by a control process with a determination of its consistency or changed by adjusting its consistency.
During the control process, this consistency of the milk foam produced is determined and changed in deviation from a target value, in particular by controlling the air supply, so that this consistency always approximately corresponds to the target value. For this purpose, a consistency determining sensor 31 is provided as an actual value transmitter for a control circuit 35 with a setpoint generator 33, which is connected to the setpoint generator 9 and the control loop 8 of the air quantity controller.
The respective sensor 31 is designed such that with it the consistency can be determined by measuring electrical properties of the milk foam when flowing through a line 23 in front of the outlet 24. This can be done by a capacitive measurement or a resistance measurement in which the electrical resistance changes due to the different amount of the air bubbles contained in the foam.
Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided that the consistency of the milk foam is determined by measuring the power consumption of the pump 3, wherein this is done at the same speed according to the above-explained control of the pump 3. With increasing creamy consistency increases the flow resistance of the milk and thus the power consumption of the pump 3, and vice versa, this resistance is reduced with higher liquid content of the milk foam. Conveniently, in the pump 3 via the line 18 connected to the control circuit 16 sensor or measuring medium for measuring the power consumption is integrated. Deviations from the desired value are then supplied via the line 32 to the setpoint generator 9 of the air flow control, so that with this measurement of the power consumption of the pump a reliable size for achieving an optimal consistency of the milk foam is possible.
In the context of the invention, the consistency of the milk foam produced can also be set to different values with or without the above-explained control by the controller 7, a circuit is provided in which, for example, two different consistencies are selectable, the one for Cappuccino and the other for the creation of a graphic pattern on the surface of the drink, which is drawn, for example, the shape of a heart, a flower, a plant or the like.
In an automated operation of a coffee maker, this setting can be done automatically from one to the other value of the consistency, depending on which beverage has been selected.
As a further advantage, the water hardness and / or the concentration of the cleaning agent during the cleaning process of the device can be detected with this sensor 31 or with an additional sensor also. This Hesse set by an unspecified control adjust the amount of detergent or malfunction in the cleaning eruieren and display. Again, the sensor would operate on the basis of a capacitive or a measurement of the electrical resistance of the fluid.
The amount of air added is decisive for the quality of the milk foam or the milk foam-containing beverage. So that it always remains optimal in operation, regardless of variable factors, such as the atmospheric pressure, the device has an integrated in the controller 7 of the coffee air flow controller 8, consisting of an automatically adjustable setpoint generator 9, a flow rate meter 10, an actual value 11th , a signal generator 12 (which signals the deviation of the actual value from the target value), a proportional or throttle valve 15 controlled by it via the line 13 as a control member for closing and opening the air supply line 6.
The proportional valve 15 has the advantage that it allows a particularly sensitive air flow control. In the context of the invention, however, it is of course also possible to use other comparably operating valves or so-called actuators as a control element.
The setting of the setpoint generator 9 for the air flow regulator 8 takes place automatically with the relevant parameters, which in the described embodiment, on the one hand, the type of milk and / or the level and the temperature of each operating milk container 1 or 1 '. For this purpose, corresponding display elements 28 are provided in these, which are effective on the setpoint generator 9 via the line 29.
The assignment of the setpoint adjustment to the individual containers via the line 30, via which the respective switching position of the directional control valve 4 is displayed. Depending on the level of a respective milk container 1 or 1 'more milk is sucked at the same pump performance when they are full or less when the container or containers are almost empty. Therefore, more or less air is supplied accordingly, so that this remains relatively proportionate to the milk delivered.
As a further parameter for setting the setpoint generator 9, the temperature of the milk foam is used. For this purpose, the directional valve 26 is connected to the setpoint generator 9 via a line 14 in connection, through which it the respective operating state «cold or warm milk foam» is displayed.
In the described embodiment, the setpoint generator 9 is also set in dependence on the current power consumption of the pump 3 via the line 32. The amount of electricity is sometimes dependent on the consistency of the milk froth prepared, as the pump must do more work for the same amount of power in a denser consistency. In this way, it is possible to regulate the foam consistency via the motor power line 18 of the pump and to program it depending on the nature of the product to be processed, such as cappuccino, latte macchiato, latte or, for example, a chocolate drink.
Although the device described is designed as part of an automatic coffee machine. But it can also work as a stand-alone device, or it can also be retrofitted into existing machines.
The inventive device is characterized by the fact that it is simple in terms of apparatus, and that in her no manual adjustment of the air supply is necessary because it is automatically adjusted by taking the relevant parameters. These can be selected on a case by case basis depending on the conditions of use.
Of course, this regulation could be done by different variants. So could be used instead of a proportional or metering valve as a control element, for example, a flapper valve or the like.
Instead of a pump 3 and a throttle point 22 for the suction of the milk and an intake by means of the proven Venturi system with steam supply or the like could be used.
Depending on the use of a device or coffee machine according to the invention, one or more parameters for the desired value setting (s) may be expedient.

权利要求:
Claims (20)
[1]
The invention is sufficiently demonstrated with the embodiments explained above. But you could of course still be explained by other variants. For example, a plurality of sensors could each be provided for each of the two line sections 23a, 23b. In principle, the change in the consistency of the milk froth produced could also be achieved by mechanical means, for example by the use of different restrictions at the throttle point by means of an adjustable valve or by changing the pump speed. claims
1. A method for producing milk foam, in particular for the preparation of milk foam-containing beverages in a coffee machine, wherein the transported milk, a gaseous medium, in particular air, can be supplied and the milk / air mixture formed to an outlet (24) for milk foam or milk foam Be promoted, wherein the milk foam produced has a certain consistency, characterized in that the consistency of the milk foam produced is determined and controlled by a control process and / or can be changed by adjustment.
[2]
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that determines the consistency of the milk foam produced during the control process and is changed in deviation from a desired value by controlling the amount of air supply to this.
[3]
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the consistency of the milk foam produced can be set to different values.
[4]
4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the consistency is determined by measuring electrical properties of the milk foam when flowing through the outlet (24).
[5]
5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the milk is conveyed by a pump (3) and the consistency of the milk foam is determined by measuring the power consumption of the pump at a controlled same speed thereof, wherein with increasing consistency of the Flow resistance of the milk foam and thus the power consumption of the pump increases, and vice versa.
[6]
6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the consistency of the milk foam produced by changing the air supply quantity is variable or adjustable.
[7]
7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the consistency of the milk foam produced in terms of its air content per volume measured and is variable by controlling the air supply amount.
[8]
8. A method for producing milk foam, in particular for the preparation of milk foam-containing beverages in a coffee machine, wherein the supplied milk, a gaseous medium, in particular air, can be supplied and the milk / air mixture formed to an outlet (24) for milk foam or milk foam Be promoted drinks, characterized in that the air supply amount is controlled with an adjustable setpoint, which is variable in dependence on one or more parameters.
[9]
9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the desired value of the air supply amount depending on the type of milk used and / or the level of a milk storage container (1,1) and / or the milk temperature is adjustable therein as a parameter.
[10]
10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the desired value of the air supply quantity is adjustable as a function of the consistency of the milk foam to be produced as a parameter.
[11]
11. A device for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the adjustment of the consistency of the milk foam produced by means of a circuit and / or at a control process at least one consistency determining sensor (31) as an actual value for a Control circuit (35) is provided with a setpoint generator (33).
[12]
12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the respective sensor (31) is designed such that with him the consistency by measuring electrical properties of the milk foam when flowing through a conduit (23) in front of the outlet (24) can be determined this can be done by a capacitive measurement or a resistance measurement.
[13]
13. The apparatus of claim 11 or 12, characterized in that a pump (3) is provided for the delivery of milk, in which via a line (18) with a control circuit (16) connected sensor for measuring the power consumption is integrated ,
[14]
14. An apparatus for carrying out the method according to any one of the preceding claims 8 to 10, characterized in that for the supply amount regulation of the gaseous medium, in particular air, an air flow regulator is provided, consisting of a setpoint generator (9), a flow rate meter (10 ), an actual value transmitter (11), a signal generator (12) which compares the actual value with the desired value, a control element (15) which can be actuated by the latter for the throttled or full opening or closing of the air supply line (6).
[15]
15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the control element (15) is designed as a proportional or metering valve, wherein the setpoint generator (9) adjustable by a program for different setpoint settings for the setpoint generator (9) in the control loop (8) of the air volume regulation is.
[16]
16. The apparatus of claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the setpoint generator (9) of the air flow regulator (8) by a milk foam heating (27) controlling valve (26) is adjustable.
[17]
17. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that a pump (3) for conveying the milk from a reservoir (1, 1 ') or the like is provided and the medium, in particular air, can be supplied, wherein the setpoint generator (9) the air quantity regulator (8) is adjustable as a function of the power consumption at a controlled same speed of the pump (3) as a value for the consistency of the milk foam.
[18]
18. Coffee machine with a device according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 17, characterized in that a circuit for different setpoint settings is provided depending on the desired milk foam consistency according to the type of beverage to be produced.
[19]
19. Coffee machine according to claim 18, characterized in that the milk storage container (1, 1 ') with a Milchsortenanzeige and / or a level indicator (28) for adjusting the setpoint generator (9) is provided.
[20]
20. Coffee machine according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the respective degree of grinding at least one coffee grinder is adjustable by a controller, the respective freeness serves as a parameter for setting the setpoint generator (9) in the control loop (8) of the air volume regulation.

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引用文献:

公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题

DE102018121567A1|2018-09-04|2020-03-05|Melitta Professional Coffee Solutions GmbH & Co. KG|Method and device for producing milk-air emulsions|

EP3763258A1|2019-07-10|2021-01-13|FRANKE Kaffeemaschinen AG|Device and method for producing a foam-like milk / air mixture|DE3407030C1|1984-02-27|1991-01-03|Gesamat AG, Ballwil|Device for preparing hot beverages|

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AT547033T|2007-01-09|2012-03-15|Steiner Ag Weggis|METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING MILK FOOD OR MILK DRINKS|

DK2317898T3|2008-07-14|2012-10-15|Nestec Sa|WATER CIRCULATION SYSTEM FOR A DRINK PREPARATION DEVICE|

CH700103B1|2008-12-10|2020-07-31|Steiner Ag Weggis|Coffee machine.|

DE102011102734A1|2011-05-20|2012-11-22|WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Aktiengesellschaft|Device for frothing milk, beverage preparation with this device and method for frothing milk|

DE102011077776B4|2011-06-17|2013-11-14|Wmf Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Ag|Device for heating and frothing a beverage product|

CH705198B1|2011-06-30|2020-04-30|Steiner Ag Weggis|Cleaning system for a coffee machine.|

DE102013104339A1|2013-04-29|2014-10-30|Melitta Professional Coffee Solutions GmbH & Co. KG|Method and device for producing dairy products, in particular milk froth|

CH708909A2|2013-11-29|2015-05-29|Steiner Ag Weggis|Method and apparatus for discharging milk foam, liquids or the like.|

PT3039999T|2015-01-05|2018-05-23|Gruppo Cimbali Spa|Apparatus and method for dispensing foamed or non-foamed milk|

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US11083328B2|2017-06-22|2021-08-10|Starbucks Corporation|Apparatus and method for foaming a beverage|

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法律状态:

优先权:

申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

CH01853/15A|CH711865B1|2015-12-15|2015-12-15|Method and device for producing milk foam.|CH01853/15A| CH711865B1|2015-12-15|2015-12-15|Method and device for producing milk foam.|

EP16200181.2A| EP3181021A1|2015-12-15|2016-11-23|Device and method for creating milk foam|

US15/375,330| US10631561B2|2015-12-15|2016-12-12|Method and apparatus for producing milk foam|

JP2016240123A| JP2017121474A|2015-12-15|2016-12-12|Method and device for forming milk foam|

US16/826,659| US10897919B2|2015-12-15|2020-03-23|Method for producing milk foam|

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