US20150135963A1 - Device for heating and/or frothing a beverage - Google Patents
Device for heating and/or frothing a beverage Download PDFInfo
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- US20150135963A1 US20150135963A1 US14/606,263 US201514606263A US2015135963A1 US 20150135963 A1 US20150135963 A1 US 20150135963A1 US 201514606263 A US201514606263 A US 201514606263A US 2015135963 A1 US2015135963 A1 US 2015135963A1
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- control unit
- beverage
- valve
- duct
- command
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
- A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
- A47J31/4489—Steam nozzles, e.g. for introducing into a milk container to heat and foam milk
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
- A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
- A47J31/54—Water boiling vessels in beverage making machines
- A47J31/56—Water boiling vessels in beverage making machines having water-level controls; having temperature controls
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to a device for heating and/or frothing a beverage, e.g. milk, by means of steam.
- a beverage e.g. milk
- the present invention relates to a device applied to an espresso coffee machine for preparing hot milk or cappuccinos, and in the following description reference is made to such application, which is considered the preferred one.
- the devices for heating and/or frothing milk are well known.
- a device for preparing frothed beverages to be used in conjunction with a machine for preparing coffee and other hot beverages is known from document EP 0607759 A1.
- the prior art device comprises a nozzle, which is controlled by a manual valve and which has a first chamber for steam inlet and a second chamber for steam outlet.
- the two chambers are connected through a passage, of reduced cross-sectional size, where a hole communicating with the surrounding environment is provided.
- a first problem of such a prior art is that the nozzle is effective for preparing frothed beverages, but it is ineffective for preparing non-frothed hot beverages, since the passage with reduced cross-sectional size generally entails either introduction of both air and steam into the beverage, thereby frothing it, or the need for an accurate control of the manual valve to limit steam inlet and the consequent air admission by Venturi effect.
- vapour inlet control entails the further problem that the time necessary for preparing heated beverages is considerably higher than that required for preparing frothed beverages.
- An automated machine for preparing espresso coffee comprising a device for producing hot or frothed milk to be added to the espresso coffee, is known from document EP 0472272 A2.
- the device of the prior art machine comprises two valves for steam introduction through a duct located upstream of a chamber with narrower cross-sectional size than the duct:
- the chamber operating by Venturi effect, comprises an orifice for air intake from the surrounding environment.
- the two valves in the device have different flow rates.
- Closing the valve with higher flow rate and opening the valve with lower flow rate on the contrary enables preparing hot milk, since pressure reduction in the chamber by Venturi effect is minimum and hence insufficient to enable air flow from the surrounding environment into the chamber.
- the Applicant has realised that devices ensuring extremely reduced preparation time, especially in respect of hot beverages, irrespective of whether hot or frothed beverages are to be prepared, are not commercially available.
- the object is achieved by the device for heating and/or frothing a beverage as claimed.
- the present invention also relates to a method for heating and/or frothing beverages, as well as to a machine for beverage preparation including the device.
- the device according to the invention comprises a first duct having a first opening and closing valve for making steam flow into the duct, and a second duct having both a second opening and closing valve for making steam flow into the duct, and a Venturi assembly configured to operate by Venturi effect when the first valve is closed.
- the Venturi assembly is connected to a third valve configured to prevent operation of the Venturi assembly by Venturi effect in certain situations.
- valve opening and closing is controlled by a control unit controlled by a command unit.
- the device includes a temperature detector device for detecting the instant temperature of the beverage, and the control unit is configured to selectively control, depending on the instant beverage temperatures, the valve opening and closing in order to prepare heated and/or frothed beverages.
- FIG. 1 is an overall diagram of the device according to the invention, in a preferred embodiment
- FIG. 2 shows a detail of the device of FIG. 1 in a further embodiment
- FIG. 3 shows a detail of the device of FIG. 1 in a third embodiment.
- a device 10 for heating and/or frothing a beverage 19 e. g. milk, applied to an espresso coffee machine
- the ducts have a common inlet connected to a boiler 12 , of known type, arranged to generate, for instance, pressurised steam, and a common outlet connected to a mixing element 14 , for instance a nozzle, of known type, arranged to introduce and mix pressurised steam, possibly including air, as it will be described in detail below, into the liquid 19 contained for instance in a container.
- the device 10 also includes a control unit 25 and a command unit 39 , connected to control unit 25 and arranged, for instance, to transmit commands from a user to control the operation of device 10 .
- control unit 25 is configured to control the operation of device 10 by means of programs developed during the device design phase and stored for instance in the same control unit 25 .
- the first duct 21 comprises a first valve 31 , for instance an electrically-actuated valve with internal diameter 3.5 mm, the opening and closure of which can be controlled by control unit 25 in order to enable or prevent pressurised steam flow from boiler 12 to nozzle 14 .
- a first valve 31 for instance an electrically-actuated valve with internal diameter 3.5 mm, the opening and closure of which can be controlled by control unit 25 in order to enable or prevent pressurised steam flow from boiler 12 to nozzle 14 .
- the second duct 22 preferably having internal diameter equivalent or substantially equivalent with that of the first duct, comprises, in an upstream section, a second valve 32 , for instance an electrically-actuated valve with internal diameter 3.5 mm, the opening and closure of which can be controlled by control unit 25 in order to enable or prevent pressurised steam flow from boiler 12 to nozzle 14 .
- the duct In a downstream section, towards nozzle 14 , the duct comprises a duct element 22 a preferably operating by Venturi effect.
- the duct element 22 a (Venturi assembly or Venturi) comprises a duct length 42 , for instance with diameter 2.5 mm, upstream and downstream connected to the second duct 22 , and an orifice 43 , for instance with diameter 1.5 mm, formed in duct length 42 and directly communicating with the surrounding environment at atmospheric pressure, as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the orifice is connected to a valve 33 (Venturi valve), for instance an electrically-actuated valve with diameter equal to the orifice diameter, the opening and closure of which can be controlled by control unit 25 in order to enable or not to enable air inlet from the surrounding environment into Venturi 22 a or, conversely, to enable or not to enable steam outlet from orifice 43 towards the surrounding environment.
- Venturi valve for instance an electrically-actuated valve with diameter equal to the orifice diameter, the opening and closure of which can be controlled by control unit 25 in order to enable or not to enable air inlet from the surrounding environment into Venturi 22 a or, conversely, to enable or not to enable steam outlet from orifice 43 towards the surrounding environment.
- Venturi valve 33 is for instance a nonreturn valve arranged to prevent the only steam outlet from orifice 43 towards the surrounding environment.
- control unit 25 controls the valve 33 .
- orifice 43 is connected to a further duct length 44 ( FIGS. 1 , 3 ) with smaller diameter than orifice 43 , e.g. diameter 0.5 mm.
- Such an embodiment is capable of reducing the air amount admitted through Venturi 22 a and enables attaining a finer frothing than attainable with orifice 43 .
- a temperature detecting device 27 e.g. a temperature sensor or thermometer, is preferably provided, which is connected, in known manner, to control unit 25 and is arranged to transmit to control unit 25 signals representing the temperature of liquid 19 in which nozzle 14 is immersed for preparing heated and/or frothed beverages.
- Control unit 25 of device 10 is configured, as it will be described in detail below, to control the operation of device 10 through programs developed during the device design phase and stored for instance in the same control unit 25 . It preferably comprises a microcontroller 51 of known type, e.g. a microcontroller model MB90F4097G by company Fujitsu, connected to or including a multiple-port input-output interface (I/O interface) 55 .
- a microcontroller 51 of known type, e.g. a microcontroller model MB90F4097G by company Fujitsu, connected to or including a multiple-port input-output interface (I/O interface) 55 .
- I/O interface 55 is connected to the first and second valves 31 and 32 , respectively, to the temperature detecting device (thermometer) 27 , to the command unit 39 and the Venturi valve 33 , if provided.
- Command unit 39 e.g. a two-key keyboard, is arranged to transmit to control unit 25 , e.g. upon actuation of one of the keys, commands for starting and/or stopping the various functions of device 10 .
- command unit (keyboard) 39 comprises a first key 39 a intended to command the control unit 25 to prepare a heated and frothed beverage, and a second key 39 b correspondingly intended to command to prepare a heated beverage.
- keyboard 39 is associated with or includes a signalling unit 38 , e.g. a buzzer or a LED, connected to control unit 25 and arranged to audibly and/or visually signal the completion of the command sent through keys 39 a or 39 b, as described in detail below.
- Device 10 is preferably associated also with a parameter setting unit 37 , for instance a keyboard with display, of known type, connected to control unit 25 and arranged to set operation parameters of device 10 , to be stored for instance in the control unit.
- a parameter setting unit 37 for instance a keyboard with display, of known type, connected to control unit 25 and arranged to set operation parameters of device 10 , to be stored for instance in the control unit.
- Venturi valve 33 controlled by control unit 25 .
- boiler 12 operates, for instance, in a pressure range from 0.8 to 1.4 bars, and that a maximum milk heating temperature is envisaged, e.g. a temperature of 70° C.
- a maximum milk heating temperature e.g. a temperature of 70° C.
- the values of the above quantities may be different from those indicated, without departing from the scope of what is described and claimed.
- the operation of device 10 for preparing a heated and frothed beverage, e.g. milk, is as follows.
- control unit 25 Upon actuation, in a first phase, of key 39 a intended to start preparation of heated and frothed milk, control unit 25 , according to the programs developed during the design phase of device 10 , keeps Venturi valve 33 closed and commands the opening of both the first valve 31 and the second valve 32 , which therefore enable a quick steam flow from nozzle 14 and a correspondingly quick milk heating.
- Venturi valve 33 is missing, being both valves 31 and 32 open, an over-pressure, estimated for instance at 50 mbar above atmospheric ambient pressure, is present in Venturi 22 a and prevents air from flowing from the surrounding environment into Venturi 22 a.
- thermometer 27 signalling to control unit 25 a first predetermined temperature, e.g. a temperature of 30°
- control unit 25 according to the programs developed during the design phase of device 10 , commands the closure of the first valve 31 and the opening of Venturi valve 33 .
- Venturi 22 a Due to the closure of the first valve 31 , a depression capable of making air flow from the surrounding environment into steam, is generated in Venturi 22 a.
- pressure in the Venturi is in the range 260 to 130 mbar below atmospheric ambient pressure, and is such as to enable air flow from the surrounding environment into duct length 42 .
- steam in the air/steam mixture leaving nozzle 14 continues heating milk, of course at lower speed than in the first phase, since steam arrives from second duct 22 only. Yet, such slow heating condition is ideal for producing a high-quality froth or cream.
- thermometer 27 signalling to control unit 25 a second predetermined temperature, e.g. a temperature of 55°
- control unit 25 according to the programs developed during the design phase of device 10 , commands the opening of the first valve 31 and the closure of Venturi valve 33 .
- control unit 25 In a fourth phase, for instance upon thermometer 27 signalling to control unit 25 the maximum milk heating temperature, control unit 25 , according to the programs developed during the design phase of device 10 , commands the closure of the first and second valves 31 and 32 , respectively, and signals the completion of frothed milk preparation through signalling unit 38 .
- the operation of device 10 for preparing a heated beverage e.g. milk, is as follows.
- control unit 25 Upon actuation in a first phase of key 39 b intended to start preparation, for instance, of heated milk, control unit 25 , according to the programs developed during the design phase of device 10 , keeps Venturi valve 33 closed and commands the opening of both the first valve 31 and the second valve 32 , which therefore enable the quick steam flow from nozzle 14 and a correspondingly quick milk heating, similarly to what has been already described for the first phase of frothed milk preparation.
- control unit 25 In a second phase, for instance upon thermometer 27 signalling to control unit 25 the maximum milk heating temperature, control unit 25 , according to the programs developed during the design phase of device 10 , commands the closure of the first and second valves 31 and 32 , respectively, and signals the completion of heated milk preparation through signalling unit 38 .
- At least three operating temperatures are envisaged for preparing frothed milk:
- the third temperature t 3 is set and possibly stored into the control unit through parameter setting unit (ancillary keyboard) 37 , and that the first and second temperatures, t 1 and t 2 , respectively, are determined by control unit 25 and stored based on froth level parameters (e.g. low, medium, high) set through ancillary keyboard 37 .
- control unit is arranged to determine, according to the programs developed during the design phase of device 10 , increasing temperature intervals t 1 -t 2 , so as to broaden the temperature range and, consequently, to increase the time during which air is mixed with steam.
- Venturi valve 33 enables, by keeping Venturi valve 33 always closed, a variable speed heating of the beverage, for instance, by setting heating speed parameters (e.g. low, medium and high speed) through ancillary keyboard 37 .
- heating speed parameters e.g. low, medium and high speed
- Such a feature is particularly useful when preparation of hot beverages, such as hot chocolate or mulled wine, is desired. In such cases, indeed, a too high heating speed could negatively affect the quality of the result, whereas higher heating speeds can be used for other beverages.
- the preferred embodiment provides for having a thermometer associated with nozzle 14 and connected to control unit 25 .
- thermometer can be missing and the control for preparing e.g. frothed beverages can be performed by the control unit based on parametrical times, corresponding for instance, to the time necessary for reaching temperature t 1 , the time necessary for reaching temperature t 2 and the time necessary for reaching temperature t 3 .
- control unit can be based on parametrical times, corresponding for instance, to the time necessary for reaching temperature t 1 , the time necessary for reaching temperature t 2 and the time necessary for reaching temperature t 3 .
- the same method can be applied also to preparing heated beverages.
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Abstract
A device for heating and/or frothing a beverage includes a first duct connectable to an upstream steam source and to downstream mixing means arranged to introduce and mix at least steam into said beverage, said first duct having a first valve configured to be opened and closed and to enable or prevent steam flow into the duct, and a second duct connectable to the upstream steam source and to said downstream mixing means, said second duct having a second valve configured to be opened and closed and to enable or prevent steam flow into the duct, wherein a first one of said two ducts comprises a Venturi assembly configured to operate by Venturi effect in order to mix air with said steam in said first one of said two ducts when a second one of said two ducts is closed.
Description
- This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/523,955 filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Jul. 21, 2009, which is a National Stage application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application No. PCT/IB2008/50004, filed on Jan. 3, 2008, which claims priority from European Patent Application No. EP 07425030.9 filed on Jan. 23, 2007, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
- The present invention generally relates to a device for heating and/or frothing a beverage, e.g. milk, by means of steam.
- More particularly, the present invention relates to a device applied to an espresso coffee machine for preparing hot milk or cappuccinos, and in the following description reference is made to such application, which is considered the preferred one.
- The devices for heating and/or frothing milk are well known. For instance, a device for preparing frothed beverages to be used in conjunction with a machine for preparing coffee and other hot beverages is known from document EP 0607759 A1.
- The prior art device comprises a nozzle, which is controlled by a manual valve and which has a first chamber for steam inlet and a second chamber for steam outlet. The two chambers are connected through a passage, of reduced cross-sectional size, where a hole communicating with the surrounding environment is provided.
- Steam flow through the passage with reduced cross-sectional size causes, by Venturi effect, a sufficient pressure decrease to ensure intake from the surrounding environment of air which, mixed with steam, exits through the second chamber and is introduced into the liquid, e.g. milk, frothing it.
- A first problem of such a prior art is that the nozzle is effective for preparing frothed beverages, but it is ineffective for preparing non-frothed hot beverages, since the passage with reduced cross-sectional size generally entails either introduction of both air and steam into the beverage, thereby frothing it, or the need for an accurate control of the manual valve to limit steam inlet and the consequent air admission by Venturi effect.
- Of course, vapour inlet control entails the further problem that the time necessary for preparing heated beverages is considerably higher than that required for preparing frothed beverages.
- An automated machine for preparing espresso coffee, comprising a device for producing hot or frothed milk to be added to the espresso coffee, is known from document EP 0472272 A2.
- The device of the prior art machine comprises two valves for steam introduction through a duct located upstream of a chamber with narrower cross-sectional size than the duct: The chamber, operating by Venturi effect, comprises an orifice for air intake from the surrounding environment. The two valves in the device have different flow rates.
- Consequently, opening the valve with higher flow rate results in a greater steam flow into the chamber and hence enables preparing frothed milk, since pressure reduction in the chamber by Venturi effect is high.
- Closing the valve with higher flow rate and opening the valve with lower flow rate on the contrary enables preparing hot milk, since pressure reduction in the chamber by Venturi effect is minimum and hence insufficient to enable air flow from the surrounding environment into the chamber.
- Such a prior art, while enabling preparing both hot and frothed milk, has in any case the problem that preparing hot milk generally requires a very long time, in any case longer than that required for preparing frothed milk.
- As the skilled in the art readily realises, such problem is very annoying in public places, where the beverage preparation time must be extremely short to provide for both short service time and good clients' satisfaction.
- Essentially, the Applicant has realised that devices ensuring extremely reduced preparation time, especially in respect of hot beverages, irrespective of whether hot or frothed beverages are to be prepared, are not commercially available.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for heating and/or frothing a beverage, which device does not suffer from the drawbacks of the prior art.
- The object is achieved by the device for heating and/or frothing a beverage as claimed.
- The present invention also relates to a method for heating and/or frothing beverages, as well as to a machine for beverage preparation including the device.
- The claims are integral part of the technical teaching provided here in respect of the invention.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a first duct having a first opening and closing valve for making steam flow into the duct, and a second duct having both a second opening and closing valve for making steam flow into the duct, and a Venturi assembly configured to operate by Venturi effect when the first valve is closed.
- According to a further feature of the present invention, the Venturi assembly is connected to a third valve configured to prevent operation of the Venturi assembly by Venturi effect in certain situations.
- According to another feature of the present invention, the valve opening and closing is controlled by a control unit controlled by a command unit.
- According to yet another feature of the present invention, the device includes a temperature detector device for detecting the instant temperature of the beverage, and the control unit is configured to selectively control, depending on the instant beverage temperatures, the valve opening and closing in order to prepare heated and/or frothed beverages.
- The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, made for exemplifying and non-limiting purposes in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which elements denoted by a same or similar numerical reference correspond to components having the same or similar function and construction, and in which:
-
FIG. 1 is an overall diagram of the device according to the invention, in a preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 2 shows a detail of the device ofFIG. 1 in a further embodiment; and -
FIG. 3 shows a detail of the device ofFIG. 1 in a third embodiment. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , adevice 10 for heating and/or frothing abeverage 19, e. g. milk, applied to an espresso coffee machine, includes first andsecond ducts boiler 12, of known type, arranged to generate, for instance, pressurised steam, and a common outlet connected to amixing element 14, for instance a nozzle, of known type, arranged to introduce and mix pressurised steam, possibly including air, as it will be described in detail below, into theliquid 19 contained for instance in a container. - The
device 10 also includes acontrol unit 25 and acommand unit 39, connected tocontrol unit 25 and arranged, for instance, to transmit commands from a user to control the operation ofdevice 10. - As it will be described in detail below,
control unit 25 is configured to control the operation ofdevice 10 by means of programs developed during the device design phase and stored for instance in thesame control unit 25. - The
first duct 21 comprises afirst valve 31, for instance an electrically-actuated valve with internal diameter 3.5 mm, the opening and closure of which can be controlled bycontrol unit 25 in order to enable or prevent pressurised steam flow fromboiler 12 tonozzle 14. - The
second duct 22, preferably having internal diameter equivalent or substantially equivalent with that of the first duct, comprises, in an upstream section, asecond valve 32, for instance an electrically-actuated valve with internal diameter 3.5 mm, the opening and closure of which can be controlled bycontrol unit 25 in order to enable or prevent pressurised steam flow fromboiler 12 tonozzle 14. In a downstream section, towardsnozzle 14, the duct comprises aduct element 22 a preferably operating by Venturi effect. - The
duct element 22 a (Venturi assembly or Venturi) comprises aduct length 42, for instance with diameter 2.5 mm, upstream and downstream connected to thesecond duct 22, and anorifice 43, for instance with diameter 1.5 mm, formed induct length 42 and directly communicating with the surrounding environment at atmospheric pressure, as shown inFIG. 2 . - According to a preferred embodiment, shown in
FIG. 1 , the orifice is connected to a valve 33 (Venturi valve), for instance an electrically-actuated valve with diameter equal to the orifice diameter, the opening and closure of which can be controlled bycontrol unit 25 in order to enable or not to enable air inlet from the surrounding environment into Venturi 22 a or, conversely, to enable or not to enable steam outlet fromorifice 43 towards the surrounding environment. - According to a variant of the preferred embodiment, Venturi
valve 33 is for instance a nonreturn valve arranged to prevent the only steam outlet fromorifice 43 towards the surrounding environment. Of course, as the skilled in the art can readily realise, such a valve needs not to be controlled bycontrol unit 25. - According to a third embodiment,
orifice 43 is connected to a further duct length 44 (FIGS. 1 , 3) with smaller diameter thanorifice 43, e.g. diameter 0.5 mm. - Such an embodiment, as it will be described in detail below, is capable of reducing the air amount admitted through Venturi 22 a and enables attaining a finer frothing than attainable with
orifice 43. - In all embodiments, a
temperature detecting device 27, e.g. a temperature sensor or thermometer, is preferably provided, which is connected, in known manner, to controlunit 25 and is arranged to transmit to controlunit 25 signals representing the temperature ofliquid 19 in whichnozzle 14 is immersed for preparing heated and/or frothed beverages. -
Control unit 25 ofdevice 10 is configured, as it will be described in detail below, to control the operation ofdevice 10 through programs developed during the device design phase and stored for instance in thesame control unit 25. It preferably comprises amicrocontroller 51 of known type, e.g. a microcontroller model MB90F4097G by company Fujitsu, connected to or including a multiple-port input-output interface (I/O interface) 55. - In the preferred embodiment, I/
O interface 55 is connected to the first andsecond valves command unit 39 and the Venturivalve 33, if provided. -
Command unit 39, e.g. a two-key keyboard, is arranged to transmit to controlunit 25, e.g. upon actuation of one of the keys, commands for starting and/or stopping the various functions ofdevice 10. More particularly, in the preferred embodiment, command unit (keyboard) 39 comprises afirst key 39 a intended to command thecontrol unit 25 to prepare a heated and frothed beverage, and asecond key 39 b correspondingly intended to command to prepare a heated beverage. Most preferably,keyboard 39 is associated with or includes asignalling unit 38, e.g. a buzzer or a LED, connected tocontrol unit 25 and arranged to audibly and/or visually signal the completion of the command sent throughkeys -
Device 10 is preferably associated also with aparameter setting unit 37, for instance a keyboard with display, of known type, connected tocontrol unit 25 and arranged to set operation parameters ofdevice 10, to be stored for instance in the control unit. - The operation of the device described above is disclosed hereinafter with reference to the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1 , including Venturivalve 33 controlled bycontrol unit 25. - Moreover, in describing the operation, a starting condition is assumed where the first and
second valves valve 33 are closed andnozzle 14 is immersed in the beverage or liquid (milk) 19 contained in a container. - Lastly, it is also assumed that
boiler 12 operates, for instance, in a pressure range from 0.8 to 1.4 bars, and that a maximum milk heating temperature is envisaged, e.g. a temperature of 70° C. Of course, in other embodiments, the values of the above quantities may be different from those indicated, without departing from the scope of what is described and claimed. - The operation of
device 10 for preparing a heated and frothed beverage, e.g. milk, is as follows. - Upon actuation, in a first phase, of
key 39 a intended to start preparation of heated and frothed milk,control unit 25, according to the programs developed during the design phase ofdevice 10, keeps Venturivalve 33 closed and commands the opening of both thefirst valve 31 and thesecond valve 32, which therefore enable a quick steam flow fromnozzle 14 and a correspondingly quick milk heating. - During such phase, if
Venturi valve 33 is missing, being bothvalves Venturi 22 a and prevents air from flowing from the surrounding environment intoVenturi 22 a. - During such phase, if the nonreturn valve is provided, steam flow towards the surrounding environment is in any case prevented.
- In a second phase, for instance upon
thermometer 27 signalling to control unit 25 a first predetermined temperature, e.g. a temperature of 30°,control unit 25, according to the programs developed during the design phase ofdevice 10, commands the closure of thefirst valve 31 and the opening ofVenturi valve 33. - Due to the closure of the
first valve 31, a depression capable of making air flow from the surrounding environment into steam, is generated inVenturi 22 a. - The Applicant has experimentally detected that, taking into account the pressure values assumed in
boiler 12, pressure in the Venturi is in the range 260 to 130 mbar below atmospheric ambient pressure, and is such as to enable air flow from the surrounding environment intoduct length 42. - Air mixed with steam arrives at
nozzle 14 and hence to milk 19 contained in the container, where milk begins frothing and grows by embodying small air bubbles at its interior. In such phase, steam in the air/steammixture leaving nozzle 14 continues heating milk, of course at lower speed than in the first phase, since steam arrives fromsecond duct 22 only. Yet, such slow heating condition is ideal for producing a high-quality froth or cream. - In a third phase, for instance upon
thermometer 27 signalling to control unit 25 a second predetermined temperature, e.g. a temperature of 55°,control unit 25, according to the programs developed during the design phase ofdevice 10, commands the opening of thefirst valve 31 and the closure ofVenturi valve 33. - In such phase, similarly to the first phase, a strong steam flow to the nozzle and a correspondingly high speed of milk heating occur.
- During such phase, if
Venturi valve 33 is missing, the indications already provided for the first phase still apply. - In a fourth phase, for instance upon
thermometer 27 signalling to controlunit 25 the maximum milk heating temperature,control unit 25, according to the programs developed during the design phase ofdevice 10, commands the closure of the first andsecond valves unit 38. - The operation of
device 10 for preparing a heated beverage, e.g. milk, is as follows. - Upon actuation in a first phase of key 39 b intended to start preparation, for instance, of heated milk,
control unit 25, according to the programs developed during the design phase ofdevice 10, keepsVenturi valve 33 closed and commands the opening of both thefirst valve 31 and thesecond valve 32, which therefore enable the quick steam flow fromnozzle 14 and a correspondingly quick milk heating, similarly to what has been already described for the first phase of frothed milk preparation. - During such phase, all indications already given for the first phase of frothed milk preparation apply.
- In a second phase, for instance upon
thermometer 27 signalling to controlunit 25 the maximum milk heating temperature,control unit 25, according to the programs developed during the design phase ofdevice 10, commands the closure of the first andsecond valves unit 38. - According to the above description, in the preferred embodiment, at least three operating temperatures, stored for instance in the control unit, are envisaged for preparing frothed milk:
-
- a first operating temperature t1, corresponding to the temperature, e.g. 30°, at which air introduction into steam starts;
- a second operating temperature t2, corresponding to the temperature, e.g. 55°, at which air introduction into steam ends;
- a third operating temperature t3, e.g. 70°, corresponding to the maximum milk heating temperature.
- According to one of the three possible embodiments, it is envisaged that the third temperature t3 is set and possibly stored into the control unit through parameter setting unit (ancillary keyboard) 37, and that the first and second temperatures, t1 and t2, respectively, are determined by
control unit 25 and stored based on froth level parameters (e.g. low, medium, high) set throughancillary keyboard 37. - As the skilled in the art can readily realise, as the froth level having been set increases, the control unit is arranged to determine, according to the programs developed during the design phase of
device 10, increasing temperature intervals t1-t2, so as to broaden the temperature range and, consequently, to increase the time during which air is mixed with steam. - Of course, other embodiments provide for the possibility of directly setting all temperatures t1, t2 and t3, respectively.
- As the skilled in the art can readily realise, the provision of
Venturi valve 33 enables, by keepingVenturi valve 33 always closed, a variable speed heating of the beverage, for instance, by setting heating speed parameters (e.g. low, medium and high speed) throughancillary keyboard 37. - Actually, by keeping Venturi valve always closed 33 and by controlling the opening and the closure of the first and
second valves - Such a feature is particularly useful when preparation of hot beverages, such as hot chocolate or mulled wine, is desired. In such cases, indeed, a too high heating speed could negatively affect the quality of the result, whereas higher heating speeds can be used for other beverages.
- The preferred embodiment provides for having a thermometer associated with
nozzle 14 and connected to controlunit 25. - Of course, in other embodiments, the thermometer can be missing and the control for preparing e.g. frothed beverages can be performed by the control unit based on parametrical times, corresponding for instance, to the time necessary for reaching temperature t1, the time necessary for reaching temperature t2 and the time necessary for reaching temperature t3. The same method can be applied also to preparing heated beverages.
- Of course, obvious changes and modifications can be made to the above description, in respect of sizes, shapes, materials, components, circuit elements and connections, as well as in respect of the details of the disclosed construction and the operating method, without departing from the invention as defined in the following claims.
Claims (20)
1. A device for heating and/or frothing a beverage, comprising:
a first duct connectable to an upstream steam source and to downstream mixing means (14) arranged to introduce and mix at least steam into said beverage, said first duct having a first valve configured to be opened and closed and to enable or prevent steam flow into the duct;
a second duct connectable to the upstream steam source and to said downstream mixing means, said second duct having a second valve configured to be opened and closed and to enable or prevent steam flow into the duct;
wherein a first one of said two ducts comprises a Venturi assembly configured to operate by Venturi effect in order to mix air with said steam in said first one of said two ducts when a second one of said two ducts is closed.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1 , comprising a further valve connected to the Venturi assembly and configured to enable air flow into said Venturi assembly and to prevent steam flow out of said one of said two conducts.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said Venturi assembly includes an orifice having a determined internal diameter, and is connected to a duct length having a respective internal diameter smaller than the internal diameter of said orifice.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a control unit connected to said first and second valves and configured to control the selective opening and closure of said first and second valves.
5. The device as claimed in claim 2 , further comprising a control unit connected to said first and second valves and configured to control the selective opening and closure of said first and second valves.
6. The device as claimed in claim 3 , further comprising a control unit connected to said first and second valves and configured to control the selective opening and closure of said first and second valves.
7. The device as claimed in claim 4 , further comprising a third valve connected to the Venturi assembly, and wherein said control unit is configured to control the selective opening and closure of said third valve.
8. The device as claimed in claim 5 , further comprising a third valve connected to the Venturi assembly, and wherein said control unit is configured to control the selective opening and closure of said third valve.
9. The device as claimed in claim 6 , further comprising a third valve connected to the Venturi assembly, and wherein said control unit is configured to control the selective opening and closure of said third valve.
10. The device as claimed in claim 4 , further comprising temperature detecting means, which are associated with said mixing means, are connected to said control unit and are arranged to transmit signals representing the temperature of said beverage to said control unit.
11. The device as claimed in claim 7 , further comprising temperature detecting means, which are associated with said mixing means, are connected to said control unit and are arranged to transmit signals representing the temperature of said beverage to said control unit.
12. The device as claimed in claim 10 , wherein said control unit is configured to control heating and/or frothing of the beverage based on the temperature detected by said temperature detecting means.
13. The device as claimed in claim 4 , further comprising a command unit connected to said control unit and comprising command means arranged to selectively command preparation of either a heated or a frothed beverage.
14. The device as claimed in claim 7 , further comprising a command unit connected to said control unit and comprising command means arranged to selectively command preparation of either a heated or a frothed beverage.
15. The device as claimed in claim 10 , further comprising a command unit connected to said control unit and comprising command means arranged to selectively command preparation of either a heated or a frothed beverage.
16. The device as claimed in claim 12 , further comprising a command unit connected to said control unit and comprising command means arranged to selectively command preparation of either a heated or a frothed beverage.
17. The device as claimed in claim 4 , comprising a parameter setting unit connected to said control unit and comprising parameter setting means configured to store into said control unit parameters to be used for preparing a heated or frothed beverage.
18. The device as claimed in claim 7 , comprising a parameter setting unit connected to said control unit and comprising parameter setting means configured to store into said control unit parameters to be used for preparing a heated or frothed beverage.
19. The device as claimed in claim 17 , characterised in that said parameters include at least one temperature range for frothed beverage preparation.
20. A machine for preparing hot beverages, in particular espresso coffee, characterised in that it includes a device as claimed in claim 1 .
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/606,263 US20150135963A1 (en) | 2007-01-23 | 2015-01-27 | Device for heating and/or frothing a beverage |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP07425030.9 | 2007-01-23 | ||
EP07425030A EP1949829B1 (en) | 2007-01-23 | 2007-01-23 | Device for heating and/or frothing a beverage |
PCT/IB2008/050004 WO2008090482A1 (en) | 2007-01-23 | 2008-01-03 | Device for heating and/or frothing a beverage |
US52395509A | 2009-07-21 | 2009-07-21 | |
US14/606,263 US20150135963A1 (en) | 2007-01-23 | 2015-01-27 | Device for heating and/or frothing a beverage |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/523,955 Division US8962053B2 (en) | 2007-01-23 | 2008-01-03 | Device for heating and/or frothing a beverage |
PCT/IB2008/050004 Division WO2008090482A1 (en) | 2007-01-23 | 2008-01-03 | Device for heating and/or frothing a beverage |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20150135963A1 true US20150135963A1 (en) | 2015-05-21 |
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US12/523,955 Active 2028-12-19 US8962053B2 (en) | 2007-01-23 | 2008-01-03 | Device for heating and/or frothing a beverage |
US14/606,263 Abandoned US20150135963A1 (en) | 2007-01-23 | 2015-01-27 | Device for heating and/or frothing a beverage |
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US12/523,955 Active 2028-12-19 US8962053B2 (en) | 2007-01-23 | 2008-01-03 | Device for heating and/or frothing a beverage |
Country Status (9)
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US (2) | US8962053B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1949829B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101588741B (en) |
AT (1) | ATE427057T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2008208629B2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE602007000812D1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2324844T3 (en) |
PT (1) | PT1949829E (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008090482A1 (en) |
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EP2025270B1 (en) * | 2007-08-16 | 2017-04-12 | Cafina AG | Device for foaming and heating up milk |
WO2010121299A1 (en) * | 2009-04-20 | 2010-10-28 | Sunbeam Corporation Limited | Steam wand |
IT1396821B1 (en) * | 2009-10-22 | 2012-12-14 | Elektra S R L | METHOD OF MOUNTING THE MILK AND MONTALATTE DEVICE TO IMPLEMENT THE METHOD. |
FR2960405B1 (en) * | 2010-05-25 | 2013-01-18 | Cie Mediterraneenne Des Cafes | PRESSURE VARIATION INFUSION DEVICE |
JP5853020B2 (en) * | 2010-07-08 | 2016-02-09 | コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エヌ ヴェKoninklijke Philips N.V. | Milk frothing system |
EP3175744B1 (en) | 2010-12-16 | 2023-11-29 | Briggo, LLC | Apparatus and method for brewed and espresso drink generation |
US10383474B2 (en) | 2011-05-10 | 2019-08-20 | Breville Pty Limited | Coffee machine with overflow feature |
CN109588985A (en) * | 2011-05-10 | 2019-04-09 | 布瑞威利私人有限公司 | A kind of pot equipment |
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DE202011110158U1 (en) * | 2011-07-29 | 2012-12-20 | Volker Barth | Device for foaming a liquid |
DE202012009074U1 (en) * | 2012-09-21 | 2012-11-08 | Eugster/Frismag Ag | Device for the preparation of either cold or warm milk froth or delivery of either cold or warm milk |
CN102976254A (en) * | 2012-12-10 | 2013-03-20 | 江苏新美星包装机械股份有限公司 | Pop-top foam-hitting device |
ITMI20131726A1 (en) * | 2013-10-17 | 2015-04-18 | Swiss Caffe Asia Ltd | AUTOMATIC MACHINE FOR THE PREPARATION OF BEVERAGES, WHICH ESPRESSO COFFEE, CAPPUCCINO AND SIMILAR. |
DE102013224400A1 (en) * | 2013-11-28 | 2015-05-28 | Wmf Ag | Electrically operated beverage maker, in particular electrically operated coffee machine, with steam lance for milk frothing |
JP6409119B2 (en) | 2014-07-22 | 2018-10-17 | ブリゴ・インコーポレイテッドBriggo, Inc. | Promotion of ordering and production of beverages |
EP3232878B1 (en) * | 2014-12-18 | 2019-03-06 | Luigi Lavazza S.p.A. | Device for heating and frothing milk and wand for such a device |
CN107613817B (en) * | 2015-03-30 | 2021-05-07 | 布瑞威利私人有限公司 | Improved apparatus and method for frothing milk |
US10258191B2 (en) | 2015-09-18 | 2019-04-16 | Starbucks Corporation | Beverage dispensing systems and methods |
US10531761B2 (en) * | 2015-09-18 | 2020-01-14 | Starbucks Corporation | Beverage preparation systems and methods |
WO2017063936A1 (en) * | 2015-10-16 | 2017-04-20 | Eversys Holding Sa | Device and method for heating and foaming a liquid, in particular a beverage |
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IT201800001717A1 (en) * | 2018-01-24 | 2019-07-24 | De Longhi Appliances Srl | DEVICE FOR HEATING AND EMULSION OF BEVERAGES |
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US20220313004A1 (en) * | 2019-09-20 | 2022-10-06 | Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. | Method and apparatus for beverage frothing |
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2007
- 2007-01-23 PT PT07425030T patent/PT1949829E/en unknown
- 2007-01-23 ES ES07425030T patent/ES2324844T3/en active Active
- 2007-01-23 DE DE602007000812T patent/DE602007000812D1/en active Active
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- 2008-01-03 CN CN2008800028423A patent/CN101588741B/en active Active
- 2008-01-03 AU AU2008208629A patent/AU2008208629B2/en active Active
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2015
- 2015-01-27 US US14/606,263 patent/US20150135963A1/en not_active Abandoned
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AU2008208629B2 (en) | 2014-04-03 |
DE602007000812D1 (en) | 2009-05-14 |
ATE427057T1 (en) | 2009-04-15 |
US8962053B2 (en) | 2015-02-24 |
ES2324844T3 (en) | 2009-08-17 |
PT1949829E (en) | 2009-06-04 |
CN101588741B (en) | 2011-04-13 |
EP1949829A1 (en) | 2008-07-30 |
CN101588741A (en) | 2009-11-25 |
EP1949829B1 (en) | 2009-04-01 |
WO2008090482A1 (en) | 2008-07-31 |
AU2008208629A1 (en) | 2008-07-31 |
US20100047407A1 (en) | 2010-02-25 |
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