• 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 invention relates to a disposable milk container (1) for a coffee machine. In order to propose measures by which the durability and the hygienic condition of milk in a coffee machine can be improved, it is provided according to the invention that the disposable milk container comprises: a container body (2) for receiving milk, an intake tube (12) extending downwardly within the container body (2) from an upper container portion (2.1) towards a lower container portion (2.2) and having an upper tube end portion (12.1) for connection to a connection tube (20) of the coffee machine, and a closure (10 ), which hermetically seals the upper end pipe portion (12.1) from an environment of the one-way milk container (1).
    公开号:CH714028A2
    申请号:CH00929/18
    申请日:2018-07-26
    公开日:2019-01-31
    发明作者:Margit Petter Dr
    申请人:Margit Petter Dr；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Description: The invention relates to a disposable milk container for a coffee machine.
    Known coffee machines or fully automatic coffee machines, which are able to prepare coffee-milk mixed drinks, access a milk container that is inserted into the machine. From this container, the milk is normally sucked in via a suction pipe and a flexible connecting hose by means of a pump and then, if necessary after heating and / or foaming, added to the drink. There are two types of milk containers. On the one hand, reusable containers are used, which are part of the machine to a certain extent. These are e.g. filled with milk from a beverage carton and must be cleaned regularly. However, the surfaces of the container are generally not at least largely sterilized during cleaning. As soon as milk is poured into the cleaned container, it is therefore exposed to a considerable extent to germs that still adhere to the surface of the container. In addition, disposable containers are used directly, with a metal pipe, e.g. made of stainless steel, pierced through the container wall and led to near the bottom of the container. The pipe in turn is connected to a connection hose of the coffee machine, which in turn is connected to a pump. Although the inside of the disposable container can be regarded as somewhat sterile, the inserted metal tube is used again and again and can only be cleaned inadequately, particularly as regards the interior of the tube. Since this tube is permanently immersed in the milk container, this can also contaminate the milk, which again has an adverse effect on its shelf life. It could also be that potentially harmful microbes are absorbed by the consumer with the milk.
    The invention is therefore based on the object to propose measures by which the shelf life and the hygienic condition of milk can be improved in a coffee machine.
    The object is achieved by a disposable milk container according to claim 1.
    [0005] The invention provides a disposable milk container for a coffee machine. The term "disposable milk container" means, of course, that the milk container (which is used below as an abbreviation for "disposable milk container") is intended for single use, i.e. once it has been used, it is intended that it be disposed of and, depending on the design, can be recycled, composted or incinerated, for example. The milk container is intended for use in a coffee machine. The coffee machine can in particular be a fully automatic coffee machine, in any case a machine that prepares mixed coffee-milk drinks, for example latte macchiato or cappuccino. The fact that the milk container is suitable for use in such a coffee machine naturally does not preclude other uses of the milk container according to the invention. With regard to its outer dimensions, depending on the embodiment, the milk container can correspond at least approximately to disposable milk containers or also reusable milk containers that are used in coffee machines according to the prior art.
    The milk container has a container body for receiving milk. The container body encloses an interior in which the milk is taken up in a ready-to-use, unused state. The term "milk" is to be interpreted broadly and includes in particular whole milk, low-fat milk, UHT milk, lactose-free milk, soy milk, etc. It goes without saying that the container body must be at least liquid-tight, usually also air-tight, in order to prevent any contamination or drying out of the To avoid the interior.
    Furthermore, the container has a suction pipe which extends downward within the container body from an upper container section in the direction of a lower container section or which extends downward within the container body with at least a section from an upper container section towards a lower container section extends and which has an upper tube end portion for connection to a connection hose of the coffee machine. The “upper container section” is defined as that part or section of the disposable milk container or the container which, when used as intended, is arranged at the top in relation to gravity, while the “lower container section” is arranged at the bottom. The upper / lower container section can in particular comprise the upper / lower 30% of the container or the upper / lower 25%, 20% or 15%. The suction pipe is preferably dimensionally stable, that is to say relatively stiff, so that during normal handling and use, for example due to movements of the milk within the container body, it does not deform or only deforms to a negligible extent. However, configurations are also conceivable in which the intake pipe is rather flexible in the manner of a hose. The intake pipe is preferably at least predominantly straight and preferably runs at least predominantly at an angle of less than 20 °, in particular less than 10 ° to the vertical, which in turn is related to the direction of gravity when used as intended. The cross section of the intake pipe is normally circular, but deviations from this are also possible at least in sections. The suction pipe naturally serves to suck milk from the inside of the container body towards the upper container section. That is, when the upper pipe end portion or the upper end of the suction pipe is open and there is a negative pressure, milk is sucked out of the container body.
    The upper pipe end section could also be referred to as the upper pipe end region. It is of course arranged at the top when used as intended and is normally in contact with the container body in the upper container section. The container body normally has a recess in the upper container section
    CH 714 028 A2, into which the upper pipe end section opens or through which it is passed. Normally, the upper tube end section is connected directly or indirectly (via an intermediate element) to the container body. The connection is preferably liquid-tight, in particular air-tight. Embodiments are conceivable in which the upper tube end section protrudes at least slightly upward from the container body. Normally, however, the upper end of the upper tube end section is flush with the container body, so that the suction pipe is (practically) completely arranged within the container body.
    The upper tube end portion is intended and designed to be connected to a connection hose of the coffee machine. Such connection hoses are used in a large number of coffee machines and are normally either connected to a reusable milk container or to a reusable metal tube (sometimes also referred to as a lance) which is inserted into a conventional disposable milk container. While the connecting hose is flexible per se, it usually has an end piece or connecting piece made of plastic at its end. The upper pipe end section can thus have dimensions (for example an inner diameter) which are adapted to the dimensions of the end piece (for example its outer diameter). The dimensions of such an end piece are identical in many coffee machines, so that one and the same milk container can be used there. If the dimensions differ, for example, from different manufacturers, this can either be solved by an adapter or different milk containers can be used in which the upper tube end section is individually matched to the respective end piece.
    Furthermore, the milk container has a closure which closes the upper tube end section in an airtight manner from the surroundings of the disposable milk container. This closure prevents an unwanted exchange of gases, liquids or particles (e.g. germs) with the environment via the intake pipe. This prevents the interior from drying out or becoming contaminated as long as the milk container is not yet being used within the coffee machine. The closure normally closes the upper pipe end section or the upper end of the suction pipe in an airtight manner, although embodiments would also be conceivable in which the closure bulges over the upper pipe end section and to a certain extent forms an airtight “bell” or “dome” above the upper pipe end section. Of course, the closure is intended to be opened for the intended use of the milk container, which can be done, for example, by cutting through or at least partially removing the closure.
    In the milk container according to the invention, the suction pipe with the container body forms a unit that is closed to the outside and is protected from any contamination from the outside until use. In the course of the manufacture and filling of the milk container, its interior can be kept at least largely sterile, similarly to disposable milk containers known in the prior art. Even after opening the closure and establishing the connection with the connecting hose, there is no permanent contact between potentially non-sterile parts and the milk inside the container body. The first contact between the milk and non-sterile parts takes place during suction when the milk enters the connection hose. In particular, the outside of the intake pipe remains inside the interior and does not come into contact with the surroundings at any stage of use. Thus, the possibility of contamination of the milk by germs of any kind is low, so that its shelf life is significantly increased. As a rule, the milk can be used until the milk container is empty. In general, the hygienic condition of the milk is improved, so that it is unlikely that germs will get into the finished coffee-milk mix beverages in any significant amount.
    Embodiment are conceivable in which the closure is screwed, for example, airtight onto the container body or the suction pipe. In order to ensure a particularly reliable airtight seal, the closure is preferably integrally connected to the suction pipe and / or to the container body. This expressly includes the possibility that the closure is made in one piece with the suction pipe or the container body. As an alternative to a one-piece production, a subsequent connection would also be conceivable, for example by gluing, ultrasonic welding or the like.
    In particular, the closure can be formed by a film which can be pierced through an end piece of the connecting hose. As already mentioned above, the film can be formed in one piece with the suction pipe and / or the container body. The film can be formed, for example, from plastic, metal or a multilayer composite. In any case, it is made so thin (for example less than 0.2 mm or less than 0.1 mm) that it can be pierced through the end piece of the connecting hose. It is envisaged that the film forms an airtight seal until use. When the user wishes to use the milk container, he leads the end of the hose towards the film, exerts pressure and in this way pierces the film. The piercing of the film and the insertion of the end piece into the intake pipe can be done in one movement. Since the film can be very thin, it can e.g. partially remain between the connector and the intake pipe.
    In view of an inexpensive manufacture and a design that is as light as possible, it is preferred that the intake pipe is at least partially made of plastic. In particular, it can consist entirely of plastic. As already indicated, the closure, which can be designed as a film, for example, can be formed in one piece with the intake pipe.
    CH 714 028 A2 In order to achieve an optimal, in particular liquid and airtight connection between the suction pipe and the container body, it is preferred that the upper pipe end section is integrally connected to the container body. This can also effectively prevent an undesired displacement between the suction pipe and the container body, i.e. the position of the intake pipe can be secured at least in the area of the upper pipe end section. Embodiments are conceivable in which the intake pipe is at least partially made in one piece with the container body. Alternatively, the integral connection can be produced by gluing, thermal welding, ultrasonic welding or the like.
    In general, the suction pipe can be attached to the container body or attached to at least one inner surface area of the inner surface of the container body. In particular, the suction pipe can e.g. be integrally connected to at least one inner surface area of the inner surface of the container body.
    In principle, the container body could be formed by a flexible bag, for example made of plastic. In general, such a configuration, in which the container body is not able to keep its shape under its own weight and that of the milk contained, is not advantageous. The container body is therefore preferably dimensionally stable, with a lower surface or standing surface arranged in the lower container section. Herein, “dimensionally stable” means that the container body deforms only slightly under the influence of its own weight and possibly under the weight or pressure of the milk inside and essentially retains its shape (for example, cylindrical shape, prism shape or cuboid shape).
    A dimensional stability could be ensured, for example, by the container body being produced from sheet metal (e.g. tinplate) in the manner of a beverage can. However, it is preferred that the container body is designed as a beverage carton. Such a beverage carton is usually formed from a multi-layer composite, with a layer of cardboard onto which a plastic layer and possibly a metal foil are laminated. Such a beverage carton is typically cuboid.
    In order to enable the milk container to be emptied as completely as possible, it is preferred that a lower pipe end section of the suction pipe is arranged adjacent to the area of the container body with the lower surface or the standing surface. A minimum distance between the lower pipe end section and the area of the container body with the lower surface - or between the lower pipe end section and the container body - is preferably at most 5 mm, more preferably at most 2 mm, particularly preferably at most 1 mm. The lower tube end section can also be in contact at least in regions with the area of the container body that has the lower surface or standing surface, or the lower tube end section can also be in contact with the container body at least in regions.
    If the lower tube end section is in contact with the container body or with the area of the container body having the lower surface, or even if the minimum distance to the container body or this container body area is only very small, it must be ensured that Milk can still flow into the suction pipe. This can be achieved, for example, by the lower tube end section having at least one opening which extends upwards. In addition to a horizontally extending opening arranged at the bottom, the suction pipe can have a second, laterally arranged opening that extends upwards. In this case, it is possible that even if the lower opening lies completely against the container body or the container body region and is therefore blocked, milk can be sucked in through the lateral opening.
    [0021] According to another embodiment, the lower pipe end section has at least one downwardly projecting partial section or at least one downwardly projecting partial area. Correspondingly, there is also at least one partial section receding upwards or, accordingly, there is also at least one partial section receding upwards. If the projecting partial section or the projecting partial area is in contact with the container body or in contact with the area of the container body which has the lower surface or standing surface, the receding partial section or the receding partial area is still at a distance from one another the container body, so that an above-mentioned upwardly extending opening is formed adjacent to the receding partial section or the receding partial area.
    Details of the invention are explained below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the figures. Here shows
    Figure 1 is a perspective view of a disposable milk container according to the invention.
    FIG. 2 shows a perspective partial sectional illustration of the disposable milk container from FIG. 1;
    3 shows a detailed view with a lower end of an intake pipe of the disposable milk container from FIG. 1;
    4A shows a detailed view with an upper end of the intake pipe;
    4B shows a detailed view with the upper end of the intake pipe and a connecting hose during a connection process;
    CH 714 028 A2
    4C shows a detailed view with the upper container section and the connecting hose in the connected state; such as
    Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the disposable milk container with a connecting hose connected.
    1 shows a perspective view of a disposable milk container 1 according to the invention for a coffee machine (not shown in the figures), for example a fully automatic coffee machine. The milk container 1 has a container body 2 which is formed by a beverage carton made of composite. The orientation shown in FIGS. 1-5 corresponds in each case to the intended use within the coffee machine, with an upper container section 2.1 of the milk container 1 being arranged at the top and a lower container section 2.2 at the bottom. The container body 2 is generally approximately cuboid and has a surface 3, a lower surface 4 or standing surface 4 and four side surfaces 5-8 (partially only visible in FIG. 2). When used as intended, the milk container 1 stands on the lower surface 4 or on the standing surface 4. Overall, it is sufficiently dimensionally stable that, even when filled, it approximately maintains the cuboid shape shown in the figures.
    In the upper container section 2.1, a recess 9 extending from the surface 3 of the container body 2 is formed, which penetrates the material of the beverage carton or extends to the interior of the container body 2, the recess being formed by a closure 10 in the form of a Slide 10 is closed. Furthermore, a spout 11, not explained in detail here, is provided, through which milk can be poured out of the milk container 1 in a conventional manner if necessary.
    Fig. 2 shows a partial sectional view of another perspective view of the milk container 1, from which it can be seen that a suction pipe 12 extends from the upper container section 2.1 to the lower container section 2.2 within the container body 2. In this case, an upper tube end section 12.1 of the intake pipe 12 or a partial section of the upper tube end section 12.1 within the recess 9 is integrally and thus airtightly connected to the material of the beverage carton. A lower pipe end section 12.2 of the suction pipe 12 partially touches the area of the container body 2 with the lower surface 4 from the inside. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the intake pipe 12 is straight and vertical. In the embodiment shown, it is formed from plastic, for example by extrusion, and has a cylindrical cross section. Of course, in the ready-to-use state of the milk container 1, the interior of the container body 2 is filled with milk, which, however, has been omitted in the figures for reasons of clarity.
    Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of the lower pipe end section 12.2 of the suction pipe 12 and the lower surface 4 of the container body 2. It can be seen that the lower pipe end section 12.2 has two downwardly projecting partial sections 12.3 or partial areas 12.3 as well as intermediate receding parts - Sections 12.4 or sub-areas 12.4. The receding partial sections 12.4 or partial areas 12.4 form two upwardly extending openings 13, through which milk can be sucked into the suction pipe 12 even when the lower pipe end section 12.2 with the projecting partial sections 12.3 or partial areas 12.3 the area 24 of the container body 2 having the lower surface 4 or standing surface 4 rests.
    4A shows a detailed view with the upper pipe end section 12.1 of the suction pipe 12 and the surface 3, the upper pipe end section 12.1 being arranged in the recess 9 or the upper pipe end section 12.1 being arranged in the recess 9 with a partial section is. The upper tube end section 12. 1 can be seen to be airtightly sealed by the film 10 with respect to the surroundings of the milk container 1, which is achieved by a material connection with the suction pipe 12.
    FIG. 4B shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 4A, wherein a user inserts a first end piece 21 of a connecting hose 20 of the coffee machine into the upper pipe end section 12.1 of the suction pipe 12. He attaches the first end piece 21 made of hard plastic to the film 10 and exerts pressure, causing the film 10 to tear. As a result, the first end piece 21 can be inserted into the upper tube end section 12.1, the extremely thin film 10 simply being pushed aside and being clamped between the first end piece 21 and the suction pipe 12. Finally, as shown in FIG. 4C, the first end piece 21 is inserted into the suction pipe 12 as far as it will go, thus establishing a connection between the coffee machine and the interior of the container body 2.
    Fig. 5 is a partial sectional view of the milk container 1 and the connecting hose 20 connected thereto. This has a second end piece 22 at an end opposite the first end piece 21, via which it can be connected directly or indirectly to a pump of the coffee machine ,
    During the entire connection process and also during the use of the milk container 1, the interior of the container body 2 never comes into direct contact with the surroundings and thus cannot be contaminated by any germs that may be present. The milk in the container 1 only comes into contact with potentially non-sterile surfaces when it flows through the first end piece 21 into the connecting hose 20. In this way, the hygienic condition and the shelf life of the milk can be significantly improved compared to known milk containers.
    CH 714 028 A2
    LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS [0031]
    1 milk container 2 container body 2.1 upper container section 2.2 lower container section 3 surface 4 undersurface 5-8 side surface 9 recess 10 foil 11 spout 12 suction tube 12.1 upper pipe end section 12.2 lower pipe end section 12.3 projecting section 12.4 receding part section 13 opening 20 connecting hose 21.22 tail 24 Container body area
    权利要求:
    Claims (10)
    [1]
    claims
    1. Disposable milk container (1) for a coffee machine, with
    - a container body (2) for receiving milk,
    - An intake pipe (12) which extends within the container body (2) from an upper container section (2.1) in the direction of a lower container section (2.2) down and an upper pipe end section (12.1) for connection to a connecting hose (20) Has coffee maker, as well
    - A closure (10) which closes the upper tube end section (12.1) in an airtight manner in relation to the surroundings of the disposable milk container (1).
    [2]
    2. Disposable milk container according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure (10) is integrally connected to the suction pipe (12) and / or to the container body (2).
    [3]
    3. Disposable milk container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the closure (10) is formed by a film which can be pierced by an end piece (21) of the connecting hose (20).
    [4]
    4. Disposable milk container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction pipe (12) consists at least partially of plastic.
    [5]
    5. Disposable milk container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper tube end section (12.1) is integrally connected to the container body (2).
    [6]
    6. Disposable milk container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container body (2) is designed to be dimensionally stable, with a lower surface (4) arranged in the lower container section (2.2).
    [7]
    7. Disposable milk container according to claim 6, characterized in that the container body (2) is designed as a beverage carton.
    [8]
    8. Disposable milk container according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that
    CH 714 028 A2 a lower pipe end section (12.2) of the suction pipe (12) is arranged adjacent to the area (24) of the container body (2) with the lower surface (4).
    [9]
    9. Disposable milk container according to claim 8, characterized in that the lower tube end section (12.2) has at least one upwardly extending opening (13).
    [10]
    10. Disposable milk container according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the lower tube end section (12.2) has at least one downwardly projecting partial section (12.3).
    CH 714 028 A2
    类似技术:
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    AT520248A2|2019-02-15|
    DE102017116966B3|2018-11-22|
    DE202017104636U1|2017-08-28|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    DE9015250U1|1990-08-10|1991-03-07|Combibloc, Inc., Columbus, Ohio, Us|
    DE202010006358U1|2010-05-04|2010-08-05|Zünkler, Bernd|Suction tube as connection device for disposable beverage carton packaging of any kind|
    法律状态:
    2021-10-15| AZW| Rejection (application)|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    DE102017116966.0A|DE102017116966B3|2017-07-26|2017-07-26|Disposable milk container for a coffee machine|
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