Beverage dispensing head and associated beverage dispensing machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a beverage dispensing head (18) comprising a receiving recess (26) for receiving a milk frothing device (28), the milk frothing device (28) comprising a mixing element. According to the invention, the milk frothing device (28) comprises a closing part (96) which is movable relative to the mixing element, and the dispensing head (18) comprises bearing means (130) for bearing on the closing part (96), which bearing means are adapted to exert a bearing force on the closing part (96) when the milk frothing device (28) is located in the receiving recess (26), in this way, the closing part is supported on the mixing element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of beverage dispensers, and more particularly to coffee machines, preferably automatic coffee machines. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of beverage dispensing heads designed to receive a milk frothing device. Such a beverage dispensing head particularly allows the preparation of beverages based on coffee and milk foam. Background Art

[0002] Document DE102008042276 B4 discloses a beverage dispensing head that includes a hot water / steam dispensing outlet and a receiving recess for receiving a milk frothing device, the milk frothing device being provided with a hot water / steam inlet orifice adapted to be connected to the hot water / steam dispensing outlet. In DE102008042276 B4, the dispensing head includes a door for closing / opening the translatable receiving recess.

[0003] The door allows the receiving recess to be closed or access to the receiving recess to be granted for connecting or accessing the milk frothing device.

[0004] However, the beverage dispensing head according to DE102008042276 B4 does not allow a milk frothing device that is easy to clean and has optimized frothing performance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0006] The fundamental technical problem of the present invention is to propose a beverage dispensing head adapted to receive a milk frothing device that is easy to clean and allows ensuring optimized frothing performance.

[0007] To this end, the subject of the present invention is a beverage dispensing head that includes a hot water / steam dispensing outlet and a receiving recess for receiving a milk frothing device, the milk frothing device being provided with a hot water / steam inlet orifice adapted to be fluidly connected to the hot water / steam dispensing outlet, the milk frothing device including a mixing element. According to the present invention, the milk frothing device includes a closing member movable relative to the mixing element, and the dispensing head includes supporting means for bearing on the closing member, which, when the milk frothing device is located in the receiving recess, is adapted to exert a supporting force on the closing member to ensure that the closing member bears on the mixing element.

[0008] Thanks to the present invention, the performance of the frothing device is improved because the supporting means allows ensuring a seal between the mixing element and the closing member. In addition, due to the closing member movable relative to the mixing element, the cleaning of the milk frothing device is made easy, thus allowing to ensure an improved performance over time. Moreover, the supporting means allows ensuring that the closing member is firmly pressed against the mixing element, thus preventing any deformation of the closing member and the mixing element during the operation of the frothing device.

[0009] According to an advantageous but non - mandatory aspect of the present invention, such a beverage dispensing head can adopt any technically permissible combination incorporating one or more of the following features.

[0010] According to an advantageous feature of the present invention, the support device includes a retaining lever which is mounted to pivot relative to the receiving recess and is adapted to be displaced between an open position for accessing the receiving recess and a closed position in which the support device exerts a support force on the closing member.

[0011] This arrangement allows for the easy integration of the foaming device into the beverage dispensing head and its displacement relative to the receiving recess. Moreover, it allows the retaining lever to be associated with multiple functions, including the support function on the closing member and the function of accessing the receiving recess.

[0012] According to an advantageous feature of the present invention, the support device includes at least one upper convex rib which is disposed on the upper wall of the retaining lever and is adapted to bear on the closing member when the retaining lever is in the closed position.

[0013] This arrangement allows for the simplification of the integration of the support device into the beverage dispensing head and ensures vertical support on the closing member.

[0014] According to an advantageous feature of the present invention, the support device includes at least one front convex rib which is disposed on the front vertical surface of the retaining lever and is adapted to bear on the closing member when the retaining lever is in the closed position.

[0015] This arrangement allows for ensuring horizontal support on the closing member.

[0016] According to an advantageous feature of the present invention, the retaining lever is mounted to pivot along the longitudinal axis of the beverage dispensing head, with the open position corresponding to a high position and the closed position corresponding to a low position.

[0017] This arrangement allows for the simplification of the manipulation of the retaining lever, thus simplifying the operation of inserting and removing the foaming device from the receiving recess.

[0018] According to an advantageous feature of the present invention, the retaining lever includes a front surface provided with a gripping area which is gripped by the user to manipulate the retaining lever between its open and closed positions.

[0019] This arrangement allows for the easy manipulation of the retaining lever.

[0020] According to an advantageous feature of the present invention, the receiving recess includes at least one guiding element for guiding the milk foaming device, which is adapted to cooperate with a corresponding guiding element located on the milk foaming device.

[0021] This arrangement allows for the easy insertion and positioning of the milk foaming device in the beverage dispensing head.

[0022] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, when the milk foaming device is inserted into the receiving recess, each guiding element of the receiving recess is adapted to keep the closing member of the foaming device in contact with the mixing element of the milk foaming device.

[0023] When the foaming device is integrated into the beverage dispensing head, such an arrangement allows ensuring that the closing member is closed and held in the closed position, i.e., in contact with the mixing element. Advantageously, when the foaming device is inserted into the receiving recess, each guiding element of the foaming device is adapted to cooperate with each corresponding guiding element located in the beverage dispensing head to ensure closing and holding the closing member in the closed position.

[0024] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the dispensing head includes an upper wall provided with a through-opening for passage of an air flow regulating member for regulating the air flow entering the milk foaming device.

[0025] Such an arrangement allows facilitating integration of the foaming device into the receiving recess and granting the user access to the air flow regulating member for regulating the air flow entering the milk foaming device.

[0026] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the dispensing head includes an upper wall provided with an observation area for observing the mixing member of the milk foaming device.

[0027] Such an arrangement allows the user to observe the foaming device through the observation area, thereby not only checking whether it is correctly positioned but also whether it is operating properly. In addition, by looking at the foaming device, the user can see whether it has been used and whether a cleaning operation is required.

[0028] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the dispensing head includes a rear area for receiving a beverage dispensing member and a front area defining a receiving recess for receiving the milk foaming device.

[0029] Such an arrangement allows improving the compactness of the beverage dispensing head while integrating the foaming device therein.

[0030] Advantageously, the holding rod includes a solid front facade adapted to cover the receiving recess, in particular the front surface when the foaming device is received in the receiving recess.

[0031] Advantageously, the foaming device is movable relative to the receiving recess between an assembled position in which the milk foaming device is received in the recess and the hot water / steam inlet orifice is fluidly connected to the hot water / steam distribution outlet, and a disassembled position in which the milk foaming device is separated from the receiving recess and the hot water / steam inlet orifice is no longer fluidly connected to the hot water / steam distribution outlet.

[0032] Another subject of the present invention is a beverage dispensing machine, which includes a beverage dispensing head. According to the present invention, the beverage dispensing head is as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention can be better understood from the description of specific embodiments of the present invention presented below as non-limiting examples, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 is a front view of a beverage dispensing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the beverage dispensing machine including a beverage dispensing head for receiving a milk foaming device;

[0035] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the beverage dispensing head of

[0036] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the beverage dispensing head of

[0037] Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3 the view of

[0038] Figure 5 is Figure 2 a side sectional view of a vertical section of the beverage dispensing head of

[0039] Figure 6 is Figures 1 to 5 a perspective view of the milk foaming device of

[0040] Figure 7 is similar to Figure 6 the view of

[0041] Figure 8 is Figure 7 an exploded view of the foaming device of

[0042] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a foaming device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the closing member is in a closed position;

[0043] Figure 10 is Figure 9 a perspective view of the foaming device of

[0044] Only the elements necessary for understanding the present invention are shown. For ease of reading the drawings, the same reference numerals are used in different figures to denote the same elements. Detailed Description

[0045] In the following of this specification, foam or foaming refers to obtaining foam from a liquid, whether it is only the foam of the liquid (i.e., milk foam) or a mixture of the liquid and the foam of the liquid (i.e., a mixture of milk and milk foam).

[0046] Note that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "down", "up", "high", "low", "front", "rear", "longitudinal", "lateral" used to describe the beverage dispenser and its associated elements are with reference to the beverage dispenser and its associated elements in the operating state when the machine is placed flat on the working plane.

[0047] Furthermore, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" or "inlet" and "outlet" are defined according to the flow direction of the beverage or steam in the beverage dispenser and the milk foaming device.

[0048] The terms "outer" and "inner" and the terms "external" and "internal" are defined with respect to the central axis of the beverage dispenser or the milk foaming device. Thus, the inner / internal part / component will be closer to the central axis than the outer / external part / component.

[0049] Figure 1 The beverage dispenser shown is a coffee machine 10. In an alternative, the beverage dispenser is a hot water or tea dispenser.

[0050] The coffee machine 10 is advantageously an automatic coffee machine.

[0051] The coffee machine 10 includes a frame 12 and a container / receptacle receiving area 16, and a container / receptacle (not shown) is adapted to be placed on the container / receptacle receiving area 16.

[0052] The coffee machine 10 further includes a beverage dispensing head 18.

[0053] The coffee machine 10 advantageously includes a human-machine interface not visible in the figure, through which the user can select the type of beverage to be dispensed and advantageously know the adjustment parameters of the coffee machine 10.

[0054] The coffee machine 10 further includes a beverage preparation unit integrated on the frame 12, which is not shown.

[0055] The preparation unit includes a control circuit for managing the production of beverages according to the instructions given by the user. The preparation unit also includes a water boiler for generating hot water and / or steam and a water reservoir for forming a cold water reserve. The water reservoir allows water to be supplied to the water boiler to generate hot water and / or steam.

[0056] The preparation unit also advantageously includes, in a known and not shown manner, a coffee bean hopper, a coffee grinder, and a brewing chamber adapted to receive the ground coffee beans and to be supplied with hot water by a water boiler. The brewing chamber is fluidly connected to the dispensing head 18 such that the machine 10 is adapted to dispense coffee-based beverages through the beverage dispensing head 18.

[0057] The coffee machine 10 also includes a hot water / steam outlet connection, not visible in the figure, adapted to be supplied with hot water and / or steam by the water boiler. The hot water / steam outlet connection opens near the beverage dispensing head 18 to supply it with hot water / steam.

[0058] In Figures 1 to 5 the embodiment of Figure 5 the beverage dispensing head 18 includes a hot water / steam dispensing outlet 20 (visible in

[0059] ), which is fluidly connected to the hot water / steam outlet connection. The hot water / steam outlet connection is formed, for example, by a pipe adapted to be connected to the hot water / steam dispensing outlet 20.

[0060] The beverage dispensing head 18 also includes a beverage dispensing member 22 adapted to be fluidly connected to the brewing chamber and to dispense coffee-based beverages.

[0061] The beverage dispensing member 22 advantageously includes two beverage dispensing outlets, only one of which, the beverage dispensing outlet 36, is visible in Figure 5 such that it is adapted to simultaneously deliver coffee-based beverages into two cups.

[0062] As can be seen from Figure 5 the beverage dispensing head 18 includes a region 24, preferably located at the rear, which receives the beverage dispensing member 22, and a region, preferably located at the front, which defines a receiving recess 26 for receiving the milk frothing device 28.

[0063] The height of the beverage dispensing head 18 is preferably adjustable.

[0064] The beverage dispensing head 18 also includes a supply inlet 29 for supplying milk to the frothing device 28.

[0065] Advantageously, as Figure 3 shown, the supply inlet 29 opens on the side of the beverage dispensing head 18. The supply inlet 29 is adapted to receive a milk supply pipe fluidly connected to a milk container, which is preferably offset relative to the machine 10.

[0066] As can be seen from Figures 2 to 4 the beverage dispensing head 18 includes a body 30 which defines a receiving recess 26 for receiving the frothing device 28 and a receiving area 24 for receiving the beverage dispensing member 22.

[0067] The body 30 includes an open front end 32 for accessing the receiving recess 26.

[0068] The beverage dispensing head 18 further includes a closing body 34 for closing the front end 32.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the closing body 34 is pivotally mounted on the body 30. The closing body 34 is adapted to be displaced between an open position for accessing the receiving recess 26 for receiving the foaming device 28 and a closing position in which the closing body at least partially closes the receiving recess 26, in particular the front end 32 of the body 30.

[0070] The closing body 34 is hinged on the body 30 so as to be rotatable about a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis X. The hinge is located, for example, between the upper wall 38 of the body 30 and the upper wall 40 of the closing body 34.

[0071] In Figures 1 to 8 the example, the foaming device 28 is removable relative to the beverage dispensing head 18, in particular from the receiving recess 26. In other words, the foaming device is adapted to be integrated into the beverage dispensing head 18.

[0072] From Figure 7 it can be seen that the foaming device 28 includes a mixing element 42 which includes a mixing member 44, a hot water / steam inlet orifice 46 and a main flow conduit 48 connecting the hot water / steam inlet orifice 46 to the mixing member 44.

[0073] The foaming device 28, in particular the mixing element 42, further includes a connecting member 50 for connecting the foaming device to the hot water / steam distribution outlet 20.

[0074] The connecting member 50 leads to the rear surface 52 of the foaming device 28, in particular the mixing element 42.

[0075] When the foaming device 28 is located in the receiving recess 26, the connecting member 50 is adapted to be connected to the hot water / steam distribution outlet 20 in order to be supplied with hot water / steam.

[0076] The hot water / steam inlet orifice 46 is fluidly connected to the connecting member 50 in order to receive the hot water / steam conveyed by the hot water / steam distribution outlet 20 when the connecting member 50 is connected to the hot water / steam distribution outlet 20.

[0077] In an alternative, when the foaming device 28 is located in the receiving recess 26, the hot water / steam inlet orifice 46 is adapted to be directly connected to the hot water / steam distribution outlet 20.

[0078] Generally speaking, when the foaming device 28 is received in the beverage dispensing head 18, the hot water / steam inlet orifice 46 is adapted to be fluidly connected to the hot water / steam distribution outlet 20. This connection is reversible because the connecting member 50 is adapted to connect / disconnect from the hot water / steam distribution outlet 20.

[0079] The mixing element 42 includes an upper wall 54. The foaming device 28, in particular the mixing element 42, includes two side walls 56, 58.

[0080] Each of the side walls 56, 58 defines a gripping area 56A, 58A for a user to grip the foaming device 28. A user of the foaming device 28 can manipulate the foaming device 28 and position it in the receiving recess 26 by manipulating the foaming device 28 with fingers in the gripping areas 56A, 58A.

[0081] Each of the side walls 56, 58 is provided with lugs 62, 64 for holding / positioning the foaming device 28 in the beverage dispensing head 18.

[0082] The lugs 62, 64 are adapted to cooperate with the closing body 34 which forms a holding device for holding the foaming device 28 in the beverage dispensing head 18, as explained in the following detailed description of the closing body 34 and its interaction with the foaming device 28.

[0083] The side walls 56, 58 are also respectively provided with guiding elements 66, 68 which are adapted to cooperate with corresponding guiding elements 70, 72 located in the beverage dispensing head 18.

[0084] The guiding elements 66, 68 are formed, for example, by ribs arranged on the side walls 56, 58.

[0085] The guiding elements 70, 72 are, for example, grooves adapted to receive ribs corresponding to the guiding elements 66, 68 and form a sliding connection with the ribs.

[0086] The guiding elements 70, 72 are arranged in the upper part of the receiving recess 26.

[0087] The guiding elements 66, 68 are located, for example, in front of the gripping area along the direction in which the foaming device 28 is inserted into the dispensing head 18.

[0088] Advantageously, as shown in the figure, the guiding elements 66, 68 are formed by rib-forming parts of the corresponding side walls 56, 58.

[0089] The lugs 62, 64 advantageously project along the longitudinal axis X relative to the guiding elements 66, 68, and more generally relative to other elements forming the side walls 56, 58. In other words, the lugs 62, 64 extend outwardly from the foaming device 28 along the longitudinal axis X beyond the guiding elements 66, 68.

[0090] With the aid of Figure 5 and Figure 7 As can be seen, the mixing component 44 includes a liquid inlet opening 74, a liquid outlet opening 76, and a mixing chamber 78 which extends between the liquid inlet opening 74 and the liquid outlet opening 76.

[0091] The mixing chamber 78 extends along a vertical axis Z.

[0092] The mixing chamber 78 includes an open upper end 80. The open upper end 80 forms an access opening for accessing the mixing chamber 78.

[0093] The mixing chamber 78 opens into the upper surface of the upper wall 54 of the mixing element 42.

[0094] The mixing chamber 78 has a substantially circular cross-section perpendicular to the vertical axis Z.

[0095] The liquid inlet opening 74 opens in the upper part of the mixing chamber 78, for example at the high point of the mixing chamber 78, and the liquid outlet opening 76 is located in the lower part of the mixing chamber 78, for example at the low point of the mixing chamber 78.

[0096] The open upper end 80 is disposed on the upper surface of the mixing element 42 and thus on the upper surface of the upper wall 54.

[0097] The liquid outlet opening 76 is disposed on the lower surface of the mixing element 42.

[0098] The main flow conduit 48 is arranged on the upper surface of the upper wall 54 and leads to the mixing chamber 78 at the liquid inlet opening 74.

[0099] The main flow conduit 48 leads to the mixing chamber 78 substantially tangentially such that the mixing chamber 78 is of the cyclone type. Thus, the liquid discharged from the main flow conduit 48 into the mixing chamber 78 passes through the mixing chamber and forms a vortex along the wall of the mixing chamber 78.

[0100] From Figure 7 it can be seen that the main flow conduit 48 includes, for example, a cross-section throttling member 84 located in the central part of the main flow conduit 48. The main flow conduit 48 particularly includes a first conduit part 48.1 and a second conduit part 48.2. The first conduit part 48.1 is located upstream of the cross-section throttling member 84 and extends to the cross-section throttling member, and the second conduit part 48.2 is located downstream of the cross-section throttling member 84 and extends from the cross-section throttling member 84 to the mixing chamber 78. Advantageously, the first conduit part 48.1 has a passage cross-section that decreases in the direction towards the cross-section throttling member 84, and the second conduit part 48.2 has a passage cross-section that increases in the direction towards the mixing chamber 78.

[0101] The hot water / steam inlet orifice 46 opens into the first conduit portion 48.1, more specifically opposite the mixing chamber 78. The main flow conduit 48 is thus configured to fluidly connect the hot water / steam inlet orifice 46 to the mixing chamber 78 and to allow hot water / steam flow to enter the main flow conduit 48 and reach the mixing chamber 78.

[0102] The foaming device 28 includes a milk supply conduit 90 connected to the main flow conduit 48. When the foaming device 28 is located in the receiving recess 26, the milk supply conduit 90 extends between the main flow conduit 48 and the milk supply inlet 29.

[0103] The milk supply conduit 90 is adapted to be fluidly connected to a milk storage device provided separately from the milk foaming device 28.

[0104] The milk supply conduit 90 is fluidly connected to the main flow conduit 48 and is configured to be fluidly connected to the mixing chamber 78 through the main flow conduit 48. According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the mixing element 42 includes the milk supply conduit 90. More specifically, the mixing element and the milk supply conduit 90 are integrally formed.

[0105] The milk supply conduit 90 includes a substantially vertical portion that preferably extends from near the lower surface of the mixing element 42 and leads to the main flow conduit 48 at the cross-sectional throttle member 84. The lower end of the vertical portion is adapted to be fluidly connected to the milk supply inlet 29 when the foaming device 28 is located in the receiving recess 26.

[0106] In the figure, only the portion of the milk supply conduit 90 leading to the main flow conduit 48 is visible.

[0107] The foaming device 28 further includes an air intake passage 92 in the main flow conduit 48. According to the embodiment shown, the mixing element 42 includes the air intake passage 92.

[0108] Advantageously, the air intake passage 92 is arranged in the upper surface of the upper wall 54 of the mixing element 42.

[0109] The air intake passage 92 leads to the main flow conduit 48 at the cross-sectional throttle member 84. The air intake passage 92 is thus configured to be fluidly connected to the mixing chamber 78 via the main flow conduit 48.

[0110] The aforementioned profile throttle member 84 increases the steam flow velocity in the main flow conduit 48, thereby creating a negative pressure in the milk supply conduit 90 and the intake passage 92. Thus, the profile throttle member 84 is more specifically configured to form a milk and air suction system based on the Venturi effect. The main flow conduit 48 is thus configured such that the flow of hot water / steam in the main flow conduit 48 from the hot water / steam inlet orifice 46 to the mixing chamber 78 creates a negative pressure in the milk supply conduit 90 and a negative pressure in the intake passage 92, and thus causes milk and air to be drawn into the main flow conduit 48, and the drawn milk and air flow to the mixing chamber 78.

[0111] In addition, the second conduit portion 48.2 has a passage profile that increases in the direction towards the mixing chamber 78, and the second conduit portion 48.2 facilitates the initial mixing of steam, milk, and air respectively from the hot water / steam inlet orifice 46, the milk supply conduit 90, and the intake passage 92 before reaching the mixing chamber 78.

[0112] In addition, due to the positioning of the main flow conduit 48 relative to the mixing chamber 78, the initial mixture of steam, milk, and air undergoes a cyclonic movement when arriving from the mixing chamber and forms a vortex along the wall of the mixing chamber 78, which further facilitates mixing and obtaining a milk foam with an optimal consistency. In this way, the mixing chamber 78 allows the aforementioned initial mixture to be homogenized and allows the completion of the mixing that starts in the second conduit portion 48.2.

[0113] The main flow conduit 48 and the hot water / steam inlet orifice 46, the intake passage 92, and the mixing chamber 78 advantageously include open upper ends. In other words, they form an outwardly open liquid flow channel at their upper parts.

[0114] The foaming device 28 includes a closing member 96 that is movable relative to the mixing element 42 between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the closing member 96 closes the mixing member 44 and the main flow conduit 48, and in the open position, the mixing member 44 and the main flow conduit 48 are open and accessible to allow cleaning of the mixing member 44 and the main flow conduit 48.

[0115] In the closed position, the closing member 96 particularly closes the open upper ends of the hot water / steam inlet orifice 46, the main flow conduit 48, and the mixing chamber 78.

[0116] Advantageously, in the closed position, the closing member 96 also at least partially closes the intake passage 92, particularly the open upper end of the intake passage.

[0117] Advantageously, the main flow pipe 48 extends along a substantially horizontal plane and includes an upper opening, also referred to as an open upper end, along at least 50% of its length, preferably along at least 70% of its length, which is adapted to be closed when the closing member 96 is in the closed position.

[0118] The closing member 96 is configured to cover the upper surface of the upper wall 54 of the mixing element 42. The closing member 96 forms a substantially planar cover that is adapted to cover the upper surface of the upper wall 54, in particular the mixing member 44 and the main flow duct 48.

[0119] The closing member 96 is configured to be hinged to the mixing element 42 by a hinge that defines a substantially horizontal axis of rotation Y. When the foaming device is located in the receiving recess 26, the axis of rotation Y is advantageously perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. In an alternative not shown, the axis of rotation Y is parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0120] By ensuring that the closing member 96 is held on the mixing element 42, the hinge allows for simplified handling of the foaming device regardless of the position of the closing member. In addition, the hinge allows for easy displacement of the closing member to the open or closed position depending on whether the user wishes to clean or use the foaming device.

[0121] Advantageously, the side walls 56, 58 of the foaming device, including the side walls of the closing member 96 and the side walls of the mixing element 42, form guiding elements 66, 68 when the closing member 96 is in the closed position. This arrangement allows ensuring that when the foaming device 28 is inserted into the receiving recess 26 and the guiding elements 66, 68 interact with the corresponding guiding elements 70, 72, the foaming device 28, i.e., the closing member 96, is closed. In addition, this arrangement allows ensuring that when the foaming device 28 is received in the receiving recess 26, the closing member 96 remains in the closed position because the guiding elements 70, 72 extend in a substantially vertical direction on both sides of the corresponding guiding elements 66, 68 and ensure that the side walls of the closing member 96 remain in contact / adjacent to the side walls of the mixing element 42.

[0122] In other words, when the foaming device 28 is inserted into the receiving recess 26, each guiding element 70, 72 is adapted to hold the closing member 96 of the foaming device in the closed position, i.e., in contact with the mixing element 42.

[0123] In an alternative not shown, the foaming device 28 includes a holding system, not shown, for holding the closing member 96 in the closed position. The holding system is formed, for example, by a locking member, which is, for example, a locking clip integral with the closing member and which, when the closing member is in the closed position, is adapted to be held in a corresponding groove formed in the mixing element 42, in particular in its upper wall / upper surface 54, by form fit. The holding system is adapted to be displaced between a locked position and an unlocked position, in which the closing member 96 is in the closed position.

[0124] The closing member 96 includes an observation window 97 that extends from Figure 6As can be seen, the viewing window 97 is designed to face the mixing member 44, particularly the mixing chamber 78, when the closing member 96 is in the closed position.

[0125] The viewing window 97 is designed to face the open upper end 80 when the closing member 96 is in the closed position.

[0126] The viewing window 97 is formed, for example, by a part of the closing member made of a transparent material so that when the closing member 96 is in the closed position, the user can observe the interior of the mixing chamber 78.

[0127] The viewing window 97 allows the user to observe whether the foaming device 28 has been used and whether it needs to be cleaned before making a beverage. In fact, through this window, the user can observe the interior of the mixing chamber 78. In addition, the user can visually check whether the milk flows through the mixing chamber 78 and moves in a swirling manner along the wall of the mixing chamber 78, thereby checking the correct operation of the foaming device 28 through the viewing window.

[0128] The closing member 96 further includes an air supply conduit 98 which, as Figure 7 As can be seen, is adapted to be fluidly connected to the main flow conduit 48 when the closing member 96 is in the closed position, and an air flow regulating device 99 which is configured to regulate the air flow flowing into the main flow conduit 48 in the air supply conduit 98. When the closing member 96 is in the closed position, the air supply conduit 98 is advantageously connected to the intake passage 92 so as to be fluidly connected to the main flow conduit 48.

[0129] The air supply conduit 98 is, for example, an orifice that passes through the closing member 96 along the vertical axis Z when the closing member 96 is in the closed position.

[0130] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, as can be seen more clearly from Figure 5 the air flow regulating device 99 includes a support member 100 fixed to the closing member 96 and protruding from the upper surface of the closing member 96. The air flow regulating device 99 further includes a flow regulating member 102, such as a flow regulating knob, which is supported by the support member 100 and is mounted to be movable relative to the support member 100 along a displacement direction D2, for example, mounted to move in a helical motion, and the displacement direction D2 can be, for example, substantially vertical.

[0131] The flow regulating member 102 is configured to be in a plurality of adjustment positions offset from each other along the displacement direction D2.

[0132] The air flow regulating device 99 further comprises a sealing element 104 which is fixed to the flow regulating member 102 and is configured to delimit, together with the support member 100, an air flow passage, the passage cross-section of which varies according to the position of the flow regulating member 102.

[0133] The flow regulating member 102 is more particularly displaceable between a maximum regulation position and a minimum regulation position, in which maximum regulation position the passage cross-section of the air flow passage is maximum and in which minimum regulation position the passage cross-section of the air flow passage is minimum, for example zero or substantially zero.

[0134] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the support member 100 comprises an insertion hole 106, the diameter of which may be, for example, greater than 1 mm, preferably greater than 1.5 mm, and which is oriented substantially parallel to the displacement direction D2. The air flow regulating device 99 comprises a passage restricting member, not visible in the figures, such as a generally cylindrical pin or needle, the lower end portion of which is received in the insertion hole 106. The passage restricting member is integral in movement with the flow regulating member 102 and is thus mounted so as to be movable in the insertion hole 106 along the displacement direction D2. The insertion hole 106 and the passage restricting member more particularly delimit a calibrated air passage which is fluidly connected to the air supply conduit 98.

[0135] The air flow regulating device 99 allows the regulation of the air flow injected into the main flow conduit 48, and thus the regulation of the size of the bubbles contained in the milk foam leaving the foaming device 28. By allowing the size of the bubbles to evolve, the volume of the milk foam also evolves.

[0136] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the mixing element 42 may be without the air intake passage 92 and the air supply conduit 98 may be directly connected to the main flow conduit 48 when the closing member 96 is in the closed position.

[0137] The milk foaming device 28 comprises a seal 110 which, as Figure 7 can be seen, is arranged in the joint area between the mixing element 42 and the closing member 96. The seal 110 extends around the periphery of the mixing member 44 and the main flow conduit 48.

[0138] When the closing member 96 is in the closed position, the closing member 96 is adapted to bear on the seal 110.

[0139] More particularly as Figure 7 shown, the seal 110 extends around the mixing chamber 78, in particular the open upper end 80, the main flow conduit 48, the air intake passage 92 and the hot water / steam inlet orifice 46. To this end, the mixing element 42 comprises a receiving groove 112 arranged in the upper surface of the upper wall 54, in which receiving groove the seal 110 is received.

[0140] According to the illustrated embodiment, the seal 110 includes a sealing body integrally received in the receiving groove 112 and a sealing lip extending along the sealing body and protruding outside the receiving groove 112. Advantageously, the seal 110 is continuous and may, for example, have a constant cross-section.

[0141] The closing member 96, together with the seal 110, allows sealing at the upper wall 54, the main flow conduit 48, the hot water / steam inlet orifice 46, the intake passage 92, and the mixing chamber 78. Thus, the optimized performance of the foaming device 28 is ensured.

[0142] The milk foaming device 28 further includes a milk foam dispensing element 114, which is adapted to be reversibly connected to the mixing element 42, as Figure 8 can be seen more clearly in.

[0143] The milk foam dispensing element 114 advantageously includes an inlet passage 116 for milk foam and two outlet passages 118, 120.

[0144] When connected to the mixing element 42, the milk foam dispensing element 114, in particular the inlet passage 116, is adapted to be fluidly connected to the liquid outlet opening 76.

[0145] The milk foam dispensing element 114 is adapted to simultaneously deliver milk foam to two cups through the two outlet passages 118, 120.

[0146] In the illustrated embodiment, the closing body 34 forms a holding device for holding the foaming device 28 in the receiving recess 26.

[0147] The holding device takes the form of a holding lever 130, which is movable between an open position for accessing the receiving recess and a closed position in which the holding lever 130 is adapted to cooperate with the milk foaming device 28 to hold it in the receiving recess 26.

[0148] When the holding lever 130 is in the open position, the user can access the recess 26, in particular the foaming device 28, in order to remove it from the recess 26 and, for example, perform a cleaning operation on the foaming device.

[0149] When the holding lever 130 is in the closed position and the foaming device 28 is received in the recess 26, the holding lever 130 is adapted to cooperate with the milk foaming device 28 to hold it in the receiving recess 26.

[0150] The holding lever 130 is mounted to pivot relative to the receiving recess along the longitudinal axis X.

[0151] As can be seen from the figure, the open position of the holding lever 130 corresponds to a high position and the closed position corresponds to a low position.

[0152] The retaining lever 130 particularly includes axial protrusions 132, 134 which, when the foaming device 28 is located in the receiving recess 26, are adapted to bear on the foaming device 28 when the retaining lever 130 is displaced from the open position to the closed position.

[0153] The axial protrusions 132, 134 extend from the lower surface of the upper wall 40.

[0154] The axial protrusions 132, 134 extend in a substantially vertical plane.

[0155] When the foaming device 28 is incorrectly positioned in the receiving recess 26, each axial protrusion 132, 134 is adapted to cooperate with a respective lug 62, 64 to prevent the retaining lever from being displaced to the closed position. The lugs 62, 64 form error-reporting elements which allow ensuring that the foaming device 28 is correctly positioned in the receiving recess 26.

[0156] Advantageously, each axial protrusion 132, 134 includes a relief pattern, such as a hook-shaped relief pattern, adapted to cooperate with a respective lug 62, 64.

[0157] In fact, in the case where the foaming device 28 is incorrectly positioned, especially not fully inserted into the receiving recess 26 along the insertion direction, the lugs are adapted to cooperate with the axial protrusions, advantageously with the relief pattern, to prevent the retaining lever 130 from being displaced to the closed position. Thus, the user realizes that the foaming device 28 has not been fully inserted into the receiving recess 26 and can correct its position.

[0158] Advantageously, when the foaming device 28 is correctly positioned in the receiving recess 26 and the retaining lever 130 is displaced to the closed position, each axial protrusion 132, 134, and even more advantageously each relief pattern, is adapted to cooperate with a respective lug 62, 64. More precisely, when the foaming device 28 is correctly positioned in the receiving recess 26 and the retaining lever 130 is displaced to the closed position, each protrusion is adapted to exert an axial force on a respective lug 62, 64.

[0159] An axial force is exerted in the direction in which the foaming device 28 is inserted into the receiving recess 26 to ensure the correct positioning of the foaming device 28 in the beverage dispensing head 18 and to ensure that the connecting member 50 is connected to the hot water / steam dispensing outlet 20.

[0160] The axial protrusions 132, 134 allow ensuring the cooperation of the connecting member 50 with the hot water / steam dispensing outlet 20 by means of an axial force and ensuring the connection of the milk supply conduit 90 to the milk supply inlet 29, thus ensuring the normal operation of the foaming device 28.

[0161] The axial protrusions 132, 134 are arranged on both sides of the central axis of the beverage dispensing head 18. The central axis is a vertical axis.

[0162] In an alternative, the holding lever 130 includes a single axial protrusion.

[0163] The holding lever 130 further includes a front surface provided with a gripping zone 135 for a user to manipulate the holding lever 130 between the open and closed positions of the holding lever.

[0164] Advantageously, the beverage dispensing head 18 includes an upper facade provided with a through-orifice 136 for the air flow regulating member 102. Advantageously, the through-orifice 136 is formed through the upper wall 38 of the body 30.

[0165] Advantageously, the beverage dispensing head 18 includes an upper facade, such as the upper wall 40, provided with an observation zone 138 for observing the mixing member 44 of the foaming device 28. The observation zone 138 is formed, for example, by an orifice arranged through the upper wall 40 of the closing body 34. In an alternative, the observation zone 138 is a transparent zone arranged in the upper wall 40.

[0166] When the holding lever 130 and / or the closing body 34 are in the closed position and the foaming device 28 is received in the recess 26, the observation zone 138 is arranged to face the observation window 97. The observation zone 138 allows the mixing chamber 78 to be observed through the observation window 97. In this way, the user can view the mixing chamber 78 and the milk foam flowing in the foaming chamber. This allows the user to visually check whether the foaming device 28 needs to be cleaned and the correct operation of the foaming device 28 by examining the swirling movement of the milk and advantageously examining the texture of the milk.

[0167] The closing body 34 further forms a supporting device for supporting on the closing member 96 of the foaming device 28.

[0168] When the foaming device 28 is located in the receiving recess 26, the supporting device is adapted to exert a supporting force on the closing member 96 to ensure a seal between the mixing element 42 and the closing member 96.

[0169] When the closing member 96 is in the closed position, the supporting device also allows the distance between the closing member 96 and the upper wall 54 to remain constant. In this way, when the foaming device 28 is used, the dimensions of the main flow conduit 48 and the intake passage 92 remain constant over time, and the foaming performance is optimized and guaranteed over time. The supporting device allows ensuring that the closing member 96 is correctly pressed against the mixing element 42 to ensure the dimensions of the conduit 48 and the passage 92 and to avoid possible deformation of the closing member 96.

[0170] The support device is formed by a holding lever 130 which is mounted pivotably relative to the receiving recess 26 and is adapted to be displaced between an open position for accessing the receiving recess 26 and a closed position in which the support device exerts a support force on the closing member 96 to ensure that the closing member 96 is supported on the mixing element 42. The holding lever 130 is particularly adapted to press the closing member 96 against the seal 110.

[0171] The support force extends particularly in a substantially vertical direction.

[0172] The holding lever 130 particularly includes upper convex ribs 140, preferably two upper convex ribs 140, 142, which are provided on the lower surface of the upper wall 40.

[0173] The ribs 140, 142 extend from the lower surface of the upper wall 40.

[0174] When the foaming device 28 is located within the receiving recess 26, the ribs 140, 142 are adapted to bear on the foaming device 28 when the holding lever 130 is displaced from the open position to the closed position.

[0175] The ribs 140, 142 are adapted to exert a support force on the closing member 96 to ensure a good seal between the mixing element 42 and the closing member 96.

[0176] Advantageously, the holding lever further includes two additional ribs 144, 146, also referred to as front ribs, which are located on the inner wall of the front elevation of the lever 130. The additional ribs 144, 146 preferably extend along the longitudinal axis X. When the foaming device 28 is located within the receiving recess 26, the additional ribs 144, 146 are adapted to bear on the milk foam dispensing element 114 when the holding lever 130 is displaced from the open position to the closed position. This configuration is particularly advantageous in the embodiments of Figure 9 and Figure 10 which will be explained below.

[0177] In an alternative, the closing body is a front cover for covering the beverage dispensing head, which front cover is adapted to close the receiving recess 26, in particular the front end 32 of the body 30. In this alternative, the beverage dispensing head 18 includes a holding lever 130 which is hinged to the body 30 and is separate from the closing body. The holding lever 130 is movable between an open position for accessing the receiving recess and a closed position in which the holding lever 130 partially closes the receiving recess. In this alternative, the holding lever is located between the body 30 and the closing body and has generally similar features to the embodiment shown in the figures, except that it does not serve as a cover for covering the dispensing head 18.

[0178] The following will be with the aid of Figure 9 and Figure 10Describe a second embodiment of the present invention. Only those elements that are different between the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described, and similar elements will not be described again and are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment.

[0179] Figure 9 and Figure 10 Fig. shows a foaming device 228 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0180] The foaming device 228 includes a first body 230, and the first body 230 forms a mixing element 232 which is substantially similar to that of the first embodiment and includes a hot water / steam inlet opening 46, a main flow conduit 48, a milk supply conduit 90 and an air inlet passage 92.

[0181] The mixing element 232 is different from the mixing element 42 in that it forms a partial contour of the mixing chamber 78 rather than the entire mixing chamber 78.

[0182] The foaming device 228 further includes a second body 234 which is movable relative to the first body 230. The second body 234 is hinged to the first body 230 by a hinge which defines a substantially horizontal lateral rotation axis. When the foaming device 228 is located in the receiving recess 26, the rotation axis is advantageously perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The hinge is located along the rear edge of the upper surface of the first body 230.

[0183] The second body 234 forms a closing member and is movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0184] The second body 234 includes: a first portion 236 which is substantially horizontal when the foaming device 228 is in use and forms a lid adapted to close the access opening 80 of the mixing chamber 78 and the main flow conduit 48 when the second body 234 is in the closed position; and a portion 238 which is substantially vertical when the foaming device 228 is in use and forms the mixing chamber 78 together with the first body 230 when the second body 234 is in the closed position, and advantageously also forms a milk foam dispensing element 118.

[0185] In this second embodiment, when the second body 234 is in the closed position, the mixing chamber 78 and the milk foam dispensing element 114 are assembled and formed by the first body 230 and the second body 234.

[0186] Therefore, when the second body is displaced to the open position, the mixing chamber 78 and the milk foam dispensing element 114 are opened for cleaning.

[0187] The additional convex ribs 144, 146 are adapted to apply a supporting force to the mixing chamber 78 and the milk foam dispensing element 114 respectively. The supporting force is applied to the second body 234 along a substantially horizontal direction. The additional convex ribs 144, 146 are particularly useful for the foaming device 228 according to the second embodiment to ensure the sealing of the mixing chamber 78 and the milk foam dispensing element 114.

[0188] In this second embodiment, a gripping area for gripping the foaming device 228 is formed on the side wall of the milk foam dispensing element 114.

[0189] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the described and illustrated embodiments, which are provided only as examples. In particular, there may be some modifications in terms of the constitution of various elements or by the substitution of equivalent techniques, which do not depart from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing head (18) comprising a hot water / steam dispensing outlet (20) and a receiving recess (26) for receiving a milk frothing device (28, 228), said milk frothing device being provided with a hot water / steam inlet orifice (46) adapted to be fluidly connected to said hot water / steam dispensing outlet (20), said milk frothing device (28, 228) comprising a mixing element (42, 232), characterized in that, The milk foaming device (28, 228) includes a closing member (96, 234) movable relative to the mixing element (42, 232), and the dispensing head (18) includes a supporting device (130) for supporting on the closing member (96, 234). When the milk foaming device (28, 228) is located in the receiving recess (26), the supporting device is adapted to apply a supporting force on the closing member (96, 234) to ensure that the closing member is supported on the mixing element (42, 232).

2. The beverage dispensing head (18) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting device (130) includes a holding rod (130) mounted to pivot relative to the receiving recess (26) and adapted to be displaced between an open position for accessing the receiving recess (26) and a closed position in which the supporting device (130) applies a supporting force on the closing member (96, 234).

3. The beverage dispensing head (18) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The supporting device (130) includes at least one upper rib (140, 142) disposed on the upper wall (40) of the holding rod (130) and adapted to support on the closing member (96, 234) when the holding rod (130) is in the closed position.

4. The beverage dispensing head according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The supporting device (130) includes at least one front rib (144, 146) disposed on the front vertical surface of the holding rod (130) and adapted to support on the closing member (96, 234) when the holding rod (130) is in the closed position.

5. The beverage dispensing head (18) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The holding rod (130) is mounted to pivot along the longitudinal axis (X) of the beverage dispensing head (18), the open position corresponding to a high position and the closed position corresponding to a low position.

6. The beverage dispensing head (18) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The holding rod (130) includes a front surface provided with a gripping area (135) which is gripped by a user to manipulate the holding rod (130) between the open position and the closed position of the holding rod.

7. A beverage dispensing head (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The receiving recess (26) includes at least one guiding element (70, 72) for guiding the milk foaming device (28, 228), and the guiding element is adapted to cooperate with a corresponding guiding element (66, 68) located on the milk foaming device (28, 228).

8. The beverage dispensing head (18) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, When the milk foaming device (28, 228) is inserted into the receiving recess (26), each guiding element (70, 72) of the receiving recess is adapted to keep the closing member (96, 234) of the foaming device in contact with the mixing element (42, 232) of the milk foaming device.

9. The beverage dispensing head (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The dispensing head (18) includes an upper wall provided with a through-hole (136) for the passage of an air flow regulating member (102) for regulating the air flow entering the milk foaming device (28, 228).

10. The beverage dispensing head (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The dispensing head (18) includes an upper wall provided with an observation area (138) for observing the mixing member (44) of the milk foaming device (28, 228).

11. The beverage dispensing head (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The dispensing head (18) includes a rear region (24) for receiving a beverage dispensing member (22) and a front region defining the receiving recess (26) for receiving the milk foaming device (28, 228).

12. A beverage dispensing machine (10) including a beverage dispensing head (18), characterized in that, The beverage dispensing head (18) is as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

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