Device for frothing milk and coffee machine comprising such device

Abstract

A device (1) for frothing milk comprises: a milk container (2) provided with a lid (3) with a gas-tight closure; a line (4) for the pressurization of the container (2), comprising an air supply pump (12); a line (5) connecting the container (2) to the external atmospheric environment, the line comprising shut-off valve means (14); a venturi effect milk suction chamber (6); a line (7) for introducing milk into the milk suction chamber (6), wherein the milk inlet line (6) comprises a conduit (15) for withdrawing milk from the container (2); a line (8) for introducing steam into the milk suction chamber (6) to induce the Venturi effect and to suck milk from the milk container (2); a line (9) for discharging milk from the suction chamber (6); a milk frothing chamber (10) connected to the milk outflow line (9) and internally provided with a mechanical stirrer (16).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for frothing milk and to a coffee machine comprising such a device.

[0002] Devices for frothing milk, which can be associated with coffee machines, are already known.

[0003] Some types of known devices comprise a milk container provided with a cover incorporating a Venturi effect mixing chamber in which air and milk collected from the container are mixed by the Venturi effect induced by the steam flow.

[0004] The air inlet passage of the mixing chamber may be provided with a gradually opening valve and by operating on it the degree of frothing of the milk may be modified.

[0005] One of the limitations of known devices of these types is the limited ability to diversify the range of frothed milk that can be produced.

[0006] In particular, with known devices of these types it is not possible to produce cold frothed milk, since the steam flow used to induce the Venturi effect and the extraction of milk heats the milk that is sucked into the mixing chamber.

[0007] Such known apparatus for frothing milk may have other disadvantages, including the complexity of accessing internal components for inspection and cleaning.

[0008] This problem is very relevant if one considers that any milk residues solidifying inside the device may cause blockage of the milk flow channel openings and thus alter the efficiency of the device.

[0009] Last but not least, milk residues solidified inside the equipment may also negatively affect the organoleptic properties of the product and generate unpleasant malodors.

[0010] For this reason, such devices may be provided for the injection of liquid detergent for washing the internal parts, which obviously have to be rinsed carefully.

[0011] The technical task of the present invention is therefore to realize a device for frothing milk and a coffee machine comprising such a device which eliminate the above-mentioned technical drawbacks of the prior art.

[0012] Within the scope of this technical task, an object of the present invention is to realize a device for frothing milk and a coffee machine comprising such a device which allow to produce directly in a cup a wide variety of products based on hot or cold frothed milk with various degrees of frothing.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to realize a device for frothing milk which is also suitable for frothing different types of milk (milk of animal origin and of vegetable origin).

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to fully automate the function of producing a wide variety of milk-containing products that can be selected by the user.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to achieve a device for frothing milk that is easy to inspect and clean.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to fully automate also the precision cleaning function of the device which can be selected by the user.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to provide a very safe device for frothing milk.

[0018] The technical task according to the invention as well as these and other objects are achieved by realizing a device for frothing milk, characterized in that it comprises: a milk container provided with a lid having an airtight closure; a line for pressurizing the container, the line comprising an air supply pump; a line connecting the container to the external atmosphere, the line comprising a shut-off valve device; a venturi effect milk suction chamber; a line for letting milk into the milk suction chamber, wherein the milk admission line comprises a conduit for extracting milk from the container; a line for letting steam into the milk suction chamber to induce a venturi effect and extract milk from the milk container, wherein the steam admission line comprises a steam source; a line for letting milk out of the suction chamber; a milk frothing chamber connected to the milk outflow line and provided with a mechanical stirrer inside; and an external milk dispenser connected to the frothing chamber.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the milk extraction chamber is integrated into the cover.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the milk frothing chamber is integrated in the cover.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the milk frothing chamber is positioned above the milk extraction chamber.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover comprises a chamber for accumulating frothed milk interposed between the milk frothing chamber and the external milk dispenser.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the milk outflow line has a conveyor which is configured and arranged to pour the milk directly onto the mechanical stirrer from above.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mechanical stirrer is supported by a removable wall of the cover.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shut-off valve means comprises a solenoid valve.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said device for frothing milk comprises moving means for said mechanical stirrer.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical stirrer comprises a magnetic whip.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the moving means comprises a magnetic rotor configured and arranged to drag the whip in rotation without contact.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device for frothing milk comprises an electronic controller having a beverage dispensing program, the beverage dispensing program comprising selective activation states of an air pump or a steam source, wherein the activation state of the air pump is conceived to be combined with a closed state of the cut-off device and wherein the activation state of the steam source is conceived to be combined with an open state of the cut-off device.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electronic controller has a cleaning program, which includes a deactivated state of the air pump, an activated state of the steam source, a closed state of the cut-off device, and an activated state of the mechanical agitator.

[0031] The invention also discloses a coffee machine comprising such a milk frothing device.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device has removable connection means between a wall of the cover and a wall of the coffee machine.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the removable connection means comprise fittings for connection between: between parts of an air inlet line integrated into the lid and respectively integrated into the coffee machine, between parts of a line connecting the container to the external atmosphere integrated into the lid and respectively integrated into the coffee machine, and between parts of a steam inlet line integrated into the lid and respectively integrated into the coffee machine.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said mechanical agitator is positioned behind said wall of said cover and said moving means are positioned behind said wall of said coffee machine, at the same height as said mechanical agitator.

[0035] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a device for frothing milk according to the invention and of a machine comprising said device, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1shows a front view of a coffee machine including a device for frothing milk;

[0037] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A front view of a coffee machine with a milk container removed from the coffee machine;

[0038] Figure 3a Shows Figure 1 side elevation view in vertical section of a coffee machine of , wherein parts of the device for frothing milk are highlighted, wherein a milk container provided with a cover is removed from a front wall of the coffee machine;

[0039] Figure 3b Shows Figure 1 A side elevation view in vertical section of a coffee machine of , wherein parts of the device for frothing milk are highlighted, wherein a milk container provided with a cover is connected to the front wall of the coffee machine;

[0040] Figure 4 and Figure 5 an axonometric view showing a milk container with a lid provided with a device for frothing milk;

[0041] Figure 6 An exploded view of a container provided with a lid is shown;

[0042] Figure 7 and Figure 8 An axonometric view of a removable wall of a cover showing a mechanical agitator mounted thereon;

[0043] Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 Different vertical sections of a milk container are shown which are provided with a lid having a device for frothing milk.

[0044] With reference to the above-mentioned figures, there is shown a device for frothing milk, indicated as a whole with the reference numeral 1 .

[0045] The device 1 comprises a milk container 2 provided with an airtight lid 3 .

[0046] The lid 3 is removable from the container 2 in order to refill the container 2 with fresh milk once the container 2 is empty.

[0047] For example, a threaded connection may be provided between the threads of the cap 3 and the mating threads 42 of the neck 43 of the container 2 .

[0048] As we will see, the cover 2 has a hollow structure to accommodate some of the components of the device 1 therein.

[0049] The device 1 comprises a line 4 for pressurizing the container, a line 5 connecting the container 2 to the external atmosphere, a venturi effect milk suction chamber 6, a line 7 for letting milk enter the milk suction chamber 6, a line 8 for letting steam enter the milk suction chamber 6 to induce a venturi effect and suck the milk from the milk container 2, a line 9 for letting the milk flow out of the suction chamber, a milk frothing chamber 10 connected to the milk outflow line 9, and an external milk dispenser 11 connected to the frothing chamber 10.

[0050] The pressurizing line 4 of the container 2 comprises a pump 12 for supplying air to the container 2 .

[0051] Air is introduced into the container 2 above the free surface of the milk via an air duct 13 which passes through the lid 3 and is introduced into the container 2 from above.

[0052] The line 5 connecting the container 2 to the external atmosphere comprises a shut-off valve arrangement 14 .

[0053] The shut-off valve device specifically comprises a solenoid valve 21 .

[0054] The line 7 for the milk into the milk extraction chamber 6 comprises a conduit 15 for extracting the milk from the container 2 .

[0055] The extraction duct 15 extends vertically to the bottom of the container 2 .

[0056] The steam inlet line 8 comprises a steam source 26 , in particular a boiler 27 .

[0057] The steam inlet line 8 is configured to introduce a horizontal steam flow into the extraction chamber 6 , which withdraws a vertically upward flow of milk along the extraction duct 15 .

[0058] A milk extraction chamber 6 is integrated into the cover 3 .

[0059] The milk frothing chamber 10 is provided with a mechanical stirrer 16 inside.

[0060] The mechanical stirrer 16 comprises in particular a magnetic whip 22 , in particular an annular whip made of a metal wire wound into a propeller.

[0061] The whip 22 is magnetic in that it is made of a magnetic metallic material or it incorporates a magnetic insert 19 formed, for example, of a permanent magnet.

[0062] The mechanical stirrer 16 is supported by a removable wall 20 of the lid 3 .

[0063] This allows safe use of the device 1 , since if the device 1 is activated without repositioning the wall 20 of the cover 3 , it is not possible to activate the mechanical agitator 16 and thus avoid that this could generate splashes of hot milk towards the user.

[0064] The device 1 comprises movement means 23 for the mechanical stirrer 16 .

[0065] The moving device 23 comprises a magnetic rotor 24 which is configured and arranged to drag the magnetic whip 22 in rotation without contact.

[0066] The magnetic rotor 24 includes an electric motor whose output shaft rotatably supports the magnetic rotor 24 .

[0067] The rotor 24 is magnetic in that it incorporates a magnetic insert 25 , for example a permanent magnet, which interacts magnetically with the whip 22 .

[0068] The magnetic whip 22 and the magnetic rotor 24 are positioned to have horizontally coaxial axes of rotation.

[0069] The movement device is preferably configured to rotate the mechanical agitator 16 at different speeds.

[0070] For example, the electric motor is an AC electric motor driven by an inverter.

[0071] A milk frothing chamber 10 is also integrated into the cover 3 .

[0072] The milk frothing chamber 10 is positioned above the milk suction chamber 6 .

[0073] The milk outflow line 9 has an angular conduit 17 with an upward vertical portion 17 b and a horizontal portion 17 a supplied by the suction chamber 6 , and a conveyor 40 a , 40 b supplied by the angular conduit 17 and supplying the frothing chamber 10 .

[0074] The conveyors 40a, 40b comprise an upwardly sloping manifold with an open top plate 40a presenting a spout 40b at the top for pouring the milk directly onto the mechanical stirrer 16 from above, thereby ensuring immediate frothing of the milk.

[0075] The mouth 40 b is made in one piece with the removable wall 20 of the cover 3 , whereas the inclined manifold 40 a is made in one piece with the non-removable wall of the cover 3 .

[0076] The cover 3 also comprises a chamber 18 for accumulating frothed milk, which is interposed between the milk frothing chamber 10 and the external milk dispenser 11 .

[0077] The accumulation chamber 18 and the frothing chamber 10 are separated by a transverse appendage 44 of the removable wall 20 , in particular supporting the axis of rotation of the mechanical stirrer 16 .

[0078] The device 1 finally comprises an electronic controller 28 to which the air pump 12 , the solenoid valve 21 , the electric motor of the magnetic rotor 24 and the boiler 27 are connected.

[0079] The electronic controller 28 is specifically in the form of a PCB board.

[0080] The device 1 may be incorporated into a coffee machine 29 .

[0081] In this case, the electronic controller 28 may be the same as that conventionally provided in a coffee machine 29 .

[0082] The coffee machine 29 generally has a hydraulic circuit (not shown) which cascades together a water source, a water feed pump, a boiler and an infuser.

[0083] The hydraulic circuit of the coffee machine 29 also comprises a steam production line which may employ the above-mentioned boiler 27 or a dedicated boiler for this purpose.

[0084] The water source can be a tank integrated into the coffee machine or a connection to the water mains.

[0085] The infuser is connected to an external coffee dispenser 31 supported by a front wall 30 of the coffee maker 29 .

[0086] The external coffee dispenser 31 can dispense the beverage directly into a cup 32 that is positioned below a front plane 33 of the cup on which the coffee maker 29 rests.

[0087] The device 1 mentioned may share some resources with the coffee machine 29 , including the electronic controller 28 .

[0088] For example, as mentioned above, the boiler 27 may also be a boiler usually provided in the hydraulic circuit of a coffee machine for generating steam.

[0089] The device 1 has removable connection means between the wall 34 of the cover 3 and a wall of the coffee machine 29, in particular the front wall 30 of the coffee machine 29.

[0090] The removable connection means comprise fittings for connection between the parts of the air inlet line 4 integrated into the lid 3 and respectively integrated into the coffee machine 29, between the parts of the line 5 connecting the reservoir 2 to the external atmosphere integrated into the lid 3 and respectively integrated into the coffee machine 29, and between the parts of the steam inlet line 8 integrated into the lid 3 and respectively integrated into the coffee machine 29.

[0091] More precisely, the air inlet line 4 and the line 5 connecting the container 2 to the external atmosphere share a portion integrated in the cover 3 .

[0092] The common part comprises an air duct 13 connected to a first fitting 35 provided on a wall 34 of the cover 3 .

[0093] The first fitting 35 is in turn engageable with a first terminal 36 provided on the front wall 30 of the coffee machine 29 .

[0094] A portion 4 a of the air inlet line 4 and a portion 5 a of the connection line 5 of the reservoir 2 to the atmosphere extend from the first terminal 36 inside the coffee machine 29 .

[0095] The portion 4 a of the air intake line comprises an air pump 12 , whereas the portion 5 a of the line connecting the container 2 to the external atmosphere comprises a shut-off valve arrangement 14 .

[0096] The part of the steam inlet line 8 which is integrated in the cover 3 is connected to a second fitting 37 arranged on the wall 34 of the cover 3 .

[0097] The second fitting 37 is in turn engageable with a second terminal 38 provided on the front wall 30 of the coffee machine 29 .

[0098] The portion 8 a of the steam inlet line 8 , which includes the steam source 26 , extends from the second terminal 38 inside the coffee machine 29 .

[0099] The first fitting 35 and the second fitting 37 are preferably made in a block 39 which is removably engaged in a housing of the wall 34 of the cover 3 .

[0100] The mechanical agitator 16 is positioned behind the wall 34 of the lid 3 , and the mobile device 23 is positioned behind the front wall 30 of the coffee machine 29 , at the same height as the mechanical agitator 16 .

[0101] In practice, between the two walls 30, 34, which are conveniently vertical and flat, there is an interface area 2 where the connection between the cover 3 and the coffee machine 29, necessary for the operation of the device 1, is located.

[0102] The terminals 37 , 38 can be engaged in the respective fittings 35 , 36 by means of horizontal couplings.

[0103] In the position in which the terminals 37 , 38 are coupled in the respective fittings 35 , 36 , the container 2 rests on the plane 33 .

[0104] The flat surface 33 can then serve as a guide for coupling the terminals 37 , 38 in the respective fittings 35 , 36 .

[0105] The operation of the device 1 according to the invention is apparent from what has been described and illustrated and, in particular, is substantially as follows.

[0106] The manual selection of the beverage can be performed by the user through a specific user interface provided by the device 1 and preferably integrated in the coffee machine 29 , in particular in a dashboard which is usually provided with the coffee machine 29 .

[0107] In the event that the user chooses to dispense frothed cold milk, the electronic controller 28 executes a dispensing program that is provided for deactivating the solenoid valve 21 (which corresponds to closing the connection of the pipeline 5 to the external atmospheric environment), activating the steam source 27, activating the air pump 12 and activating the electric motor of the rotor 23.

[0108] The air pump 12 pressurizes the air head present in the container 2 above the free surface of the milk, and the air pressure on the free surface of the milk causes an upward thrust of the milk from the tube 15 towards the suction chamber 6 and from the suction chamber to the frothing chamber 10 where a mechanical agitator 16 operates to froth the milk and then dispense it.

[0109] The temperature of the dispensed milk remains substantially the temperature of the milk present in the container 2 .

[0110] In the event that the user chooses to dispense cold milk without foam, the electronic controller 28 executes a dispensing program which is provided for deactivating the solenoid valve 21 (which corresponds to closing the connection of the line 5 to the external atmospheric environment), activating the steam source 27, activating the air pump 12 and deactivating the electric motor of the rotor 23.

[0111] The air pump 12 pressurizes the air head present in the container 2 above the free surface of the milk, and the air pressure on the free surface of the milk causes an upward thrust of the milk from the tube 15 toward the suction chamber 6 and from the suction chamber to the frothing chamber 10, where the mechanical agitator 16 is inactive, not frothing the milk, and then dispensing the milk.

[0112] In the event that the user chooses to dispense hot frothed milk, the electronic controller 28 executes a dispensing program that is provided for activating the solenoid valve 21 (which corresponds to the opening of the connection of the pipeline 5 to the external atmosphere), activating the steam source 27, deactivating the air pump 12 and activating the electric motor of the rotor 23.

[0113] The steam flow induces a Venturi effect in the suction chamber 6 and the milk sucked from the container 2 through the pipe 15 rises to the suction chamber 6 and from there to the frothing chamber 10 where a mechanical stirrer 16 operates, frothing the milk and then dispensing it.

[0114] The continuous ascent of the milk from the tube 15 occurs due to the fact that the milk container 2 is maintained at atmospheric pressure due to the connection to the external atmospheric environment, which is ensured by the open solenoid valve 21 .

[0115] In this case, in addition to inducing the Venturi effect, the thermal energy of the steam is used to heat the milk.

[0116] In case the user chooses to dispense hot milk without foam, the electronic controller 28 executes a dispensing program which provides for activating the solenoid valve 21 , activating the steam source 27 , deactivating the air pump 12 and deactivating the electric motor of the rotor 23 .

[0117] The steam flow induces a Venturi effect in the suction chamber 6 and the milk sucked from the container 2 via the pipe 15 rises to the suction chamber 6 and from there to the frothing chamber 10 where the mechanical stirrer 16 is not in operation and therefore does not froth the subsequently dispensed milk.

[0118] Users can also select a cleaning function.

[0119] In case the user selects the cleaning function, the electronic controller 28 executes a cleaning program which is provided for deactivating the solenoid valve 21 (which corresponds to closing the connection of the pipeline 5 with the external atmospheric environment), activating the steam source 27, deactivating the air pump 12 and activating the electric motor of the rotor 23.

[0120] The steam flow passes through the suction chamber 6 , reaches the bubbling chamber 10 , and in turn reaches the accumulation chamber 18 to be discharged from the external distributor 11 .

[0121] The steam flow cannot draw milk from the container 2 because the depression created by the closing of the solenoid valve 21 in the container 2 is equal to the depression created by the steam flow in the suction chamber 6 for the Venturi effect.

[0122] The device 1 has a very high flexibility of use.

[0123] Since the milk dispenser 11 can be oriented to dispense directly into the same cup 32 that the coffee dispenser 31 dispenses, the user can obtain the beverage through a simple manual selection operation on the user interface.

[0124] There are various types of milk-containing beverages that can be selected and produced.

[0125] Using refrigerated milk and a dispensing program arranged to activate the air pump 12, a cold beverage having a temperature between 3°C and 10°C is typically obtained.

[0126] Using a dispensing program arranged to activate the boiler 27, a hot beverage is typically available at a temperature between 50°C and 75°C.

[0127] By setting different activation durations for the dispensing program for the air pump 12 for cold beverages and the boiler 27 for hot beverages, beverages with a varying ratio between milk and coffee can be obtained simply.

[0128] By setting a dispensing program with the mechanical agitator 16 activated or inactivated, a beverage with or without foam can be obtained simply.

[0129] In the same type of milk used, different rotation speeds of the mechanical stirrer 16 can be used for different temperatures of the milk to be frothed, since the temperature of the milk to be frothed has a certain influence on the frothing.

[0130] By setting the mechanical stirrer 16 at different rotation speeds for the dispensing program, beverages based on different types of animal and vegetable milk can be easily obtained.

[0131] In this way, the milk foaming is optimized even when its content in fat, protein, carbohydrates varies, which has a proven influence on the milk foaming.

[0132] For example, due to the high fat and protein content, the whole milk dispensing program can be set to a rotation speed of about 3000 rpm for the mechanical stirrer 16, the skimmed milk dispensing program can be set to a rotation speed of about 6000 rpm for the mechanical stirrer 16 so that the milk to be frothed has a temperature between 3°C and 10°C, and to about 5000 rpm so that the milk to be frothed has a temperature between 50°C and 75°C.

[0133] Finally, by setting the dispensing program with different additives or flavorings based on chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, etc., beverages with various flavors can be easily obtained.

[0134] Additives or flavourings in powder or liquid form can be added to the milk in the container 2 , or can even be poured directly into the frothing chamber, removing the wall 20 of the lid 3 .

[0135] The conceived device for frothing milk is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept; moreover, all the details may be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

[0136] In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be determined according to requirements and the state of the art.

Claims

1. A device (1) for frothing milk, characterized in that The device comprises: a milk container (2) provided with a lid (3) having an airtight closure; a line (4) for pressurizing the container (2), the line comprising an air supply pump (12); a line (5) connecting the container (2) to the external atmosphere, the line comprising a shut-off valve device (14); a venturi effect milk suction chamber (6); a line (7) for letting milk into the milk suction chamber (6), wherein the milk intake line (7) comprises a guide for extracting milk from the container (2); a pipe (15); a pipeline (8) for letting steam into the milk suction chamber (6) to induce a venturi effect and suck milk from the milk container (2), wherein the steam inlet pipeline (8) includes a steam source (26); a pipeline (9) for letting milk flow out of the suction chamber (6); a milk frothing chamber (10) connected to the milk outflow pipeline (9) and having a mechanical stirrer (16) arranged inside; and an external milk distributor (11) connected to the frothing chamber (10).

2. The device (1) for frothing milk according to claim 1, characterized in that The milk extraction chamber (6) is integrated into the cover (3).

3. Device (1) for frothing milk according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that The milk frothing chamber (10) is integrated into the cover (3).

4. Device (1) for frothing milk according to the preceding claim, characterised in that The milk frothing chamber (10) is positioned above the milk suction chamber (6).

5. Device (1) for frothing milk according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that The cover (3) comprises a chamber (18) for accumulating frothed milk, interposed between the milk frothing chamber (10) and the external milk dispenser (11).

6. Device (1) for frothing milk according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The milk outflow line (9) has a conveyor (40) which is configured and arranged to pour the milk directly onto the mechanical stirrer (16) from above.

7. Device (1) for frothing milk according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that The mechanical stirrer (16) is supported by a removable wall (20) of the cover (3).

8. Device (1) for frothing milk according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that The cut-off valve device (14) comprises a solenoid valve (21).

9. Device (1) for frothing milk according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The device comprises a moving device (23) for the mechanical stirrer (16), wherein the mechanical stirrer (16) comprises a magnetic whip (22), and the moving device (23) comprises a magnetic rotor (24) configured and arranged to drag the whip (22) in rotation without contact.

10. Device (1) for frothing milk according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that The device comprises an electronic controller (28) having a beverage dispensing program, the beverage dispensing program comprising a selective activation state of the air pump (12) or the steam source (26), wherein the activation state of the air pump (12) is conceived to be combined with a closed state of the cut-off device (14), and wherein the activation state of the steam source (26) is conceived to be combined with an open state of the cut-off device (14).

11. Device (1) for frothing milk according to the preceding claim, characterised in that The electronic controller (28) has a cleaning program, which includes a deactivated state of the air pump (12), an activated state of the steam source (26), a closed state of the cut-off device (14), and an activated state of the mechanical agitator (16).

12. A coffee machine (29) comprising a milk frothing device (1) according to any preceding claim.

13. Coffee machine according to the preceding claim, characterised in that The device (1) has removable connection means between a wall (34) of the cover (3) and a wall (30) of the coffee machine (29).

14. Coffee machine (29) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that The removable connection device comprises fittings (35, 37) for connection between the following parts: between the parts of the air inlet line (4) integrated into the lid (3) and respectively integrated into the coffee machine (29), between the parts of the line (5) connecting the container (2) to the external atmosphere integrated into the lid (3) and respectively integrated into the coffee machine (29), and between the parts of the steam inlet line (8) integrated into the lid (3) and respectively integrated into the coffee machine (29).

15. The coffee machine (29) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that The mechanical agitator (16) is positioned behind the wall (34) of the cover (3), and the moving device is positioned behind the wall (30) of the coffee machine (29), at the same height as the mechanical agitator (16).

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