DE102016206166A1 - Device for frothing milk - Google Patents

Abstract

The device for frothing milk (1) comprises a body for containing (2) milk and a body for mixing (3), which in turn comprises a mixing chamber (4), a channel (5) for feeding the milk from the body ( 2) into the mixing chamber (4), a steam injection circuit comprising a duct (6) for feeding steam into the mixing chamber (4), a duct (7) for feeding air into the mixing chamber (4) and a duct (8) for discharging the milk from the mixing chamber (4), wherein in the channel for feeding milk (5) a shut-off valve (9) is provided, which can be actuated by the steam of the steam injection circuit.

Description

This invention relates to a device for frothing particular but not exclusively milk of the type that can be connected to the steam generator of a coffee maker.

A device for frothing milk of the known type comprises a body for containing the milk and a body for mixing, positioned over the body for containing the milk. The mixing body in turn comprises a venturi mixing chamber, a channel for feeding the milk into the mixing chamber, a channel for feeding steam into the mixing chamber, a channel for feeding air into the mixing chamber and a channel for discharging the frothed milk from the mixing chamber. When the steam flow is discharged, the milk feeding channel draws in the milk from the body under it to contain the milk thanks to the negative pressure generated in the mixing chamber. However, the flow of sucked milk varies considerably depending on the level of the body to contain the milk, and more specifically, the more the body is depleted of containing the milk, the flow of sucked milk decreases. As the level of milk decreases, the head required by the intake system to lift the milk and lead it to the mixing chamber increases.

Under these circumstances, the milk content in the mixture of air, steam and milk contained in the mixing chamber is variable and does not ensure that the milk is properly frothed.

This invention is therefore based on the technical object to realize a device for frothing milk, which allows the elimination of the technical problems, which has the state of the art.

Within the scope of this technical problem, it is an object of the invention to provide a device for frothing milk which allows complete control of the mixture of steam, air and milk in order to guarantee the execution of a correct frothing.

The technical problem as well as these and other objects are achieved according to the invention by providing a device for frothing milk comprising a body for containing milk and a body for mixing, which in turn comprises a mixing chamber, a channel for feeding the milk from A body for containing in the mixing chamber, a steam injection circuit comprising a channel for feeding steam into the mixing chamber, a channel for feeding air into the mixing chamber and a channel for discharging the milk from the mixing chamber, characterized in that in this channel to Injecting milk is provided a shut-off valve, which can be actuated by the steam of the steam injection circuit.

This invention also discloses a coffee machine comprising such a device for frothing milk.

This invention finally discloses a method of controlling the frothing of the milk with a frothing device comprising a body for containing the milk and a body for mixing, which in turn comprises a mixing chamber, a channel for feeding the milk from the body to the mixing chamber a steam injection circuit comprising at least one channel for feeding steam into the mixing chamber, a channel for feeding air into the mixing chamber and a channel for discharging the milk from the mixing chamber, characterized in that the energy of the steam of that steam circuit is used as driving force for the opening of a shut-off valve is used, which is provided in this channel for feeding the milk.

Other features of this invention are further defined in the following claims.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the milk frothing device according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings. It shows:

1 a perspective view of a coffee machine with the assembled device for foaming;

2 the device for foaming, removed from the coffee machine;

3 a detail in section of the device for frothing with the shut-off valve of the milk in the closed position and

4 a section of the device for frothing with the shut-off valve of the milk in the open position.

With reference to said figures, the device is 1 for frothing milk of the type with a coffee machine 100 can be connected.

The coffee machine 100 includes a frame 103 . 104 . 105 . 106 . 107 . 108 in which a hot water circuit (not shown) is included, which is connected to a brewing group (not shown) provided with an external coffee outlet 101 , and a steam circuit (not shown) provided with a steam outlet 102 ,

The frame of the coffee machine 100 more specifically, includes a front wall 103 , a back wall 104 , Side panels 105 . 106 , a support base 107 and a top wall 108 ,

The external coffee outlet 101 stands out of the front wall 103 of the frame at a certain height above a footprint 110 for cups 111 which, in turn, depend on the support base 107 front side to the front wall 103 of the frame extended.

The device for frothing milk 1 includes a body for containing milk 2 and a body for mixing 3 that are rigidly connected.

The body for mixing 3 in turn comprises a mixing chamber 4 , a channel 5 for feeding the milk into the mixing chamber 4 having an entrance 5a and an exit 5b who is in the mixing chamber 4 opens, a steam injection circuit comprising a channel 6 for feeding steam into the mixing chamber 4 having an entrance 6a and an exit 6b who is in the mixing chamber 4 opens, a channel 7 for feeding air into the mixing chamber 4 having an entrance 7a and an exit 7b who is in the mixing chamber 4 opens, and a channel 8th for discharging from the mixing chamber 4 having an entrance 8a who is in the mixing chamber 4 opens, and an exit 8b ,

The exit 6b of the canal 6 for feeding steam is formed at the end of an end portion formed as a Venturi tube, which is adapted to produce a negative pressure change in the mixing chamber 4 suitable when a vapor stream is discharged.

In the channel for feeding steam 6 is a check valve 20 provided, comprising a shut-off device 21 that in contrast and through the action of an elastic element 23 is movable for opening an opening 22 that the entrance 6a and the exit 6b the channel for feeding steam 6 combines.

The elastic element 23 is between the obturator 21 and an inner shoulder 24 the channel for feeding steam 6 proximal to the exit 6b positioned.

The obturator 21 is formed from a sphere while the elastic element 23 is formed of a coil spring.

Advantageously, in the channel for feeding the milk 5 a shut-off valve 9 provided, comprising a shut-off device 10 which can be actuated by the steam of the steam feed circuit.

The steam feed circuit has in addition to the channel for feeding steam 6 into the mixing chamber 4 advantageously another channel 25 for feeding steam to control the opening movement of the obturator 10 on.

The channel for feeding steam 25 cuts across the canal to feed milk 5 ,

The steam outlet 102 the coffee machine 100 has a first exit 102 for the supply of the channel for feeding steam into the mixing chamber 4 and a second exit 102b for the supply of the channel for the supply of steam 25 for moving the obturator 10 on.

Alternatively, only one outlet of the steam outlet in the coffee maker 100 and a fork of the steam feed circuit directly in the body for mixing 3 be provided.

At least in the end section, comprising the proximal end to the channel for feeding the milk 5 , has the channel for feeding steam 25 a straightforward development.

Preferably, the channel develops for feeding steam 25 completely along a rectilinear axis L.

The channel for feeding steam 6 , the output at least in its end section 6b develops along an axis L for introducing the vapor into the mixing chamber 4 ,

Preferably, the channel develops for feeding steam 6 completely along the axis L for introducing the steam into the mixing chamber 4 ,

The channel for feeding steam 6 and the channel for feeding steam 25 are arranged so that their axes L, L 'are aligned in parallel.

The obturator 10 has a first section 10a to shut off the steam, which is tight in the canal 25 engages in the supply of steam, and a second section 10b to shut off the milk.

The obturator 10 becomes displaceable along the channel for feeding steam 25 in contrast and through the action of an elastic element 11 worn, for example formed from a coil spring.

The elastic element 11 is between the second section 10b the obturator 10 and a sliding seat 26 for the second section 10b the obturator 10 positioned across the canal for feeding the milk 5 from one side that cuts the channel for feeding steam 25 is diametrically opposed.

The channel for feeding milk 5 has an axis M for introducing the milk into the mixing chamber 4 oriented perpendicular to the axis L for introducing the vapor.

In particular, the channel is developing for feeding milk 5 completely along the axis M for introducing the milk into the mixing chamber 4 ,

Also the channel for feeding air 7 has an axis for introducing air into the mixing chamber 4 oriented perpendicular to the axis L for introducing the vapor.

The output channel 8th has a first portion which is proximal to the mixing chamber 4 is arranged and coaxial with the axis L of the channel for feeding steam 6 extends, and a second section, distal from the mixing chamber 4 is arranged and radially to the axis L of the channel for feeding steam 6 extends.

The device for foaming 1 will float in the air at a distance above the shelf 110 for the cups 111 held.

In particular, the channel to feed steam 6 and the channel for feeding steam 25 tight in corresponding mounting seats 27 . 28 one where the exits 102 and 102b the steam outlet of the coffee machine 100 lead.

The bracket seats 27 . 28 are by depressions of the front wall 103 the frame of the coffee maker 100 shaped.

The body to contain 2 includes a back wall 2a , a side wall 2 B and a removable closure lid 14 , provided with one or more outlet openings 15 connecting the interior to the exterior of the connector body 2 create.

The body to contain 2 develops coaxially with the axis M for introducing the milk into the mixing chamber 4 ,

In particular, the side wall 2 B of the body to contain 2 formed from a cylinder, while the back wall 2a of the body to contain 2 is formed of a cone which is arranged coaxially and externally to the cylinder, comprising at the apex of the entrance 5a ,

In the use position where they are to the coffee machine 100 is connected, the device is for foaming 1 front side to the front wall 103 the frame of the coffee maker 100 arranged, wherein the axes L, L 'parallel to the bearing surface of the coffee machine 100 are aligned.

In the use position, the channel is for feeding the milk 5 also the exit 5b under the entrance 5a on, and the body to contain 2 is over the body for mixing 3 arranged.

In particular, the axis M is for introducing the milk into the mixing chamber 4 in the use position perpendicular to the support surface of the coffee machine 100 aligned.

The method of controlling the frothing of the milk with the frothing device 1 sees the use of the energy of the steam as a driving force to open the shut-off valve 9 in front.

The operation of the device for frothing milk 1 is briefly explained below.

First, the lid 15 removed and the body to contain 2 is filled with milk, then the body becomes contained 2 with the lid 15 closed, and the device for foaming 1 gets to the coffee maker 100 connected, if not already connected before.

The connection is made by a displacement movement of the device for foaming 1 in the direction of the axes L, L 'to the channels 6 . 25 completely in their respective bracket seats 27 . 28 intervention.

The milk discharge cycle starts when the coffee machine control unit switches the start of steam flow delivery, partly into the steam supply channel 6 and partly into the canal for feeding steam 25 is initiated.

The pressure of the steam part, which enters the duct for feeding steam 6 flows, generated on the obturator 21 the check valve 20 an opening force equal to that of the elastic element 23 exerted elastic closing force exceeds.

The initially closed check valve 20 opens correspondingly and allows the steam to enter the mixing chamber 4 enter.

At the same time creates the pressure of the steam part, which enters the channel for feeding steam 25 is flowing, on the first section 10a the shut-off valve 10 an opening force of the obturator, that of the elastic element 11 exerted elastic closing force exceeds.

The initially closed shut-off valve 9 opens correspondingly and allows the milk to enter the mixing chamber 4 enter.

The in the mixing chamber 4 inflowing steam creates in its interior a negative pressure change through the respective feed channels 5 . 7 Milk and air in the mixing chamber 4 sucks.

It should be noted that the proper operation of the device for foaming 1 In any case, this ensures that the milk in the mixing chamber 4 also flows through the effect of their weight, as these, as already mentioned, contained in a body 2 that is above the body for mixing 3 is arranged.

When the control unit of the coffee maker shuts off the stop of the steam delivery, the opening force acting on the shut-off valve 9 acts, canceled, which is due to the action of the elastic element 11 which is not counteracted, closes again.

In the same way, the opening force is released on the check valve 20 acts, characterized by the action of the elastic element 23 which is not counteracted, closes again and thus prevents milk from entering the duct for feeding steam 6 flowing back.

For setting the foaming degree of the milk can be at the channel for feeding air 7 corresponding means (not shown) for adjusting the flow-through portion are provided, from a position in which the air flow section is fully opened to obtain the maximum foaming degree, and a position in which the air flow section is completely closed, to milk without foam received, can be operated.

In the milk frothing device according to the present invention, the cycle for milk leakage is completely subordinate to the steam delivery cycle since it starts when the steam discharge is started and continues as long as the steam dispensing lasts, eventually until complete emptying of the body to contain 2 ,

The provision of the body to contain 2 over the body for mixing 3 also allows for increased uniformity in the foaming process, which does not undergo changes due to height differences in the aspiration of the milk, which are typical of conventional devices in which the body is arranged for mixing over the body to contain the milk.

The milk frothing device so conceived is subject to numerous changes and variations, all of which fall within the scope of the inventive concept. All individual parts can also be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

Practically, the materials used and the dimensions can be arbitrary, depending on the needs and state of the art.

Claims (15)

Device for frothing milk ( 1 ) comprising a body to contain ( 2 ) of milk and a body for mixing ( 3 ), which in turn has a mixing chamber ( 4 ), a channel ( 5 ) for feeding the milk from the body to contain ( 2 ) into the mixing chamber ( 4 ), a steam injection circuit comprising at least one channel ( 6 ) for feeding steam into the mixing chamber ( 4 ), a channel ( 7 ) for feeding air into the mixing chamber ( 4 ) and a channel ( 8th ) for discharging the milk from the mixing chamber ( 4 ), characterized in that in this channel for feeding milk ( 5 ) a shut-off valve ( 9 ) is provided, which can be actuated by the steam of the steam injection circuit. Device for frothing milk ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the steam feed circuit is another channel ( 25 ) for supplying steam for controlling the opening movement of a shut-off device ( 10 ) of the shut-off valve ( 9 ). Device for frothing milk ( 1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the obturator ( 10 ) a first section ( 10a ) for shutting off the steam which flows tightly into the further channel for feeding steam ( 25 ) and a second section ( 10b ) to shut off the milk. Device for frothing milk ( 1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the further channel for feeding steam ( 25 ) the channel for feeding the milk ( 5 ) cuts across. Device for frothing milk ( 1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the obturator ( 10 ) slidable along the further channel for feeding steam ( 25 ) will be carried. Device for frothing milk ( 1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the obturator ( 10 ) in contrast and by the action of an elastic element ( 11 ) is movable. Device for frothing milk ( 1 ) according to claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the elastic element ( 11 ) between the second section ( 10b ) of the obturator ( 10 ) and a sliding seat for the second section ( 10b ) of the obturator ( 10 ), which transversely the channel for feeding the milk ( 5 ) from one side, the other channel for feeding steam ( 25 ) is diametrically opposed. Device for frothing milk ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body to contain ( 2 ) in the use position above the body for mixing ( 3 ) is arranged. Device for frothing milk ( 1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the channel for feeding the milk ( 5 ) an entrance ( 5a ) on a back wall ( 2a ) of the body to contain ( 2 ) having. Device for frothing milk ( 1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the channel for feeding milk ( 5 ) in the use position an output ( 5b ) under the entrance ( 5a ) having. Device for frothing milk ( 1 ) according to claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the rear wall ( 2a ) is designed like a cone, having at the apex the entrance ( 5a ). Device for frothing milk ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body to contain ( 2 ) a removable closure lid ( 14 ), which with at least one outlet opening ( 15 ) is provided. Device for frothing milk ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the channel for feeding steam ( 6 ) has an end portion formed as a Venturi tube adapted to create a negative pressure change in the mixing chamber (10). 4 ) is suitable when a vapor stream is discharged. Coffee machine ( 100 ), comprising a device for frothing milk ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims. Method for controlling the frothing of milk with a device for frothing milk ( 1 ) comprising a body to contain ( 2 ) of milk and a body for mixing ( 3 ), which in turn has a mixing chamber ( 4 ), a channel ( 5 ) for feeding the milk from the body to contain ( 2 ) into the mixing chamber ( 4 ), a steam injection circuit comprising a channel ( 6 ) for feeding steam into the mixing chamber ( 4 ), a channel ( 7 ) for feeding air into the mixing chamber ( 4 ) and a channel ( 8th ) for discharging the milk from the mixing chamber ( 4 ), characterized in that the energy of the steam of this steam injection circuit as a driving force for opening a shut-off valve ( 9 ) in the canal for feeding milk ( 5 ) is provided.

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