Beverage dispensing machine with vertically adjustable milk frothing device

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of beverage distribution machines equipped with milk frothing devices. State of the art

[0002] A beverage distribution machine, such as an automatic coffee machine, includes in a known manner a frame, a cup support, a boiler disposed in the frame and configured to produce hot water and / or steam, a dispensing head configured to supply beverage, and for example coffee or hot water, a cup disposed on the cup support, and a milk frothing device including in particular a connecting part configured to be fluidly connected to a connecting element which is provided on the frame and which is configured to be supplied with hot water and / or steam from the boiler.

[0003] The dispensing head of such a beverage dispensing machine is generally height-adjustable and, more specifically, vertically movable relative to the frame between a low and a high position, in order to adjust the position of the dispensing head according to the size of the cup used.

[0004] However, since the milk frothing device on such a beverage dispenser is static, pouring milk foam into a cup placed below the device is imprecise, which can lead to significant soiling of both the cup and the dispenser. Furthermore, especially when using a small cup, pouring the milk foam into the cup can cause significant splashing and the formation of large bubbles on the surface of the milk foam, due to the considerable drop of the hot, frothed milk before reaching the cup.

[0005] A beverage dispensing machine having the technical characteristics of the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed in document EP2407068A1. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0007] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing a beverage distribution machine whose milk frothing device guarantees the obtaining of milk foam with an appropriate consistency and significantly limits the risks of soiling the beverage distribution machine.

[0008] To this end, the present invention relates to a beverage dispensing machine, such as an automatic coffee machine, comprising: a frame, a boiler disposed in the frame and configured to produce hot water and / or steam, a distribution head which is height-adjustable and vertically movable relative to the frame between a low and a high position, a connecting element which is configured to be fluidly connected to the boiler and to be supplied with hot water and / or steam from the boiler, and a milk frothing device comprising a milk reservoir delimiting an internal volume intended to contain milk, and a connecting part configured to be mechanically and fluidly connected to the connecting element and to supply the milk frothing device with hot water and / or steam.

[0009] The connecting element is movable vertically relative to the frame, and the milk frothing device is height adjustable and is movable vertically relative to the frame between a lowered position and a raised position.

[0010] This configuration of the beverage dispenser allows the position of the milk foam spout, located on the milk frothing device, to be adjusted according to the size of the cup used, and more specifically, to move the milk foam spout closer to the cup. These features allow for more precise pouring of the hot milk foam into the cup, and therefore significantly reduce the risk of soiling the beverage dispenser and the cup, especially when the user uses a small cup, and also minimize the formation of large bubbles on the surface of the milk foam inside the cup.

[0011] By automatic coffee machine, we understand that the coffee machine includes in particular an infusion chamber which can be supplied with coffee grounds by a bean grinder incorporated in the machine, or an infusion chamber which can receive a capsule or a coffee pod or an infusion chamber formed by a spoon intended to be filled with coffee grounds and emptied manually.

[0012] The beverage dispensing machine may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispensing machine is configured such that a movement of the dispensing head between the high position and the low position results in a movement, for example simultaneous, of the milk frothing device between the raised position and the lowered position.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispensing machine is configured such that, when the milk frothing device is in the raised position, the dispensing head is in the high position, and such that, when the milk frothing device is in the lowered position, the dispensing head is in the low position.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is disposed at least partly in the frame, and is accessible from outside the frame.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member is mechanically linked to the dispensing head such that a movement of the dispensing head between the upper and lower positions results in a movement of the milk frothing device between the raised and lowered positions. This arrangement allows a user to simultaneously, and therefore easily and precisely, adjust the position of the dispensing head and the milk frothing device according to the size of the cup being used. Furthermore, the fact that the connecting member is mechanically linked to the dispensing head simplifies the beverage dispensing machine according to the present invention, since it is not necessary to provide specific means for guiding the translation and maintaining the position of the connecting member and the milk frothing device.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is mounted to move in translation relative to the frame and independently of the distribution head.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage distribution machine comprises a trolley that can be moved vertically relative to the frame, the dispensing head being mounted on the trolley.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member is fixed in motion to the carriage.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage distribution machine includes a linking element configured to mechanically connect the connecting element to the trolley.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member and the carriage are made in one piece.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispensing machine comprises two guide rods fixed to the frame, the carriage being mounted to slide on the guide rods in a substantially vertical direction when the beverage dispensing machine rests on a horizontal surface. Such a configuration of the beverage dispensing machine ensures guidance of the carriage by means of a simple and reliable guiding device.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide rods extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the guide rods has a circular cross-section.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises a front face provided with a passage slot which is configured to extend substantially vertically when the beverage distribution machine rests on a horizontal surface, the connecting member and / or the connecting part being configured to extend through the passage slot and to be moved in the passage slot when the milk frothing device is moved vertically between the lowered position and the raised position.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the milk foaming device is configured to be supported by the connecting member.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is offset laterally relative to the distribution head.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member comprises a connecting tip which is configured to be fluidly connected to the boiler and to which the connecting part is configured to be fluidly connected, and a locking part, such as a locking sleeve, which extends around the connecting tip and which is configured to lock the connecting part onto the connecting member.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting nozzle extends along an extension direction. Advantageously, the extension direction is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the beverage dispensing machine rests on a horizontal surface.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting tip and the locking part define an annular housing configured to house at least part of the connecting part.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking portion is configured to prevent the connecting portion from moving out of the annular housing, and in particular along a withdrawal direction that is substantially parallel to the extension direction of the connecting nozzle. These arrangements ensure optimal locking of the milk frothing device onto the connecting member, while also ensuring optimal positioning of the milk frothing device relative to the frame.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispensing machine includes a rotation-locking device configured to prevent the connecting part from rotating relative to the connecting element and to prevent rotation of the connecting part around an axis of rotation coinciding with a central longitudinal axis of the connecting nozzle. These arrangements ensure optimal positioning of the milk frothing device relative to the vertical.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotation locking device comprises at least one flat provided on an internal surface of the locking part, and at least one flat provided on an external surface of the connecting part and configured to cooperate with the at least one flat provided on the locking part.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking part has a cross-section that is non-circular, and for example rectangular or square, the internal surface of the locking part forming part of the rotational locking device.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking part and the connecting part are configured to orient the milk frothing device substantially vertically when the beverage dispensing machine rests on a horizontal surface.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking part comprises at least one locking tab which is elastically deformable and which is provided, on its internal surface, with a locking member, such as a locking projection, configured to cooperate with a locking element, such as a locking housing, provided on an external surface of the connecting part.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the milk frothing device includes a milk foam discharge conduit, for example provided with a discharge spout, configured to be located vertically above a container, such as a cup.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispensing machine includes a container holder on which a container, such as a cup, can be placed, the dispensing head and the milk frothing device being movable vertically relative to the container holder. Advantageously, the container holder is fixed. The container holder may, for example, include a support grid.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispensing machine includes a holding device configured to hold the dispensing head in position.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the guide rods is metallic, and the retaining device comprises at least one magnet configured to cooperate magnetically with at least one guide rod which is metallic.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the milk foaming device comprises a mixing chamber, a hot water / steam supply duct fluidly connected to the connecting part, a main flow duct connecting the hot water / steam supply duct to the mixing chamber, a milk supply duct connected to the main flow duct, and an air supply duct connected to the main flow duct.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the milk foam discharge conduit is fluidly connected to an outlet orifice of the mixing chamber.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the milk foaming device comprises: a mixing part comprising the mixing chamber, the hot water / steam supply duct and the main flow duct, and a movable closure part relative to the mixing part between a closed position in which the closure part closes the mixing chamber and the main flow duct and an open position in which the mixing chamber and the main flow duct are open and accessible for cleaning.

[0044] Such a configuration of the milk foaming device allows for easy cleaning of the mixing chamber and the main flow channel.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the milk reservoir includes a top opening, the mixing part being arranged at the level of the top opening.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mixing portion and the closing portion are configured to close the milk tank and are removable from the milk tank. In other words, the mixing portion and the closing portion form a lid configured to close the milk tank.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main flow duct includes a cross-sectional restriction forming a milk and air suction system based on the Venturi effect. In other words, the main flow duct is configured such that a flow of hot water / steam in the main flow duct from the hot water / steam inlet duct to the mixing chamber generates a vacuum in the milk inlet duct and a vacuum in the air inlet duct, resulting in the suction of milk and air into the main flow duct. This configuration of the milk frothing device makes it possible to control the amount of air and milk admitted into the mixing chamber without requiring complex and expensive intake means.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage distribution machine includes a hot water / steam supply tube, for example flexible, configured to fluidly connect the connection element to the boiler.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the milk supply conduit opens into the main flow conduit near the section restriction.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mixing part comprises an upper face in which the main flow conduit is provided and into which the mixing chamber opens.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air supply duct opens into the main flow duct near the section restriction.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closing part is configured to cover the mixing part.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the milk frothing device includes a retaining system configured to hold the closing part in the closed position. Such a configuration of the retaining system prevents the closing part from moving unintentionally to the open position.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closing part includes a filling opening configured to allow the introduction of milk into the milk reservoir.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining system is configured to fix in a removable manner, i.e. temporarily and reversibly, the mixing part and the closing part to the milk reservoir. Brief description of the figures

[0056] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the attached schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of this beverage dispensing machine. [ Fig 1 [ ] is a front perspective view of a beverage dispensing machine according to the present invention, showing a dispensing head and a milk frothing device respectively in a high position and in an elevated position. Fig 2 ] is a partial front perspective view of the beverage dispensing machine of the figure 1 , showing the dispensing head and the milk frothing device respectively in the lowered and lowered positions. Fig 3 ] is a front view of the beverage dispensing machine of the figure 1 showing the dispensing head and the milk frothing device respectively in the high and raised positions. Fig 4] is a front view of the beverage dispensing machine of the figure 1 , showing the dispensing head and the milk frothing device respectively in the lowered and lowered positions. Fig 5 ] is a partial rear perspective view of the beverage dispensing machine of the figure 1 . [ Fig 6 ] is a partial rear view of the beverage dispensing machine of the figure 1 in which the dispensing head and the milk frothing device occupy the lower and lowered positions, respectively. Fig 7 ] is a partial rear view of the beverage dispensing machine of the figure 1 , in which the dispensing head and the milk frothing device occupy the upper and raised positions respectively. Fig 8 ] is a front perspective view of a trolley and a connecting device belonging to the beverage dispensing machine of the figure 1 . [ Fig 9 ] is a rear perspective view of the carriage and the connecting element of the figure 8 . [ Fig 10 ] is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the beverage dispensing machine of the figure 1 . [ Fig 11 ] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the beverage dispensing device. Fig 12 ] is a top perspective view of a mixing section of the milk frothing device. Fig 13 ] is a partial top view of the mixing section of the figure 12 . Detailed description

[0057] THE figures 1 to 13 represent a beverage distribution machine 2, and more specifically an automatic coffee machine, suitable for distributing coffee, milk drinks or tea.

[0058] The beverage dispensing machine 2 includes, in particular, a frame 3, a container support 4 on which a cup can be placed, and a dispensing head 5 which is height-adjustable. The container support 4 may, for example, include a support grid.

[0059] The beverage distribution machine 2 also includes a boiler 6 arranged in the frame 3 and configured to produce hot water and / or steam.

[0060] The dispensing head 5 is more particularly movable vertically relative to the container support 4 and the frame 3 between a low position in which a small cup, such as a cup intended to hold a ristretto, can be placed on the container support 4 and supplied with a beverage, for example coffee, from the dispensing head 5, and a high position in which a large cup, such as a mug, can be placed on the container support 4 and supplied with a beverage, for example hot water, from the dispensing head 5.

[0061] As shown on the figures 5 to 7The beverage dispensing machine 2 also includes two metallic guide rods 7 extending substantially parallel to each other. The guide rods 7 are fixed, for example by embedding, to the frame 3, and more particularly to a support plate 8 that is substantially vertical and belongs to the frame 3. The guide rods 7 are, in particular, fixed in translation relative to the frame 3 and extend substantially vertically. Each of the guide rods 7 advantageously has a circular cross-section.

[0062] The beverage dispensing machine 2 also includes a trolley 9 (see in particular the figures 6 to 9 ) mounted to slide on the guide rods 7 in a sliding direction that is substantially vertical when the beverage dispensing machine 2 rests on a horizontal surface. The trolley 9 is advantageously made of plastic.

[0063] As shown on the figures 8 and 9 , the carriage 9 includes a mounting portion 9.1 which is disposed between the two guide rods 7 and on which the distribution head 5 is mounted, for example by press mounting and / or by clamping with fixing screws.

[0064] The carriage 9 also includes two primary guide portions 9.2 offset vertically from each other and arranged on one side of the mounting portion 9.1, and two secondary guide portions 9.3 offset vertically from each other and arranged on the other side of the mounting portion 9.1. Each primary guide portion 9.2 is provided with a primary guide hole 11, and each secondary guide portion 9.3 is provided with a secondary guide hole 12. One of the guide rods 7 extends through the primary guide holes 11, while the other of the guide rods 7 extends through the secondary guide holes 12.

[0065] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each primary guide orifice 11 has a circular cross-section, and each secondary guide orifice 12 has an oblong cross-section. Thus, each primary guide orifice 11 is connected to the respective guide rod 7 by a sliding pivot joint, and each secondary guide orifice 12 is connected to the respective guide rod 7 by a point joint.

[0066] The beverage dispensing machine 2 further includes a holding device configured to hold the carriage 9 and the dispensing head 5 in position relative to the guide rods 7. The holding device includes, for example, a plurality of magnets 13 which each cooperate magnetically with one of the guide rods 7. Advantageously, each magnet 13 is a permanent magnet, and is housed in a respective receiving recess formed on the mounting portion 9.1 of the carriage 9 and opening into a respective lateral surface of the mounting portion 9.1.

[0067] The beverage dispensing machine 2 also includes a connecting member 15 which is configured to be fluidly connected to the boiler 6 and to be supplied with hot water and / or steam from the boiler 6. The beverage dispensing machine 2 may, for example, include a hot water / steam supply tube (not visible in the figures) configured to fluidly connect the connecting member 15 to the boiler 6.

[0068] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the connecting member 15 is offset laterally relative to the dispensing head 5 and is fixed in movement to the carriage 9, and is therefore also mounted to move in translation relative to the frame 3 in a direction of travel that is vertical when the beverage dispensing machine 2 rests on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the connecting member 15 is mechanically connected to the carriage 9 by a linkage member 16. The connecting member 15, the carriage 9, and the linkage member 16 can, for example, be made as a single unit.

[0069] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the frame 3 comprises a front facade 17 provided with a passage slot 18 (see in particular the figures 2 And 6) which is configured to extend substantially vertically when the beverage dispensing machine 2 rests on a horizontal surface. The connecting member 15 is configured to be accessible to a user through the passage slot 18, and advantageously to extend partially through the passage slot 18 and to be moved along the passage slot 18 when the trolley 9 is moved vertically.

[0070] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the connecting member 15 includes a connecting nozzle 19 which is configured to be fluidly connected to the boiler 6 and which extends in an extension direction configured to extend substantially horizontally when the beverage distribution machine 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0071] The connecting fitting 19 is generally tubular and has a first end configured to be fluidly connected to the boiler 6 and a second end opposite the first end. Advantageously, the connecting fitting 19 is provided with an end wall 19.1 sealing the second end of the connecting fitting 19, and an outlet opening 19.2 located near the end wall 19.1.

[0072] The connecting member 15 further includes a locking part 21, such as a locking sleeve, which extends around the connecting end 19 and whose function will be described in more detail below.

[0073] The beverage dispensing machine 2 further includes a milk frothing device 22 which is height-adjustable and vertically movable relative to the frame 3 between a lowered and a raised position. The milk frothing device 22 is specifically mounted to move in translation relative to the frame 3 in a vertical direction of movement when the beverage dispensing machine 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0074] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the beverage dispensing machine 2 is configured such that a movement of the dispensing head 5 between the raised and lowered positions results in a simultaneous movement of the milk frothing device 22 between the raised and lowered positions. Advantageously, the beverage dispensing machine 2 is configured such that when the milk frothing device 22 is in the raised position, the dispensing head 5 is in the raised position, and when the milk frothing device 22 is in the lowered position, the dispensing head 5 is in the lowered position.

[0075] However, according to one embodiment of the invention, the milk foaming device 22 could be mounted movable in translation relative to the frame 3 independently of the distribution head 5.

[0076] The milk frothing device 22 includes, in particular, a tubular connection portion 23 configured for mechanical and fluid connection to the connecting member 15, and more specifically to the connecting nozzle 19. The connection portion 23 is thus configured to supply the milk frothing device 22 with hot water and / or steam. Advantageously, the connecting member 15 is configured to support the milk frothing device 22 via the connection portion 23.

[0077] The locking part 21, provided on the connecting member 15, is configured to lock the connecting part 23 onto the connecting member 15, and more particularly to prevent the connecting part 23 from moving out of an annular housing delimited by the connecting end 19 and the locking part 21, and in particular along a withdrawal direction which is substantially parallel to the extension direction of the connecting end 19.

[0078] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking portion 21 comprises at least one locking tab 24, and for example two locking tabs 24 that are diametrically opposed. Advantageously, the locking tab or tabs 24 are elastically deformable and are provided, on their inner surface, with a locking member 25, such as a locking projection, configured to cooperate with a locking element 26, such as a locking housing, provided on an external surface of the connecting portion 23.

[0079] Advantageously, the locking part 21 and the connecting part 23 are configured to orient the milk frothing device 22 substantially vertically when the beverage dispensing machine 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0080] The beverage distribution machine 2 advantageously includes a rotation-locking device configured to lock the connecting part 23 in rotation relative to the connecting member 15, and thus prevent the connecting part 23 from rotating around an axis of rotation coinciding with a central longitudinal axis of the connecting nozzle 19.

[0081] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rotation locking device comprises at least a first flat 27 provided on an internal surface of the locking part 21, and at least a second flat 28 provided on an external surface of the connecting part 23 and configured to cooperate with the at least a first flat provided on the locking part 21. Advantageously, the locking part 21 and the connecting part 23 each have a cross-section which is generally rectangular or square.

[0082] As shown more specifically on the figure 11 The milk frothing device 22 includes a milk reservoir 29 defining an internal volume for holding milk and comprising a top opening 31. The milk reservoir 29 may, for example, have a generally cylindrical shape and a circular cross-section. However, the milk reservoir 29 could also have a completely different shape, for example, an oblong or rectangular cross-section.

[0083] The milk foaming device 22 further comprises a mixing part 32 arranged at the upper opening 31. The mixing part 32 more particularly comprises a mixing body 33 configured to partially close the milk reservoir 29 and to be removable from the milk reservoir 29.

[0084] The mixing body 33 includes a mixing chamber 34 which opens into the upper face of the mixing body 33 and which is provided with an outlet orifice 35, and furthermore a main flow conduit 36 ​​provided in the upper face of the mixing body 33 and opening into the mixing chamber 34. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the mixing chamber 34 is of the cyclonic type, and the main flow conduit 36 ​​opens tangentially into the mixing chamber 34.

[0085] As shown more specifically on the figure 13 , the main flow conduit 36 ​​has a section restriction 37 located for example in a central portion of the main flow conduit 36.

[0086] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the mixing body 33 also includes the connecting part 23. Advantageously, the connecting part 23 extends radially with respect to a central axis of the mixing body 33, and is configured to extend radially with respect to the central axis of the milk tank 29.

[0087] The mixing body 33 further includes a hot water / steam supply conduit 38 which is fluidly connected to the connecting part 23 and which opens into the main flow conduit 36 ​​upstream of the section restriction 37. The main flow conduit 36 ​​is thus configured to fluidly connect the hot water / steam supply conduit 38 to the mixing chamber 34, and to allow a flow of hot water / steam in the main flow conduit 36 ​​and up to the mixing chamber 34.

[0088] The milk foaming device 22 also includes a milk supply conduit 39 fluidly connected to the main flow conduit 36, and thus configured to be fluidly connected to the mixing chamber 34 via the main flow conduit 36. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the mixing part 32 includes the milk supply conduit 39.

[0089] As shown more specifically on the figure 11 The milk supply line 39 includes a milk suction tube 39.1 extending vertically and opening into a lower part of the milk tank 29, and a calibrated flow passage 39.2 located downstream of the milk suction tube 39.1 and opening into the main flow line 36 at the section restriction 37. The calibrated flow passage 39.2 is more particularly configured to define a predetermined milk flow rate in the milk supply line 39.

[0090] The milk foaming device 22 further includes an air supply duct 41 which opens into the main flow duct 36 at the section restriction 37. The air supply duct 41 is thus configured to be fluidly connected to the mixing chamber 34 via the main flow duct 36. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the air supply duct 41 is formed at least partially in the upper face of the mixing body 33.

[0091] The section restriction 37, described previously, induces an increase in the velocity of the vapor flowing in the main flow duct 36, which generates a depression in the milk supply duct 39 and in the air supply duct 41. The section restriction 37 is therefore more particularly configured to form a milk and air suction system based on the venturi effect. The main flow duct 36 is thus configured such that a flow of hot water / steam in the main flow duct 36 from the hot water / steam supply duct 38 and up to the mixing chamber 34 generates a vacuum in the milk supply duct 39 and a vacuum in the air supply duct 41 and consequently causes milk and air to be drawn into the main flow duct 36 and the milk and air drawn into the mixing chamber 34 to flow.

[0092] The mixing body 33 further includes a milk foam dispensing conduit 42 fluidly connected to the outlet 35 of the mixing chamber 34 and, for example, equipped with a dispensing spout. The milk foam dispensing conduit 42 is configured to allow the dispensing of hot milk and milk foam into a container, such as a cup, positioned vertically below the milk dispensing conduit 24, and in particular resting on the container support 4. Advantageously, the milk dispensing conduit 24 is configured to extend radially with respect to the central axis of the milk reservoir 29.

[0093] The milk foaming device 22 further includes a closing portion 43 configured to cover the mixing body 33 and to bear against the mixing body 33. As shown in the figure 11 , the closing part 43 is generally flat.

[0094] The mixing part 32 and the closing part 43 are configured to close the milk tank 29 and to be removable from the milk tank 29. The mixing part 32 and the closing part 43 thus form a lid configured to close the milk tank 29.

[0095] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the closure portion 43 includes a filling opening 44 configured to be located opposite a passage opening 45 provided on the mixing body 33 and opening into the milk tank 29, thus allowing the milk tank 29 to be filled with milk. The closure portion 43 could optionally also include a movable flap 46, for example pivotally mounted, between an open position in which the flap 46 at least partially uncovers the filling opening 44 and allows milk to be introduced into the milk tank 29, and a closed position in which the flap 46 at least partially closes the filling opening 44.

[0096] The closing part 43 is more particularly mounted movable relative to the mixing part 32 between a closed position in which the closing part 43 closes the mixing chamber 34, the main flow duct 36 and the air supply duct 41, and an open position in which the mixing chamber 34, the main flow duct 36 and the air supply duct 41 are open and accessible for cleaning.

[0097] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the closing part 43 could further comprise an air intake duct connected to the main flow duct 36 via the air supply duct 41. According to another alternative embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the air supply duct 41 could be provided on the closing part 43, and not on the mixing part 32.

[0098] The milk foaming device 22 also includes a retaining system configured to hold the closing part 43 in the closed position. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the retaining system is also configured to removably, i.e., temporarily and reversibly, attach the mixing part 32 and the closing part 43 to the milk tank 29. However, such attachment of the mixing part 32 and the closing part 43 to the milk tank 29 could be achieved by a connecting device separate from the retaining system.

[0099] As shown on the figures 2 And 11The retaining system comprises a locking ring 47 mounted for rotation relative to the mixing section 32 and the milk reservoir 29 about an axis of rotation and between a release position in which the locking ring 47 allows movement of the closing section 43 towards the open position and a locking position in which the locking ring 47 prevents movement of the closing section 43 towards the open position. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking ring 47 and the closing section 43 are made as a single piece.

[0100] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention, as defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. Beverage dispensing machine (2) comprising: • a frame (3), • a boiler (6) arranged in the frame (3) and configured to produce hot water and / or steam, • a dispensing head (5) which is height-adjustable and is vertically displaceable relative to the frame (3) between a lower position and an upper position, • a connecting member (15) which is configured to be fluidly connected to the boiler (6) and to be supplied with hot water and / or steam originating from the boiler (6), and • a milk frothing device (22) comprising a milk reservoir (29) defining an internal volume intended to contain milk, and a connecting part (23) configured to be mechanically and fluidly connected to the connecting member (15) and to supply the milk frothing device (22) with hot water and / or steam, characterized in that the connecting member (15) is vertically displaceable relative to the frame (3) and in that the milk frothing device (22) is height-adjustable and is vertically displaceable relative to the frame (3) between a lowered position and a raised position.

2. Beverage dispensing machine (2) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member (15) is mechanically connected to the dispensing head (5) such that a displacement of the dispensing head (5) between the upper position and the lower position brings about a displacement of the milk frothing device (22) between the raised position and the lowered position.

3. Beverage dispensing machine (2) according to claim 1 or 2, which comprises a carriage (9) that is vertically displaceable relative to the frame (3), the dispensing head (5) being mounted on the carriage (9).

4. Beverage dispensing machine (2) according to claim 3, wherein the connecting member (15) is fixed in movement with the carriage (9).

5. Beverage dispensing machine (2) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the connecting member (15) and the carriage (9) are made in one piece.

6. Beverage dispensing machine (2) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, which comprises two guide rods (7) fixed to the frame (3), the carriage (9) being mounted so as to slide on the guide rods (7) along a sliding direction which is substantially vertical when the beverage dispensing machine (2) rests on a horizontal surface.

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

8. Beverage dispensing machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connecting member (15) comprises a connection nozzle (19) which is configured to be fluidly connected to the boiler (6) and to which the connecting part (23) is configured to be fluidly connected, and a locking part (21) which extends around the connection nozzle (19) and which is configured to lock the connecting part (23) on the connecting member (15).

9. Beverage dispensing machine (2) according to claim 8, which comprises a rotation-blocking device configured to block the connecting part (23) in rotation relative to the connecting member (15) and to prevent a rotation of the connecting part (23) about a rotation axis coinciding with a central longitudinal axis of the connection nozzle (19).

10. Beverage dispensing machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the milk frothing device (22) comprises a milk foam discharge duct (42) configured to be located vertically above a receptacle.

11. Beverage dispensing machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the milk frothing device (22) comprises a mixing chamber (34), a hot water / steam supply duct (38) fluidly connected to the connecting part (23), a main flow duct (36) connecting the hot water / steam supply duct (38) to the mixing chamber (34), a milk supply duct (39) connected to the main flow duct (36), and an air supply duct (41) connected to the main flow duct (36).

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

13. Beverage dispensing machine (2) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the main flow duct (36) comprises a cross-sectional restriction (37) forming a milk and air suction system based on the venturi effect.