JPH0579323B2 - - Google Patents

Description

Claim 1. A liquid such as milk is heated and foamed at the same time by introducing superheated steam through a steam pipe R connected to a steam generating means and having at least one steam discharge nozzle 12, 28 at its free end RE. and/or an emulsifying device, characterized in that the steam discharge nozzle 12, 28 is cooperated with at least one member 14, 29 driven in rotation by the superheated steam discharged from the steam discharge nozzle. Device.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the members 14, 29 are turbine wheels.

3 Rotating shaft 17 of turbine wheels 14, 29,
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 31 is arranged at the central axis M of extension of the steam pipe R.

4. A nozzle body 10, 20 conically expanding concentrically toward the free end is attached to the downstream end of the steam pipe R, and the nozzle body is connected to the steam discharge nozzle 12, 28 and the pivot axis 17, 31 of the turbine wheel 14, 29.
2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that it accommodates a.

5 The nozzle bodies 10 and 20 are the turbine wheel 1
4, 29, the end shield and the turbine wheel 14, 29
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an emulsification chamber EK is formed between the apparatus.

6. The nozzle bodies 10, 20, the turbine wheels 14, 29 attached thereto, and the emulsification chamber EK are formed into an emulsification cage 30 which has a large opening in the direction D, from which steam is discharged, and has an intake port 33 around the emulsification chamber EK. 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that it is surrounded by.

7. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the nozzle bodies 10, 20 are push-on or screwed into the end RE of the steam pipe.

8 The nozzle bodies 10 and 20 are the turbine wheel 1
At least one steam release nozzle 1 of the end shield 15, 32 of the nozzle body in the vane area 4, 29
6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises at least one steam duct (13, 27) terminating in the steam duct (13, 27).

9 The nozzle body 20 consists of the nozzle body bell 12 and the nozzle body core 24, and the conical outer wall 2 of the core 24
5 and the corresponding conical inner wall 26 of the nozzle body bell 23
9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that one or more steam ducts (27) are formed between.

Description The present invention relates to a device for simultaneously superheating and/or emulsifying a fluid such as milk by introducing superheated steam through a steam pipe having at least one steam ejection nozzle at its free end connected to steam generating means. Pertains to.

Apparatus of this type is used in apparatuses such as coffee makers, espresso makers, tea makers, etc., which are provided with steam generation means, such as steam boilers, and which include an additional device for removing superheated steam.

The use of superheated steam provides the advantage of quickly superheating beverages and other foods and liquids such as coffee, tea, milk, cocoa, etc., including soups. Special cooking vessels are not necessary for this purpose; the ingredients may be heated directly in the utensils used, such as cups, drinking glasses, plates, etc.

However, a currently very popular preparation is a mixed drink known as a "cappuccino" made from warm milk froth and espresso. It is heated with the introduction of milk and steam. This aims to froth the milk and emulsify it by supplying steam and possibly air. The superheated steam is directed into the still flowing milk where it is emulsified to a gaseous state. As this is done, the superheated steam should superheat the milk, condense it, and combine it to make the emulsification as fine as possible, resulting in the formation of a relatively firm and stable foam.

According to current technology, attempts have been made to inject superheated steam through a steam nozzle into a container containing cold milk. In this process, the user needs to insert a steam nozzle into the milk and stir it to achieve the optimum flow and amount of steam and air. This requires a lot of experience to ensure that the milk does not splash and hot steam is not released into the environment.

Devices intended to facilitate this process are known. For example, German Patent No. 3538041A1 discloses an arrangement in which a steam discharge nozzle is surrounded by a vacuum chamber from which additional fresh air or air is to be breathed.
Furthermore, German Patent No. 1 157 750 B1 shows a device which is likewise to be installed downstream of a steam discharge nozzle in which the rotary action is achieved by passing the superheated steam through a helically extending steam duct. . A further similar arrangement is known from European Patent No. 287906A2.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for foaming and/or emulsifying liquids as well as heating, in which the targeted results are achieved more quickly and more consistently in an improved manner, thereby making it easier to Easy to operate and requires no special skill.

According to the invention, the one or more steam discharge nozzles are rotatably driven by the superheated steam discharged from the one or more steam discharge nozzles.
This objective is achieved with a device of the type described above which cooperates with two parts.

The superheated steam discharged from the steam discharge nozzle at a relatively high pressure causes a member cooperating with the steam discharge nozzle to rotate at high speed. This allows steam, air and liquid to be processed to emulsify quickly.
As a result, a particularly creamy and stable milk foam with a high air content is easily obtained. The milk froth achieves a consistency similar to that of whipped cream.
This provides ideal conditions for the preparation of "cappuccino" and similar beverages. In the device of the invention, this result is achieved in that the liquid to be treated is used simultaneously mechanically, physically and thermally. Due to the mechanical-physical action (i.e. rotational movement) on the milk, components of the milk, in particular fats, proteins, for example, are broken down into the smallest particles. In combination with the stirring process and the delicate introduction of steam and air, the emulsification process proceeds particularly quickly and, with sufficient mixing, very stable results are obtained.

However, it is not only in milk frothing that the arrangement of the present invention has positive effects. The rotating member is quite effective in mixing, blending, emulsifying, whipping, etc. other hot beverages such as cocoa, instant coffee, or instant tea, including instant soups.

In this configuration, the rotating member may have a structure similar to a turbine wheel. It is important that the drive consists solely of the superheated steam impinging on the blades of the turbine wheel, so that the wheel achieves the air intake function as well as the emulsification or liquid mixing function.

In a desirable further development of the subject matter of the invention, the pivot axis of the turbine wheel may be arranged at the central axis of extension of the steam pipe. In this device, a nozzle body concentrically and conically branching towards the free end and accommodating the steam discharge nozzle and the swirling rotation may be arranged at the downstream end of the steam pipe. Preferably, the nozzle body should be provided with a turbine wheel end shield. In this device, an emulsification chamber may be formed between the end shield and the turbine wheel. In this emulsification chamber, air, steam and the liquid to be emulsified are subjected to intimate mixing agitation.

A particularly advantageous form of the subject matter of the invention is obtained if the nozzle body, the turbine wheel attached to it and the emulsification chamber are surrounded by an emulsification cage. This emulsification cage should be wide open in the direction D in which the vapor or emulsion is released and should have air intake ports around the emulsification chamber.

To be adapted to coffee and espresso makers, the nozzle body may be a push-on or threaded structure attached to the end of the steam pipe.

The nozzle body should include at least one steam duct terminating in at least one steam ejection nozzle in the end shield of the nozzle body in the vane region of the tine wheel.

A particularly desirable nozzle body configuration is obtained when consisting of a nozzle body bell and a nozzle body core, in which one or more steam ducts fit into the conical outer wall of the nozzle body core and the corresponding nozzle body bell. It is formed between the inner wall of the cone.

Embodiments Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

1 to 4 are exploded views showing the outline of the device according to the present invention, including a push-on head (Fig. 1), a nozzle body (Fig. 2), a rotating member (Fig. 3), and a rotating shaft for the rotating member. The working bolt (FIG. 4) is shown; FIG. 5 is an assembled view of the device of FIGS. 1 to 4; FIGS. 6 to 10 are views of a second embodiment of the invention; FIG. Figure 7 shows the turbine wheel; Figure 8 shows the emulsifier cage in which the turbine wheel rotates; Figure 9 shows the emulsifier cage in direction A of Figure 8; FIG. 10 is a view showing the turbine wheel in FIG. 7; FIG. 11 is a view of the apparatus of FIGS. 6 to 10 in an assembled state.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the superheated steam produced, for example, in a hot water fountain/steam generator of a coffee maker/espresso maker is pumped into the press under the control of a steam outlet valve (not shown) provided in the device. The steam flows through a steam pipe R formed in the head 1 and a steam path 11 to the nozzle body 10 where it is distributed into a steam duct 13 to be discharged via a steam discharge nozzle 12 .

The steam pipe R of the push-on head 1 is the steam path 11
A socket-type/female threaded opening 19 is provided in the nozzle body 10 in an axial extension of the central axis M of the nozzle body 10 .
A bolt 16 having a thread 18 and a pivot shaft 17 is screwed into this female thread 19. Turbine wheel 14
The rotating member providing this is seated on the pivot shaft 17 of the pivot bearing 14,1. The turbine wheel 14 consists of a rotor 14,2 on which turbine blades 14,3, shown only schematically, are arranged.

The nozzle body 10 is a rotationally symmetrical body which branches conically towards its free end. It forms an end shield 15 at its free end. In this end shield 15 one or several steam discharge nozzles 12 are arranged such that the steam discharged therefrom impinges on the turbine blades 14, 3 of the turbine wheel 14 at the maximum possible speed. This causes the turbine wheel 14 to rotate about the pivot axis 17 of the bolt 16.

1 to 4 show individual parts 1 of the device according to the invention,
10, 14 and 16; FIG. 5 shows the device in the combined operating state.

The operation mode of the present invention is as follows; Steam pipe R, steam path 11, and steam duct 13
The steam passes through the steam discharge nozzle 12 and hits the turbine blades 14 and 3 of the turbine wheel 14,
Rotate the turbine wheel at high speed. When the device of the invention with its turbine wheel 14 is immersed in a beverage such as milk, the rotating turbine wheel 1
Step 4 mechanically breaks apart particles such as fat and protein contained in the milk, while thoroughly mixing the milk with steam and air introduced laterally. This process is performed on the lower end shield 15 of the nozzle body 10.
and an emulsifying chamber formed between the rotors 14 and 2.
It will be held in EK. The user is only required to ensure that the end shield 15 of the device is "placed" on the surface of the milk. If this requirement is satisfied,
A creamy, stable milk foam is obtained reliably and quickly, which is particularly well suited for the preparation of "cappuccino", tiocolate and similar drinks.

6-11 illustrate in detail a second embodiment of the subject matter of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the nozzle body 20 includes an integrally formed push-on head 21 which presses or threads or similarly secures the device to a steam line connected to a hot water heater/steam generator. The push-on head 21 may be provided with clamp-type locking means 22 for attachment to the steam pipe, for example by a clamp. In this device, the clamp-type locking means 22 must be constructed so as to simultaneously perform the sealing function. It will be appreciated that the means 22 may be a threaded body onto which the device is screwed onto the steam pipe.

In this embodiment, the push-on head 21 of the nozzle body 20 is integrally formed with a nozzle body bell 23 which widens conically towards the free end of the nozzle body 20. The nozzle body bell 23 has an outwardly facing inner wall 26 which widens conically towards the free end, the widening beginning approximately at the point where the superheated steam is discharged from the steam pipe. The conical outer wall 25 is the nozzle body bell 2
Nozzle body core 2 adapted to the conical inner wall 26 of 3
4 is inserted into the tapered wide portion of the nozzle body bell 23.

Either the inner wall 26 or the outer wall 25 incorporates one or several vapor dusts 27. It may be considered to maintain a gap between the outer wall 25 and the inner wall 26,
The gap extends circularly along the entire length. The steam duct 27 terminates in one or several steam discharge nozzles 28 embedded in an abutment ring 34 formed on the nozzle body 24 .

7 and 10 show the turbine wheel 29. FIG.
A rotor 29,2 carrying turbine blades 29,3 on its circumference extends from a central pivot bearing 29,1. By means of its pivot bearing 29,1, the turbine wheel 29 is adapted to rotate on a pivot axis 31 which is seated firmly in the bore 35 of the nozzle body core 24. In this device, the axis of the hole 35 or the pivot axis 31 may be an extension of the central axis M of the steam pipe or nozzle body 20.

The pivot axis 31 of the turbine wheel 29 is fixed by positive engagement in the bore 35 of the nozzle body core 24. The pivot axis 31 is a loose push-on seat on a pivot bearing. This can be removed for example for cleaning. The rib members 29,4 are integrally formed on the upper side of the rotor 29,2 in such a way that they protrude in the axial direction. These rib members 29,4 prevent the turbine wheel 29 from sliding into position on the pivot axis 31, and their protrusions make it impossible for the emulsification cage 30, shown in detail below, to be seated in a fixed connection. do.

On the other hand, the rib members 29, 4 contribute to a stronger agitation of the fluid to be treated and better rinse the interior of centrally located parts, such as the body core 24 of 12a, during cleaning.

8 and 9 show an emulsification cage 30. FIG. FIG. 9 is a view of the emulsification cage from direction A in FIG.

In the assembled state, the emulsification cage 30 surrounds the turbine wheel 29 and the nozzle body 20 at its free end. A knob 37 is formed in the side wall 36 of the generally cup-shaped emulsification cage 30 at its open upper end and positions the emulsification cage 30 in positive engagement with the lower end of the nozzle body 20 . Knob 37 is in cooperative relationship with a radial groove 38 on the periphery of nozzle body 20 and
7 has passed through the groove 38, the emulsifying container 30 rests on a radially projecting rim 39 in a rotational movement relative to the nozzle body 20.

The underside 40 of the emulsifying vessel 30 is wide open for free passage of the emulsion to be processed; only three webs 41 are provided extending radially from the pivot 42 to the side wall 36. Sidewall 36 includes an axially outwardly facing intake port 33. Their position is such that they are at least partially above the turbine wheel 29 in the assembled state of the emulsification cage 30.

Additional ribs, webs and grooves may also be provided within the emulsification cage 30, such as on the sidewalls 36.
Such addition can generate more intense agitation and thorough mixing.

FIG. 11 shows the device in assembled operating condition.
In this figure, the lower side of the nozzle body 20 or nozzle body core 24 also provides an end shield 32 that combines with the upper side of the turbine wheel 29 to form an emulsification chamber EK. The steam discharge nozzle 28 allows the steam discharged therefrom to flow into the turbine blades 29 at high speed.
3 and is arranged to directly impinge on the top of the turbine wheel, thereby causing the turbine wheel to rotate. When a container containing the liquid to be foamed is placed on the device, the liquid to be treated passes between the web members 41 and enters the emulsification cage 30 where it is mechanically treated by the turbine wheel 29. At the same time, the turbine wheel 29
The superheated steam, air and swirling liquid enter the emulsification chamber.
Air is directed laterally through port 33 so that it is already intimately mixed in the EK. The resulting emulsion is then forced down by turbine blades 29,3 and further mechanically treated to cause this to occur.

The only thing the user has to remember is not to immerse the device too deeply in the liquid to be treated. The liquid level should be approximately at the level of the end shield 32. On the other hand, instantaneous deeper immersion has no harmful effect;
A turbine wheel rotating at high speed allows a sufficient amount of additional air to be introduced.

The emulsification cage 30 has an auxiliary function; the cage 30
The side walls 36 of provide splash protection. Poneto 33
When the introduction effect of the turbine wheel 29 through is sufficient, liquid splashing to both sides is sufficiently prevented.

The apparatus of the present invention is virtually self-cleaning since the rotating turbine wheel substantially centrifugally blows off particles of the treated liquid. Cleaning can therefore be easily accomplished using a simple tap of water in combination with the steam discharged from the steam discharge nozzle.

1,21 push on head 10,20 Nozzle body 11 Steam path 12,28 Steam release nozzle 13,27 Steam Doubt 14,1 29,1 Pivot bearing 14, 2, 29, 2 rotor 14,3,29,3 Turbine blade 15, 32 End shield 16 volts 17,31 Rotating axis 18 screw 19 Female screw opening 22 Coupling means 23 Nozzle body bell 24 Nozzle body core 25 Conical outer wall 26 Cone inner wall 29 Turbine wheel 29,4 Rib material 30 Emulsification cage 33 Intake port 34 Butt ring 35 holes 36 Side wall 37 Knob 38 Groove 39 Radial rim 40 Lower side 41 Web member 42 Pivot R steam pipe Free end of RE steam pipe EK emulsification chamber M center axis D Details/emulsion discharge direction.