Beverage dispenser provided with vertically displaceable milk frothing device

Abstract

A beverage dispensing machine (2) comprising: a frame (3); a boiler (6); a dispensing head (5), the dispensing head (5) being vertically displaceable relative to the frame (3); a connection member configured to be fluidly connected to the boiler (6) and to be supplied with hot water and / or steam from the boiler (6); and a milk frothing device (22), the milk frothing device (22) comprising a connection portion configured to be mechanically and fluidly connected to the connection member and to supply hot water and / or steam to the milk frothing device (22). The connecting member is vertically displaceable relative to the frame (3), and the milk frothing device (22) is height-adjustable and vertically displaceable relative to the frame (3) between a lowered position and a raised position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of beverage dispensing machines equipped with a milk frothing device. Background Art

[0002] A beverage dispensing machine, for example an automatic coffee machine, comprises in a known manner: a frame; a cup support; a boiler, which is arranged in the frame and is configured to produce hot water and / or steam; a dispensing head, which is configured to supply a beverage, for example a beverage containing coffee or hot water, to a cup arranged on the cup support; and a milk frothing device, which in particular comprises a connecting part, which is configured to be fluidically connected to a connecting member, which is arranged on the frame and is configured to be supplied with hot water and / or steam from the boiler.

[0003] The dispensing head of such beverage dispensing machines is usually adjustable in height, more specifically vertically displaceable relative to the frame between a low position and a high position, so that the position of the dispensing head can be adjusted according to the size of the cup used.

[0004] However, the milk frothing device of such beverage dispensing machines is static and pouring the milk foam into a cup arranged below the milk frothing device proves to be less precise, which may result in significant contamination of the cup and the beverage dispensing machine. Furthermore, in particular when the user uses a small-sized cup, pouring the milk foam into said cup may result in a significant risk of splashing on the one hand and in the formation of large bubbles at the surface of the milk foam contained in the cup on the other hand due to the significant drop in height of the frothed hot milk before reaching the cup. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome all or part of these disadvantages.

[0006] The technical problem on which the invention is based is, in particular, to provide a beverage dispensing machine whose milk frothing device ensures that milk foam of suitable consistency is obtained and which significantly limits the risk of contamination of the beverage dispensing machine.

[0007] To this end, the present invention relates to a beverage dispensing machine, such as an automatic coffee machine, comprising:

[0008] -frame,

[0009] - a boiler arranged in the frame and configured to produce hot water and / or steam,

[0010] a dispensing head adjustable in height and vertically displaceable relative to the frame between a low position and a high position,

[0011] a connecting member configured to be fluidly connected to the boiler and to be supplied with hot water and / or steam from the boiler, and

[0012] - A milk frothing device comprising a milk reservoir delimiting a content chamber for containing milk and a connecting portion configured to be mechanically and fluidically connected to the connecting member and to supply hot water and / or steam to the milk frothing device.

[0013] The connecting member is vertically displaceable relative to the frame, and the milk frothing device is adjustable in height and vertically displaceable relative to the frame between a lowered position and a raised position.

[0014] This configuration of the beverage dispensing machine allows the position of the milk foam pouring conduit provided on the milk frothing device to be adjusted according to the size of the cup used, more specifically to displace the milk foam pouring conduit as close to the cup as possible. These arrangements allow the hot milk foam to be poured more precisely into the cup and thus significantly limit the risk of contamination of the beverage dispensing machine and the cup when the user uses a cup of small size in particular, and also significantly limit the formation of large bubbles at the surface of the milk foam contained in the cup.

[0015] The term "automatic coffee machine" is to be understood as a coffee machine comprising in particular an infusion chamber which can be supplied with coffee grounds by a particle grinder incorporated in the machine, or which can accommodate coffee capsules or coffee sachets, or which is formed by a spoon for filling with coffee grounds and emptying manually.

[0016] The beverage dispenser may also have one or more of the following features, used alone or in combination.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispenser is configured such that a displacement of the dispensing head between the high position and the low position causes a displacement, such as a simultaneous displacement, of the milk frothing device between the raised position and the lowered position.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispenser is configured such that the dispensing head occupies the high position when the milk frothing device occupies the raised position and such that the dispensing head occupies the low position when the milk frothing device occupies the lowered position.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the invention, the connection member is at least partially arranged in the frame and is accessible from outside the frame.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connection member is mechanically connected to the dispensing head so that a displacement of the dispensing head between the high position and the low position causes a displacement of the milk frothing device between the raised position and the lowered position. These arrangements allow the user to adjust the position of the dispensing head and the milk frothing device simultaneously and therefore easily and precisely according to the size of the cup used. Furthermore, the fact that the connection member is mechanically connected to the dispensing head allows to simplify the beverage dispensing machine according to the invention, since no specific means for ensuring translational guidance and retention in position of the connection member and the milk frothing device need to be provided.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the invention, the connecting member may be mounted so as to be movable in translation relative to the frame and independently of the dispensing head.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispensing machine comprises a carriage vertically displaceable relative to the frame, the dispensing head being mounted on the carriage.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting member moves integrally with the sliding bracket.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispenser comprises a coupling member configured to mechanically connect the connecting member to the carriage.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member and the sliding bracket are made in one piece.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispenser comprises two guide rods fixed to the frame, on which the carriage is mounted to slide in a substantially vertical sliding direction when the beverage dispenser rests on a horizontal surface. This configuration of the beverage dispenser ensures that the carriage is guided by means of a structurally simple and reliable guide device.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide rods extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the guide rods has a circular cross-section.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the frame includes a front facade, which is provided with a channel groove, and the channel groove is configured to extend basically vertically when the beverage dispenser is placed on a horizontal surface, and the connecting member and / or the connecting part is configured to extend through the channel groove and displace in the channel groove when the milk frothing device is vertically displaced between the lowered position and the raised position.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the milk frothing device is configured to be supported by the connecting member.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member is laterally offset relative to the dispensing head.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting member comprises: a connecting end piece, which is configured to be fluidically connected to the boiler, and the connecting part is configured to be fluidically connected to the connecting end piece; and a locking part, such as a locking sleeve, which extends around the connecting end piece and is configured to lock the connecting part to the connecting member.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting end piece extends along an extension direction. Advantageously, the extension direction is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the beverage dispenser is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting end piece and the locking portion define an annular receiving portion, which is configured to at least partially accommodate the connecting portion.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking portion is configured to prevent the connection portion from being displaced out of the annular receiving portion, in particular in a retraction direction substantially parallel to the extension direction of the connection end piece. These arrangements ensure optimal locking of the milk frothing device on the connection member and at the same time optimal positioning of the milk frothing device relative to the frame.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispenser comprises rotation prevention means configured to prevent the connection part from rotating relative to the connection member and to prevent the connection part from rotating about an axis of rotation coinciding with the central longitudinal axis of the connection end piece. These arrangements ensure an optimal positioning of the milk frothing device relative to a vertical plane.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotation preventing device comprises at least one flat portion provided on the inner surface of the locking part and at least one flat portion provided on the outer surface of the connecting part and configured to cooperate with the at least one flat portion provided on the locking part.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking portion has a non-circular cross section, such as a rectangular or square cross section, and the inner surface of the locking portion partially forms the rotation prevention device.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking portion and the connecting portion are configured to orient the milk frothing device substantially vertically when the beverage dispenser rests on a horizontal surface.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the locking part includes at least one locking tongue, which is elastically deformable and has a locking member, such as a locking protrusion, on its inner surface, and the locking member is configured to cooperate with a locking element, such as a locking accommodation portion, arranged on the outer surface of the connecting part.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the milk frothing device comprises a milk foam pouring conduit, wherein the milk foam pouring conduit is provided with a pouring outlet, for example, and the milk foam pouring conduit is configured to be vertically located above a container, such as a cup.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispensing machine comprises a container support on which a container, such as a cup, can be arranged, and the dispensing head and the milk frothing device are vertically displaceable relative to the container support. Advantageously, the container support is fixed. The container support may, for example, comprise a supporting grid.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispenser comprises holding means configured to hold the dispensing head in place.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of said guiding rods is metallic and said retaining means comprises at least one magnet configured to cooperate magnetically with said at least one metallic guiding rod.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the milk frothing device includes: a mixing chamber; a hot water / steam supply conduit, which is fluidly connected to the connecting portion; a main flow conduit, which connects the hot water / steam supply conduit to the mixing chamber; a milk supply conduit, which is connected to the main flow conduit; and an air supply conduit, which is connected to the main flow conduit.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the milk froth pouring conduit is fluidly connected to the discharge opening of the mixing chamber.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the milk frothing device comprises:

[0048] a mixing section comprising the mixing chamber, the hot water / steam supply duct and the main flow duct, and

[0049] a closing portion which is movable relative to the mixing portion between a closed position, in which it closes the mixing chamber and the main flow duct, and an open position, in which the mixing chamber and the main flow duct are open and accessible for cleaning.

[0050] This configuration of the milk frothing device allows easy cleaning of the mixing chamber and the main flow duct.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the milk reservoir comprises an upper opening, and the mixing part is arranged at the upper opening.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mixing part and the closing part are configured to close the milk reservoir and are detachable relative to the milk reservoir. In other words, the mixing part and the closing part form a cover configured to close the milk reservoir.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main flow duct comprises a cross-sectional restriction which forms a milk and air suction system based on the Venturi effect. In other words, the main flow duct is configured such that the hot water / steam in the main flow duct flowing from the hot water / steam supply duct to the mixing chamber generates a negative pressure in the milk supply duct and a negative pressure in the air supply duct and causes suction of milk and air in the main flow duct. This configuration of the milk frothing device allows controlling the amount of air and milk entering the mixing chamber without the presence of complex and expensive entry means.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispenser comprises a hot water / steam supply pipe, which is for example flexible, configured to fluidly connect the connection member to the boiler.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the milk supply duct opens into the main flow duct in the vicinity of the cross-sectional restriction.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mixing portion comprises an upper surface, the main flow duct is arranged in the upper surface and the mixing chamber opens into the upper surface.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air inlet duct opens into the main flow duct in the vicinity of the cross-sectional restriction.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the closing portion is configured to cover the mixing portion.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the milk frothing device comprises a retaining system configured to retain the closing part in the closed position. Such a configuration of the retaining system allows to avoid untimely displacement of the closing part towards the open position.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closing part comprises a filling opening which is configured to allow milk to be introduced into the milk reservoir.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining system is configured to secure the mixing part and the closing part to the milk reservoir in a detachable manner, ie in a temporary and reversible manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] The invention will be better understood with the help of the following description with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings which show, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of the beverage dispenser.

[0063] Figure 1 is a perspective front view of a beverage dispensing machine according to the present invention, showing the dispensing head and the milk frothing device in a high position and a raised position, respectively.

[0064] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective front view of a beverage dispensing machine showing the dispensing head and the milk frothing device in a low position and a lowered position, respectively.

[0065] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Front view of a beverage dispensing machine showing the dispensing head and the milk frothing device in a high position and a raised position, respectively.

[0066] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Front view of a beverage dispensing machine showing the dispensing head and the milk frothing device in a lowered position and a lowered position, respectively.

[0067] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A partial stereoscopic rear view of a beverage dispensing machine.

[0068] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Partial rear view of a beverage dispensing machine of , wherein the dispensing head and the milk frothing device occupy a low position and a lowered position respectively.

[0069] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Partial rear view of a beverage dispensing machine, wherein the dispensing head and the milk frothing device occupy a high position and a raised position respectively.

[0070] Figure 8 Belongs to Figure 1 A three-dimensional front view of a carriage and connecting components of a beverage dispensing machine.

[0071] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A three-dimensional rear view of the slide and connecting components.

[0072] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 A partial longitudinal sectional view of a beverage dispensing machine.

[0073] Fig.11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a beverage dispensing device.

[0074] Fig.12 It is a three-dimensional top view of the mixing part of the milk frothing device.

[0075] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 Partial top view of the mixing section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] Figures 1 to 13 A beverage dispensing machine 2 is shown, more particularly an automatic coffee machine suitable for dispensing, inter alia, coffee, milk drinks or tea.

[0077] The beverage dispensing machine 2 comprises in particular a frame 3, a container support 4, on which a cup can be arranged, and a dispensing head 5 which is adjustable in height. The container support 4 can, for example, comprise a supporting grid.

[0078] The beverage dispenser 2 further comprises a boiler 6 which is arranged in the frame 3 and which is configured to generate hot water and / or steam.

[0079] More specifically, the dispensing head 5 is vertically displaceable relative to the container support 4 and the frame 3 between a low position in which a small-sized cup, such as a cup for containing espresso (ristretto) coffee, can be placed on the container support 4 and supplied with a beverage, such as coffee, from the dispensing head 5, and a high position in which a large-sized cup, such as a mug, can be placed on the container support 4 and supplied with a beverage, such as hot water, from the dispensing head 5.

[0080] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the beverage dispenser 2 also comprises two guide rods 7, which are metal and which extend substantially parallel to each other. The guide rods 7 are fixed, for example by embedding, to the frame 3, more specifically to a support plate 8, which is substantially vertical and belongs to the frame 3. The guide rods 7 are in particular not movable in translation relative to the frame 3 and extend substantially vertically. Each guide rod 7 advantageously has a circular cross section.

[0081] The beverage dispensing machine 2 also includes a carriage 9 (see in particular Figures 6 to 9 ), the carriage 9 is mounted to slide along a substantially vertical sliding direction on the guide rod 7 when the beverage dispenser 2 rests on a horizontal surface. The carriage 9 is advantageously made of a plastic material.

[0082] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the carriage 9 comprises a mounting portion 9 . 1 which is arranged between the two guide rods 7 and on which the dispensing head 5 is mounted, for example, by force fit and / or by clamping with the aid of fixing screws.

[0083] The carriage 9 further comprises two primary guide portions 9.2 vertically offset relative to each other and arranged on a first side of the mounting portion 9.1 and two secondary guide portions 9.3 vertically offset relative to each other and arranged on a second side of the mounting portion 9.1. Each primary guide portion 9.2 is provided with a primary guide hole 11 and each secondary guide portion 9.3 is provided with a secondary guide hole 12. One of the guide rods 7 extends through the primary guide hole 11 and the other of the guide rods 7 extends through the secondary guide hole 12.

[0084] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, each primary guide hole 11 has a circular cross section, and each secondary guide hole 12 has an elliptical cross section. Therefore, each primary guide hole 11 is connected to the corresponding guide rod 7 by a sliding pivot connection, and each secondary guide hole 12 is connected to the corresponding guide rod 7 by a point connection rod.

[0085] The beverage dispensing machine 2 further comprises retaining means configured to retain the carriage 9 and the dispensing head 5 in position relative to the guide rods 7. The retaining means comprise, for example, a plurality of magnets 13 each magnetically cooperating with one of the guide rods 7. Advantageously, each magnet 13 is a permanent magnet and is housed in a respective receiving housing arranged on the mounting portion 9.1 of the carriage 9 and opening onto a respective side surface of the mounting portion 9.1.

[0086] The beverage dispenser 2 further comprises a connection member 15 configured to be fluidly connected to the boiler 6 and to be supplied with hot water and / or steam from the boiler 6. The beverage dispenser 2 may, for example, comprise a hot water / steam supply pipe (not visible in the figure) configured to fluidly connect the connection member 15 to the boiler 6.

[0087] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the connecting member 15 is laterally offset relative to the dispensing head 5 and moves integrally with the carriage 9 and is therefore also mounted to be movable in translation in a vertical displacement direction relative to the frame 3 when the beverage dispenser 2 rests on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the connecting member 15 is mechanically connected to the carriage 9 by a coupling member 16. The connecting member 15, the carriage 9 and the coupling member 16 may be made, for example, in a single piece.

[0088] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the frame 3 comprises a front facade 17, which is provided with a channel groove 18 (see in particular Figure 2 and Figure 6 ), the channel slot 18 is configured to extend substantially vertically when the beverage dispenser 2 is placed on a horizontal surface. The connecting member 15 is configured to be accessible to a user through the channel slot 18, and is advantageously configured to partially extend through the channel slot 18 and to be displaced along the channel slot 18 when the carriage 9 is displaced vertically.

[0089] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the connection member 15 comprises a connection end piece 19 configured to be fluidly connected to the boiler 6 and extending in an extension direction configured to extend substantially horizontally when the beverage dispenser 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0090] The connection end piece 19 is generally tubular and comprises a first end configured for fluid connection to the boiler 6 and a second end opposite the first end. Advantageously, the connection end piece 19 is provided with an end wall 19.1 closing the second end of the connection end piece 19 and a discharge opening 19.2 located adjacent the end wall 19.1.

[0091] The connecting member 15 further comprises a locking portion 21 , such as a locking sleeve, which extends around the connecting end piece 19 and the function of which will be described in more detail below.

[0092] The beverage dispensing machine 2 further comprises a milk frothing device 22 which is adjustable in height and which is vertically displaceable between a lowered position and a raised position relative to the frame 3. The milk frothing device 22 is more particularly mounted so as to be movable in translation relative to the frame 3 in a vertical displacement direction when the beverage dispensing machine 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0093] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the beverage dispensing machine 2 is configured so that the displacement of the dispensing head 5 between the high position and the low position causes a simultaneous displacement of the milk frothing device 22 between the raised position and the lowered position. Advantageously, the beverage dispensing machine 2 is configured so that the dispensing head 5 occupies the high position when the milk frothing device 22 occupies the raised position, and so that the dispensing head 5 occupies the low position when the milk frothing device 22 occupies the lowered position.

[0094] However, according to a variant embodiment of the invention, the milk frothing device 22 may be mounted so as to be movable in translation relative to the frame 3 independently of the dispensing head 5 .

[0095] The milk frothing device 22 more specifically comprises a connection portion 23 which is tubular and which is configured to be mechanically and fluidically connected to the connection member 15, more specifically to the connection end piece 19. The connection portion 23 is thus configured to supply hot water and / or steam to the milk frothing device 22. Advantageously, the connection member 15 is configured to support the milk frothing device 22 via the connection portion 23.

[0096] The locking portion 21 provided on the connecting member 15 is configured to lock the connecting portion 23 on the connecting member 15, and more specifically, to prevent the connecting portion 23 from moving out of the annular receiving portion defined by the connecting end piece 19 and the locking portion 21, particularly in a retraction direction substantially parallel to the extension direction of the connecting end piece 19.

[0097] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking portion 21 comprises at least one locking tongue 24, for example two diametrically opposed locking tongues 24. Advantageously, the or each locking tongue 24 is elastically deformable and is provided with a locking member 25, for example a locking protrusion, on its inner surface, which is configured to cooperate with a locking element 26, for example a locking receiving portion, provided on the outer surface of the connecting portion 23.

[0098] Advantageously, the locking portion 21 and the connecting portion 23 are configured to orient the milk frothing device 22 substantially vertically when the beverage dispenser 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0099] The beverage dispenser 2 advantageously comprises rotation prevention means configured to prevent a rotation of the connection portion 23 relative to the connection member 15 and thus about a rotation axis coinciding with a central longitudinal axis of the connection end piece 19 .

[0100] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rotation prevention device comprises at least one first flat portion 27 provided on the inner surface of the locking portion 21 and at least one second flat portion 28 provided on the outer surface of the connecting portion 23 and configured to cooperate with the at least one first flat portion provided on the locking portion 21. Advantageously, the locking portion 21 and the connecting portion 23 each have a substantially rectangular or square cross-section.

[0101] like Fig.11As shown in more detail in FIG. 1 , the milk frothing device 22 comprises a milk reservoir 29 defining an inner volume for containing milk and comprising an upper opening 31. The milk reservoir 29 may, for example, have a substantially cylindrical shape and a circular cross section. However, the milk reservoir 29 may also have any other shape, for example an oval or rectangular cross section.

[0102] The milk frothing device 22 further includes a mixing portion 32 arranged at the upper opening 31. The mixing portion 32 more specifically includes a mixing body 33 which is configured to partially close the milk reservoir 29 and is detachable relative to the milk reservoir 29.

[0103] The mixing body 33 comprises a mixing chamber 34 which opens to the upper surface of the mixing body 33 and is provided with a discharge hole 35, and a main flow duct 36 which is arranged in the upper surface of the mixing body 33 and opens to the mixing chamber 34. According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the mixing chamber 34 is of a cyclone type and the main flow duct 36 opens to the mixing chamber 34 tangentially.

[0104] like Fig.13 As shown in more detail in FIG. 8 , the main flow duct 36 includes a cross-sectional restriction 37 , for example, located in a central portion of the main flow duct 36 .

[0105] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the mixing body 33 further comprises a connecting portion 23. Advantageously, the connecting portion 23 extends radially relative to the central axis of the mixing body 33 and is configured to extend radially relative to the central axis of the milk reservoir 29.

[0106] The mixing body 33 further comprises a hot water / steam supply conduit 38 which is fluidically connected to the connecting portion 23 and which opens into the main flow conduit 36 ​​upstream of the cross-sectional restriction 37. Therefore, the main flow conduit 36 ​​is configured to fluidically connect the hot water / steam supply conduit 38 to the mixing chamber 34 and to allow hot water / steam to flow in the main flow conduit 36 ​​and to the mixing chamber 34.

[0107] The milk frothing device 22 further comprises a milk supply duct 39 which is fluidly connected to the main flow duct 36 and is thus configured to be fluidly connected to the mixing chamber 34 via the main flow duct 36. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the mixing portion 32 comprises a milk supply duct 39.

[0108] like Fig.11As shown more specifically in FIG. 1 , the milk supply duct 39 comprises a milk suction duct 39.1 which extends vertically and opens into the lower part of the milk reservoir 29, and a calibrated flow channel 39.2 which is located downstream of the milk suction duct 39.1 and opens into the main flow duct 36 at the cross-sectional restriction 37. The calibrated flow channel 39.2 is more specifically configured to define a predetermined milk flow rate in the milk supply duct 39.

[0109] The milk frothing device 22 further comprises an air supply duct 41 which opens into the main flow duct 36 at the cross-sectional restriction 37. The air supply duct 41 is thus configured to be fluidically connected to the mixing chamber 34 via the main flow duct 36. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the air supply duct 41 is at least partially arranged in the upper surface of the mixing body 33.

[0110] The aforementioned cross-sectional restriction 37 causes the velocity of the steam flowing in the main flow duct 36 to increase, which generates negative pressure in the milk supply duct 39 and in the air supply duct 41. Therefore, the interface restriction 37 is more specifically configured to form a milk and air suction system based on the Venturi effect. Therefore, the main flow duct 36 is configured so that the hot water / steam in the main flow duct 36 flows from the hot water / steam supply duct 38 to the mixing chamber 34, generates negative pressure in the milk supply duct 39 and generates negative pressure in the air supply duct 41, and thus causes suction of milk and air in the main flow duct and the suctioned milk and air flow to the mixing chamber 34.

[0111] The mixing body 33 further comprises a milk foam pouring conduit 42 which is fluidically connected to the discharge opening 35 of the mixing chamber 34 and is provided with a pouring opening, for example. The milk foam pouring conduit 42 is configured to allow hot milk and milk foam to be poured into a container, for example a cup, which is arranged vertically below the milk pouring conduit 24, in particular resting on the container support 4. Advantageously, the milk pouring conduit 24 is configured to extend radially relative to the central axis of the milk reservoir 29.

[0112] The milk frothing device 22 further comprises a closing portion 43 which is configured to cover the mixing body 33 and abut against the mixing body 33. Fig.11 As shown, the closing portion 43 is generally flat.

[0113] The mixing portion 32 and the closing portion 43 are configured to close the milk reservoir 29 and are detachable relative to the milk reservoir 29. Thus, the mixing portion 32 and the closing portion 43 form a cover configured to close the milk reservoir 29.

[0114] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the closing portion 43 comprises a filling opening 44, which is configured to be positioned opposite to a passage opening 45 provided on the mixing body 33 and leading to the milk reservoir 29, and thus allows the milk reservoir 29 to be filled with milk. The closing portion 43 may, if necessary, further comprise a flap 46, which is movable, for example pivotally mounted, between an open position, in which the flap 46 at least partially releases the filling opening 44 and permits the introduction of milk into the milk reservoir 29, and a closed position, in which the flap 46 at least partially closes the filling opening 44.

[0115] The closing portion 43 is more specifically mounted to be movable relative to the mixing portion 32 between a closed position, in which the closing portion 43 closes the mixing chamber 34, the main flow duct 36 and the air supply duct 41, and an open position, in which the mixing chamber 34, the main flow duct 36 and the air supply duct 41 are open and accessible for cleaning.

[0116] According to a variant embodiment of the present invention not shown in the figures, the closing portion 43 may further include an air intake duct connected to the main flow duct 36 via the air supply duct 41. According to another variant embodiment of the present invention not shown in the figures, the air supply duct 41 may be provided on the closing portion 43 instead of on the mixing portion 32.

[0117] The milk frothing device 22 further comprises a retaining system configured to retain the closing part 43 in the closed position. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the retaining system is also configured to secure the mixing part 32 and the closing part 43 to the milk reservoir 29 in a detachable manner, i.e. in a temporary and reversible manner. However, such securing of the mixing part 32 and the closing part 43 to the milk reservoir 29 can be achieved by a connection device separate from the retaining system.

[0118] like Figure 2 and Fig.11 As shown, the retaining system comprises a locking ring 47 which is mounted so as to be rotatably movable about the axis of rotation relative to the mixing part 32 and the milk reservoir 29 between a release position in which the locking ring 47 permits the closure part 43 to be displaced to the open position and a locking position in which the locking ring 47 prevents the closure part 43 from being displaced to the open position. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking ring 47 and the closure part 43 are made in one piece.

[0119] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and shown, given purely by way of example. Modifications can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the invention, in particular from the point of view of the construction of the various elements or by substituting technical equivalents.

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing machine (2), comprising: - frame (3), - a boiler (6) arranged in the frame (3) and configured to produce hot water and / or steam, a dispensing head (5) adjustable in height and vertically displaceable relative to the frame (3) between a low position and a high position, a connecting member (15) configured to be fluidically connected to the boiler (6) and to be supplied with hot water and / or steam from the boiler (6), and a milk frothing device (22) comprising a milk reservoir (29) defining a content chamber for containing milk and a connecting portion (23) configured to be mechanically and fluidically connected to the connecting member (15) and to supply hot water and / or steam to the milk frothing device (22), Characterized in that the connecting member (15) is vertically displaceable relative to the frame (3), and the milk frothing device (22) is adjustable in height and vertically displaceable relative to the frame (3) between a lowered position and a raised position.

2. The beverage dispensing machine (2) according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting member (15) is mechanically connected to the dispensing head (5) such that a displacement of the dispensing head (5) between the high position and the low position causes a displacement of the milk frothing device (22) between the raised position and the lowered position.

3. The beverage dispensing machine (2) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a slide (9) which is vertically displaceable relative to the frame (3), and the dispensing head (5) is mounted on the slide (9).

4. The beverage dispensing machine (2) according to claim 3, wherein: The connecting member (15) moves integrally with the sliding frame (9).

5. The beverage dispensing machine (2) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The connecting member (15) and the sliding frame (9) are made in one piece.

6. A beverage dispenser (2) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the beverage dispenser (2) comprises two guide rods (7) fixed to the frame (3), and the slide (9) is installed to slide on the guide rods (7) in a substantially vertical sliding direction when the beverage dispenser (2) is placed on a horizontal surface.

7. The beverage dispensing machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The frame (3) comprises a front facade (17) provided with a channel groove (18), the channel groove (18) being configured to extend substantially vertically when the beverage dispenser (2) is placed on a horizontal surface, the connecting member (15) and / or the connecting portion (23) being configured to extend through the channel groove (18) and to be displaced in the channel groove (18) when the milk frothing device (22) is vertically displaced between the lowered position and the raised position.

8. The beverage dispensing machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The connecting member (15) comprises: a connecting end piece (19) configured to be fluidically connected to the boiler (6), and the connecting portion (23) configured to be fluidically connected to the connecting end piece (19); and a locking portion (21) extending around the connecting end piece (19) and configured to lock the connecting portion (23) on the connecting member (15).

9. The beverage dispenser (2) according to claim 8 comprises a rotation preventing device, which is configured to prevent the connecting part (23) from rotating relative to the connecting member (15) and to prevent the connecting part (23) from rotating around a rotation axis coinciding with the central longitudinal axis of the connecting end piece (19).

10. The beverage dispensing machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The milk frothing device (22) comprises a milk froth pouring conduit (42), and the milk froth pouring conduit (42) is configured to be located vertically above the container.

11. The beverage dispensing machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The milk frothing device (22) comprises: a mixing chamber (34); a hot water / steam supply conduit (38) which is fluidically connected to the connecting portion (23); a main flow conduit (36) which connects the hot water / steam supply conduit (38) to the mixing chamber (34); a milk supply conduit (39) which is connected to the main flow conduit (36); and an air supply conduit (41) which is connected to the main flow conduit (36).

12. The beverage dispensing machine (2) according to claim 11, wherein: The milk frothing device (22) comprises: a mixing section (32) comprising the mixing chamber (34), the hot water / steam supply duct (38) and the main flow duct (36), and - a closing portion (43) which is movable relative to the mixing portion (32) between a closed position, in which the closing portion (42) closes the mixing chamber (34) and the main flow duct (36), and an open position, in which the mixing chamber (34) and the main flow duct (36) are open and accessible for cleaning.

13. The beverage dispensing machine (2) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The main flow duct (36) comprises a cross-sectional restriction (37) which forms a milk and air suction system based on the Venturi effect.

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