EP1462041B1 - Device for pumping a liquid from a packaging or from a container - Google Patents

Device for pumping a liquid from a packaging or from a container Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1462041B1
EP1462041B1 EP03006556A EP03006556A EP1462041B1 EP 1462041 B1 EP1462041 B1 EP 1462041B1 EP 03006556 A EP03006556 A EP 03006556A EP 03006556 A EP03006556 A EP 03006556A EP 1462041 B1 EP1462041 B1 EP 1462041B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
nozzle
liquid
container
package
suction
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP03006556A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1462041A1 (en
Inventor
André Klopfenstein
Elmar Mock
Naomi Bitmead
Emmanuel Simont-Vermot
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nestec SA
Original Assignee
Nestec SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to DE60331520T priority Critical patent/DE60331520D1/en
Application filed by Nestec SA filed Critical Nestec SA
Priority to EP03006556A priority patent/EP1462041B1/en
Priority to ES03006556T priority patent/ES2338640T3/en
Priority to AT03006556T priority patent/ATE459278T1/en
Priority to BRPI0408654-6A priority patent/BRPI0408654A/en
Priority to PL378075A priority patent/PL204706B1/en
Priority to MXPA05010132A priority patent/MXPA05010132A/en
Priority to CNB2004800078405A priority patent/CN100488426C/en
Priority to SG200706590-7A priority patent/SG158749A1/en
Priority to US10/550,522 priority patent/US7377454B2/en
Priority to CA2519261A priority patent/CA2519261C/en
Priority to JP2006504709A priority patent/JP4359306B2/en
Priority to HU0500980A priority patent/HUP0500980A2/en
Priority to CZ20050641A priority patent/CZ2005641A3/en
Priority to RU2005132573/12A priority patent/RU2336010C2/en
Priority to AU2004224810A priority patent/AU2004224810B2/en
Priority to PCT/EP2004/002750 priority patent/WO2004084688A1/en
Publication of EP1462041A1 publication Critical patent/EP1462041A1/en
Priority to BG109326A priority patent/BG109326A/en
Priority to NO20054874A priority patent/NO20054874L/en
Priority to ZA200508567A priority patent/ZA200508567B/en
Priority to HK06106188.3A priority patent/HK1086173A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1462041B1 publication Critical patent/EP1462041B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/71—Feed mechanisms
    • B01F35/713—Feed mechanisms comprising breaking packages or parts thereof, e.g. piercing or opening sealing elements between compartments or cartridges
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
    • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
    • B01F23/235—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids for making foam
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
    • B01F25/30—Injector mixers
    • B01F25/31—Injector mixers in conduits or tubes through which the main component flows
    • B01F25/312—Injector mixers in conduits or tubes through which the main component flows with Venturi elements; Details thereof

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for pumping a liquid from a package by venturi effect to distribute it in foamed or emulsified form and possibly heated.
  • the invention relates to the food field for the production of emulsified milk beverages as defined in the preamble of claim 1.
  • venturi effect device a suction subassembly of at least one pumpable phase, typically a liquid, comprising a chamber in which arrives a channel for supplying a fluid pressurized by a throat in order to create suction by depression effect at the outlet of the constriction in at least one channel connecting said chamber and the package containing the pumpable liquid
  • the carrier fluid may be a gas or a liquid as defined in the preamble of the claim 1, for example water vapor, hot or cold water, air, or a mixture thereof.
  • This suction subassembly makes it possible to modify the pumpable liquid and to distribute it in the form of a foamed preparation, ie in a liquid-gas mixture, or emulsified, that is to say in a mixture of two immiscible liquids, and / or optionally heated by supply of heat from the carrier fluid to the pumpable liquid.
  • the preparation thus obtained may be for example milk shake, milk-based beverages, for example flavored, coffee, tea, chocolate, soup, or preparations for cappuccinos or moccachinos.
  • the invention will however be illustrated in the context of the manufacture of "cappuccinos", that is to say when the device is associated with a pressurized steam generator, most often the tubing of an espresso coffee machine and when the pumpable liquid is milk to obtain a foaming air-milk-steam emulsion.
  • the most common way to obtain such a foamy preparation is to pour the desired amount of milk into a container, to dip the steam outlet tubing into said container, while shaking it up and down to draw air necessary to obtain the foam.
  • the quality of the foam obtained depends on the ability of the user who, when not a professional, can also be splashed. For hygiene reasons, it will also be observed that the cleaning of the tubing and the container containing the milk is necessary after each use.
  • venturi effect nozzles To avoid some of the disadvantages mentioned above, and in particular to obtain a more regular foam quality, various types of venturi effect nozzles have been proposed, to serve as a sort of interface between the steam outlet of an espresso coffee machine. and a container containing milk.
  • venturi device described for example in the US Patent 4,800,805 , consists of an air supply tube attached to the steam outlet pipe and having its opening positioned below said outlet, the assembly to be immersed in a container containing the desired amount of milk.
  • the improvement described in US Patent 5,335,588 is to make the air supply integral with a sleeve itself adaptable to the steam outlet pipe, the assembly must always be immersed in a container containing the milk.
  • the EP 0 243 326 describes an accessory venturi effect adaptable to an espresso coffee machine, having a large number of parts for having in a suction chamber, a pressurized steam inlet which causes air venturi effect by a first conduit and by a second milk duct from a reservoir incorporated in the machine, or drawn into a standard package by means of a plunger connection pipe. This mixture is then injected into a mixing chamber before exiting as a foam.
  • An improvement proposed in the US Patent 5,265,519 corresponds to a simpler construction accessory, with fewer parts to assemble to form the venturi effect nozzle, but always includes a plunger connection pipe for feeding the milk.
  • the device further comprises a splash-proof cap at the ejection orifice of the foaming preparation.
  • the EP 0803 219 and EP 0803 220 B1 also describe a device for preparing a pumped milk or cappuccino by pumping by means of two tubes immersed in a cardboard-type container and connected to a device venturi effect. Such a device is adapted to receive a container of large capacity and therefore requires a refrigeration system for the preservation of milk.
  • cappuccino In all cases the plumbing connection pipes must be cleaned after each "cappuccino". It should also be observed that the accessory, which is not intended to be disposable, requires periodic maintenance if the cappuccino productions are spaced apart, and that the quantity of cappuccino produced from one time to the next still depends on the attention of the operator.
  • the document US 2310633 A describes a venturi device in another area.
  • the invention therefore aims at overcoming the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art by means of a new type of device that can be manufactured economically and that makes it possible to obtain an foaming, emulsified and / or heated preparation of the type cappuccino, or another foamed beverage made from milk or the like, having a regular foam in quality and quantity, under improved hygiene conditions.
  • the invention relates to a device as defined in claim 1.
  • the package is closed by a lid and the fastening and opening means are able to fasten to the lid, the nozzle is movable relative to the package between a position in which the package is closed and a position in which the package is opened by the attachment and opening means, the suction channel thus being placed in communication with the liquid contained in the package.
  • the opening is thus easy and makes the device operational, without further manipulation is necessary.
  • the fixing and opening means are also preferably arranged so as to put in communication the suction channel and the liquid contained in the package without outward flow possible.
  • no outflow is meant that the liquid contained in the package is not likely to flow or spill out of the package without a forced suction effect by the subassembly suction venturi effect.
  • the attachment and opening means cooperate with the packaging to put the channel in communication near the bottom of the liquid. A differential hydrostatic pressure is then created which keeps the liquid in the package without risk of possible flow.
  • the fixing and opening means are means capable of loosening a sealing portion between the lid and the package.
  • the fastening and opening means may be means for gripping a portion of the cover which, when the nozzle is moved by a relative movement relative to the packaging, cause the rupture of the sealing portion between the lid and the package.
  • a connecting element capable of connecting the nozzle to the lid by pinching and / or sealing with a portion of the lid. The advantage of a connecting element is to allow separation between the package and the nozzle, the two elements can be assembled at the time of preparation or, conversely, in advance, for example during manufacture.
  • the junction element partially forms the ejection duct, and it is provided with a through passage and a collar allowing screwing or clipping at the end of the body of the nozzle to pinch a seal ring sealingly between the base of the nozzle and said flange.
  • the nozzle is directly sealed to a portion of the seal by sealing more resistant to rupture than the sealing means between the seal and the package.
  • the nozzle is assembled during manufacture.
  • the device of the invention may constitute an assembly comprising the suction subassembly and the associated packaging, the whole can then be disposable and therefore requiring no cleaning.
  • the nozzle can be made economically in one piece by injection molding and be associated with either a package in the form of a capsule, manufactured by thermoforming or injection, hermetically sealed before use, and containing one or more doses of pumpable liquid, either to a container or bowl of greater capacity.
  • the nozzle may also be formed of several nested and / or assembled elements.
  • the suction chamber is located downstream of a restriction and is connected upstream of a throat to a mixing well itself in communication with the outside by a conduit ejection.
  • the restriction is typically configured to provide a high-speed, generally sonic, passage of the carrier fluid to create in the suction chamber the vacuum necessary for the suction of the liquid.
  • Homogenizing means are advantageously provided, either part of the suction subassembly, or the closing means of the package itself.
  • the assembly element can be extended in the mixing well by a dome having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the mixing chamber.
  • the sealing portion defines an opening in the lid and the ejection duct is arranged to communicate with this opening.
  • a grid may be disposed through this opening to form homogenizing means of the ejected product.
  • the liquid suction channel preferably extends between the base of the nozzle and the suction chamber.
  • the nozzle is housed in a chimney formed perpendicular to the plane of the seal of the package, one end of the chimney being connected to the seal by a second sealing portion.
  • This chimney can occupy any position, for example come from material with an edge of the container. However, according to a preferred embodiment, the chimney occupies a central position.
  • the attachment and opening means are means for piercing a portion of the lid. It may be, for example, at least one rigid portion of piercing comprising a suction channel of the liquid.
  • the figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a pumping device according to the invention comprising a suction subassembly comprising a nozzle venturi effect designated by the general reference 1.
  • the nozzle 1 is associated with a package 5 having the form of a capsule closed by a deformable seal 7, visible on the figure 2 .
  • the packaging 5 comprises a chimney 9 going from the bottom 11 to the cap 7 which is provided with an opening 8 concentric to the opening of the chimney 9 and whose dimensions are substantially equal to or smaller than the opening of the chimney 9.
  • the capsule can be obtained in one piece by thermoforming or injection of a plastic material.
  • the packaging has a general shape toric.
  • the chimney 9 is designed to receive, on the bottom side 11 of the nozzle 1, and on the seal side 7 a connecting element 13 assembled to the base 14 of the nozzle 1 to form fastening means and opening.
  • the connecting element 13 is screwed onto the nozzle 1, but could be fixed thereto in any other way, such as by clipping.
  • a pinch ring 15 of the lid 7 between the nozzle 1 and the joining element 13 and a sealing ring 17 at the base of the chimney 9, which will be described in more detail below, have also been shown in dotted lines. in liaison with Figures 10 to 13 .
  • the nozzle 1 has a generally cylindrical body 4, with the exception of fins 19 whose role will be explained later.
  • the nozzle 1 comprises a steam inlet well 21 in which is housed a sleeve 22 of an adapter 23 (visible on the figures 9 , 10 and 11 ) to the tubing of a steam generator, for example that of an espresso machine.
  • the adapter 23 is of the "bayonet" type and cooperates with two notches 10 and two grooves 12, diametrically opposite and formed in the upper part of the nozzle 1. The fins therefore make it possible to block the nozzle rotation relative to the capsule.
  • the steam inlet well 21 communicates with a suction chamber 25 via a very small diameter restriction 27 making it possible to pass the carrier fluid at a sonic speed or at least close to it.
  • This restriction 27 is a section reduction which thus generates a vacuum in the suction chamber 25 required for the desired venturi effect.
  • Equivalently the supply well of The steam 21 and the restriction 27 could be formed in a room independent of the remainder of the nozzle, or be formed with the steam supply pipe when it is fitted into the nozzle.
  • the suction chamber 25 is itself in communication with a mixing well 29 via the constriction 26.
  • a channel 31 for supplying air and a channel 33 feeding or pumping the liquid contained inside the package In the suction chamber 25 also open a channel 31 for supplying air and a channel 33 feeding or pumping the liquid contained inside the package.
  • the final quality of a foam depends on many factors, including the air flow that can be controlled with a very accurate calibration of the air intake channel 31. Knowing that the diameter of this channel is of the order of a few tenths of a millimeter, it will be understood that such a calibration is relatively delicate, especially since this nozzle is intended to be produced in large series, for example by injection molding of a plastic material such as as polypropylene (PP), polystyrene or any other suitable plastic material. That is why it is preferred to provide at the level of the air intake port 32 of larger diameter for adapting means to better control the air flow. It is for example a permeable membrane, for example with controlled porosity 32a that is fixed above the orifice 32.
  • a membrane of this type is for example available in the range of products offered by Atofina (Paris). ) under the trademark Pebax ® or by the company Gor (USA) under the trademark Gor-tex ®.
  • This membrane 27a also allows, without modification of the body of the nozzle, to choose the porosity best suited to the pressure of a given steam generator. It will also be observed that the larger diameter of the orifice 32 makes it very easy to seal it if it is desired to use the nozzle, not to produce an emulsion but simply to heat a liquid.
  • the liquid supply channel 33 is formed inside the body 4 of the nozzle 1, the supply orifices 34a, 34b, 34c being situated in the example shown at the base 14 of the nozzle 1 and intended to be placed in communication with the inside of the package containing the liquid when the device is in pumping configuration.
  • the vertical outer portion of the nozzle 1 further comprises a groove 35 for balancing the pressure inside the capsule when pumping the liquid contained in the package.
  • the lower part 36 of this groove 35 is therefore arranged to be in communication with the interior of the package containing the liquid when the device is in pumping configuration.
  • the end of the mixing well 29 has an internal thread 30 making it possible to secure the joining element 13, an exemplary embodiment of which is described below with reference to FIGS. Figures 6 to 8 .
  • the joining element 13 comprises a body 40 having at its base a flange 42 and at its other end a dome 44.
  • the dome 44 is connected to the body 40 by a throat 46.
  • An ejection duct 48 of the heated liquid and / or emulsified is formed through the body 40 below the constriction 46 ( figure 8 ).
  • the body 40 comprises near its base an external thread 41 for screwing the connecting element 13 on the corresponding thread 30 of the nozzle 1.
  • the collar 42 has two maneuvering holes 43, but it is obviously it is possible to imagine other means of screwing, including means of tamper-proof type. It may indeed be desirable, for reasons of hygiene, that the nozzle 1 can not be disassembled and used again after the first use.
  • This inviolability character can also be obtained by providing other means for assembling the nozzle 1 and the junction element 13 for example by clipping. It will finally be observed that the diameter of the base of the dome 44 is very little less than the inside diameter of the mixing well 29 so that the emulsion has a forced passage between the wall of the mixing well 29 and the base of the dome 44. to improve the sparkling nature and in particular homogenize the preparation, and limit the risk of splashing.
  • FIGS. Figures 1 and 2 are partial sections along lines XX and XI-XI of the figure 9 , hereinafter described the operation of the nozzle 1 according to the first embodiment which has just been described, when it is adapted to the capsule 5, closed by the cover 7, as shown in FIGS. Figures 1 and 2 .
  • the capsule 5 has a number of ribs, some ribs 6a serving essentially to strengthen the capsule 5, other ribs 6b being provided to guide the fins 19 of the nozzle 1.
  • the figure 10 shows the nozzle-capsule assembly before opening, that is to say while the contents of the capsule 5 is not in communication with the liquid supply channel 39.
  • the nozzle-nozzle assembly capsule is provided with the adapter 23 comprising a bayonet device for securing through the opening 24 the sleeve 22 for connection to the steam inlet well 21 in the nozzle 1.
  • the ring 15 of the lid 7 is clamped hermetically between the nozzle 1 and the joining element 13, and the bottom of the chimney 9 is glued or hermetically sealed by the sealing ring 17 of the lid 7 surrounding the ring 15.
  • the ring 15 is sealed on the base 14 of the nozzle 1 or on the flange 42 of the connecting element 13. In this position the liquid is completely isolated from the external environment, the feed orifices in liquid 34a, b, c ( figure 5 ) and air 36 to balance the pressure, both being above the ring 17 hermetically bonded to the cap 7.
  • the length of the chimney 9 is such that the cap 7 has a convex shape before opening.
  • the liquid contained in the package 5 is not able to freely circulate in the supply channel 33 of the liquid due to the pressure differential existing between the suction chamber 25 and the liquid surface in the container. 5, the pressure in the package 5 being naturally lower than the pressure in the package 5 at the time of opening. The liquid can not flow freely outside the package 5 through the channel 33. The system is clean.
  • a pressurized vector fluid for example steam
  • the suction chamber 25 creates a vacuum in the supply channel 33 which is in communication with the interior of the the packaging 5, and in the air supply channel 31, so that the liquid contained in the package 5 is pumped by the venturi effect, the pressure in the suction chamber thus becoming less than the pressure above 5.
  • the liquid is then ejected into the mixing well 29 through the throat 26, and distributed after homogenization through the ejection conduit 48 in the form of a hot emulsion. this example.
  • the groove 35 and the orifice 36 make it possible to fill the package 5 with air while the latter is empty of the liquid thus pumped and to ensure that the pressure inside the package remains at a pressure greater than depression created to ensure the continuity of pumping and prevent a collapse towards the inside of the package 5.
  • the suction chamber 25 then returns to a pressure slightly greater than the pressure of the liquid in the package 5, which thus ensures retention of the liquid in the channel 33 without risk of possible outward flow.
  • the slight vacuum that occurs in the head space of the package 5 is sufficient to retain the liquid at a controlled level in the channel 33.
  • the nozzle 2 can be made in two parts 50, 52 nestable, for example by clipping (not shown). It comprises a first hollow outer body 50 whose bottom 51 is traversed by the supply conduit 21 of the pressurized carrier fluid and the air supply duct 31 when it is desired to produce a foam.
  • the outer wall 49 further comprises, as previously, an air supply channel 35 for balancing the pressure in the package during pumping of the liquid.
  • the second inner body 52 has in its center an indent defined by a side wall 54 and a bottom 56 which form the mixing well 29.
  • the bottom 56 is traversed by a throttling channel 26.
  • the throttle channel 26 communicates with the suction chamber 25 which is formed between the bottom 5 of the outer body 50 and the bottom 56 of the inner body 52.
  • the outer wall of the second body 52 has a groove connecting its base 53 and the suction chamber 25 to form against the wall of the outer body 50 the supply channel 33 of the liquid to be pumped.
  • the base 53 of the inner body 52, and possibly that of the outer body 50, is firmly sealed to a ring 15 of the cover, and the base of the chimney 9 is sealed, with a force of less tearing on a ring 17 surrounding the ring 15.
  • the nozzle no longer comprises fins, but only a guide flange 58.
  • This embodiment has the advantage of allowing a simpler manufacture of the nozzle which can easily be achieved by two relatively simple shaped moldings.
  • This second embodiment also differs from the first in that the ejection duct 48 is closed by a grid 59 to homogenize the ejected preparation and thus to increase the quality thereof.
  • the grid may, depending on the embodiment, be formed of a separate piece or come of material with the lid.
  • Figures 17 and 18 a variant of the previous embodiment which differs from the previous one in that the homogenization means are formed by a dome 44 disposed in the mixing well 29 and integral with the inner wall 54 of the inner body 52.
  • This dome 44 is structured substantially like that of the joining element 13 described in Figures 6 to 8 .
  • the gate 59 may also be present.
  • the figure 17 represents the device in the closed position in a diametral section passing through the supply or pumping passage 33 of the liquid, and the figure 18 represents the same device in the open position in a section perpendicular to the first.
  • the figure 19 represents in perspective broken away a third embodiment of a pumping device according to the invention wherein the nozzle 3 passes through the bottom of an open rigid container 60, bowl-shaped optionally comprising a graduated scale 61 for measuring the amount of liquid poured, or conversely to know the amount of liquid consumed.
  • the nozzle 3 can be fixed by a joining element 13. It can also more simply be driven out and stuck in a hole made at the bottom of the bowl 60.
  • This embodiment differs from the embodiments described above in that the suction openings of the nozzle 3 are permanently in communication with the liquid contained inside the container and in that the container is open so that the pressure balancing duct is omitted.
  • the body of the nozzle, or the elements constituting it is preferably manufactured by injection molding of a plastic material.
  • sealing in the present description refers to any means of direct or indirect connection between two parts such as, for example, heat-conducting, induction-welding, photonic or ultrasonic welding, or adhesive bonding, or a combination thereof. of these means.
  • liquid in the present description is understood broadly as any phase or combination of incompressible or quasi-incompressible fluid phases comprising solid inclusions or not and having a pumping ability through ducts.
  • the device is particularly well suited for pumping a liquid food such as milk or a milk-based concentrate from said package.

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  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Reciprocating Pumps (AREA)
  • Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)
  • Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
  • Jet Pumps And Other Pumps (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)
  • Cookers (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)

Abstract

The device has a venturi type suction sub-set with a body having a vector fluid delivery pipe (27) unblocking in a suction chamber (25), and a suction canal (33) for sucking liquid in a container (5). The sub-set has a fixing and opening unit (15) to connect a nozzle tip (1) with the container and to put the suction canal in contact with the liquid in the container.

Description

La présente invention a pour objet un dispositif pour pomper un liquide à partir d'un emballage par effet venturi afin de le distribuer sous forme moussée ou émulsifiée et éventuellement chauffée. L'invention se rapporte au domaine alimentaire pour la production de boissons émulsifiées à base de lait comme défini dans le préambule de la revendication 1.The present invention relates to a device for pumping a liquid from a package by venturi effect to distribute it in foamed or emulsified form and possibly heated. The invention relates to the food field for the production of emulsified milk beverages as defined in the preamble of claim 1.

Par "dispositif à effet venturi" on entend un sous-ensemble d'aspiration d'au moins une phase pompable, typiquement un liquide, comportant une chambre dans laquelle arrive un canal d'amenée d'un fluide mis sous pression par un étranglement de façon à créer une aspiration par effet de dépression à la sortie de l'étranglement dans au moins un canal reliant ladite chambre et l'emballage contenant le liquide pompable, le fluide vecteur pouvant être un gaz ou un liquide comme défini dans le préambule de la revendication 1, par exemple de la vapeur d'eau, de l'eau chaude ou froide, de l'air, ou un mélange de ces derniers. Ce sous-ensemble d'aspiration permet de modifier le liquide pompable et de le distribuer sous forme d'une préparation moussée, c'est à dire dans un mélange liquide-gas, ou émulsifiée, c'est à dire dans un mélange de deux liquides non miscibles, et/ou éventuellement chauffée par apport de chaleur du fluide vecteur au liquide pompable. La préparation ainsi obtenue peut être par exemple du lait frappé, des boissons à base de lait, par exemple aromatisées, du café, du thé, du chocolat, du potage, ou des préparations pour cappuccinos ou moccachinos.By "venturi effect device" is meant a suction subassembly of at least one pumpable phase, typically a liquid, comprising a chamber in which arrives a channel for supplying a fluid pressurized by a throat in order to create suction by depression effect at the outlet of the constriction in at least one channel connecting said chamber and the package containing the pumpable liquid, the carrier fluid may be a gas or a liquid as defined in the preamble of the claim 1, for example water vapor, hot or cold water, air, or a mixture thereof. This suction subassembly makes it possible to modify the pumpable liquid and to distribute it in the form of a foamed preparation, ie in a liquid-gas mixture, or emulsified, that is to say in a mixture of two immiscible liquids, and / or optionally heated by supply of heat from the carrier fluid to the pumpable liquid. The preparation thus obtained may be for example milk shake, milk-based beverages, for example flavored, coffee, tea, chocolate, soup, or preparations for cappuccinos or moccachinos.

L'invention sera toutefois illustrée dans le cadre de la fabrication de "cappuccinos", c'est à dire lorsque le dispositif est associé à un générateur de vapeur sous pression, le plus souvent la tubulure d'une machine à café expresso et lorsque le liquide pompable est du lait permettant d'obtenir une émulsion mousseuse air-lait-vapeur.The invention will however be illustrated in the context of the manufacture of "cappuccinos", that is to say when the device is associated with a pressurized steam generator, most often the tubing of an espresso coffee machine and when the pumpable liquid is milk to obtain a foaming air-milk-steam emulsion.

La façon la plus usuelle d'obtenir une telle préparation mousseuse est de verser la quantité désirée de lait dans un récipient, de plonger la tubulure de sortie de vapeur dans ledit récipient, tout en l'agitant de haut en bas pour entraîner l'air nécessaire à l'obtention de la mousse. La qualité de la mousse obtenue dépend de l'habilité de l'usager qui, lorsqu'il n'est pas un professionnel, peut en outre subir des éclaboussures. Pour des raisons d'hygiène, on observera également que le nettoyage de la tubulure et du récipient contenant le lait est nécessaire après chaque usage.The most common way to obtain such a foamy preparation is to pour the desired amount of milk into a container, to dip the steam outlet tubing into said container, while shaking it up and down to draw air necessary to obtain the foam. The quality of the foam obtained depends on the ability of the user who, when not a professional, can also be splashed. For hygiene reasons, it will also be observed that the cleaning of the tubing and the container containing the milk is necessary after each use.

Pour éviter certains des inconvénients sus-indiqués, et notamment pour obtenir une qualité de mousse plus régulière, divers types de buses à effet venturi ont été proposés, pour servir en quelque sorte d'interface entre la sortie vapeur d'une machine à café expresso et un récipient contenant du lait.To avoid some of the disadvantages mentioned above, and in particular to obtain a more regular foam quality, various types of venturi effect nozzles have been proposed, to serve as a sort of interface between the steam outlet of an espresso coffee machine. and a container containing milk.

Le type de dispositif venturi le plus simple, décrit par exemple dans le brevet US 4,800,805 , consiste en un tube d'amenée d'air assujetti à la tubulure de sortie de vapeur et ayant son ouverture positionnée en dessous de ladite sortie, l'ensemble devant être plongé dans un récipient contenant la quantité de lait désirée. Le perfectionnement décrit dans le brevet US 5,335,588 consiste à rendre l'amenée d'air solidaire d'un manchon lui-même adaptable à la tubulure de sortie de vapeur, l'ensemble devant toujours être plongé dans un récipient contenant le lait.The simplest type of venturi device, described for example in the US Patent 4,800,805 , consists of an air supply tube attached to the steam outlet pipe and having its opening positioned below said outlet, the assembly to be immersed in a container containing the desired amount of milk. The improvement described in US Patent 5,335,588 is to make the air supply integral with a sleeve itself adaptable to the steam outlet pipe, the assembly must always be immersed in a container containing the milk.

Le brevet EP 0 243 326 décrit un accessoire à effet venturi adaptable à une machine à café expresso, comportant un grand nombre de pièces permettant d'avoir dans une chambre d'aspiration, une arrivée de vapeur sous pression qui entraîne par effet venturi de l'air par un premier conduit, et par un deuxième conduit du lait provenant d'un réservoir incorporé à la machine, ou aspiré dans un emballage standard au moyen d'un tuyau de raccordement plongeur. Ce mélange est ensuite injecté dans une chambre de mélange avant de sortir sous forme d'une mousse.The EP 0 243 326 describes an accessory venturi effect adaptable to an espresso coffee machine, having a large number of parts for having in a suction chamber, a pressurized steam inlet which causes air venturi effect by a first conduit and by a second milk duct from a reservoir incorporated in the machine, or drawn into a standard package by means of a plunger connection pipe. This mixture is then injected into a mixing chamber before exiting as a foam.

Un perfectionnement proposé dans le brevet US 5,265,519 correspond à un accessoire de construction plus simple, avec moins de pièces à assembler pour former la buse à effet venturi, mais comporte toujours un tuyau de raccordement plongeur pour l'amenée du lait. Le dispositif comporte en outre une cape anti-éclaboussures au niveau de l'orifice d'éjection de la préparation mousseuse.An improvement proposed in the US Patent 5,265,519 corresponds to a simpler construction accessory, with fewer parts to assemble to form the venturi effect nozzle, but always includes a plunger connection pipe for feeding the milk. The device further comprises a splash-proof cap at the ejection orifice of the foaming preparation.

Les brevets EP 0803 219 et EP 0803 220 B1 décrivent aussi un dispositif pour préparer un lait ou cappuccino mousseux par pompage au moyen de deux tubes plongeant dans un container du type à brique cartonnée et reliés à un dispositif à effet venturi. Un tel dispositif est adapté à recevoir un container de large capacité et nécessite donc un système de réfrigération pour la conservation du lait.The EP 0803 219 and EP 0803 220 B1 also describe a device for preparing a pumped milk or cappuccino by pumping by means of two tubes immersed in a cardboard-type container and connected to a device venturi effect. Such a device is adapted to receive a container of large capacity and therefore requires a refrigeration system for the preservation of milk.

Dans tous les cas les tuyaux de raccordement plongeurs doivent être nettoyés après chaque "cappuccino". On observera aussi que l'accessoire, qui n'est pas prévu pour être jetable nécessite un entretien périodique si les productions de cappuccinos sont espacées, et que la quantité de cappuccino produite d'une fois sur l'autre dépend encore de l'attention de l'opérateur.In all cases the plumbing connection pipes must be cleaned after each "cappuccino". It should also be observed that the accessory, which is not intended to be disposable, requires periodic maintenance if the cappuccino productions are spaced apart, and that the quantity of cappuccino produced from one time to the next still depends on the attention of the operator.

Le document US 2310633 A décrit un dispositif à venturi dans un autre domaine.The document US 2310633 A describes a venturi device in another area.

L'invention vise donc à pallier les inconvénients de l'art antérieur précité grâce à un nouveau type de dispositif pouvant être fabriqué de façon économique et permettant d'obtenir une préparation moussante, émulsifiée et/ou chauffée du type cappuccino, ou une autre boisson moussée à base de lait ou autre, présentant une mousse régulière en qualité et en quantité, dans des conditions d'hygiène améliorées.The invention therefore aims at overcoming the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art by means of a new type of device that can be manufactured economically and that makes it possible to obtain an foaming, emulsified and / or heated preparation of the type cappuccino, or another foamed beverage made from milk or the like, having a regular foam in quality and quantity, under improved hygiene conditions.

A cet effet l'invention a pour objet un dispositif comme défini dans la revendication 1.For this purpose the invention relates to a device as defined in claim 1.

De manière préférentielle, l'emballage est fermé par un opercule et les moyens de fixation et d'ouverture sont aptes à s'assujettir à l'opercule, la buse est mobile relativement à l'emballage entre une position dans laquelle l'emballage est fermé et une position dans laquelle l'emballage est ouvert par les moyens de fixation et d'ouverture, le canal d'aspiration étant ainsi mis en communication avec le liquide contenu dans l'emballage. L'ouverture est ainsi aisée et rend le dispositif opérationnel, sans que d'autres manipulations ne soient nécessaires.Preferably, the package is closed by a lid and the fastening and opening means are able to fasten to the lid, the nozzle is movable relative to the package between a position in which the package is closed and a position in which the package is opened by the attachment and opening means, the suction channel thus being placed in communication with the liquid contained in the package. The opening is thus easy and makes the device operational, without further manipulation is necessary.

Les moyens de fixation et d'ouverture sont aussi préférablement agencés de manière à mettre en communication le canal d'aspiration et le liquide contenu dans l'emballage sans écoulement à l'extérieur possible. Par "sans écoulement à l'extérieur", il faut entendre que le liquide contenu dans l'emballage n'est pas susceptible de couler ou se déverser en dehors de l'emballage sans un effet d'aspiration forcée du par le sous-ensemble d'aspiration à effet venturi. Par exemple, les moyens de fixation et d'ouverture coopèrent avec l'emballage pour mettre le canal en communication à proximité du fond du liquide. Une pression hydrostatique différentielle est alors créée qui maintient le liquide dans l'emballage sans risque d'écoulement possible.The fixing and opening means are also preferably arranged so as to put in communication the suction channel and the liquid contained in the package without outward flow possible. By "no outflow" is meant that the liquid contained in the package is not likely to flow or spill out of the package without a forced suction effect by the subassembly suction venturi effect. For example, the attachment and opening means cooperate with the packaging to put the channel in communication near the bottom of the liquid. A differential hydrostatic pressure is then created which keeps the liquid in the package without risk of possible flow.

Dans un mode de réalisation de l'invention, les moyens de fixation et d'ouverture sont des moyens aptes à desceller une portion de scellement entre l'opercule et l'emballage. Les moyens de fixation et d'ouverture peuvent être des moyens de pincement d'une portion de l'opercule qui, lorsque la buse est déplacée par un mouvement relatif par rapport à l'emballage, provoquent la rupture de la portion de scellement entre l'opercule et l'emballage. Une telle solution a pour avantage d'assurer une ouverture facile, fiable et sans risque d'écoulement ou de fuite hors du dispositif. Par exemple, on prévoit un élément de jonction apte à relier la buse à l'opercule par pincement et/ou scellement avec une portion de l'opercule. L'avantage d'un élément de jonction est de permettre la séparation entre l'emballage et la buse, les deux éléments pouvant être assemblés au moment de la préparation ou, au contraire, à l'avance, par exemple lors de la fabrication.In one embodiment of the invention, the fixing and opening means are means capable of loosening a sealing portion between the lid and the package. The fastening and opening means may be means for gripping a portion of the cover which, when the nozzle is moved by a relative movement relative to the packaging, cause the rupture of the sealing portion between the lid and the package. Such a solution has the advantage of ensuring an easy opening, reliable and without risk of flow or leakage out of the device. For example, there is provided a connecting element capable of connecting the nozzle to the lid by pinching and / or sealing with a portion of the lid. The advantage of a connecting element is to allow separation between the package and the nozzle, the two elements can be assembled at the time of preparation or, conversely, in advance, for example during manufacture.

Un emballage du type précité fait l'objet d'une description plus détaillée dans une demande déposée ce même jour par la Demanderesse intitulée "Emballage jetable pour la distribution d'une préparation liquide pompable par un dispositif à effet venturi".A packaging of the aforementioned type is described in more detail in an application filed the same day by the Applicant entitled "Disposable packaging for dispensing a pumpable liquid preparation by a venturi device".

Dans le mode de réalisation précité, l'élément de jonction forme partiellement le conduit d'éjection, et il est pourvu d'un passage traversant et d'une collerette permettant par vissage ou clipsage à l'extrémité du corps de la buse de pincer un anneau de l'opercule de façon étanche entre la base de la buse et ladite collerette.In the aforementioned embodiment, the junction element partially forms the ejection duct, and it is provided with a through passage and a collar allowing screwing or clipping at the end of the body of the nozzle to pinch a seal ring sealingly between the base of the nozzle and said flange.

Dans une alternative possible, la buse est directement scellée sur une portion de l'opercule par un scellement plus résistant à la rupture que les moyens de scellement entre l'opercule et l'emballage. Dans ce cas, la buse est assemblée lors de la fabrication. Les avantages sont aussi la facilité de réalisation, la simplicité et le coût moindre.In a possible alternative, the nozzle is directly sealed to a portion of the seal by sealing more resistant to rupture than the sealing means between the seal and the package. In this case, the nozzle is assembled during manufacture. The advantages are also the ease of realization, the simplicity and the lower cost.

Le dispositif de l'invention peut constituer un ensemble comprenant le sous-ensemble d'aspiration et l'emballage associé, le tout pouvant alors être jetable et donc ne nécessitant aucun nettoyage.The device of the invention may constitute an assembly comprising the suction subassembly and the associated packaging, the whole can then be disposable and therefore requiring no cleaning.

Comme on le verra dans la description détaillée qui suit, la buse peut être réalisée de façon économique en une seule pièce par injection-moulage et être associée, soit à un emballage ayant la forme d'une capsule, fabriquée par thermoformage ou injection, hermétiquement scellée avant emploi, et contenant une ou plusieurs doses de liquide pompable, soit à un récipient ou un bol de plus grande contenance. La buse peut également être formée de plusieurs éléments emboîtés et/ou assemblés.As will be seen in the detailed description that follows, the nozzle can be made economically in one piece by injection molding and be associated with either a package in the form of a capsule, manufactured by thermoforming or injection, hermetically sealed before use, and containing one or more doses of pumpable liquid, either to a container or bowl of greater capacity. The nozzle may also be formed of several nested and / or assembled elements.

Selon une caractéristique du sous-ensemble d'aspiration, la chambre d'aspiration est située en aval d'une restriction et est reliée en amont d' un étranglement à un puits de mélange lui-même en communication avec l'extérieur par un conduit d'éjection. La restriction est typiquement configurée pour assurer un passage à haute vitesse, en général sonique, du fluide vecteur pour créer dans la chambre d'aspiration la dépression nécessaire à l'aspiration du liquide.According to a characteristic of the suction subassembly, the suction chamber is located downstream of a restriction and is connected upstream of a throat to a mixing well itself in communication with the outside by a conduit ejection. The restriction is typically configured to provide a high-speed, generally sonic, passage of the carrier fluid to create in the suction chamber the vacuum necessary for the suction of the liquid.

Des moyens d'homogénéisation sont avantageusement prévus, soit faisant partie du sous-ensemble d'aspiration, soit du moyen de fermeture de l'emballage lui-même.Homogenizing means are advantageously provided, either part of the suction subassembly, or the closing means of the package itself.

Ainsi, pour former des moyens d'homogénéisation du produit éjecté, l'élément d'assemblage peut être prolongé, dans le puits de mélange par un dôme ayant un diamètre légèrement inférieur à celui de la chambre de mélange.Thus, to form means for homogenizing the ejected product, the assembly element can be extended in the mixing well by a dome having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the mixing chamber.

Dans le cas où la buse est directement scellée sur une portion de l'opercule, la portion de scellement délimite une ouverture dans l'opercule et le conduit d'éjection est agencé pour communiquer avec cette ouverture. Un grillage peut être disposé à travers cette ouverture pour former des moyens d'homogénéisation du produit éjecté.In the case where the nozzle is directly sealed on a portion of the lid, the sealing portion defines an opening in the lid and the ejection duct is arranged to communicate with this opening. A grid may be disposed through this opening to form homogenizing means of the ejected product.

Selon un autre aspect de l'invention, le canal d'aspiration en liquide s'étend de préférence entre la base de la buse et la chambre d'aspiration.According to another aspect of the invention, the liquid suction channel preferably extends between the base of the nozzle and the suction chamber.

Selon encore un autre aspect de l'invention, la buse est logée dans une cheminée ménagée perpendiculairement au plan de l'opercule de l'emballage, une extrémité de la cheminée étant reliée à l'opercule par une deuxième portion de scellement. Cette cheminée peut occuper une position quelconque, par exemple venir de matière avec un bord du récipient. Toutefois, selon un mode de réalisation préféré, la cheminée occupe une position centrale.According to yet another aspect of the invention, the nozzle is housed in a chimney formed perpendicular to the plane of the seal of the package, one end of the chimney being connected to the seal by a second sealing portion. This chimney can occupy any position, for example come from material with an edge of the container. However, according to a preferred embodiment, the chimney occupies a central position.

Dans une autre alternative possible, les moyens de fixation et d'ouverture sont des moyens de percement d'une portion de l'opercule. Il peut s'agir, par exemple, d'au moins une portion rigide de percement comprenant un canal d'aspiration du liquide. Une telle alternative est décrite en détail dans la demande de brevet co-pendante intitulée « Emballage jetable pour la distribution d'une préparation liquide pompable par un dispositif à effet venturi » déposée le même jour au nom de la demanderesseIn another possible alternative, the attachment and opening means are means for piercing a portion of the lid. It may be, for example, at least one rigid portion of piercing comprising a suction channel of the liquid. Such an alternative is described in detail in the co-pending patent application entitled "Disposable packaging for dispensing a pumpable liquid preparation by a venturi device" filed the same day in the name of the Applicant.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description ci-après, donnée à titre illustratif et non limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue éclatée en perspective d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de pompage selon l'invention illustrant les deux pièces formant un dispositif à effet venturi, avant assemblage sur un emballage ayant la forme d'une capsule jetable;
  • la figure 2 est une perspective de la capsule seule en vue de dessous;
  • la figure 3 est une vue de dessus d'un dispositif à effet venturi selon une première variante de l'invention apte à être utilisé avec le premier mode de réalisation du dispositif de pompage;
  • la figure 4 est une coupe selon la ligne IV-IV de la figure 3;
  • la figure 5 est une coupe selon la ligne V-V de la figure 4;
  • la figure 6 est une vue en perspective de l'élément de jonction utilisé dans la variante du dispositif à effet venturi illustré aux figures 3 et 4;
  • la figure 7 est une vue de dessous de l'élément de jonction représenté à la figure 6;
  • la figure 8 est une représentation en coupe de l'élément de jonction selon la ligne VIII-VIII de la figure 7;
  • la figure 9 est une vue de dessus du premier mode de réalisation du dispositif de pompage représenté à la figure 1 après assemblage du dispositif à effet venturi illustré aux figures 3 à 5 avec l'emballage;
  • la figure 10 est une représentation en coupe selon la ligne X-X; de la figure 9 avant ouverture de la capsule;
  • la figure 11 est une représentation en coupe selon la ligne XI-XI de la figure 9, avant ouverture de la capsule;
  • la figure 12 correspond à la figure 10, après ouverture de la capsule ;
  • la figure 13 correspond à la figure 11, après ouverture de la capsule ;
  • la figure 14 est une représentation en perspective d'un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de pompage selon l'invention;
  • la figure 15 est une coupe diamétrale selon la ligne XV-XV de la figure 14, avant ouverture;
  • la figure 16 correspond à la figure 15 après ouverture;
  • les figures 17 et 18 correspondent à une variante du deuxième mode de réalisation, avant et après ouverture, et
  • la figure 19 est une représentation en perspective partiellement arrachée d'un troisième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de pompage selon l'invention.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following description, given by way of illustration and without limitation, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a pumping device according to the invention illustrating the two parts forming a device venturi effect, before assembly on a package in the form of a disposable capsule;
  • the figure 2 is a perspective of the capsule alone in view from below;
  • the figure 3 is a top view of a venturi device according to a first variant of the invention suitable for use with the first embodiment of the pumping device;
  • the figure 4 is a section along line IV-IV of the figure 3 ;
  • the figure 5 is a section along line VV of the figure 4 ;
  • the figure 6 is a perspective view of the joining element used in the variant of the device with venturi effect illustrated in FIGS. Figures 3 and 4 ;
  • the figure 7 is a bottom view of the joining element shown in FIG. figure 6 ;
  • the figure 8 is a sectional representation of the connecting element along the line VIII-VIII of the figure 7 ;
  • the figure 9 is a top view of the first embodiment of the pumping device shown in FIG. figure 1 after assembly of the device venturi effect illustrated in Figures 3 to 5 with the packaging;
  • the figure 10 is a representation in section along the line XX; of the figure 9 before opening the capsule;
  • the figure 11 is a representation in section along the line XI-XI of the figure 9 before opening the capsule;
  • the figure 12 corresponds to the figure 10 after opening the capsule;
  • the figure 13 corresponds to the figure 11 after opening the capsule;
  • the figure 14 is a perspective representation of a second embodiment of a pumping device according to the invention;
  • the figure 15 is a diametrical cut along line XV-XV of the figure 14 , before opening;
  • the figure 16 corresponds to the figure 15 after opening;
  • the Figures 17 and 18 correspond to a variant of the second embodiment, before and after opening, and
  • the figure 19 is a partially cutaway perspective representation of a third embodiment of a pumping device according to the invention.

La figure 1 représente en perspective éclatée un premier mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de pompage selon l'invention comprenant un sous ensemble d'aspiration comportant une buse à effet venturi désignée par la référence générale 1. La buse 1 est associée à un emballage 5 ayant la forme d'une capsule fermée par un opercule déformable 7, visible sur la figure 2. L'emballage 5 comporte une cheminée 9 allant du fond 11 jusqu'à l'opercule 7 qui est pourvu d'une ouverture 8 concentrique à l'ouverture de la cheminée 9 et dont les dimensions sont sensiblement égales ou inférieures à l'ouverture de la cheminée 9. Typiquement, la capsule peut être obtenue en une seule pièce par thermoformage ou injection d'un matériau plastique. Dans l'exemple illustré, l'emballage présente une forme générale torique.The figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a pumping device according to the invention comprising a suction subassembly comprising a nozzle venturi effect designated by the general reference 1. The nozzle 1 is associated with a package 5 having the form of a capsule closed by a deformable seal 7, visible on the figure 2 . The packaging 5 comprises a chimney 9 going from the bottom 11 to the cap 7 which is provided with an opening 8 concentric to the opening of the chimney 9 and whose dimensions are substantially equal to or smaller than the opening of the chimney 9. Typically, the capsule can be obtained in one piece by thermoforming or injection of a plastic material. In the example shown, the packaging has a general shape toric.

La cheminée 9 est prévue pour recevoir, du côté fond 11 la buse 1, et du côté opercule 7 un élément de jonction 13 assemblé à la base 14 de la buse 1 pour former des moyens de fixation et d'ouverture. Dans ce premier mode de réalisation, l'élément de jonction 13 est fixé par vissage sur la buse 1, mais pourrait être fixé à celle-ci de tout autre manière, telle que par clipsage. Sur la figure 2 on a également représenté en pointillé un anneau de pincement 15 de l'opercule 7 entre la buse 1 et l'élément de jonction 13, et un anneau de scellement 17 à la base de la cheminée 9 qui seront décrits plus en détails ci-après en liaison avec les figures 10 à 13.The chimney 9 is designed to receive, on the bottom side 11 of the nozzle 1, and on the seal side 7 a connecting element 13 assembled to the base 14 of the nozzle 1 to form fastening means and opening. In this first embodiment, the connecting element 13 is screwed onto the nozzle 1, but could be fixed thereto in any other way, such as by clipping. On the figure 2 a pinch ring 15 of the lid 7 between the nozzle 1 and the joining element 13 and a sealing ring 17 at the base of the chimney 9, which will be described in more detail below, have also been shown in dotted lines. in liaison with Figures 10 to 13 .

En se référant également aux figures 3 et 4, on voit que la buse 1 a un corps 4 globalement cylindrique, à l'exception d'ailettes 19 dont le rôle sera expliqué ultérieurement. A sa partie supérieure, la buse 1 comporte un puits d'arrivée de vapeur 21 dans lequel vient se loger un manchon 22 d'un adaptateur 23 (visible sur les figures 9, 10 et 11) à la tubulure d'un générateur de vapeur, par exemple celui d'une machine à café expresso. Dans l'exemple représenté, l'adaptateur 23 est de type "à baïonnette" et coopère avec deux encoches 10 et deux rainures 12, diamétralement opposées et formées dans la partie supérieure de la buse 1. Les ailettes permettent donc de bloquer la buse en rotation par rapport à la capsule.Referring also to Figures 3 and 4 , we see that the nozzle 1 has a generally cylindrical body 4, with the exception of fins 19 whose role will be explained later. At its upper part, the nozzle 1 comprises a steam inlet well 21 in which is housed a sleeve 22 of an adapter 23 (visible on the figures 9 , 10 and 11 ) to the tubing of a steam generator, for example that of an espresso machine. In the example shown, the adapter 23 is of the "bayonet" type and cooperates with two notches 10 and two grooves 12, diametrically opposite and formed in the upper part of the nozzle 1. The fins therefore make it possible to block the nozzle rotation relative to the capsule.

L'intégration du puits d'arrivée de vapeur 21 dans le corps de la buse permet d'éviter une remontée du liquide pompé, ce qui pourrait se produire en raison des turbulences dans la chambre d'aspiration 25, et en conséquence maintient la tubulure d'arrivée de vapeur hors de contact du liquide et donc toujours parfaitement propre.The integration of the steam inlet well 21 in the body of the nozzle makes it possible to prevent a rise in the pumped liquid, which could occur due to the turbulence in the suction chamber 25, and consequently maintains the tubing steam inlet out of contact with the liquid and therefore always perfectly clean.

En se référant plus particulièrement à la figure 4, on voit que le puits d'arrivée de vapeur 21 communique avec une chambre d'aspiration 25 par l'intermédiaire d'une restriction 27 de très faible diamètre permettant de faire passer le fluide vecteur à une vitesse sonique ou tout au moins proche de celle-ci. Cette restriction 27 est une réduction de section qui génère ainsi une dépression dans la chambre d'aspiration 25 nécessaire à l'effet venturi recherché. De façon équivalente le puits d'amenée de vapeur 21 et la restriction 27 pourraient être formés dans une pièce indépendante du reste de la buse, ou être formé avec la tubulure d'amenée de vapeur lorsque celle-ci est emmanchée dans la buse.With particular reference to the figure 4 it can be seen that the steam inlet well 21 communicates with a suction chamber 25 via a very small diameter restriction 27 making it possible to pass the carrier fluid at a sonic speed or at least close to it. This restriction 27 is a section reduction which thus generates a vacuum in the suction chamber 25 required for the desired venturi effect. Equivalently the supply well of The steam 21 and the restriction 27 could be formed in a room independent of the remainder of the nozzle, or be formed with the steam supply pipe when it is fitted into the nozzle.

En aval de la chambre d'aspiration 25 se situe un étranglement 26 de plus grand diamètre que la restriction 27 et qui permet de régler le débit de passage du liquide aspiré en fonction de la vitesse. La chambre d'aspiration 25 est elle-même en communication avec un puits de mélange 29 par l'intermédiaire de l'étranglement 26. Dans la chambre d'aspiration 25 débouchent également un canal 31 d'amenée d'air et un canal 33 d'amenée ou de pompage du liquide contenu à l'intérieur de l'emballage.Downstream of the suction chamber 25 is a throat 26 of larger diameter than the restriction 27 and which adjusts the rate of passage of the aspirated liquid depending on the speed. The suction chamber 25 is itself in communication with a mixing well 29 via the constriction 26. In the suction chamber 25 also open a channel 31 for supplying air and a channel 33 feeding or pumping the liquid contained inside the package.

Comme on le sait, la qualité finale d'une mousse dépend de nombreux facteurs, et notamment du débit d'air qu'on peut contrôler avec une calibration très précise du canal d'amené d'air 31. Sachant que le diamètre de ce canal est de l'ordre de quelques dixièmes de millimètres, on comprendra qu'une telle calibration est relativement délicate, d'autant que cette buse est prévue pour être produite en grande série, par exemple par injection-moulage d'un matériau plastique tel que le polypropylène (PP), le polystyrène ou tout autre matériaux plastique approprié. C'est pourquoi on préfère prévoir au niveau de la prise d'air un orifice 32 de plus grand diamètre permettant d'adapter des moyens permettant de mieux contrôler le débit d'air. Il s'agit par exemple d'une membrane perméable, par exemple à porosité contrôlée 32a que l'on fixe au dessus de l'orifice 32. Une membrane de ce type est par exemple disponible dans la gamme des produits proposés par Atofina (Paris) sous la marque Pebax ® ou par la société Gor (USA) sous la marque Gor-tex ®. Cette membrane 27a permet également, sans modification du corps de la buse, de choisir la porosité la mieux adaptée à la pression d'un générateur de vapeur donné. On observera également que le plus grand diamètre de l'orifice 32 permet très facilement de l'obturer si on veut utiliser la buse, non pas pour produire une émulsion mais simplement pour réchauffer un liquide.As we know, the final quality of a foam depends on many factors, including the air flow that can be controlled with a very accurate calibration of the air intake channel 31. Knowing that the diameter of this channel is of the order of a few tenths of a millimeter, it will be understood that such a calibration is relatively delicate, especially since this nozzle is intended to be produced in large series, for example by injection molding of a plastic material such as as polypropylene (PP), polystyrene or any other suitable plastic material. That is why it is preferred to provide at the level of the air intake port 32 of larger diameter for adapting means to better control the air flow. It is for example a permeable membrane, for example with controlled porosity 32a that is fixed above the orifice 32. A membrane of this type is for example available in the range of products offered by Atofina (Paris). ) under the trademark Pebax ® or by the company Gor (USA) under the trademark Gor-tex ®. This membrane 27a also allows, without modification of the body of the nozzle, to choose the porosity best suited to the pressure of a given steam generator. It will also be observed that the larger diameter of the orifice 32 makes it very easy to seal it if it is desired to use the nozzle, not to produce an emulsion but simply to heat a liquid.

Sur la figure 5, on voit également que le canal d'amenée 33 de liquide est formé à l'intérieur du corps 4 de la buse 1, les orifices d'alimentations 34a, 34b, 34c étant situés dans l'exemple illustré à la base 14 de la buse 1 et destinés à être mis en communication avec l'intérieur de l'emballage contenant le liquide lorsque le dispositif est en configuration de pompage.On the figure 5 it is also seen that the liquid supply channel 33 is formed inside the body 4 of the nozzle 1, the supply orifices 34a, 34b, 34c being situated in the example shown at the base 14 of the nozzle 1 and intended to be placed in communication with the inside of the package containing the liquid when the device is in pumping configuration.

Dans le cas d'une buse prévue pour être adaptée à un emballage fermé (voir figures 1 et 2), la partie extérieure verticale de la buse 1 comporte en outre une rainure 35 permettant d'équilibrer la pression à l'intérieur de la capsule lorsqu'on pompe le liquide contenu dans l'emballage. La partie basse 36 de cette rainure 35 est donc agencée pour être en communication avec l'intérieur de l'emballage contenant le liquide lorsque le dispositif est en configuration de pompage.In the case of a nozzle intended to be adapted to a closed package (see Figures 1 and 2 ), the vertical outer portion of the nozzle 1 further comprises a groove 35 for balancing the pressure inside the capsule when pumping the liquid contained in the package. The lower part 36 of this groove 35 is therefore arranged to be in communication with the interior of the package containing the liquid when the device is in pumping configuration.

On voit également que l'extrémité du puits de mélange 29 comporte un filetage intérieur 30 permettant d'assujettir l'élément de jonction 13, dont un exemple de réalisation est décrit ci-après en référence aux figures 6 à 8.It can also be seen that the end of the mixing well 29 has an internal thread 30 making it possible to secure the joining element 13, an exemplary embodiment of which is described below with reference to FIGS. Figures 6 to 8 .

L'élément de jonction 13 comporte un corps 40 ayant à sa base une collerette 42 et à son autre extrémité un dôme 44. Le dôme 44 est relié au corps 40 par un étranglement 46. Un conduit d'éjection 48 du liquide chauffé et/ou émulsionné est ménagé à travers le corps 40 en dessous de l'étranglement 46 (figure 8). Le corps 40 comporte près de sa base un filetage extérieur 41 permettant de visser l'élément de jonction 13 sur le filetage correspondant 30 de la buse 1. Pour faciliter ce vissage, la collerette 42 comporte deux trous de manoeuvre 43, mais il est évidemment possible d'imaginer d'autres moyens de vissage, y compris des moyens de type inviolable. Il peut en effet être souhaitable, pour des raisons d'hygiène, que la buse 1 ne puisse pas être démontée et ré-utilisée après le premier emploi. Ce caractère d'inviolabilité peut d'ailleurs être obtenu en prévoyant d'autres moyens permettant d'assembler la buse 1 et l'élément de jonction 13 par exemple par clipsage. On observera enfin que le diamètre de la base du dôme 44 est très peu inférieur au diamètre intérieur du puits de mélange 29 de façon à ce que l'émulsion ait un passage forcé entre la paroi du puits de mélange 29 et la base du dôme 44 pour en améliorer le caractère mousseux et notamment homogénéiser la préparation , et limiter le risque d'éclaboussures.The joining element 13 comprises a body 40 having at its base a flange 42 and at its other end a dome 44. The dome 44 is connected to the body 40 by a throat 46. An ejection duct 48 of the heated liquid and / or emulsified is formed through the body 40 below the constriction 46 ( figure 8 ). The body 40 comprises near its base an external thread 41 for screwing the connecting element 13 on the corresponding thread 30 of the nozzle 1. To facilitate this screwing, the collar 42 has two maneuvering holes 43, but it is obviously it is possible to imagine other means of screwing, including means of tamper-proof type. It may indeed be desirable, for reasons of hygiene, that the nozzle 1 can not be disassembled and used again after the first use. This inviolability character can also be obtained by providing other means for assembling the nozzle 1 and the junction element 13 for example by clipping. It will finally be observed that the diameter of the base of the dome 44 is very little less than the inside diameter of the mixing well 29 so that the emulsion has a forced passage between the wall of the mixing well 29 and the base of the dome 44. to improve the sparkling nature and in particular homogenize the preparation, and limit the risk of splashing.

En se référant maintenant aux figures 10 à 13, qui sont des coupes partielles selon les lignes X-X et XI-XI de la figure 9, on décrit ci-après le fonctionnement de la buse 1 selon le premier mode de réalisation qui vient d'être décrit, lorsqu'elle est adaptée à la capsule 5, fermée par l'opercule 7, telle que représentée aux figures 1 et 2. Sur ces figures on observera que la capsule 5 comporte un certain nombre de nervures, certaines nervures 6a servant essentiellement à renforcer la capsule 5, d'autres nervures 6b étant prévues pour guider les ailettes 19 de la buse 1.Referring now to Figures 10 to 13 , which are partial sections along lines XX and XI-XI of the figure 9 , hereinafter described the operation of the nozzle 1 according to the first embodiment which has just been described, when it is adapted to the capsule 5, closed by the cover 7, as shown in FIGS. Figures 1 and 2 . In these figures it will be observed that the capsule 5 has a number of ribs, some ribs 6a serving essentially to strengthen the capsule 5, other ribs 6b being provided to guide the fins 19 of the nozzle 1.

La figure 10 montre l'ensemble buse-capsule avant ouverture, c'est-à-dire alors que le contenu de la capsule 5 n'est pas en communication avec le canal d'amenée de liquide 39. Dans cette figure, l'ensemble buse-capsule est pourvu de l'adaptateur 23 comportant un dispositif à baïonnette permettant d'assujettir par l'ouverture 24 le manchon 22 de raccordement au puits 21 d'arrivée de vapeur dans la buse 1.The figure 10 shows the nozzle-capsule assembly before opening, that is to say while the contents of the capsule 5 is not in communication with the liquid supply channel 39. In this figure, the nozzle-nozzle assembly capsule is provided with the adapter 23 comprising a bayonet device for securing through the opening 24 the sleeve 22 for connection to the steam inlet well 21 in the nozzle 1.

L'anneau 15 de l'opercule 7 est pincé hermétiquement entre la buse 1 et l'élément de jonction 13, et le fond de la cheminée 9 est collé ou scellé hermétiquement par l'anneau de scellement 17 de l'opercule 7 entourant l'anneau 15.The ring 15 of the lid 7 is clamped hermetically between the nozzle 1 and the joining element 13, and the bottom of the chimney 9 is glued or hermetically sealed by the sealing ring 17 of the lid 7 surrounding the ring 15.

On peut concevoir aussi que l'anneau 15 soit scellé sur la base 14 de la buse 1 ou encore sur la collerette 42 de l'élément de jonction 13. Dans cette position le liquide est totalement isolé du milieu extérieur, les orifices d'alimentation en liquide 34a, b, c (figure 5) et en air 36 pour équilibrer la pression, se trouvant tous les deux au-dessus de l'anneau 17 hermétiquement collé à l'opercule 7. Dans le mode de réalisation préféré représenté à la figure 10, on voit que la longueur de la cheminée 9 est telle que l'opercule 7 a une forme convexe avant ouverture.It is also conceivable that the ring 15 is sealed on the base 14 of the nozzle 1 or on the flange 42 of the connecting element 13. In this position the liquid is completely isolated from the external environment, the feed orifices in liquid 34a, b, c ( figure 5 ) and air 36 to balance the pressure, both being above the ring 17 hermetically bonded to the cap 7. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. figure 10 it can be seen that the length of the chimney 9 is such that the cap 7 has a convex shape before opening.

En déplaçant axialement la capsule 5 relativement à la buse 1, comme indiqué par la flèche F de la figure 12, on provoque un décollement de l'anneau 17. L'opercule 7 prend alors une forme concave. On met alors, d'une part les orifices d'alimentation 34a (34b et 34c non visibles en coupe) en communication avec le liquide contenu dans la capsule, d'autre part la partie basse 36 de la rainure 35, en communication avec l'air extérieur A, pour équilibrer la pression à l'intérieur de la capsule 5. Comme on le voit à la figure 13, dans la position ouverte le débattement de la buse 1 est limité par la mise en contact d'un épaulement 20 situé à la base de la buse et d'un bord inférieure 9a de la cheminée 9, ce qui évite de déchirer l'opercule 7 par un mouvement trop vif. Dans cette configuration, le liquide contenu dans l'emballage 5 n'est pas susceptible de circuler librement dans le canal d'amenée 33 du liquide en raison du différentiel de pression existant entre la chambre d'aspiration 25 et la surface du liquide dans l'emballage 5, la pression dans l'emballage 5 étant naturellement inférieure à la pression dans l'emballage 5 au moment de l'ouverture. Le liquide ne peut donc couler librement en dehors de l'emballage 5 au travers du canal 33. Le système est donc propre.By axially moving the capsule 5 relative to the nozzle 1, as indicated by the arrow F of the figure 12 it causes a detachment of the ring 17. The lid 7 then takes a concave shape. Then, on the one hand, the supply orifices 34a (34b and 34c not visible in section) in communication with the liquid contained in the capsule, on the other hand the lower part 36 of the groove 35, in communication with the outside air A, to balance the pressure inside the capsule 5. As can be seen in figure 13 in the open position the displacement of the nozzle 1 is limited by bringing into contact a shoulder 20 located at the base of the nozzle and a lower edge 9a of the chimney 9, which avoids tearing the lid 7 by a movement too bright. In this configuration, the liquid contained in the package 5 is not able to freely circulate in the supply channel 33 of the liquid due to the pressure differential existing between the suction chamber 25 and the liquid surface in the container. 5, the pressure in the package 5 being naturally lower than the pressure in the package 5 at the time of opening. The liquid can not flow freely outside the package 5 through the channel 33. The system is clean.

Dans cette position d'ouverture, l'arrivée d'un fluide vecteur sous pression, par exemple de la vapeur, dans la chambre d'aspiration 25 crée une dépression dans le canal d'amenée 33 qui est en communication avec l'intérieur de l'emballage 5, et dans le canal d'amenée d'air 31, de sorte que le liquide contenu dans l'emballage 5 est pompé par effet venturi, la pression dans la chambre d'aspiration devenant ainsi inférieure à la pression au dessus du liquide dans l'emballage 5.Le liquide est alors éjecté dans le puits de mélange 29 par l'intermédiaire de l'étranglement 26, et distribué après homogénéisation à travers le conduit d'éjection 48 sous la forme d'une émulsion chaude dans le présent exemple. La rainure 35 et l'orifice 36 permettent de remplir l'emballage 5 en air alors que celui-ci se vide du liquide ainsi pompé et d'assurer que la pression à l'intérieur de l'emballage reste à une pression supérieure à la dépression créée pour assurer la continuité de pompage et éviter un effondrement vers l'intérieur de l'emballage 5. Lorsque l'arrivée en fluide vecteur cesse, la chambre d'aspiration 25 revient alors à une pression légèrement supérieure à la pression du liquide dans l'emballage 5, ce qui assure ainsi une retenue du liquide dans le canal 33 sans risque d'écoulement possible vers l'extérieur. Le léger vide qui se produit dans l'espace de tête de l'emballage 5 suffit à retenir le liquide à un niveau controllé dans le canal 33.In this open position, the arrival of a pressurized vector fluid, for example steam, into the suction chamber 25 creates a vacuum in the supply channel 33 which is in communication with the interior of the the packaging 5, and in the air supply channel 31, so that the liquid contained in the package 5 is pumped by the venturi effect, the pressure in the suction chamber thus becoming less than the pressure above 5.The liquid is then ejected into the mixing well 29 through the throat 26, and distributed after homogenization through the ejection conduit 48 in the form of a hot emulsion. this example. The groove 35 and the orifice 36 make it possible to fill the package 5 with air while the latter is empty of the liquid thus pumped and to ensure that the pressure inside the package remains at a pressure greater than depression created to ensure the continuity of pumping and prevent a collapse towards the inside of the package 5. When the arrival of fluid vector ceases, the suction chamber 25 then returns to a pressure slightly greater than the pressure of the liquid in the package 5, which thus ensures retention of the liquid in the channel 33 without risk of possible outward flow. The slight vacuum that occurs in the head space of the package 5 is sufficient to retain the liquid at a controlled level in the channel 33.

Aux figures 14 à 16 on a représenté un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de pompage selon l'invention dans lequel les éléments identiques à ceux décrits en liaison avec les figures précédentes ont les mêmes références numériques.To the Figures 14 to 16 there is shown a second embodiment of a pumping device according to the invention wherein the elements identical to those described in connection with the preceding figures have the same reference numerals.

Selon ce deuxième mode de réalisation, la buse 2 peut est réalisée en deux parties 50, 52 emboîtables, par exemple par clipsage (non représenté). Elle comporte un premier corps extérieur creux 50 dont le fond 51 est traversé par le conduit d'amenée 21 du fluide vecteur sous pression et par le conduit d'amenée d'air 31 lorsqu'on veut produire une mousse. La paroi extérieure 49 comporte en outre, comme précédemment, un canal 35 d'amenée d'air pour équilibrer la pression dans l'emballage lors du pompage du liquide.According to this second embodiment, the nozzle 2 can be made in two parts 50, 52 nestable, for example by clipping (not shown). It comprises a first hollow outer body 50 whose bottom 51 is traversed by the supply conduit 21 of the pressurized carrier fluid and the air supply duct 31 when it is desired to produce a foam. The outer wall 49 further comprises, as previously, an air supply channel 35 for balancing the pressure in the package during pumping of the liquid.

Le deuxième corps intérieur 52, comporte en son centre un évidemment délimité par une paroi latérale 54 et un fond 56 qui forment le puits de mélange 29.Le fond 56 est traversé par un canal d'étranglement 26. Lorsque le deuxième corps 52 est emboîté à l'intérieur du premier corps 50, le canal d'étranglement 26 communique avec la chambre d'aspiration 25 qui est formée entre le fond 5 du corps extérieur 50 et le fond 56 du corps intérieur 52. La paroi extérieure du deuxième corps 52 comporte une rainure reliant sa base 53 et la chambre d'aspiration 25 pour former contre la paroi du corps extérieur 50 le canal d'amenée 33 du liquide à pomper. Comme dans le deuxième mode de réalisation, la base 53 du corps intérieur 52, et éventuellement celle du corps extérieur 50, est fermement scellée à un anneau 15 de l'opercule, et la base de la cheminée 9 est scellée, avec une force d'arrachage moindre sur un anneau 17 entourant l'anneau 15. Dans ce deuxième mode de réalisation, on observera que la buse ne comporte plus d'ailettes, mais seulement une collerette de guidage 58.The second inner body 52 has in its center an indent defined by a side wall 54 and a bottom 56 which form the mixing well 29. The bottom 56 is traversed by a throttling channel 26. When the second body 52 is fitted inside the first body 50, the throttle channel 26 communicates with the suction chamber 25 which is formed between the bottom 5 of the outer body 50 and the bottom 56 of the inner body 52. The outer wall of the second body 52 has a groove connecting its base 53 and the suction chamber 25 to form against the wall of the outer body 50 the supply channel 33 of the liquid to be pumped. As in the second embodiment, the base 53 of the inner body 52, and possibly that of the outer body 50, is firmly sealed to a ring 15 of the cover, and the base of the chimney 9 is sealed, with a force of less tearing on a ring 17 surrounding the ring 15. In this second embodiment, it will be observed that the nozzle no longer comprises fins, but only a guide flange 58.

Ce mode de réalisation a l'avantage de permettre une fabrication plus simple de la buse qui peut être aisément réalisée par deux pièces moulées de forme relativement simples.This embodiment has the advantage of allowing a simpler manufacture of the nozzle which can easily be achieved by two relatively simple shaped moldings.

Ce deuxième mode de réalisation diffère également du premier en ce que le conduit d'éjection 48 est obturé par une grille 59 permettant d'homogénéiser la préparation éjectée et donc d'augmenter la qualité de celle-ci. La grille peut, selon le mode de réalisation, être formée d'une pièce séparée ou venir de matière avec l'opercule.This second embodiment also differs from the first in that the ejection duct 48 is closed by a grid 59 to homogenize the ejected preparation and thus to increase the quality thereof. The grid may, depending on the embodiment, be formed of a separate piece or come of material with the lid.

On a représenté aux figures 17 et 18 une variante du mode de réalisation précédent qui diffère du précédent en ce que les moyens d'homogénéisation sont formés par un dôme 44 disposé dans le puits de mélange 29 et venant de matière avec la paroi intérieure 54 du corps intérieur 52. Ce dôme 44 est structuré sensiblement comme celui de l'élément de jonction 13 décrit aux figures 6 à 8. Dans ce cas la grille 59 peut également être présente.Representatives Figures 17 and 18 a variant of the previous embodiment which differs from the previous one in that the homogenization means are formed by a dome 44 disposed in the mixing well 29 and integral with the inner wall 54 of the inner body 52. This dome 44 is structured substantially like that of the joining element 13 described in Figures 6 to 8 . In this case the gate 59 may also be present.

La figure 17 représente le dispositif en position fermée selon une coupe diamétrale passant par le passage d'amenée ou de pompage 33 du liquide, et la figure 18 représente le même dispositif en position ouverte selon une coupe perpendiculaire à la première.The figure 17 represents the device in the closed position in a diametral section passing through the supply or pumping passage 33 of the liquid, and the figure 18 represents the same device in the open position in a section perpendicular to the first.

La figure 19 représente en perspective arrachée un troisième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de pompage selon l'invention dans lequel dans lequel la buse 3 traverse le fond d'un container rigide ouvert 60, en forme de bol comportant éventuellement une échelle graduée 61 permettant de mesurer la quantité de liquide versée, ou inversement de connaître la quantité de liquide consommée. Comme précédemment, la buse 3 peut être fixée par un élément de jonction 13. Elle peut aussi plus simplement être chassée et collée dans un trou pratiqué au fond du bol 60. Ce mode de réalisation se distingue des modes de réalisation décrits précédemment en ce que les orifices d'aspiration de la buse 3 sont en permanence en communication avec le liquide contenu à l'intérieur du container et en ce que le container est ouvert de sorte que le conduit d'équilibrage de pression est omis.The figure 19 represents in perspective broken away a third embodiment of a pumping device according to the invention wherein the nozzle 3 passes through the bottom of an open rigid container 60, bowl-shaped optionally comprising a graduated scale 61 for measuring the amount of liquid poured, or conversely to know the amount of liquid consumed. As previously, the nozzle 3 can be fixed by a joining element 13. It can also more simply be driven out and stuck in a hole made at the bottom of the bowl 60. This embodiment differs from the embodiments described above in that the suction openings of the nozzle 3 are permanently in communication with the liquid contained inside the container and in that the container is open so that the pressure balancing duct is omitted.

Pour des raisons économiques, le corps de la buse, ou les éléments la constituant, est de préférence fabriqué par injection-moulage d'un matériau plastique.For economic reasons, the body of the nozzle, or the elements constituting it, is preferably manufactured by injection molding of a plastic material.

Le terme "scellement" dans la présente description s'entend de tout moyen de connexion direct ou indirect entre deux pièces comme par exemple le soudage par conduction thermique, à induction, photonique ou par ultrason, ou encore le collage par adhésif, ou une combinaison de ces moyens. Le terme "liquide" dans la présente description s'entend au sens large comme toute phase ou combinaison de phases de fluides incompressible ou quasi-incompressible comprenant des inclusions solides ou non et ayant une aptitude au pompage au travers de conduits.The term "sealing" in the present description refers to any means of direct or indirect connection between two parts such as, for example, heat-conducting, induction-welding, photonic or ultrasonic welding, or adhesive bonding, or a combination thereof. of these means. The term "liquid" in the present description is understood broadly as any phase or combination of incompressible or quasi-incompressible fluid phases comprising solid inclusions or not and having a pumping ability through ducts.

Sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention, l'homme de métier peut apporter diverses modifications, par exemple pour adapter la forme extérieure de la buse à la forme particulière d'un récipient contenant le liquide alimentaire.Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the skilled person can make various modifications, for example to adapt the outer shape of the nozzle to the particular shape of a container containing the liquid food.

Le dispositif est particulièrement bien adapté au pompage d'un liquide alimentaire tel que du lait ou un concentré à base de lait, à partir dudit emballage.The device is particularly well suited for pumping a liquid food such as milk or a milk-based concentrate from said package.

Claims (10)

  1. Device for pumping a food liquid, such as milk or a milk-based concentrate, from a container (5) so as to dispense it in heated, frothed or emulsified form, comprising a container (5), a suction subassembly comprising a nozzle (1) of the venturi type, able to be connected to the pipe of a generator of pressurised carrier fluid in the form of steam or hot water, the said subassembly comprising a body (4) comprising a carrier fluid supply duct (21, 27) opening into an suction chamber (25), and at least one suction channel (33, 34a, 34b, 34c) for sucking in the liquid contained in the container (5, 60) and opening into the said container (5), characterised in that the liquid suction channel (33) is formed in the actual body (4) of the nozzle (1) between its base (14, 53) and the suction chamber (25), and in that the ejection duct (48) passes through the bottom of the container (5), forming a seal against the liquid contained in the said container (5).
  2. Device according to Claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a package (5) and in that the said device is disposable with the package.
  3. Device according to Claim 2, characterised in that the package has the form of a capsule closed by a deformable cover.
  4. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the suction chamber (25) is connected by a constriction (26) to a mixing well (29) in communication with the outside via an ejection duct (48) situated at the base (14) of the body (4) of the said nozzle (1).
  5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the nozzle is composed of a body made in two parts (50, 52) consisting of a first, outer, body (50), through which the carrier fluid supply duct (21, 27) and the air supply duct (31) pass, and into which there is fitted a second, inner, body (52), through which there passes a constriction (26) communicating with the suction chamber (25) formed between the said first and second bodies (50, 52), the liquid supply channel (33) being formed between the walls of the said first and second bodies.
  6. Device according to Claim 5, characterised in that a dome (44) is formed at the base (53) of the inner body (52), as an integral part thereof.
  7. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the suction subassembly comprises fixing and opening means (13, 15, 30), able to connect the nozzle (1, 2, 3) with the package and place the suction channel (33) in contact with the liquid inside the package (1, 2, 3).
  8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it further comprises an air supply channel (31) opening into the suction chamber (25).
  9. Device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the nozzle (3) passes through the bottom of an open container (60).
  10. Device according to Claim 9, characterised in that the suction orifices of the nozzle (3) are constantly in communication with the liquid contained inside the container.
EP03006556A 2003-03-24 2003-03-24 Device for pumping a liquid from a packaging or from a container Expired - Lifetime EP1462041B1 (en)

Priority Applications (21)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03006556A EP1462041B1 (en) 2003-03-24 2003-03-24 Device for pumping a liquid from a packaging or from a container
ES03006556T ES2338640T3 (en) 2003-03-24 2003-03-24 DEVICE FOR PUMPING A LIQUID FROM A PACKING OR A CONTAINER.
AT03006556T ATE459278T1 (en) 2003-03-24 2003-03-24 DEVICE FOR PUMPING A LIQUID FROM A PACKAGING OR CONTAINER
DE60331520T DE60331520D1 (en) 2003-03-24 2003-03-24 Device for pumping a liquid from a packaging or from a container
AU2004224810A AU2004224810B2 (en) 2003-03-24 2004-03-17 Device for pumping a liquid from a packaging or a container
MXPA05010132A MXPA05010132A (en) 2003-03-24 2004-03-17 Device for pumping a liquid from a packaging or a container.
CNB2004800078405A CN100488426C (en) 2003-03-24 2004-03-17 Device for pumping a liquid from a packaging or a container.
SG200706590-7A SG158749A1 (en) 2003-03-24 2004-03-17 Device for pumping a liquid from a packaging or a container
US10/550,522 US7377454B2 (en) 2003-03-24 2004-03-17 Device for pumping a liquid from a packaging or a container
CA2519261A CA2519261C (en) 2003-03-24 2004-03-17 Device for pumping a liquid from a packaging or a container
BRPI0408654-6A BRPI0408654A (en) 2003-03-24 2004-03-17 device for pumping liquid from a packaging or container
HU0500980A HUP0500980A2 (en) 2003-03-24 2004-03-17 Device for pumping a liquid from a packaging or a container
CZ20050641A CZ2005641A3 (en) 2003-03-24 2004-03-17 Device for pumping a liquid from a package or a container
RU2005132573/12A RU2336010C2 (en) 2003-03-24 2004-03-17 Device to suck fluids out from packages or containers
PL378075A PL204706B1 (en) 2003-03-24 2004-03-17 Device for pumping a liquid from a packaging or a container
PCT/EP2004/002750 WO2004084688A1 (en) 2003-03-24 2004-03-17 Device for pumping a liquid from a packaging or a container
JP2006504709A JP4359306B2 (en) 2003-03-24 2004-03-17 Device for pumping liquid from a package or container
BG109326A BG109326A (en) 2003-03-24 2005-10-17 Device for pumping a liquid from a packaging or a container
NO20054874A NO20054874L (en) 2003-03-24 2005-10-21 Device for pumping a liquid from a gasket or container
ZA200508567A ZA200508567B (en) 2003-03-24 2005-10-21 Device for pumping a liquid from a packaging or a container
HK06106188.3A HK1086173A1 (en) 2003-03-24 2006-05-29 Device for pumping a liquid from a packaging or a container

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03006556A EP1462041B1 (en) 2003-03-24 2003-03-24 Device for pumping a liquid from a packaging or from a container

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1462041A1 EP1462041A1 (en) 2004-09-29
EP1462041B1 true EP1462041B1 (en) 2010-03-03

Family

ID=32798877

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03006556A Expired - Lifetime EP1462041B1 (en) 2003-03-24 2003-03-24 Device for pumping a liquid from a packaging or from a container

Country Status (21)

Country Link
US (1) US7377454B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1462041B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4359306B2 (en)
CN (1) CN100488426C (en)
AT (1) ATE459278T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2004224810B2 (en)
BG (1) BG109326A (en)
BR (1) BRPI0408654A (en)
CA (1) CA2519261C (en)
CZ (1) CZ2005641A3 (en)
DE (1) DE60331520D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2338640T3 (en)
HK (1) HK1086173A1 (en)
HU (1) HUP0500980A2 (en)
MX (1) MXPA05010132A (en)
NO (1) NO20054874L (en)
PL (1) PL204706B1 (en)
RU (1) RU2336010C2 (en)
SG (1) SG158749A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004084688A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA200508567B (en)

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CN101277873B (en) * 2005-09-30 2012-02-01 皇家飞利浦电子股份有限公司 Beverage making unit for use in a process of preparing a beverage on the basis of at least two fluids
DE502005004144D1 (en) * 2005-12-22 2008-06-26 Wmf Wuerttemberg Metallwaren Device for heating a liquid with steam
US10631558B2 (en) 2006-03-06 2020-04-28 The Coca-Cola Company Methods and apparatuses for making compositions comprising an acid and an acid degradable component and/or compositions comprising a plurality of selectable components
DE602007000812D1 (en) * 2007-01-23 2009-05-14 Rancilio Macchine Caffe Device for heating and / or frothing a beverage
WO2008102289A1 (en) * 2007-02-20 2008-08-28 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Beverage maker, comprising an easy-to-clean duct system having at least one duct for conveying a fluid beverage ingredient
US8468934B2 (en) * 2007-08-29 2013-06-25 Nestec S.A. Dispensing device for preparing and dispensing food and/or nutritional composition
US8162176B2 (en) 2007-09-06 2012-04-24 The Coca-Cola Company Method and apparatuses for providing a selectable beverage
US20100303971A1 (en) * 2009-06-02 2010-12-02 Whitewave Services, Inc. Producing foam and dispersing creamer and flavor through packaging
US20100327015A1 (en) * 2009-06-25 2010-12-30 Nihon Kim Co., Ltd. Storage container
ITPO20090010U1 (en) * 2009-10-23 2011-04-24 Marzocco Srl PERFECTED FILTERHOLDER FOR ESPRESSO COFFEE MACHINE
PL2394539T3 (en) * 2010-06-11 2014-05-30 Alain Frydman Bi-material capsule
EP2677907A1 (en) * 2011-02-25 2014-01-01 Brainlink GmbH Reusable frothing device
CN102488454B (en) * 2011-12-19 2013-11-06 上海理工大学 Instant-starting instant-heating type water dispenser
EP2864554B1 (en) 2012-05-04 2020-05-27 Ecolab USA Inc. An apparatus, method and system for standardizing hand care
US20150129607A1 (en) * 2013-11-14 2015-05-14 MTN Products, Inc Energy saving hot tank for water cooler
CN103989405B (en) * 2014-04-11 2016-10-05 宁波全景电器技术有限公司 Automatically generate the milk-foaming device of milk shake
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN100488426C (en) 2009-05-20
AU2004224810B2 (en) 2009-12-17
AU2004224810A1 (en) 2004-10-07
NO20054874L (en) 2005-10-21
CA2519261A1 (en) 2004-10-07
PL204706B1 (en) 2010-02-26
WO2004084688A1 (en) 2004-10-07
JP2006521128A (en) 2006-09-21
RU2005132573A (en) 2006-03-20
ZA200508567B (en) 2007-01-31
CA2519261C (en) 2011-01-04
JP4359306B2 (en) 2009-11-04
ES2338640T3 (en) 2010-05-11
US7377454B2 (en) 2008-05-27
HUP0500980A2 (en) 2006-04-28
CN1764403A (en) 2006-04-26
CZ2005641A3 (en) 2006-04-12
RU2336010C2 (en) 2008-10-20
MXPA05010132A (en) 2005-11-16
DE60331520D1 (en) 2010-04-15
BRPI0408654A (en) 2006-03-07
ATE459278T1 (en) 2010-03-15
BG109326A (en) 2006-04-28
SG158749A1 (en) 2010-02-26
PL378075A1 (en) 2006-02-20
EP1462041A1 (en) 2004-09-29
HK1086173A1 (en) 2006-09-15
US20060201332A1 (en) 2006-09-14

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