WO2024115267A1 - Adaptateur pouvant être raccordé à une borne de distribution de vapeur externe pour la préparation d'une boisson lactée chaude - Google Patents

Adaptateur pouvant être raccordé à une borne de distribution de vapeur externe pour la préparation d'une boisson lactée chaude Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024115267A1
WO2024115267A1 PCT/EP2023/082824 EP2023082824W WO2024115267A1 WO 2024115267 A1 WO2024115267 A1 WO 2024115267A1 EP 2023082824 W EP2023082824 W EP 2023082824W WO 2024115267 A1 WO2024115267 A1 WO 2024115267A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
steam
adapter
dispensing
terminal
dispensing nozzle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2023/082824
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Antonio PANCIERA
Leonardo LO PICCOLO
Simone Rosetta
Original Assignee
De' Longhi Appliances S.R.L.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by De' Longhi Appliances S.R.L. filed Critical De' Longhi Appliances S.R.L.
Publication of WO2024115267A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024115267A1/fr

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Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • A47J31/4485—Nozzles dispensing heated and foamed milk, i.e. milk is sucked from a milk container, heated and foamed inside the device, and subsequently dispensed from the nozzle
    • 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
    • A47J31/60—Cleaning devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an adaptor that can be connected to an external steam dispensing terminal for the preparation of a hot milk drink.
  • the adapter can be combined with an external steam supply terminal of a coffee machine to heat up a quantity of milk needed for the preparation of hot milkbased drinks, typically cappuccino, caffelatte or simply hot milk.
  • Some systems including those with a steam wand for heating milk, require particular dexterity and skill on the part of the operator to obtain the desired result in the cup, and moreover do not allow all the ingredients of the drink to be dispensed directly into the cup.
  • the coffee is dispensed directly into the cup while the milk heated with the steam wand is prepared in a special jug and then poured into the cup.
  • the technical task proposed by the present invention is, therefore, to realise a system for the preparation of a hot milk drink that eliminates the complained of technical drawbacks of the known technique.
  • one aim of the invention is to realise a system for the preparation of a hot milk drink that is easy to use and easy to clean.
  • Another purpose of the invention is to provide a system for preparing a hot milk drink directly in the cup.
  • Another purpose of the invention is to provide a system for the simultaneous preparation of several hot milk-based drinks directly in the cup.
  • an adapter connectable to an external steam dispensing terminal for preparing a hot milk-based beverage, characterised by comprising a support body; a steam inlet terminal supported by said support body and connectable to said external dispensing terminal; an outlet terminal having a first dispensing nozzle and a second dispensing nozzle, said outlet terminal being supported by said support body in an adjustable position; and a steam duct from said inlet terminal to said first dispensing nozzle and said second dispensing nozzle of said outlet terminal.
  • said supporting body has means of supporting and guiding in translation of said outlet terminal.
  • said adapter comprises means of injecting air into the steam.
  • said means of injecting air into the steam comprise an air sucking duct for the venturi effect triggered by the steam.
  • said adapter comprises means of adjusting the passage clearance of said air sucking duct.
  • said steam duct has a bifurcation defining a first branch of conduit connected with said first dispensing nozzle and a second branch of conduit connected with said second dispensing nozzle, wherein said first branch of conduit has steam intercepting valve means.
  • said first nozzle nozzle is removably connected to said first conduit branch.
  • the present invention also discloses a coffee machine which includes said adapter, wherein said external steam dispensing terminal is positioned in a front wall of said coffee machine at a vertical distance above a cup rest front plane of said coffee machine, and said adapter connected to said external steam dispensing terminal is positioned next to an external coffee dispenser of said coffee machine.
  • Said adapter connected to said external steam outlet terminal advantageously supports said outlet terminal at an adjustable vertical distance above said cup rest front plane.
  • Figure 1 shows a front view of a coffee machine where the adapter can be mounted
  • Figure 2 shows the same view as figure 1 but with the door open to access the external steam supply terminal
  • Figure 3 shows a frontal view of the coffee machine of figure 1 but with the mounted adapter presenting the outlet terminal in the up position in a two-cup configuration;
  • Figure 4 shows a frontal view of the coffee machine in figure 1 but with the mounted adapter presenting the outlet terminal in the down position in a two-cup configuration;
  • Figure 5 shows a frontal view of the coffee machine of figure 1 but with the mounted adapter presenting the outlet terminal in the down position in a single-cup dispensing configuration via a single dispensing nozzle;
  • Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the adapter with the outlet terminal in the down position in a two-cup configuration
  • Figure 7a shows a side view in vertical section of the adapter with the outlet terminal in the down position
  • Figure 7b shows a side view in vertical section of the adapter with the outlet terminal in the up position
  • Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the partially exploded adapter
  • Figure 9 shows a front view in vertical section of the adapter with the outlet terminal in the down position in a two-cup configuration
  • Figure 10 shows a front view in vertical section of the adapter with the outlet terminal in the down position in a configuration for single-cup dispensing via two dispensing nozzles, with vertical dispensing direction;
  • Figure 11 shows a frontal view in vertical section of an adapter variant with the outlet terminal in the low position in a configuration for single-cup dispensing via two dispensing nozzles, with oblique dispensing direction;
  • Figure 12 shows a front view in vertical section of the adapter with the outlet terminal in the down position in a single cup dispensing configuration with only one dispensing nozzle;
  • Figure 13 shows a top view of the air control knob
  • Figure 14 shows a top view of the horizontally sectioned air control knob
  • Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the air control knob with the stem positioned in its housing
  • Figure 16 shows a top view of the horizontally sectioned adapter at the air control knob.
  • a adapter 1 which can be rigidly but removably connected to an external steam dispensing terminal 2 of a coffee machine 3.
  • the coffee machine 3 is of the type comprising an infusion circuit (not shown) presenting in cascade a pump for supplying water taken from a water source, a boiler for heating the water taken from the supply pump, and an infuser unit presenting an infusion chamber inside which is housed a charge of coffee powder to be infused with hot water from the boiler.
  • an infusion circuit (not shown) presenting in cascade a pump for supplying water taken from a water source, a boiler for heating the water taken from the supply pump, and an infuser unit presenting an infusion chamber inside which is housed a charge of coffee powder to be infused with hot water from the boiler.
  • the source of water can be an integrated reservoir in the coffee machine 3 or a connection to the water mains.
  • the coffee machine 3 has a front wall 4 where the external coffee dispenser 5 connected to the outlet of the brewing unit is located.
  • the external coffee spout 5 preferably includes two 5' coffee spouts.
  • the coffee machine 3 includes at the front a cup-rest 6 plane 7 positioned below the external coffee spout 5.
  • the external steam dispensing terminal 2 is also positioned at the front wall 4 of the coffee machine at a certain vertical distance above the cup-rest 6 plane 7.
  • the external steam dispensing terminal 2 has a horizontal dispensing axis.
  • the external steam dispensing terminal 2 can be accessed via a door 8.
  • the adapter 1 connected to the external terminal 2 of the coffee machine 3 is located next to the external spout 5 of the coffee machine 3.
  • Adapter 1 comprises a support body 9, a steam inlet terminal 10, an outlet terminal 11 comprising a first steam nozzle 12 and a second steam nozzle 13, and a steam duct 14 from the steam inlet terminal 10 to the first steam nozzle 12 and the second steam nozzle 13 of the steam outlet terminal 11.
  • the first dispensing nozzle 12 and the second dispensing nozzle 13 preferably have a vertical or inclined downward dispensing axis.
  • Steam inlet terminal 10 can be connected to external terminal 2.
  • a removable rigid plug-in connection can be provided between the steam inlet terminal 10 and the external terminal 2, where at least one gasket (not shown) interposed between the steam inlet terminal 10 and the external terminal 2 also ensures the necessary steam tightness.
  • the steam inlet terminal 10 is rigidly supported by the supporting body 9.
  • the steam inlet terminal 10 can either be fixed or made in one piece with the supporting body 9.
  • Outlet terminal 11 is supported by support body 9 in an adjustable position.
  • the supporting body 9 has more precisely means of supporting and guiding in translation the outlet terminal 11.
  • the supporting and guiding means comprise a rectilinear guide 15, particularly vertical, along which a slide 16 attached to a shaped arm 17 with a portion 18 projecting laterally from the supporting body 9 can slide reversibly.
  • the outlet terminal 11 extends inferiorly from the portion 18 of the arm 17 projecting laterally from the support body 9.
  • the first dispensing nozzle 12 and the second dispensing nozzle 13, as we will see in more detail below, are configured and arranged to dispense in combination into the same cup 7 positioned above the cup rest 7 front plane 6 or separately into a respective cup 7 positioned above the cup rest 7 front plane 6.
  • the steam duct 14 comprises a flexible pipe 19 running inside the support body 9 and a rigid duct 21 running in the arm 17.
  • the hose 19 is connected at one end with the steam inlet terminal 10 and at its other end with one end 23 of the rigid duct 21.
  • Rigid duct 21 bifurcates to define a first branch of conduit 24 connected with the first dispensing nozzle 12 and a second branch of conduit 25 connected with the second dispensing nozzle 13.
  • the first dispensing nozzle 12 is advantageously removably connected to the first branch of conduit 24.
  • the first branch of conduit 24 has steam intercepting valves.
  • the intercepting valve means comprise a valve shutter 27 movable between a closed steam passage position, in which the valve shutter 27 engages its valve seat 29, and an open steam passage position, in which the valve shutter 27 disengages its valve seat 29.
  • the shutter 27, particularly a ball is movable by contrast and by the action of an elastic element 28, particularly a coil spring, which automatically urges it towards the closed position of the steam passage.
  • the first dispensing nozzle 12 has a pusher 30 configured and arranged to counteract the action of the elastic element 28 and automatically move the shutter 27 to the open steam passage position when the first dispensing nozzle 12 engages with the first conduit branch 24.
  • Adapter 1 advantageously includes means of injecting air into the steam.
  • the means of air injection include a 31 venturi air sucking duct triggered by steam.
  • the air sucking duct 31 has a connection path 39 to a gap 32 existing between an inner pipe 34 and an outer pipe 35 of the first dispensing nozzle 12, and a connection path 40 to a gap 36 existing between an inner pipe 37 and an outer pipe 38 of the second dispensing nozzle 13.
  • the gap 32 of the first dispensing nozzle 12 and the gap 36 of the second dispensing nozzle 13 are closed at the top and open at the bottom to allow the initiation of a vertical downward flow of air along the first dispensing nozzle 12 and the second dispensing nozzle 13.
  • the outer pipe 35 of the first dispensing nozzle 12, the outer pipe 38 of the second dispensing nozzle 13 and the air sucking duct are supported by a support 41 integrated in the arm 17.
  • the outer pipe 38 of the second dispensing nozzle 1 and the air sucking duct 31 are permanently connected to the support 41, while the outer pipe 35 of the first dispensing nozzle 12 is removably connected to the support 41, e.g. as shown by means of a plug-in connection, for the reasons stated above.
  • the inner pipe 34 of the first dispensing nozzle 12 is connected to the first branch of conduit 24 while the inner pipe 37 of the second dispensing nozzle 13 is connected to the second branch of conduit 25.
  • the inner pipe 34 of the first dispensing nozzle 12 and the inner pipe 37 of the second dispensing nozzle 13 can be formed by two pieces of pipe having a rigid plug-in connection with each other, as illustrated.
  • the inner pipe 34 of the first dispensing nozzle 12 is connected to the first branch of conduit 24 in a removable manner for the reasons stated above , while the inner pipe 37 of the second dispensing nozzle 13 is connected to the second branch of conduit 25 in a permanent manner.
  • the flow of steam due to the Venturi effect draws air from the air sucking duct 31 , and the air thus drawn flows partly along the gap 32 present in the first dispensing nozzle 12 until it exits from the open lower end of the outer pipe 35 of the first dispensing nozzle 12, and partly along the gap 36 present in the second dispensing nozzle 13 until it exits from the open lower end of the outer pipe 38 of the second dispensing nozzle 13.
  • Adapter 1 includes means of adjusting the air sucking duct 31 clearance.
  • the means for adjusting the air sucking duct 31 passage clearance comprise a knob 42 presenting a cylindrical stem 43 having an outer cylindrical surface 47 presenting an axial groove 44 having a depth, i.e. a dimension in the direction radial to the geometrical axis P of the cylindrical stem 43, which varies in the axial direction of the cylindrical stem 43.
  • the cylindrical stem 43 is rotatable on its own geometric axis P in a housing 45 that delimits the air sucking duct 31 with the cylindrical stem 43.
  • the housing 45 has an inner cylindrical surface 46 that faces the outer cylindrical surface 47 of the cylindrical stem 43.
  • the housing 45 also has a perimeter relief 48 that engages airtight around the outer cylindrical surface 47 of the cylindrical stem 43.
  • the perimeter relief 48 extends around the outer cylindrical surface 47 of the cylindrical stem 43 along a path Q that varies in the direction of the geometric axis P of the cylindrical stem 43.
  • coffee machine 3 with adapter 1 installed is evident from what has been described and illustrated, and in particular is basically as follows.
  • adapter 1 has both dispensing nozzles 12 and 13.
  • the operator initially moves the arm 17 towards the upper vertical end-stop (fig. 3) to allow the correct positioning of two cups 7 on the resting plane 6.
  • the operator After placing the two cups 7, the operator adds milk into the two cups 7 if a cappuccino is desired. The operator then moves the arm 17 towards the lower vertical end stop until the first dispensing nozzle 12 and the second dispensing nozzle 13 are introduced below the free surface of the beverage contained in the respective cup 7.
  • the operator at this point commands the start of a heating/emulsion cycle, which involves the dispensing of steam mixed with air, if necessary, from the first dispensing nozzle 12 and the second dispensing nozzle 13.
  • the amount of foam produced in drinks can be modulated by turning knob 42.
  • the operator commands the start of a coffee brewing cycle.
  • the external coffee spout 5 pours coffee into the two cups 7 in which emulsified or heated milk is present.
  • the operator moves arm 17 towards the upper vertical end stop (fig. 3) to allow the cups with the prepared beverage to be removed.
  • This sequence could also be inverted for the preparation of particular recipes and coffee and milk blends, furthermore this sequence could be automated by means of the 'Cappuccino' function in the control menu of the coffee machine, presenting pre-stored sequences, which machine will dispense steam and coffee for predefined times and quantities depending on the amount of milk used in 7 cups or two cups, or the desired temperature and/or froth increase level.
  • Different angles of rotation of the knob 42 are in fact associated with different values of the minimum air passage clearance from the air sucking duct 31.
  • the minimum air passage clearance occurs at the intersection of perimeter relief 48 and axial slot 44.
  • the operator can command the faster preparation of a single drink, as shown in figs. 10 and 11, by simply placing the two dispensing nozzles 12 and 13 in the same cup 7.
  • the solutions shown in figures 10 and 11 differ only in the direction of steam exit from the dispensing nozzles 12 and 13: in one case the dispensing nozzles 12 and 13 have dispensing holes 49, 50 with a vertical dispensing axis and in one case they have dispensing holes 49, 50 with a dispensing axis inclined with respect to the vertical direction towards the periphery of the cup 7 to improve heating efficiency and foam quality due to the swirling motion established in the cup 7.
  • adapter 1 has only the second dispensing nozzle 13 (figs. 5 and 12) with which only one drink can be prepared at a time.
  • the invention has multiple advantages.
  • the adapter 1 as mentioned can be detached from the coffee machine 3 and is detachable for better access to its internal parts in contact with milk for cleaning.
  • Adapter 1 can be used on coffee machines without other accessories for heating milk or in addition to accessories, e.g. steam wands, already fitted on the coffee machines.
  • the steam nozzles can be easily adjusted in height to allow dispensing into cups of different capacities and/or heights.
  • Adjustment knob 42 allows adjustment of the minimum air passage clearance from air sucking duct 31, which can have an equivalent diameter of between 0.05 mm and 1 mm and allow the sucking of an air flow of between 0.1 litres/hour and 50 litres/hour.
  • the dispensing holes of the steam nozzles can have cumulatively the same area as the dispensing hole of a steam wand commonly used in traditional coffee machines. This guarantees that adapter 1 can be used in traditional coffee machines to obtain from each dispensing nozzle the same dispensing that can be obtained from a common steam wand without changing the operating regime of the steam generator integrated in the coffee machine, which generally operates to produce steam coming out of the steam wand at a pressure of about 1 Bar and a temperature of about 120°C.
  • each of the dispensing holes of the two dispensing nozzles can have a diameter of about 0.7 mm so that their cumulative area is about equal to the area of the dispensing hole of a common steam wand.
  • smaller dispensing nozzle holes also increase the steam outlet speed and thus improve the swirl effects on the milk and ultimately the heat exchange with the milk and the consistency of the foam.
  • the adapter 1 can be used as mentioned with only one dispensing nozzle. If the operating regime of the coffee machine's steam generator is changed, the pressure and temperature of the steam exiting the dispensing nozzle can be increased, e.g. to approx. 2 bar and 140°C, which can be particularly useful when whipping a milk with an inherently lower protein content, e.g. not a milk of animal origin but a milk of vegetable origin, in particular rice milk, almond milk or others.
  • the operating regime of the steam generator can be changed to increase or even decrease the pressure and temperature of the steam leaving the dispensing nozzle.
  • the materials used, as well as the dimensions, can be any according to requirements and the state of the art.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un adaptateur (1) pouvant être raccordé à une borne de distribution de vapeur externe (2) pour la préparation d'une boisson lactée chaude, qui comprend : un corps de support (9) ; une borne d'entrée de vapeur (10) pouvant être raccordée à la borne externe (2) ; une borne de sortie (11) ayant une première buse de distribution (12) et une seconde buse de distribution (13), la borne de sortie (11) étant supportée par le corps de support (9) dans une position réglable ; et un conduit de vapeur (14) allant de la borne d'entrée (10) à la première buse de distribution (12) et à la seconde buse de distribution (13) de la borne de sortie (11).
PCT/EP2023/082824 2022-11-28 2023-11-23 Adaptateur pouvant être raccordé à une borne de distribution de vapeur externe pour la préparation d'une boisson lactée chaude WO2024115267A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT202200024471 2022-11-28
IT102022000024471 2022-11-28

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024115267A1 true WO2024115267A1 (fr) 2024-06-06

Family

ID=85461665

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PCT/EP2023/082824 WO2024115267A1 (fr) 2022-11-28 2023-11-23 Adaptateur pouvant être raccordé à une borne de distribution de vapeur externe pour la préparation d'une boisson lactée chaude

Country Status (1)

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WO (1) WO2024115267A1 (fr)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4945824A (en) * 1988-12-15 1990-08-07 Robert Krups Stiftung & Co. Kg. Cappuccino making adapter for use with coffee makers
CH698188B1 (de) * 2006-02-24 2009-06-15 Egro Coffee Systems Ag Vorrichtung zum Wärmen und Aufschäumen von Flüssigkeiten.
US20130206013A1 (en) * 2010-02-04 2013-08-15 De' Longhi Appliances S.R.I. Automatic Coffee Machine
ITMI20121574A1 (it) * 2012-09-21 2014-03-22 Corte Paolo Dalla Lancia di erogazione di vapore per cappuccinatore
US20170164781A1 (en) * 2014-07-07 2017-06-15 De'longhi Appliances S.R.L. Milk container that can be associated with a coffee machine and coffee machine having such a milk container
AU2017231093B2 (en) * 2016-03-07 2020-03-12 Breville Pty Limited Steam wand
US10806294B2 (en) * 2015-07-01 2020-10-20 Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. Froth wand

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4945824A (en) * 1988-12-15 1990-08-07 Robert Krups Stiftung & Co. Kg. Cappuccino making adapter for use with coffee makers
CH698188B1 (de) * 2006-02-24 2009-06-15 Egro Coffee Systems Ag Vorrichtung zum Wärmen und Aufschäumen von Flüssigkeiten.
US20130206013A1 (en) * 2010-02-04 2013-08-15 De' Longhi Appliances S.R.I. Automatic Coffee Machine
ITMI20121574A1 (it) * 2012-09-21 2014-03-22 Corte Paolo Dalla Lancia di erogazione di vapore per cappuccinatore
US20170164781A1 (en) * 2014-07-07 2017-06-15 De'longhi Appliances S.R.L. Milk container that can be associated with a coffee machine and coffee machine having such a milk container
US10806294B2 (en) * 2015-07-01 2020-10-20 Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. Froth wand
AU2017231093B2 (en) * 2016-03-07 2020-03-12 Breville Pty Limited Steam wand

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