Improved internal part accessibility for cleaning of a milk frother

Abstract

A milk frother (1) comprising: a steam fitting (200) associable with a steam flow distributor; a homogenizing element (300) of a frothed milk flow; a hollow longitudinal body (100) having an engagement seat (120) for the steam fitting (200) and cooperatively defining with the steam fitting (200) a steam-air-milk mixing chamber (102), an air access channel (103) to the mixing chamber (102) and a milk access channel (104) to the mixing chamber (102), wherein the steam fitting (200) has a steam access channel (201) to the mixing chamber (102), wherein the hollow longitudinal body (100) further has an outlet channel (110) for the frothed milk flow from the mixing chamber (102), wherein the outlet channel (110) has a dispensing end (111) engaged with the homogenizing element (300), wherein first permanent connection means (140) are provided between the hollow longitudinal body (100) and the steam fitting (200), wherein the first permanent connection means (140) have a configuration changeable between a first engagement configuration and a first disengagement configuration between the steam fitting (200) and its engagement seat (120), and wherein second permanent connection means (150) are provided between the hollow longitudinal body (100) and the homogenizing element (300), wherein the second permanent connection means (150) have a configuration changeable between a second engagement configuration and a second disengagement configuration between the homogenizing element (300) and the dispensing end (111) of the outlet channel (110).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a milk frother, which may be associated with a steam dispenser, and particularly, but not necessarily, with a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] Different types of milk frothers are known to be integrated or not integrated into coffee machines, which include a mixing chamber, a steam inlet path, a Venturi effect air intake path, a Venturi effect milk intake path, and an outlet path for milk emulsified with steam and / or air.

[0003] Generally, in known types of milk frothers, the milk intake path of the Venturi effect includes a milk straw for drawing milk from a container that is always in fluid communication with the mixing chamber.

[0004] Typically, milk frothers known in the prior art consist of multiple parts that are assembled together for sale and cannot be disassembled or separated after purchase.

[0005] In the milk emulsification cycle, milk is drawn from a container and mixed with air and steam at high temperatures to form characteristic foam, or it may be mixed with high-temperature steam only to be heated, and then dispensed into the same container from which it is obtained.

[0006] In known types of milk frothers, after use, some milk droplets or milk residue may remain trapped inside the mixing chamber and in direct contact with the milk to be mixed, such as in a portion of the milk intake path near the mixing chamber or in the straw.

[0007] On the other hand, these milk residues generate scale and a fertile environment for the potential growth of bacteria.

[0008] This could reduce the sensory properties of subsequent blending cycles of fresh milk and lead to customer dissatisfaction with the product.

[0009] According to further aspects, in known types of milk frothers, the milk intake path in the mixing chamber typically includes a milk straw whose sole function is to draw milk from the bottom of a container placed near the coffee machine.

[0010] In the prior art, complex solutions are known for cleaning milk frothers, which provide an intake cycle of only water or water-based cleaning solution and an exhaust cycle of only steam after each use. Summary of the Invention

[0011] One object of the present invention is to manufacture a milk frother associated with a coffee machine that solves the aforementioned problems of the prior art, particularly in preventing milk residue from accumulating inside the components of the milk frother after use.

[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide a milk frother that allows for easy and intuitive washing of the milk frother.

[0013] The technical objective of the present invention, and these and other objectives, are achieved by creating a milk frother comprising: a steam fitting capable of being associated with a steam flow distributor; a homogenizing element for a foamed milk flow; a hollow longitudinal body having a mounting seat for the steam fitting and cooperatively defining a steam-air-milk mixing chamber, an air inlet channel leading to the mixing chamber, and a milk inlet channel leading to the mixing chamber, the steam fitting having a steam inlet channel leading to the mixing chamber, the longitudinal body further having an outlet channel for the foamed milk flow from the mixing chamber, the outlet channel having a dispensing end engaging with the homogenizing element, characterized in that a first permanent connection device is disposed between the longitudinal body and the steam fitting, the first permanent connection device having a configuration capable of changing between a first engagement configuration and a first disengagement configuration between the steam fitting and its mounting seat, and characterized in that a second permanent connection device is disposed between the longitudinal body and the homogenizing element, the second permanent connection device having a configuration capable of changing between a second engagement configuration and a second disengagement configuration between the homogenizing element and the outlet end of the dispensing channel.

[0014] Advantageously, the internal parts of the milk frother are also easy to inspect and clean in the dishwasher simply by placing the milk frother in the first and second separation configurations.

[0015] Although the configuration can be changed, there are permanent connections between the components of the milk frother, which further facilitates inspection and cleaning operations, thus preventing some parts of the milk frother from being damaged or other parts from being lost. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the milk frother according to the invention, which are illustrated by non-limiting examples in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 A perspective view of a milk frother in a coupled configuration is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 A perspective view of a milk frother in its disassembled configuration is shown.

[0019] Figure 3 A perspective view of the steam fittings is shown;

[0020] Figure 4 A perspective view of the homogenizing element is shown;

[0021] Figure 5 A vertical cross-section of a milk frother in a coupled configuration is shown;

[0022] Figure 6 A vertical cross-sectional view of the upper end of a milk frother in a joint configuration is shown;

[0023] Figure 7 A perspective view is shown, taken from below the steam fitting;

[0024] Figure 8 A vertical cross-sectional view is shown at the upper end of a milk frother in a disassembled configuration;

[0025] Figure 9 A vertical sectional view showing details of the upper end of a milk frother in a joint configuration;

[0026] Figure 10 A milk frother is shown, which is vertically attached directly below the steam flow distributor unit of the coffee machine (shown only partially for clarity) and the milk delivery tube is attached to the milk delivery channel.

[0027] Figure 11 A milk frother in a first disengagement configuration and a second disengagement configuration are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Referring to the accompanying drawing, a milk frother, generally represented by the number 1, is shown.

[0029] The milk frother 1 is a type that is typically, but not necessarily, removably connected to the steam distributor (typically the steam distributor of a coffee machine 500) along a vertical connecting axis.

[0030] Milk frothers can be connected in any way to another type of device that is configured to distribute a flow of steam.

[0031] The milk frother 1 includes a steam accessory 200 that can be associated with a steam flow distributor of a coffee machine 500, a homogenizing element 300 for frothing milk flow, a hollow longitudinal body 100 having a junction 120 for the steam accessory 200 and a junction 130 for the homogenizing element 300.

[0032] The hollow longitudinal body 100 has a first rubber tubular wall 100A (e.g., but not necessarily silicone rubber) suitable for food use, which separately defines the engagement seat 120 of the steam fitting 200.

[0033] The hollow longitudinal body 100 has a second tubular wall 100B made of plastic, which externally covers the first rubber tubular wall 100A. Suitablely, the first rubber tubular wall 100A and the second tubular wall 100B made of plastic are made by co-molding to ensure maximum adhesion and mutual sealing.

[0034] The hollow longitudinal body 100 thus formed cooperates with the steam fitting 200 to define the steam-air-milk mixing chamber 102, the air inlet passage 103 leading to the mixing chamber 102, and the milk inlet passage 104 leading to the mixing chamber 102.

[0035] Milk inlet channel 104 is connected to milk delivery channel 105, which is suitably constructed inside a hollow longitudinal and connecting body 100 and milk supply fitting 106 is externally supported by the longitudinal body 100.

[0036] For safety reasons, which will be explained in more detail below, the milk delivery channel 105 slopes downward from the end adjacent to the milk inlet channel 104 to the end adjacent to the milk supply fitting 106.

[0037] The milk delivery tube 400 is properly connected to the milk supply fitting 106 via a releasable magnetic coupling device.

[0038] In one embodiment of the invention, the milk delivery tube 400 may be provided with a mechanical stirring device, such as a spoon not shown in the figure, at the distal end opposite to the connection to the milk supply fitting 106.

[0039] The steam fitting 200 has a steam inlet passage 201 leading to the mixing chamber 102; the hollow longitudinal body 100 has an outlet passage 110 from the mixing chamber 102 of the foamed milk flow, the outlet passage having a dispensing end 111 that engages with the homogenizing element 300 in the engagement seat 130.

[0040] In practice, the inner cavity of the longitudinal body 100 has a radially widened upper axial portion in which the steam fitting 200 is engaged, and a radially narrowed lower axial portion on the axial extension of the upper axial portion, which defines an outlet channel 110 ending at a dispensing end 111.

[0041] Appropriately, the air inlet passage 103 is partially formed by a groove 202 that extends on the outer surface of the steam fitting 200 in a configuration that gradually widens toward its opposite ends.

[0042] The groove 202 is preferably in the shape of an hourglass, which significantly simplifies the cleaning of the air inlet channel 103.

[0043] The inner lip 121 of the coupling seat 120 of the steam fitting 200 rests on the groove at the throat of the groove 202 to define the minimum passage section of the air inlet passage 103.

[0044] Air inlet passage 103 is connected to and provided by air inlet 203, which is configured as a slot in the surface of the circular crown 204 of steam fitting 200, the slot being operatively adjacent to the upper end 112 of the hollow longitudinal body 100.

[0045] The homogenizing element 300 includes a baffle 301 having a front wall 302 for intercepting the flow of foamed milk and a plurality of holes 303 surrounding the intercepting wall 302 for discharging the homogenized foamed milk flow.

[0046] Advantageously, according to the invention, a first permanent connection device 140 is disposed between the hollow longitudinal body 100 and the steam fitting 200.

[0047] The first permanent connection device 140 has a configuration that can vary between a first engagement configuration and a first disengagement configuration between the steam fitting 200 and its engagement seat 120 in the hollow longitudinal body 100.

[0048] Appropriately, the first permanent connection device 140 slidably supports the steam fitting 200 along the longitudinal axis of the hollow longitudinal body 100 between the first engagement configuration and the first disengagement configuration.

[0049] The first permanent connection device 140 includes a first guide 141 supported by a hollow longitudinal body 100, which is slidably connected to a second guide 241 supported by a steam fitting 200.

[0050] The first permanent connection device 140 also includes a connecting tooth 140A to prevent release between the first guide 141 and the second guide 241.

[0051] The first guide 141 has abutment portions 142A and 142B, which can selectively engage and disengage with corresponding abutment portions 242 and 243 of the second guide 241 for locking and unlocking an engagement configuration and for locking and unlocking a first disengagement configuration. Each abutment portion in the first guide 141 and its corresponding abutment portion in the second guide 241 is formed by a recess and a protrusion, or vice versa, and the recess and protrusion are easily shaped to connect with each other, particularly in a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0052] Specifically, adjacent portion 142A is formed by a protrusion and the corresponding adjacent portion 243 is formed by a recess, and adjacent portion 142B is formed by a protrusion and the corresponding adjacent portion 242 is formed by a recess.

[0053] According to the present invention, the second permanent connection device 150 is disposed between the hollow longitudinal body 100 and the homogenizing element 300.

[0054] The second permanent connection device 150 has a configuration that can vary between a second engagement configuration and a second disengagement configuration between the homogenizing element 300 and the distribution end 111 in the engagement seat 130 of the hollow longitudinal body 100 of the outlet channel 110.

[0055] Appropriately, the second permanent connection device 150 slidably supports the homogenizing element 300 along the longitudinal axis of the hollow longitudinal body 100 between the second engagement configuration and the second disengagement configuration.

[0056] The second permanent connection device 150 includes a third guide 151 supported by a hollow longitudinal body 100, which is slidably connected to a fourth guide 351 supported by a homogenizing element 300.

[0057] The second permanent connection device 150 also includes a connecting tooth 150A to prevent release between the third guide 151 and the fourth guide 351.

[0058] The third guide 151 has adjacent portions 152A and 152B, which can selectively engage and disengage with corresponding adjacent portions 352 and 353 of the fourth guide 351 for locking and unlocking a second engagement configuration and for locking and unlocking a second disengagement configuration.

[0059] Each adjacent portion in the third guide 151 and the corresponding adjacent portion in the fourth guide 351 are formed by recesses and protrusions, or vice versa, and the recesses and protrusions are easily connected to each other in shape, especially by snap-fit ​​connection.

[0060] Specifically, the adjacent portion 152A is formed by a protrusion and the corresponding adjacent portion 352 is formed by a recess, and the adjacent portion 152B is formed by a protrusion and the corresponding adjacent portion 353 is formed by a recess.

[0061] In the first engagement configuration of the first permanent connection device 140 between the steam fitting 200 and its engagement seat 120 in the hollow longitudinal body 100, the first rubber tubular wall 100A is engaged with the steam fitting 200 in a fluid-sealed manner.

[0062] In the second engagement configuration between the homogenizing element 300 and the distribution end 111 of the outlet channel 110, the first rubber tubular wall 100A is engaged with the homogenizing element 300 in a fluid-sealed manner.

[0063] In the first separation configuration and correspondingly in the second separation configuration, the first rubber tubular wall 100A is completely separated and isolated from the steam fitting 200 and, correspondingly, from the homogenizing element 300.

[0064] The operation of the milk frother 1 according to the invention is obvious from the description and illustrations, and in particular, is essentially as follows.

[0065] Under operating conditions, the milk frother 1 has a first permanent connection device 140 and a second permanent connection device 150 respectively in a first engagement configuration and a second engagement configuration: adjacent portions 142A and 242 and adjacent portions 152A and 352 engage with each other, and the first rubber tubular wall 100A engages with the steam fitting 200 and the homogenizing element 300 in a fluid-sealed manner.

[0066] Milk frother 1 is connected to the steam distributor of coffee machine 500; milk delivery tube 400 is connected to milk supply fitting 106, and its distal end is immersed in a suitable container for milk, which is not shown in the figure, and the end of dispenser 111 is also oriented toward the container.

[0067] Operablely, a venturi-effect vacuum is generated in the mixing chamber 102 by the steam flow through the steam inlet channel 201. This venturi-effect vacuum returns to air through the air inlet 203, the air inlet channel 103 and the groove 202, and returns to milk through the milk inlet channel 104 and the milk delivery channel 105.

[0068] The foamed milk flow from the mixing chamber 102 through the outlet channel 110 reaches the dispensing end 111 which is engaged with the homogenizing element 300, and advantageously diffuses through a plurality of holes 303.

[0069] Milk drawn from the container (not shown) is directly reintroduced into the container through multiple holes 303 and recycled until the creamy milk foams to the desired level.

[0070] For cleaning and washing operations, the milk frother 1 is disconnected from the steam distributor of the coffee machine 500 and from the milk delivery tube 400.

[0071] The first permanent connection device 140 and the second permanent connection device 150 respectively enter the first disengagement configuration and the second disengagement configuration: the adjacent portions 142B and 242 and the adjacent portions 152B and 352 are engaged with each other at this time.

[0072] The first rubber tubular wall 100A of the hollow longitudinal main body 100 is completely separated from the steam fitting 200 and the homogenizing element 300.

[0073] The steam fitting 200 and the homogenizing element 300 are respectively connected to the hollow longitudinal body 100 via the first permanent connection device 140 and the second permanent connection device 150.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic connection device for connecting the milk delivery tube 400 to the milk supply fitting 106 includes coaxially facing annular magnetic elements. The two annular magnetic elements are configured to provide a rigid connection to the two connecting parts in the axial direction of the magnetic elements, but allow for rotational freedom about the axes of the two magnetic elements relative to each other.

[0075] To prevent accidental rotation of the milk delivery tube 400 about the axes of the two annular magnets from causing hot return fluid to flow upward toward the user in the event of blockage of the outlet channel 110, the dispensing end 111 and / or the homogenizing element 300, a protrusion 407 is provided in the milk delivery tube 400, which is configured to interfere with the cam 107 protruding from the milk supply fitting 106.

[0076] In practice, during accidental rotation, the protrusion 407 that interferes with the cam 107 causes partial separation between the two annular magnetic elements, opening a gap between the two annular magnetic elements from which hot fluid from the milk delivery channel 105 flows downward.

[0077] It has indeed been determined that the milk frother according to the invention is particularly advantageous not only for the simple and efficient supply of frothy milk, but also for simple cleaning and washing operations, and similarly in dishwashers, it can have essentially three mutually constrained but spaced-apart elements so that cleaning liquid can flow more easily and completely into each recess.

[0078] The milk frother 1 conceived herein is readily modified and varied, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept; furthermore, all details can be replaced with technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials and dimensions used can be determined according to needs and existing technology.

Claims

1. A milk frother (1), the milk frother comprising: A steam fitting (200) that can be associated with a steam flow distributor; a homogenizing element (300) for a foamed milk flow; a hollow longitudinal body (100) having a fitting (120) for the steam fitting (200) and cooperating with the steam fitting (200) to define a steam-air-milk mixing chamber (102), an air inlet passage (103) leading to the mixing chamber (102), and a milk inlet passage (104) leading to the mixing chamber (102), the steam fitting (200) having a steam inlet passage (201) leading to the mixing chamber (102), the hollow longitudinal body (100) also having an outlet passage (110) for the foamed milk flow from the mixing chamber (102), the outlet passage ( 110) has a dispensing end (111) that engages with the homogenizing element (300), wherein a first permanent connection device (140) is disposed between the hollow longitudinal body (100) and the steam fitting (200), the first permanent connection device (140) having a configuration that can vary between a first engagement configuration and a first disengagement configuration between the steam fitting (200) and its engagement seat (120), and wherein a second permanent connection device (150) is disposed between the hollow longitudinal body (100) and the homogenizing element (300), the second permanent connection device (150) having a configuration that can vary between a second engagement configuration and a second disengagement configuration between the homogenizing element (300) and the dispensing end (111) of the outlet channel (110); The first permanent connection device (140) includes a first guide (141) supported by the hollow longitudinal body (100), the first guide being slidably connected to a second guide (241) supported by the steam fitting (200). The first guide (141) and the second guide (241) are characterized in that the first guide (141) and the second guide (241) have corresponding adjacent portions (142A, 142B, 242, 243), which are capable of engaging and disengaging with each other for locking and unlocking the first engaging configuration and for locking and unlocking the first disengaging configuration.

2. The milk frother (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first permanent connection device (140) slidably supports the steam fitting (200) along the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal body (100) between the first engagement configuration and the first disengagement configuration.

3. The milk frother (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The second permanent connection device (150) slidably supports the homogenizing element (300) along the longitudinal axis of the hollow longitudinal body (100) between the second engagement configuration and the second disengagement configuration.

4. The milk frother (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second permanent connection device (150) includes a third guide (151) supported by the hollow longitudinal body (100), the third guide being slidably connected to a fourth guide (351) supported by the homogenizing element (300).

5. The milk frother (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third guide (151) and the fourth guide (351) have corresponding adjacent portions (152 A, 152 B, 352, 353) that can engage and disengage with each other for locking and unlocking the second engagement configuration and for locking and unlocking the second disengagement configuration.

6. The milk frother (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hollow longitudinal body (100) has a first rubber tubular wall (100 A) suitable for food use, which separately defines the engagement seat (120) of the steam fitting (200) and the axially opposite outlet channel (110), and in combination with the steam fitting (200) defines the mixing chamber (102), the air inlet channel (103) and the milk inlet channel (104).

7. The milk frother (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The hollow longitudinal body (100) has a second tubular wall (100 B) made of plastic, which covers the first rubber tubular wall (100 A) on the outside.

8. The milk frother (1) according to any one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that, In the first engagement configuration, the first rubber tubular wall (100 A) is engaged with the steam fitting (200) in a fluid-tight manner.

9. The milk frother (1) according to any one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that, In the second engagement configuration, the first rubber tubular wall (100 A) is engaged with the homogenizing element (300) in a fluid-tight manner.

10. The milk frother (1) according to any one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that, In the first separation configuration and correspondingly in the second separation configuration, the first rubber tubular wall (100 A) is completely separated and isolated from the steam fitting (200) and correspondingly from the homogenizing element (300).

11. The milk frother (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air inlet channel (103) is partially formed by a groove (202) that extends on the outer surface of the steam fitting (200) in a configuration that gradually widens toward its opposite ends.

12. The milk frother (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The homogenizing element (300) includes a baffle (301) having a front intercepting wall (302) for the foamed milk flow and a plurality of holes (303) surrounding the front intercepting wall (302) for discharging the homogenized foamed milk flow.

13. The milk frother (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The milk frother includes a milk delivery tube (400) for delivering milk to a milk delivery channel (105), a milk supply fitting (106) supported by the hollow longitudinal body (100), a magnetic device for releasably connecting the milk delivery tube (400) to the milk supply fitting (106), and a further provided mechanical device for separating the milk delivery tube (400) from the milk supply fitting (106) in the event of accidental rotation of the milk delivery tube (400).

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