Apparatus and method for producing milk-air emulsion

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for producing a milk-air emulsion, comprising at least one steam nozzle (1) which is designed to be immersed in a vessel (2) filled with milk, steam and air being guidable through the steam nozzle (1) into the milk by means of a steam system (7) and by means of an air system (8), the steam system (7) and the air system (8) can each be actuated by means of a controller (9), on which a milk / air emulsion generation program can be loaded and implemented, which accesses a memory on which at least one or more milk / air emulsion generation profiles are stored, the steam and the air can be guided into the milk according to the correspondingly selected milk / air emulsion generation profile in order to automatically generate the milk / air emulsion in the vessel (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus and method for generating a milk-air emulsion, preferably milk foam. Background Technology

[0002] It is known that milk / air emulsions, especially milk foam, are generated in vessels filled with milk (such as cups with handles) using a steam wand (which may have both steam and air channels). For this purpose, a person preparing coffee using a coffee machine typically places the cup under the steam wand until the consistency of the milk foam is satisfactory. In this sense, it is a manual method in which the steam wand is immersed in a cup filled with the appropriate amount of milk, and foaming is performed using a specific process or method—which may include appropriate movement—until the desired temperature and consistency are reached.

[0003] DE 602 15 058 T2 discloses an apparatus for generating a milk-air emulsion, comprising at least one steam nozzle designed to be immersed in a vessel filled with milk, wherein steam and air are guided into the milk via the steam nozzle by means of a steam system (7) and an air system, wherein the steam system and the air system are respectively controlled by a controller. During the generation of the milk / air emulsion, the air supply can be turned on and off. DE202018 005 263 U1 discloses a similar prior art, wherein the air throughput can be set to an optional constant value.

[0004] Regarding the technical background, DE 10 2017 115 845 B4, DE 10 2018 101 025 A1, WO2016 / 097923A1, DE 10 2011 077 776 A1 and US 2006 / 0272516 A1 were also mentioned. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The objective of this invention is to simplify known methods while retaining the principle of steam jet immersion in milk.

[0006] The present invention solves this task by means of an apparatus having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 11.

[0007] First, an apparatus for generating a milk-air emulsion is provided, comprising at least one steam nozzle designed to be immersed in a vessel filled with milk, wherein steam and air are guided into the milk via the steam nozzle by means of a steam system and an air system, wherein the steam system and the air system are respectively controlled by a controller loaded with and capable of implementing a milk-air emulsion generation program, the controller accessing a memory storing at least one or more milk / air emulsion generation profiles—each controlling the type of the profile such that steam and air are guided into the milk according to the correspondingly selected milk / air emulsion generation profile, so as to automatically generate a milk / air emulsion in the vessel, wherein the one or more milk / air emulsion generation profiles include at least two time phases in which air is added at different magnitudes, both greater than zero, is added to control the air system.

[0008] Within the scope of this document, "air addition" is understood as "airflow / time". Following step d), during milk production, the airflow / time is therefore set to at least two different non-zero values ​​within at least two time periods, or preferably within a specific time interval. For example, in a first time period, it is set to, for instance, the maximum available and controllable airflow / time produced by the air pump, and in a second time period, it is set to a value corresponding to 50% of the maximum available airflow / time. These values ​​should be understood here as purely illustrative. The airflow / time can also be varied over a time period, such that the value can, for example, increase or decrease linearly or non-linearly from a base value over one or more time periods.

[0009] Since the air flow rate / time is set to at least two non-zero values ​​during milk production, the desired foam consistency can be achieved significantly more simply and specifically compared to constant air addition or air addition only distinguishing between "on" (and subsequently constant air addition) and "off" (= no air addition, air addition = 0).

[0010] In the sense of control profiles, milk / air emulsion generation profiles, or especially the start and end points of various time phases or control phases, can depend on one or more physically measurable parameters that are measured during generation.

[0011] In particular, the milk / air emulsion generation profile can be designed as a control profile that depends on temperature and / or pressure and / or time.

[0012] It is possible, after filling the vessel, to automatically generate a milk / air emulsion in the vessel in a simple manner, while retaining the "steam nozzle principle," according to a process scheme. Preferably, this generation ends after reaching the limits included in the scheme (e.g., time limits or temperature limits). According to a very simple design, this at least one scheme can involve a constant supply of steam and air for a defined time period. However, it can also be constructed in a more complex way, as will be illustrated below with examples.

[0013] In the foregoing and following text, the terms “milk-air mixture” and “milk-air emulsion” and “milk foam” are used as synonyms. The term “milk” should not be interpreted too narrowly here. In particular, the term includes animal milk as well as wholly or partially plant-based dairy products (e.g., oat milk or soy milk).

[0014] Preferably, the air system includes at least the following: at least one or more air throttles, at least one operable air pump connected to a controller, and air piping. Thus, according to one variant, it is particularly suitable and advantageous to arrange at least one air throttle connected to the controller, and at least one air throttle is designed as an operable motor-driven air throttle. According to another advantageous variant, alternatively or optionally, the delivery power of the air pump can be automatically changed and set by the controller. This control method is simple and reliable. And according to another variant, it is advantageous and structurally simple to arrange multiple air throttles as static air throttles, each associated with one or more air selection valves connected to and operable by the controller. At the device—especially at the coffee machine with the device—a display for outputting information during the program flow and an input unit for inputting data such as for pre-selecting and pre-setting milk types are preferably constructed—for example, in the form of a touch screen display.

[0015] Further advantageously, the steam system can be configured to have at least one steam boiler, at least one operable steam valve, and steam piping.

[0016] According to a preferred design, one or more milk / air emulsion generation profiles may further include at least one time phase in which no air is added. Alternatively, one or more milk / air emulsion generation profiles may include at least three time phases in which three different amounts of air are added, and / or one or more milk / air emulsion generation profiles may further include at least one time phase in which no steam is added and at least one time phase in which steam is added. This allows for the achievement of particularly good foam consistency.

[0017] Alternatively, the air and steam lines may connect to a common combined steam / air line that is guided through a steam nozzle that can be immersed in the milk in the vessel.

[0018] However, it is also conceivable that the air pipes and steam pipes are independently guided through steam nozzles that can be immersed in the milk in the container, or that the air pipes and steam pipes are independently guided through steam nozzles and air nozzles that can be immersed in the milk in the container respectively.

[0019] Furthermore, according to an advantageous improvement, the memory is either local memory or cloud memory. Thus, the “connection” within the scope of this document (if it is designed or can be designed as a data connection) can be designed wirelessly or wiredly.

[0020] The process plan can also be modified or completely regenerated, for example, manually or adaptively based on one or more measurements. This will be explained in more detail below with examples.

[0021] The present invention also provides an automatic beverage machine, particularly a coffee machine, having at least one device according to any one of the related claims.

[0022] The present invention also provides a method for generating a milk-air emulsion from milk using the apparatus according to any one or more of the preceding claims, the method comprising at least the following steps: a) Provide the apparatus, the utensils, and the milk. b) Using milk-filling containers, and arranging them such that the steam jet is immersed in the milk; and c) Air and steam are introduced into the milk located in the vessel via steam nozzles, wherein the air and steam systems are controlled by a controller using a milk-air emulsion generation program according to at least one pre-stored milk / air emulsion generation profile to generate a milk-air emulsion. d) Wherein, the control of the air system in step c) includes at least two time phases in which different amounts of air are added, each greater than zero.

[0023] Since the airflow rate / time is set to at least two non-zero values ​​during milk production after step d), the desired foam consistency can be targeted. According to a preferred variant, for further optimization, the control of the air system in step c) can also be configured to include at least one time phase in which no air is added. And for further optimization, the control of the steam system in step c) can also be configured to include at least one time phase in which no steam is added and another time phase in which steam is added, so as to further optimize the foam consistency.

[0024] It is conceivable that milk can be dispensed manually or—in a particularly simple way—automatically via a milk spray nozzle using a milk filling vessel.

[0025] Subsequently, it is conceivable and advantageous to adjust the milk / air emulsion generation profile based on one or more operating parameters during milk foam generation. To this end, at least one or more operating parameters for adjusting the milk / air emulsion generation profile can be determined once or multiple times during this process.

[0026] Suitable and advantageous is that one or more operating parameters for adjusting the milk / air emulsion generation profile, determined once or multiple times during the process, include the temperature of the milk in the vessel. It is also particularly advantageous to input the amount of milk that should foam in the vessel into the system.

[0027] The particularly good effect of optimal milk foam can be achieved by changing the amount of air introduced into the milk or the forming milk / air emulsion over time during the formation of the milk / air emulsion.

[0028] It is also conceivable that during the formation of the milk / air emulsion, the amount of vapor directed into the milk / air emulsion remains constant or changes over time.

[0029] Advantageously, after the milk-air emulsion generation process begins, the amount of milk and / or the type of milk and / or the consistency of the milk-air emulsion to be produced can be pre-selected via data input. Furthermore, it is advantageous that after the milk-air emulsion generation process begins, the program can suggest pre-sets for the air addition duration (foam volume) and / or the amount of air added (bubble size) and / or the target temperature, and / or these can be individually adjusted by the user.

[0030] A particularly simple and advantageous approach is to set the foam quantity by adjusting the air addition duration or air flow rate / time. This is because changing the air addition can significantly influence the properties of the milk / air emulsion. Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous to determine the milk temperature in the vessel during the formation of the milk / air emulsion and to incorporate this measurement into the process control.

[0031] According to the invention, various control or process profiles can be generated and utilized. According to a particularly advantageous milk / air emulsion generation profile, the control of the air system comprises at least three time phases, wherein in a first phase, no air is initially added until a temperature value "1" is reached; subsequently, in a second phase, a small amount of air is added until a temperature value "2" is reached; and subsequently, in a third phase, a large amount of air is added until a temperature value "3" is reached; and subsequently, preferably in a fourth phase, a very small amount of air is added from a temperature value "4".

[0032] Within the scope of this invention, the method and / or apparatus according to the invention can be used in devices for dispensing, and especially for preparing beverages. The corresponding device is preferably configured as a fully automatic coffee machine.

[0033] Further advantageous embodiments are mentioned in the dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It should be emphasized that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting. The invention is particularly advantageously implemented in these embodiments. Advantageously, individual features of these embodiments can be used in combination with corresponding other features of these embodiments. However, these features can also be combined with other embodiments shown or not shown, and each is itself an advantageous design solution for one or more of the subject matter described in the main and dependent claims. Wherein: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a first apparatus according to the invention for generating milk-air emulsions, particularly milk foam, is shown. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a second apparatus according to the invention for generating milk-air emulsions, particularly milk foam, is shown. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a third apparatus according to the invention for generating milk-air emulsions, particularly milk foam, is shown; Figure 4 , Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for manufacturing a milk-air emulsion is shown; Figure 6 A graph is shown to visualize the effect of different parameters on the quality of milk-air emulsion.

[0035] Various embodiments are described in the following description of the accompanying drawings. Advantageously, the various features of these embodiments can be used in combination with corresponding other features of these embodiments. However, these features can also be combined with other embodiments shown or not shown, and in themselves serve as advantageous design solutions for one or more subjects in the subject matter described in the main claims and dependent claims. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figure 1 A first exemplary structure of the device according to the invention for preferably automatically generating milk-air emulsions is shown. This device can be an integral part of an automatic beverage machine, particularly a coffee machine. The coffee machine can be constructed in different ways. However, the device can also be formed as a separate unit, placed, for example, as a stand-alone device next to the automatic beverage machine. This is because the device for generating milk foam—whether integrated into the automatic beverage machine or separate from this construction—is substantially independent of the coffee machine's section for generating coffee.

[0037] Figures 1 to 3 The apparatus for generating a milk-air emulsion is used to generate, particularly in the form of a milk foam, a milk-air emulsion from a medium (such as milk 3) preferably "untreated" or filled into the container 2 from packaging or storage tanks by means of at least one steam nozzle 1 immersed in the container 2, by means of air and steam guided into the milk through the steam nozzle 1, and by means of automated control of the addition of air and steam into the milk. Here, the term "milk" should not be interpreted too narrowly. The term includes, on the one hand, animal-derived milk types, but also non-animal-derived plant-based milk substitutes (such as soy milk or oat milk).

[0038] Therefore, the milk foam can be used to prepare coffee drinks. In this way, the milk foam can be filled into, for example, a stemless cup to prepare a cappuccino, which may have been partially filled with coffee or should be filled with coffee later.

[0039] The steam nozzle 1 can be elongated, allowing it to be immersed from above into the vessel 2 (such as a stemless or handled cup). The steam nozzle can have a tubular outer casing, which can be made of metal or other materials such as ceramic. A combined steam / air conduit 4 guides through the steam nozzle 1. A thermometer 5 can also be installed within or at the steam nozzle. This thermometer can be connected to a controller 9 (which can be configured as a CPU) via a data segment (such as a line) or wirelessly. This arrangement ensures that the thermometer is typically immersed in the medium (such as milk) located in the vessel 2 along with the free end of the steam nozzle 1.

[0040] Alternatively, a separate supply line can be constructed within the steam nozzle, through which air can be directed to vessel 2. Thus, only steam is supplied through pipe 4, and air (not shown here) is supplied through this separate pipe.

[0041] Milk can—for example—in Figure 1 In one embodiment—either from a separate container or—and this is particularly preferred—from the discharge section of the storage tank 25 and the automatic beverage machine—the contents are filled into the vessel 2—here, a cup with a handle. Figure 2 Such an embodiment is disclosed. Here, milk can be automatically supplied and metered from the storage tank 25 through the milk line 26 using at least one milk pump 24, preferably before the heating and / or frothing process, via an output nozzle 23 (milk stick) serving as a discharge section. This output nozzle is preferably positioned directly next to the steam nozzle 1 above the handled cup 2 of the automatic beverage machine (not shown separately). It is highly advantageous here that the steam nozzle 1 and the milk output nozzle 23 are structurally clearly separated.

[0042] If multiple types of milk should be used, it is also possible to set up multiple such milk bar systems (not shown). This has the advantage of complete media separation.

[0043] Therefore, in the method according to the invention, after providing in advance an apparatus (or an automatic beverage machine having such an apparatus) for generating a milk-air emulsion, preferably milk foam, the milk is first filled into the container 2.

[0044] This can be done manually. Alternatively, it can be automated by means of an output nozzle that guides milk from the storage tank 25 into the container. For this purpose, the milk pump can be controlled by a controller 9 to turn the milk pump on and off and / or change the speed of the milk pump 24.

[0045] In step B), air can be introduced into the steam / air pipeline 4 via the air system 8 through the air pipeline 14 and steam can be introduced into the steam / air pipeline 4 via the steam system 7 through the steam pipeline 20, either together or separately, and then introduced into the vessel 2 via the steam / air pipeline 4 and the steam nozzle 1.

[0046] Air and steam can be directed into steam / air line 4 in a controlled or regulated manner. According to the first design, air and steam addition can be performed according to a pre-stored time-based schedule. Alternatively, the schedule can be modified or completely regenerated, for example, manually or adaptively based on one or more measurements. This will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. Here, air and steam can be directed into steam / air line 4 separately, at staggered times, or simultaneously, for example. For this purpose, steam system 7 and air system 8 are respectively connected to controller 9 (CPU). This controller may have a CPU and memory or be connected to it—locally or via, for example, a network or cloud connection—and may be equipped with control and / or regulation programs that control or regulate the steam / air supply through steam / air supply line 4 to vessel 2.

[0047] This may involve using control and / or regulation procedures to perform process control for the automated generation of milk / air emulsions. This will be described in more detail below with examples.

[0048] Air system 8 can be designed or constructed in different ways. Figure 1 and Figure 3 An exemplary design is shown. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The air system 8 can also be constructed in other ways.

[0049] according to Figure 1 According to an advantageous design, the air system 8 has an air inlet for air from an "air source 12", which can be formed by a storage tank or, for example, by ambient air. The air source 12 can be followed by at least one throttle, particularly a motor-driven air throttle 13, and an air pump 11 in the air duct 14, thereby providing a device for conveying air from the air source 12 through the air duct 14 to the steam air duct 4.

[0050] Preferably, the amount of steam and / or air directed into the steam / air line 4 can be changed by corresponding control of the controller 9. By definition, "air quantity" ("air flow rate / time") is also referred to as "air addition". For this purpose, the motor-driven air throttle 13 and / or air pump 11 can be operable and connected to the controller 9 at least via a control segment (wired or wireless design). There are at least two stages in which the air flow rate / time or air addition is set to a value of a different magnitude greater than zero.

[0051] according to Figure 3No operable air throttle 13 is provided. However, the amount of air directed into the steam / air line 4 can still be changed. This is achieved by multiple throttles, preferably with different cross-sections—in this case, four—air throttles 28, 29 or 31, 32 (a1, a2, b1, b2), which can be used individually or, if necessary, together for air supply. Figure 3 The air system 8 has multiple—four in this example—connections to multiple air sources 12 or a common air source 12, which may be formed, for example, by a storage tank or by ambient air.

[0052] The one or more air sources 12 may be connected to air throttles 28, 29 or 30, 31 in the branch pipelines, and one or more air selector valves 27, 30 may be connected to the air throttles 28, 29 or 31, 32, and the air selector valves may be connected to air pumps 11.

[0053] By controlling the switching of the two air selector valves 27 and 30, switching can be made between air throttles 28 and 29 or 31 and 32. Branch lines from the air selector valves 27 and 30 lead into the air line 14. An air pump 11 can be connected to the air line 14.

[0054] Here, the air selector valves 27, 30 and / or the air pump 11 can be operable and connected to the controller 9.

[0055] By proper manipulation, the air path is released through one of the air throttles 28, 29, or 30, 31, and preferably the other air throttles are closed. This opens the air path from air source 12 through one of the air throttles 28, 29, or 31, 32 into the steam / air line.

[0056] It is also conceivable to release air through two or more air throttles. Thus, for example, multiple air throttles with the same cross-section could also be used.

[0057] It is also conceivable that at least one controllable air pump is designed such that the delivery power of the air pump can be changed during the operation of the air pump, for example, by means of a controller setting.

[0058] The steam system 7 can also be designed in different ways. The task of the steam system is to generate steam from the water and—if necessary—guide it to the steam nozzle 1 via intermediate connecting pipes (such as steam / air pipe 4). Figures 1 to 3 A particularly preferred variant is shown.

[0059] The steam system 7 can be connected to a water source 16, which can be formed, for example, by a water pump or other water supply device.

[0060] Preferably, a flow meter 17, a controllable filling valve 18, a steam boiler 15, and a steam pipeline 20 with steam shut-off and vent valves 19 can be installed downstream of the water source 16. The steam pipeline 20 can be connected to the steam / air pipeline 4.

[0061] However, the steam system 7 can also be constructed in other ways. Thus, according to an alternative design scheme not shown here, the steam pressure in the steam line can be set or controlled directly or by means of a motor-type throttle in the steam passage 20 (here it can be set to store corresponding configuration files for air and steam).

[0062] Preferably, the steam system 7 and the air system 8 can be controlled by a controller 9, which is equipped with and can implement a milk-air emulsion generation program. The controller accesses a memory that stores at least one or more milk / air emulsion generation configuration files, so that steam and air can be guided into the milk according to the corresponding selected milk / air emulsion generation configuration file, so as to automatically generate milk / air emulsion in the vessel 2.

[0063] Advantageously, for example, the apparatus 1 can be used to produce a milk / air emulsion.

[0064] The medium 3 (preferably milk or a milk substitute) to be heated and / or foamed is added manually or automatically to a vessel 2—e.g., a cup with a handle—and positioned below a steam nozzle 1, wherein the steam nozzle 1, and in particular the nozzle with a steam outlet 22, should be immersed in the medium.

[0065] Upon triggering, steam generated in the steam boiler 15 within the steam system 8 is directed to the milk 3 via a nozzle through pipes located in the coffee machine at a preset steam output. The control of steam generation and the necessary valve positions are controlled by a computing unit—also known as a controller 9—which preferably acquires the duration / process time of milk foam generation and / or the medium temperature using a temperature sensor 5 in parallel.

[0066] Here, temperature measurement is exemplarily performed by means of a sensor / detector 5 having a tube extending through the steam nozzle 1 and a measuring tip that can be located outside the steam nozzle parallel to the steam-air mixture outlet 4. Advantageously, the measurement is thus performed directly in the medium 3.

[0067] Therefore, the addition of steam / air can be controlled according to parameters, such as preset time and / or temperature values, which can be done via controller 9.

[0068] Preferably, air addition is performed by means of an air pump 11, which is activated as needed via a computing unit or controller 9 and supplies a defined amount of air to the steam stream according to a correspondingly selected process scheme—also known as a control profile or milk / air emulsion generation profile. The steam-air mixture 6 is directed through a steam / air line 4 or multiple internal lines in the steam nozzle 1 to one or more steam exit openings of the type of steam nozzle 22, and during or after exiting, causes the medium 3 in the vessel—particularly in the handled cup 2—to be foamed.

[0069] It is possible to set a personalized cut-off temperature for both air and steam addition, preferably between 50°C and 70°C.

[0070] It is also possible to set personalized process times for air addition and steam addition, which depend on the corresponding milk volume. For example, for 180ml of milk, a 30-second steam addition and a 20-second air addition can be started in parallel.

[0071] Instead of adding a fixed / static amount of air, it is also possible to change the amount of air before or during foam preparation. By dynamically adjusting the amount of air, it is possible to respond to individual requirements, fluctuating environmental conditions, and specific boundary conditions, so as to achieve the desired foam effect independently of these.

[0072] Preferably, air addition control is based on temperature and / or time (and / or other measurable physical parameters), and can also be coordinated with milk type, milk temperature, target consistency, target foam volume, and target temperature.

[0073] In particular, for dynamic air addition control, a pre-set milk / air emulsion generation profile can be used to achieve optimal milk processing by varying the air addition over time.

[0074] Thus, different opening cross-sections can be created, for example, by adjusting valve 13, thereby changing the amount of air generated and supplied to the steam by air pump 11. A larger opening cross-section corresponds to a larger air volume, and a smaller opening cross-section corresponds to a smaller air volume. This setting can be controlled and / or adjusted before and / or during foam preparation. It is also conceivable that the air delivery power of the air pump can be adjusted or controlled and / or regulated via corresponding speed adjustments.

[0075] In dynamic air addition control, a pre-set profile can be used for optimal milk processing. The profile can be stored in the data memory of the controller 9 and can vary depending on the existing milk type (pre-selected) and / or the desired milk foam characteristics.

[0076] The milk foam thus generated can then be used to make beverages or specialty drinks.

[0077] Figure 4 This example illustrates how a suitable milk / air emulsion generation profile or control scheme can be determined.

[0078] At the start or after the process for generating milk / air emulsion, the type of milk to be pre-selected or the type of milk to be processed (e.g., 3.8% UHT milk) and the consistency to be produced (e.g., leaning towards thinner foam, leaning towards thicker foam) (from very thin (flowable) to very thick (dry) foam) are selected or input.

[0079] Subsequently, suitable and potentially applicable presets for air addition duration (foam volume), air share (bubble size), and target temperature / duration can be suggested—for example, based on database values ​​on the manufacturer's side. These presets can be further optimized by the field user / technician or through remote maintenance, or customized to meet customer expectations.

[0080] Milk temperature and steam pressure are measured data inside the machine and are incorporated into the process control by the controller as initial conditions when preset.

[0081] For example, it can be done as follows: By setting the duration of air addition ( Pump running time Use this setting to determine the amount of foam.

[0082] By adjusting the amount of air added ( Open cross section Use this to set the foam consistency.

[0083] The target temperature is set by limiting the cut-off temperature of steam addition.

[0084] Subsequently, the product can optionally be customized and modified based on the results (whether the milk foam corresponds to the preset values ​​in terms of quantity, consistency, and / or temperature). Preferably, multiple different settings can be stored and retrieved.

[0085] Thus, the optimal milk / air emulsion generation profile can be determined and stored based on the type of milk and the desired foam consistency, and can then be used for process control. The determination and storage of these additional milk / air emulsion generation profiles can be implemented by the user, or by designing the program as a self-learning system.

[0086] When controlling based on temperature, the milk temperature can be supplemented by real-time measurement of the temperature sensor 5 (measuring detector) in the nozzle, and the adjustment of air addition can be used in response to the measurement result. This can be done during operation. Advantageously, the milk temperature range and the defined air addition amount are pre-stored in the memory of the controller 9. Air addition profiles (database values) based on milk type, initial air addition based on milk temperature, and air addition in multiple stages, especially based on the measured milk / foam temperature, can also be stored.

[0087] The following is for reference. Figure 5 and Figure 6 This example will be explained in more detail based on the example.

[0088] Phase 1 - No air added until the target temperature for Phase 1 is reached, for example, 10°C. Without adding air, heating to defined initial conditions is used to achieve a repeatable and precise foaming effect regardless of the milk inlet temperature.

[0089] Phase 2 - Add small amounts of air (airflow rate / time relative to the maximum possible airflow rate / time) until the target temperature for Phase 2 is reached - e.g., 20°C. Foaming is initiated by adding a small amount of air (25%) until ideal air absorption conditions are achieved. Small bubbles should be prevented from agglomerating (forming large bubbles) and rising to the surface.

[0090] Phase 3 - Add large amounts of air until the target temperature for Phase 3 is reached, for example, 60°C. Foaming is performed with a large amount of air added at 75% within the ideal range (between 20°C and 60°C for milk / milk foam temperature) to achieve a greater increase in volume.

[0091] Phase 4 - Add a very small amount of air, starting from the target temperature of Phase 4 - for example, 68°C Add a very small amount of air (10%) to the foaming process to prevent the air bubbles from expanding at high temperatures and causing a decrease in the foaming effect.

[0092] List of reference numerals 1 Steam nozzle 2. Vessel (preferably a cup with a handle) 3. Medium (preferably milk or a milk substitute) 4 Steam / Air Piping 5. Temperature sensor 6. Steam-air mixture 7. Steam System 8. Air System 9. Calculation Unit 10 Steam / Air Mixing Connector (Steam Jet Nozzle) 11 Air pump 12 Air Sources 13. Air throttle 14. Air / Air Piping 15 Steam Boilers 16 Water supply unit / pump 17 Flowmeter 18. Loading valve 19 Steam shut-off and vent valves 20 Steam / Steam Piping 21 Data Lines 22 Steam Nozzle 23 Milk spray nozzle / foam stick 24-inch milk pump 25 Milk containers 26 Milk / Milk Tubing 27 Air Selector Valve 28. Air throttle 29. Air throttle 30 Air Selector Valve 31 Air throttle 32. Air throttle.

Claims

1. A device for generating a milk-air emulsion having at least one steam jet (1) which is designed to be immersed in a vessel (2) filled with milk, wherein By means of a steam system (7) and by means of an air system (8), steam and air can be conducted into the milk through the steam lance (1), wherein the steam system (7) and the air system (8) can be controlled by means of a controller (9) on which a milk-air emulsion generation program is loaded and can be implemented, the controller accessing a memory on which at least one or more milk / air emulsion generation profiles are stored, so that the steam and air can be conducted into the milk in accordance with a correspondingly selected milk / air emulsion generation profile in order to automatically generate the milk / air emulsion in the vessel (2), wherein the one or more milk / air emulsion generation profiles at least comprise a control of the air system (8) over a time phase in which a different size of air addition is made which is greater than zero.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The air system has at least: a. at least one or more air throttles (13, 28, 29, 31, 32), b. at least one controllable air pump (11) connected to the controller, and c. an air line (14).

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The at least one air throttle is connected to the controller (9) and is designed as a controllable motorized air throttle (13).

4. The apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein, The at least one controllable air pump is designed in such a way that the delivery power of the air pump can be changed.

5. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more milk / air emulsion generation profiles also comprise at least one time phase in which no air addition is made.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The one or more milk / air emulsion generation profiles comprise at least three time phases in which three different sizes of air addition are made, respectively.

7. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more milk / air emulsion generation profiles also comprise at least one time phase which also comprises at least one time phase in which no steam addition is made and at least one time phase in which steam addition is made.

8. The apparatus of claim 2, 3, or 4, wherein, The plurality of air throttles are designed as static air throttles (28, 29, 31, 32) which are assigned one or more air selection valves (27, 30) which are connected to the controller (9) and can be controlled by the controller.

9. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The steam system has at least one steam boiler (15), at least one controllable steam valve (19) and a steam line (20).

10. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The steam pressure of the steam system can be controlled.

11. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The air line (14) and the steam line (20) open into a common combined steam / air line (4) which leads through a steam lance (4) which can be immersed in the milk in a vessel.

12. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The air line (14) and the steam line (20) independently lead through a steam lance (4) which can be immersed in the milk in the vessel.

13. An automatic beverage machine, in particular a coffee machine, having an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. A method by which a milk-air emulsion is generated from milk using the device according to any one or more of the preceding claims, said method having at least the following steps: d. providing the device, providing a vessel (2) and providing milk, e. filling the vessel (2) with milk and arranging the vessel (2) in such a way that the steam lance (1) is immersed in the milk; and f. introducing air and steam into milk located in the vessel (2) by means of the steam lance (1), wherein the air system (7) and the steam system (8) are controlled by the controller using a milk-air emulsion generation program according to at least one pre-stored milk / air emulsion generation profile in order to generate the milk-air emulsion, g. wherein the control of the air system (8) in step c) comprises at least two time phases in which different sizes of air addition are made, each of which is greater than zero.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, the control of the air system (8) in step c) further comprises at least one time phase in which no air addition is made.

16. The method according to any of the preceding method claims, characterized in that the control of the air system (8) in step c) comprises at least three time phases in which three different sizes of air addition are made, respectively.

17. The method according to any of the preceding method claims, characterized in that the control of the steam system (7) in step c) further comprises at least one time phase in which no steam addition is made.

18. The method of any of the above method claims, wherein, the vessel (2) is filled with milk manually or automatically.

19. The method according to any of the preceding method claims, characterized in that During the process, at least one or more operating parameters are determined one or more times during the process for adjusting the milk / air emulsion generation profile during its process.

20. The method of any of the above method claims, wherein, The one or more operating parameters determined one or more times during the process for adjusting the milk / air emulsion generation profile include the temperature of the milk in the vessel (2).

21. The method of any of the above method claims, wherein, During the generation of the milk / air emulsion, the amount of air directed into the milk changes over time and / or temperature.

22. The method of any of the above method claims, wherein, During the generation of the milk / air emulsion, the amount of steam directed into the milk remains constant or changes over time and / or temperature.

23. The method of any of the above method claims, wherein, After the start of the milk-air emulsion generation program, a pre-selection of the amount of milk and / or the type of milk and / or the consistency of the milk-air emulsion to be produced is made via data input.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein, After the start of the milk-air emulsion generation program, pre-settings for air addition duration and / or air addition amount and / or target temperature are suggested by the program.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein, The pre-settings for air addition duration and / or air addition amount and / or target temperature are individually adjusted by the user.

26. The method of any of the above method claims, wherein, The amount of foam is set by setting the air addition duration.

27. The method of any of the above method claims, wherein, The consistency of the foam is set by adjusting the air addition.

28. The method of any of the above method claims, wherein, The target temperature is set by defining a cut-off temperature for steam addition.

29. The method of any of the above method claims, wherein, During the generation of the milk / air emulsion, the temperature of the milk in the vessel (2) is determined and the measured value is incorporated into the process control.

30. The method of any of the above method claims, wherein, During the generation of the milk / air emulsion, additional milk / air emulsion generation profiles can be determined, stored and subsequently used for process control of the milk / air emulsion generation depending on the type of milk and / or the desired consistency of the foam.

31. The method of any of the above method claims, wherein, The control of the air system (8) during the generation of the milk / air emulsion comprises three or more phases, wherein in a first phase initially no air addition is made until a temperature value "1 ", then in a second phase a small amount of air addition is made until a temperature value "2", and then in a third phase a large amount of air addition is made until a temperature value "3", and then preferably in a fourth phase from a temperature value "4" a very small amount of air addition is made.

Images