EP1462041A1 - Device for pumping a liquid from a packaging or from a container - Google Patents

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

The present invention relates to a device for pumping a liquid from a packaging by venturi effect in order to distribute it in foamed form or emulsified and possibly heated. Although the invention relates preferably in the food sector for the production of emulsified drinks based on milk, it is by no means limited to this area and can be applied to any product capable of being pumped from packaging, such as products cosmetics in the form of pumpable creams or the like.

"Venturi device" means a suction sub-assembly of at least at least one pumpable phase, typically a liquid, comprising a chamber in which arrives a supply channel for a fluid pressurized by a constriction so as to create a vacuum suction effect at the outlet of the throttle in at least one channel connecting said chamber and the packaging containing the liquid pumpable, the carrier fluid being able to be a gas or a liquid, for example steam, hot or cold water, air, or a mixture of these. This suction sub-assembly allows the pumpable liquid to be modified and distributed in the form of a frothed preparation, that is to say in a liquid-gas mixture, or emulsified, i.e. in a mixture of two immiscible liquids, and / or optionally heated by adding heat from the carrier fluid to the pumpable liquid. The preparation thus obtained can be for example milkshake, soft drinks milk-based, e.g. 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", ie when the device is associated with a steam generator under pressure, most often the tubing of an espresso machine and when the pumpable liquid is milk making it possible to obtain a frothy air-milk-vapor emulsion.

The most common way to obtain such a frothy preparation is to pour the desired amount of milk into a container, immerse the outlet tubing of vapor in said container, while agitating it from top to bottom to entrain the air necessary to obtain the foam. The quality of the foam obtained depends on the ability of the user, who, when he is not a professional, can also undergo splashing. For hygienic reasons, it will also be observed that cleaning tubing and milk container is required after each use.

To avoid some of the above-mentioned drawbacks, and in particular for more consistent foam quality, various types of venturi nozzles have been proposed, to serve as a sort of interface between the steam outlet of a espresso machine and a container with milk.

The simplest type of venturi device, described for example in the patent US 4,800,805, consists of an air intake tube secured to the outlet pipe of steam 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 consists in making the air supply integral with a sleeve itself adaptable to the steam outlet pipe, the whole must always be immersed in a container containing the milk.

Patent EP 0 243 326 describes an accessory with a venturi effect adaptable to a espresso coffee machine, comprising a large number of parts allowing to have in a suction chamber, a pressurized steam supply which leads by venturi effect of air through a first duct, and through a second milk duct from a tank incorporated in the machine, or vacuumed in a package standard by means of a plunger connection pipe. This mixture is then injected into a mixing chamber before leaving as a foam.

An improvement proposed in US patent 5,265,519 corresponds to a simpler construction accessory, with fewer parts to assemble for form the venturi nozzle, but still has a connecting pipe diver for milk delivery. The device further includes a splash-proof cape at the foaming preparation ejection orifice.

The patents EP 0803 219 and EP 0803 220 B1 also describe a device for make a frothy milk or cappuccino by pumping it using two tubes plunging into a container of the cardboard brick type and connected to an effect device venturi. Such a device is suitable for receiving a large capacity container and therefore requires a refrigeration system for milk storage.

In all cases the plumbing connection pipes must be cleaned after each "cappuccino". We will also observe that the accessory, which is not provided to be disposable requires periodic maintenance if cappuccino productions are spaced apart, and the amount of cappuccino produced from one time to the next depends still operator attention.

The invention therefore aims to overcome the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art by to a new type of device which can be produced economically and to obtain a foaming, emulsified and / or heated preparation of the type cappuccino, or other frothed milk drink or the like, with a regular foam in quality and quantity, under improved hygienic conditions.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a device for pumping a liquid from a package, in order to distribute it in foamed or emulsified form if necessary if necessary heated, comprising a suction sub-assembly of the venturi type suitable for be connected to the tubing of a pressurized carrier fluid generator, such as steam or hot water, the suction sub-assembly comprising a body having a vector fluid supply conduit opening into a suction chamber, and at least one suction channel for the liquid contained in the packaging, characterized in that the suction sub-assembly comprises a nozzle and fixing means and suitable for connecting the nozzle with the packaging and for connecting the suction channel with the liquid inside the packaging.

The advantage is thus to be able to easily and quickly combine the means allowing suction and mixing to form a foam, or possibly a emulsion, to the packaging itself. This makes preparation more convenient and more hygienic.

Preferably, the packaging is closed by a seal and the means fixing and opening are able to be subject to the cover, the nozzle is movable relative to the package between a position in which the package is closed and a position in which the packaging is opened by the fixing means and opening, the suction channel being thus placed in communication with the liquid contained in the package. The opening is thus easy and makes the device operational, without further manipulation being necessary.

The fixing and opening means are also preferably arranged to so as to connect the suction channel and the liquid contained in packaging without outside drainage possible. By "without flow to outside ", it should be understood that the liquid contained in the packaging is not likely to leak or spill out of the package without any effect forced suction by the suction sub-assembly with venturi effect. For example, the fixing and opening means cooperate with the packaging to put the channel in communication near the bottom of the liquid. Hydrostatic pressure differential is then created which keeps the liquid in the packaging without risk possible flow.

In one embodiment of the invention, the fixing means and opening means are capable of unsealing a sealing portion between the cover and the packaging. The fixing and opening means can be means for pinching 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 packaging. Such a solution has for advantage of ensuring easy, reliable opening without risk of leakage or leakage out of the device. For example, a junction element capable of connecting the nozzle is provided. to the seal by pinching and / or sealing with a portion of the seal. The advantage of a joining element is to allow separation between the packaging and the nozzle, the two elements can be assembled during preparation or, on the contrary, in advance, for example during manufacture.

A packaging of the aforementioned type is the subject of a more detailed description in a request filed that same day by the Applicant entitled "Packaging disposable for dispensing a liquid preparation pumpable by an effect device venturi ", which is incorporated here by reference.

In the aforementioned embodiment, the junction element partially forms the ejection duct, and it is provided with a through passage and a flange allowing by screwing or clipping at the end of the nozzle body to pinch a seal ring sealingly between the base of the nozzle and said flange.

In a possible alternative, the nozzle is directly sealed on a portion of the seal by a seal more resistant to breakage than the means of sealing between the lid and the packaging. In this case, the nozzle is assembled during the making. The advantages are also ease of implementation, simplicity and cost less.

The device of the invention can constitute a set comprising the sub-set and the associated packaging, all of which can then be disposable and therefore requiring no cleaning.

As will be seen in the detailed description which follows, the nozzle can be economically made in one piece by injection molding and be associated, either with a packaging having the form of a capsule, manufactured by thermoforming or injection, hermetically sealed before use, and containing a or more doses of pumpable liquid, either to a larger container or bowl capacity. The nozzle can also be formed from several nested elements and / or assembled.

According to a characteristic of the suction sub-assembly, the chamber is located downstream of a restriction and is connected upstream of a throttling at a mixing well itself communicating with the outside by an ejection duct. The restriction is typically configured to provide passage at high speed, generally sonic, of the carrier fluid to create in the suction chamber the vacuum necessary for the suction of the liquid.

Homogenization means are advantageously provided, either making part of the suction sub-assembly, ie of the means for closing the packaging itself.

Thus, to form means for homogenizing the ejected product, the element assembly can be extended, in the mixing well by a dome having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the mixing chamber.

In the case where the nozzle is directly sealed on a portion of the cover, the sealing portion defines an opening in the seal and the ejection duct is arranged to communicate with this opening. A screen can be placed at through this opening to form means for homogenizing the ejected product.

According to another aspect of the invention, the liquid suction channel extends from preferably between the base of the nozzle and the suction chamber.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the nozzle is housed in a chimney formed perpendicular to the plane of the lid of the package, a end of the chimney being connected to the cover by a second portion of sealing. This chimney can occupy any position, for example come of material with an edge of the container. However, according to a preferred embodiment, the fireplace occupies a central position.

Another subject of the invention is, according to another aspect, a device for pump a liquid from a container in order to distribute it in the form of foam or emulsified and if necessary heated, comprising a suction sub-assembly formed by a venturi type nozzle capable of being connected to the tubing of a generator vector fluid under pressure, said subset consisting of a body comprising a vector fluid supply conduit opening into a chamber suction, and at least one suction channel for the liquid contained in the container opening into said container, characterized in that the supply channel in liquid is formed in the body of the nozzle between its base and the chamber suction, and in that the ejection conduit crosses the bottom of the container in forming a tight seal with respect to the liquid contained in said container.

In another possible alternative, the fixing and opening means are means for piercing a portion of the cover. It could be, for example, minus a rigid piercing portion comprising a liquid suction channel. Such an alternative is described in detail in the co-pending patent application entitled "Disposable packaging for the distribution of a pumpable liquid preparation by a venturi effect device "filed the same day in the name of the plaintiff and which is incorporated herein by reference.

• 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 characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the description below, given by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• 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 venturi effect device, before assembly on a package having the form of a disposable capsule ;
• Figure 2 is a perspective of the capsule alone in bottom view;
• Figure 3 is a top view of a venturi effect device according to a first variant of the invention adapted to be used with the first embodiment of the pumping device;
• Figure 4 is a section along the line IV-IV of Figure 3;
• Figure 5 is a section along the line VV of Figure 4;
• Figure 6 is a perspective view of the junction element used in the variant of the venturi effect device illustrated in Figures 3 and 4;
• Figure 7 is a bottom view of the junction element shown in Figure 6;
• Figure 8 is a sectional representation of the junction element along the line VIII-VIII of Figure 7;
• Figure 9 is a top view of the first embodiment of the pumping device shown in Figure 1 after assembly of the venturi device shown in Figures 3 to 5 with the packaging;
• Figure 10 is a sectional representation along line XX; of Figure 9 before opening the capsule;
• Figure 11 is a sectional representation along the line XI-XI of Figure 9, before opening the capsule;
• Figure 12 corresponds to Figure 10, after opening the capsule;
• Figure 13 corresponds to Figure 11, after opening the capsule;
• Figure 14 is a perspective representation of a second embodiment of a pumping device according to the invention;
• Figure 15 is a diametrical section along line XV-XV of Figure 14, before opening;
• Figure 16 corresponds to Figure 15 after opening;
• FIGS. 17 and 18 correspond to a variant of the second embodiment, before and after opening, and
• Figure 19 is a partially cutaway perspective representation of a third embodiment of a pumping device according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows in exploded perspective a first embodiment of a pumping device according to the invention comprising a sub-assembly with a venturi effect nozzle designated by the general reference 1. The nozzle 1 is associated with a package 5 having the shape of a capsule closed by a deformable cover 7, visible in FIG. 2. The packaging 5 includes a chimney 9 going from the bottom 11 to the cover 7 which is provided with a concentric opening 8 when the chimney 9 opens and whose dimensions are substantially equal or lower 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 illustrated, the packaging has a generally toric shape.

The chimney 9 is designed to receive, on the bottom side 11 the nozzle 1, and on the side cover 7 a junction element 13 assembled at the base 14 of the nozzle 1 to form fixing and opening means. In this first embodiment, the element junction 13 is fixed by screwing on the nozzle 1, but could be fixed to the latter by any other way, such as by clipping. FIG. 2 also shows dotted a pinch ring 15 of the cover 7 between the nozzle 1 and the element of junction 13, and a sealing ring 17 at the base of the chimney 9 which will be described in more detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 10 to 13.

Referring also to Figures 3 and 4, it can be seen that the nozzle 1 has a body 4 generally cylindrical, with the exception of fins 19, the role of which will be explained later. At its upper part, the nozzle 1 has an inlet well for steam 21 in which is housed a sleeve 22 of an adapter 23 (visible on Figures 9, 10 and 11) to the tubing of a steam generator, for example that an espresso machine. In the example shown, the adapter 23 is of "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 in rotation relative to the capsule.

The integration of the steam inlet well 21 into the body of the nozzle allows avoid a rise in the pumped liquid, which could occur due to turbulence in the suction chamber 25, and consequently maintains the tubing steam inlet out of contact with the liquid and therefore always perfectly clean.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the arrival well steam 21 communicates with a suction chamber 25 via a restriction 27 of very small diameter allowing the carrier fluid to pass to a sonic speed or at least close to it. This restriction 27 is a reduction of section which thus generates a vacuum in the suction chamber 25 necessary for the desired venturi effect. Equivalently the intake well of steam 21 and restriction 27 could be formed in a room independent of the rest of the nozzle, or be formed with the steam supply pipe when the latter is fitted into the nozzle.

Downstream of the suction chamber 25 there is a further constriction 26 larger diameter than restriction 27 and which makes it possible to adjust the flow rate of the liquid sucked depending on the speed. The suction chamber 25 is itself in communication with a mixing well 29 via the throttle 26. In the suction chamber 25 also open an air intake channel 31 and a channel 33 for supplying or pumping the liquid contained inside the packaging.

As we know, the final quality of a foam depends on many factors, and in particular the air flow that can be controlled with a very calibrated precise of the air supply channel 31. Knowing that the diameter of this channel is of the order 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 polypropylene (PP), polystyrene or any other suitable plastic material. It is why we prefer to provide at the air intake a hole 32 of larger diameter to adapt means to better control the flow air. It is for example a permeable membrane, for example with porosity controlled 32a which 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 brand name Pebax ® or by the company Gor (USA) under the brand name 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 allows very easily plug it if you want to use the nozzle, not to produce an emulsion but simply to warm up a liquid.

In FIG. 5, it can also be seen that the liquid supply channel 33 is formed inside the body 4 of the nozzle 1, the supply orifices 34a, 34b, 34c being located in the example illustrated at the base 14 of the nozzle 1 and intended to be brought into communication with the inside of the packaging containing the liquid when the device is in pumping configuration.

In the case of a nozzle intended to be adapted to a closed package (see Figures 1 and 2), the vertical outer part of the nozzle 1 further comprises a groove 35 for balancing the pressure inside the capsule when pumps the liquid contained in the packaging. The lower part 36 of this groove 35 is therefore arranged to be in communication with the interior of the packaging containing the liquid when the device is in pumping configuration.

It can also be seen that the end of the mixing well 29 has a thread interior 30 for securing the joining element 13, including an example of embodiment is described below with reference to FIGS. 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 throttle 46. An ejection conduit 48 of the heated and / or emulsified liquid is formed through the body 40 below the constriction 46 (Figure 8). The body 40 has near its base an external thread 41 for screwing the element of junction 13 on the corresponding thread 30 of the nozzle 1. To facilitate this screwing, the flange 42 has two maneuvering holes 43, but it is obviously possible imagine other means of screwing, including means of the inviolable type. he may indeed be desirable, for reasons of hygiene, that the nozzle 1 cannot not be disassembled and re-used after the first use. This character of inviolability can also be obtained by providing other means for assembling the nozzle 1 and the junction element 13 for example by clipping. We will finally observe that the diameter of the base of the dome 44 is very little less than the inside diameter of the well of mixture 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 its sparkling character and in particular homogenize the preparation, and limit the risk of splashes.

Referring now to Figures 10 to 13, which are partial sections according to lines X-X and XI-XI of FIG. 9, 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 Figures 1 and 2. In these figures it will be observed that the capsule 5 comprises a certain number of ribs, certain ribs 6a essentially serving to reinforce the capsule 5, other ribs 6b being provided to guide the fins 19 of the nozzle 1.

Figure 10 shows the nozzle-capsule assembly before opening, i.e. when the contents of capsule 5 are not in communication with the channel liquid supply 39. In this figure, the nozzle-capsule assembly is provided with the adapter 23 comprising a bayonet device making it possible to secure by the opening 24 the sleeve 22 for connection to the well 21 for the vapor inlet into the nozzle 1.

The ring 15 of the cover 7 is pinched hermetically between the nozzle 1 and the joining element 13, and the bottom of the chimney 9 is glued or sealed hermetically by the sealing ring 17 of the cover 7 surrounding the ring 15.

It is also conceivable that the ring 15 is sealed on the base 14 of the nozzle 1 or on the collar 42 of the joining element 13. In this position the liquid is completely isolated from the outside environment, the liquid supply ports 34a, b, c (figure 5) and in air 36 to balance the pressure, both found above the ring 17 hermetically glued to the cover 7. In the mode of preferred embodiment shown in Figure 10, we see that the length of the chimney 9 is such that the cover 7 has a convex shape before opening.

By axially moving the capsule 5 relative to the nozzle 1, as indicated by the arrow F in FIG. 12, the ring 17 is detached. The cover 7 then takes a concave shape. We then put, on the one hand the supply orifices 34a (34b and 34c not visible in section) in communication with the contained liquid 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 seen in Figure 13, in the open position the travel of the nozzle 1 is limited by bringing a shoulder 20 located at the base of the nozzle into contact with an edge lower 9a of the chimney 9, which avoids tearing the cover 7 by a movement too lively. In this configuration, the liquid contained in the packaging 5 is not likely to circulate freely in the supply channel 33 of the liquid in because of the pressure differential between the suction chamber 25 and the surface of the liquid in the package 5, the pressure in the package 5 being naturally lower than the pressure in the packaging 5 at the time of opening. The liquid cannot therefore flow freely outside of the packaging 5 through the channel 33. The system is therefore clean.

In this open position, the arrival of a pressurized carrier fluid, by example of steam, in the suction chamber 25 creates a vacuum in the supply channel 33 which is in communication with the interior of the package 5, and in the air supply channel 31, so that the liquid contained in the package 5 is pumped by venturi effect, the pressure in the suction chamber thus becoming lower than the pressure above the liquid in the packaging 5. The liquid is then ejected into the mixing well 29 via the throttle 26, and distributed after homogenization through the ejection duct 48 in the form of a hot emulsion in this example. The groove 35 and the orifice 36 make it possible to fill the packaging 5 with air while the latter is emptying of the liquid thus pumped and ensure that the pressure inside the packaging remains at a pressure greater than the depression created to ensure pumping continuity and prevent collapse towards the inside of the packaging 5. When the delivery of carrier fluid ceases, the chamber 25 then returns to a pressure slightly higher than the pressure of the liquid in the packaging 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.

Figures 14 to 16 show a second embodiment of a pumping device according to the invention in which the elements identical to those described in conjunction with the previous figures have the same reference numerals.

According to this second embodiment, the nozzle 2 can be produced in two parts 50, 52 nestable, for example by clipping (not shown). It involves a first hollow external body 50 whose bottom 51 is crossed by the conduit supply line 21 for the pressurized carrier fluid and via the air supply line 31 when you want to produce a foam. The outer wall 49 further comprises, as before, an air intake channel 35 to balance the pressure in the packaging when pumping the liquid.

The second inner body 52, has in its center an obviously delimited by a side wall 54 and a bottom 56 which form the mixing well 29. bottom 56 is crossed by a throttle 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 comprises 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 lower breakout force on a ring 17 surrounding the ring 15. In this second embodiment, we observe that the nozzle no longer has fins, but only a flange of guide 58.

This embodiment has the advantage of allowing simpler manufacture of the nozzle which can be easily produced by two shaped molded parts relatively simple.

This second embodiment also differs from the first in that the ejection conduit 48 is closed by a grid 59 making it possible to homogenize the preparation ejected and therefore to increase the quality thereof. The grid can, depending on the embodiment, be formed of a separate piece or come of material with the cap.

Figures 17 and 18 show a variant of the embodiment. precedent which differs from the previous one in that the means of homogenization are formed by a dome 44 disposed in the mixing well 29 and coming from material with the inner wall 54 of the inner body 52. This dome 44 is structured substantially like that of the junction element 13 described in FIGS. 6 to 8. In in this case the grid 59 can also be present.

Figure 17 shows the device in the closed position in a section diametral passing through the liquid supply or pumping passage 33, and the Figure 18 shows the same device in the open position in a section perpendicular to the first.

FIG. 19 shows a broken away perspective of a third mode of embodiment of a pumping device according to the invention in which in which the nozzle 3 crosses the bottom of an open rigid container 60, in the form of a bowl comprising possibly a graduated scale 61 allowing the quantity of liquid to be measured poured, or conversely to know the amount of liquid consumed. As previously, the nozzle 3 can be fixed by a junction element 13. It can also more simply to be chased 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 ports of the nozzle 3 are permanently in communication with the liquid inside the container and in that the container is opened so that the pressure equalization conduit is omitted.

For economic reasons, the body of the nozzle, or the elements constituent, is preferably manufactured by injection molding of a plastic material.

The term "sealing" in the present description means any means of direct or indirect connection between two parts such as welding by thermal, induction, photonic or ultrasonic conduction, or bonding by adhesive, or a combination of these means. The term "liquid" in the present description has the broad meaning as any phase or combination of phases of incompressible or quasi-incompressible fluids comprising solid inclusions or not and having a pumping ability at through conduits.

Without departing from the scope of the present inventions, the skilled person can make various modifications, for example to adapt the external shape of the nozzle in the particular shape of a container containing the liquid food.

The device is particularly well suited for pumping a liquid food such as milk or a milk-based concentrate, from said packaging.

Claims (21)

Device for pumping a liquid from a package in order to distribute it in heated, frothed or emulsified form, comprising a suction sub-assembly of the venturi type capable of being connected to the tubing of a generator of pressurized carrier fluid , said subassembly comprising a body (4) comprising a vector fluid supply conduit (21, 27) opening into a suction chamber (25), and at least one suction channel (33) for the contained liquid in the packaging (5), characterized in that the suction sub-assembly comprises a nozzle (1, 2, 3) and fixing and opening means (13, 15, 30) capable of connecting the nozzle (1, 2, 3) with the packaging (5) and to put the suction channel (33) in communication with the liquid inside the packaging (1, 2, 3). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing and opening means (13, 30) are capable of securing the nozzle (1, 2) to a cover (7) of the package (5) and in that that the nozzle (1, 2) is movable relative to the package (5) between a position in which the package (5) is closed by the cover (7) and a position in which the package (5) is open and the suction channel (33) is placed in communication with the liquid (L) contained in said packaging (5). Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the fixing and opening means (13, 30) are arranged so as to put in communication the suction channel (33) and the liquid contained in the packaging (5) without outward flow possible. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the fixing and opening means (13, 30, 25) are means capable of unsealing a sealing portion (15) between the cover (7) and the rest of the 'packaging (5). Device according to any one of claims 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the fixing and opening means (13, 30, 25) comprise a joining element (13) capable of connecting the nozzle (1) to the cover (7) by pinching and / or sealing a portion (15) of the cover. Device according to one of claims 2, 3, or 4, characterized in that the fixing and opening means (13, 15, 30) form a sealing joint between the cover (7) and the base (14 ) from the nozzle (1). Device according to any one of Claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the suction chamber (25) is located downstream of a restriction and is connected by a throttle (26) to a mixing well (29) itself - even in communication with the outside by an ejection duct (48). Device according to claim 6 and 7, characterized in that the sealing joint (15) delimits an opening (8) in the cover (7) and in that the ejection duct (48) is in communication with said opening (8). Device according to claim 8, characterized in that a grid (59) forming means for homogenizing the ejected product extends through said opening (8). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises an air supply channel (31) opening into the suction chamber (25). Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the air supply channel (31) to the suction chamber (25) has an inlet orifice (32) having a larger section than the rest of said channel ( 31), said orifice (32) being closed by a permeable membrane (32a) making it possible to control the air flow. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid supply channel (33) extends between the base (14) of the nozzle (1, 2, 3) and the suction chamber (25 ). Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the nozzle (12) is housed in a chimney (9) formed perpendicular to the plane of the cover (7) of the package, one end of the chimney (9) being connected to the cover (7) by a second sealing joint (17). Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the nozzle (1, 2) further comprises, between its body (4) and the chimney (9) a channel (35) making it possible to introduce through an orifice (36) of the in the packaging to balance the pressure in the open position. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the orifice (36) of the pressure balancing channel (35) is located below the chimney (9) when the packaging is in the open position. Device according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the nozzle (1) is provided at its upper part with a plurality of fins (19) cooperating with ribs (6b) radiating from the opening of the chimney (9) to block the nozzle (1) in rotation relative to the packaging. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a packaging (5) and in that the said device is disposable with the packaging. Device for pumping a liquid from a container (5) in order to distribute it in heated, frothed or emulsified form, comprising a suction sub-assembly comprising a nozzle (1) of the venturi type capable of being connected to the tubing of a pressurized carrier fluid generator, said subassembly comprising a body (4) comprising a carrier conduit (21, 27) of carrier fluid opening into a suction chamber (25), and at least one channel suction (33) of the liquid contained in the container (5) opening into said container (5), characterized in that the liquid supply channel (33) is formed in the body (4) of the nozzle ( 1) between its base (14) and the suction chamber (25), and in that the ejection conduit (48) passes through the bottom of the container (5) by forming a tight seal with respect to the liquid contained in said container (5). Device according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the suction chamber (25) is connected by a throttle (26) to a mixing well (29) in communication with the outside by an ejection duct (48 ) located at the base (14) of the body (4) of said nozzle (1). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle is composed of a body produced in two parts (50, 52) consisting of a first external body (50), traversed by the supply duct (21 , 27) of carrier fluid and the air supply duct (31), and in which is fitted a second internal body (52), crossed by a throttle (26) communicating with the suction chamber (25) formed between said first and second bodies (50, 52), the liquid supply channel (33) being formed between the walls of said first and second bodies. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that a dome (44) is formed at the base (53) of the internal body (52), coming from one piece with it.

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