Apparatus and method for producing milk-air emulsions

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for producing a milk-air emulsion, which has at least one steam lance (1) which is designed to be dipped into a vessel (2) filled with milk, wherein with the aid of a steam system (7) and with the aid of an air system (8), steam and air can be conducted through the steam lance (1) into the milk, characterised by a design such that water, preferably cold water, can also be conducted through the steam lance (1) into the vessel (2).

Description

[0001] Device and method for producing milk-air emulsions

[0002] The invention relates to a device and a method for producing a milk-air emulsion, preferably a milk foam.

[0003] DE 602 15 058 T2 discloses such a generic prior art.

[0004] It is known to create a milk / air emulsion, particularly milk foam, in a container such as a pitcher filled with milk using a steam wand, which may have a steam and air line. To do this, a person preparing the coffee with a coffee machine usually holds the pitcher under the steam wand until the consistency of the milk foam is satisfactory. This is therefore a manual process in which the steam wand is immersed in the pitcher filled with an appropriate amount of milk and is foamed using a special process or method - possibly including suitable movements - until the required temperature and consistency are reached. An attempt can then be made to clean the system with the help of a burst of steam.

[0005] The technological background also includes EP 0 676 163 A1, US 6 099 878 A and DE 10 2009 025 986 A1.

[0006] The invention aims to simplify this process while maintaining the principle of the steam lance immersed in the milk.

[0007] The invention solves this problem by a device having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 18.

[0008] Firstly, a device for producing a milk-air emulsion is created, which has at least one steam wand which is designed to be immersed in a vessel filled with milk, wherein with the aid of a steam system and with the aid of an air system, steam and air can be guided through the steam wand into the milk, wherein a design is provided such that water, preferably cold water, can also be guided into the vessel through the steam wand, preferably in a controlled manner.

[0009] In this way, cold or hot water, especially cold water, can be directed into and through the steam lance. This enables automatic water supply to and into the steam lance.

[0010] The ability to supply cold water in at least one operating mode is therefore a mandatory feature of the device. Alternatively, steam and air can be supplied together in other mandatory operating modes. Additional operating modes—supplying only air or only hot water—are optionally available.

[0011] A particularly advantageous feature is that instead of a steam purge, a water rinse can be used after frothing. This reduces the risk of the user being exposed to the steam. Furthermore, the steam wand is cooled, preventing a potential hazard. Furthermore, splashing is avoided, and the risk of contamination of the machine's surroundings due to the steam application is reduced.

[0012] The water can be added - in particular according to a programmable sequence - parallel, sequential or partially parallel to the steam / air addition into the vessel, whereby at least the amount of water added can be controlled.

[0013] For example, parallel addition of steam and cold water during the purging and / or cleaning process is conceivable. Temperature-controlled addition of water for hot water preparation (e.g., tea) is also conceivable.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, a water line can be provided for supplying the water, which, on the one hand, is connected directly or indirectly to a water source and, on the other hand, leads directly to a water outlet in the steam lance or opens into a steam-to-water line that leads into and through the steam lance. In this way, the lance can be cooled after product production, particularly with cold water—that is, water at the temperature at which it exits the water line—in order to reduce its temperature. This reduces the risk of injury and also the danger of buildup.

[0015] Cold water within the meaning of this application is preferably less than 25° C, in particular less than 20° C. Hot water within the meaning of this application is preferably more than 60° C, in particular more than 80° C.

[0016] It can then optionally be provided that the water addition can take place - controlled by a control unit - and that the water valve is designed as a controllable shut-off valve which is operatively connected wirelessly and / or wired to the computing unit or the control unit via an operative connection path. Preferably, the water addition can be adjusted in a quantity-controlled manner. In this way, it is possible, for example, to provide an automated, controlled rinsing process for the pitcher and / or the steam lance, which can be rinsed with a predetermined amount of water for this purpose. Optionally, it can then be provided that a cleaning agent supply - preferably also controlled - is provided. This enables further cleaning options after the production of milk foam.This can expediently comprise a cleaning agent unit which has a cleaning agent line which can open into the steam / water line, wherein a controllable cleaning agent valve is connected into the cleaning agent line.

[0017] The cleaning agent unit can then have a cleaning agent container from which cleaning agent, in particular a liquid cleaning agent, can be pumped through the cleaning agent line into the water line and through the water line directly or via the steam / water line into the vessel. It is then expedient for the cleaning agent valve to be designed as a controllable shut-off valve that is operatively connected wirelessly and / or wired to the processing unit or control unit via an operative connection path.

[0018] In particular, a design is also conceivable in which an automatic lance cleaning program with internal water addition via lance (CIP Cleaning in Place) runs.

[0019] Advantageously, a method can be implemented in which a milk-air emulsion is produced from milk using a device according to one or more of the preceding claims, which comprises at least the following steps:

[0020] Providing the device, providing a vessel (2) and providing milk,

[0021] Filling the vessel with the milk and arranging the vessel (2) in such a way that the steam wand is immersed in the milk;

[0022] Introducing air and steam through the steam wand into the milk in the vessel (2), and

[0023] Generating at least one burst of water and / or detergent.

[0024] This process also enables automatic water supply to and through the steam lance.

[0025] It is also conceivable to provide an automatic lance cleaning process with internal water and / or cleaning agent addition via lance (CIP Cleaning in Place).

[0026] Optionally, it is conceivable that the steam system, the cleaning system, the water system, and the air system can each be controlled by the control unit, on which a milk-air emulsion generation program is loaded and executable. This control unit has access to a memory on which at least one or more milk-air emulsion generation profiles and cleaning profiles - each in the form of a control profile - are stored, so that the steam and the air can be directed into the milk according to a respectively selected milk-air emulsion generation profile in order to automatically generate the milk-air emulsion in the vessel and subsequently automatically clean the unit. The control profile can depend on one or more physically measurable parameters. In particular, it can be designed as a temperature- and / or pressure- and / or time-dependent control profile. The physical measurement variable can be the conductivity of the milk.

[0027] In additional embodiments, it is also possible, after filling the vessel, to automatically generate a milk-air emulsion in a simple manner according to a flow chart while maintaining the "steam lance principle." Production is preferably terminated after a limit value contained in the chart is reached (e.g., a time limit or a temperature limit). In a very simple embodiment, the at least one chart can contain constant steam and air supply quantities over a defined period of time. However, it can also be more complex, which will be explained below using examples.

[0028] Above and below, the terms "milk-air mixture," "milk-air emulsion," and "milk foam" are used synonymously. The term "milk" should not be defined too narrowly. It encompasses, in particular, animal milk as well as fully or partially plant-based milk products (e.g., oat milk and soy milk).

[0029] It is expedient if the air system has at least the following: at least one or more air throttles, at least one controllable air pump connected to the control unit, and an air line. Then, according to one variant, it can be provided, particularly expediently and advantageously, that the at least one air throttle is connected to the control unit and that it is designed as a controllable motor-driven air throttle. According to a further advantageous variant, it can also be provided alternatively or optionally that the delivery rate of the air pump can be automatically changed and adjusted by the control unit. This type of control is simple and reliable. And according to another variant, it can be advantageously and structurally simple for the plurality of air throttles to be designed as static air throttles, to which one or more air selection valves connected to the control unit and controllable by the latter are assigned.On the device - in particular on a coffee machine with the device - there is preferably a display for outputting information during the program sequence and an input unit - e.g. in the form of a touch display - for entering data, e.g. for pre-selection and pre-setting of the type of milk and the like.

[0030] It can further advantageously be provided that the steam system has at least one steam boiler, at least one controllable steam valve and a steam line.

[0031] It is also possible for the air line and the steam line to flow into a common combined steam-air line, which is guided through the steam lance, which can be immersed in the milk in the vessel.

[0032] However, it is also conceivable that the air line and the steam line are led separately through the steam lance, which can be immersed in the milk in the vessel, or that the air line and the steam line are led separately through the steam lance and an air lance, each of which can be immersed in the milk in the vessel.

[0033] According to an advantageous further development, it is also advantageous if the storage is a local storage or a cloud storage. The "connections" within the scope of this document, if they are designed or can be designed as data connections, can be wireless or wired.

[0034] The invention then also provides a drinks vending machine, in particular a coffee machine, with at least one device according to one of the claims related thereto.

[0035] Within the scope of the present invention, the method and / or device according to the invention can be used in a device for dispensing, and in particular also for preparing, a beverage. Such a device is preferably designed as a fully automatic coffee machine.

[0036] Further advantageous embodiments are mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0037] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings using exemplary embodiments. It should be emphasized that these exemplary embodiments are not to be understood as limiting. The invention is implemented particularly advantageously in this exemplary embodiment. The individual features of these exemplary embodiments can be advantageously used in combination with the respective further features of the exemplary embodiments. However, they can also be combined with other exemplary embodiments shown or not shown and are also each suitable as advantageous embodiments of the subject matter described in one or more of the main and subclaims.

[0038] It shows:

[0039] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the structure of a first device according to the invention for producing milk-air emulsions, in particular milk foam;

[0040] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the structure of a second device according to the invention for producing milk-air emulsions, in particular milk foam;

[0041] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the structure of a third device according to the invention for producing milk-air emulsions, in particular milk foam

[0042] The following description of the figures describes various exemplary embodiments. The individual features of these exemplary embodiments can be advantageously used in combination with the respective further features of the exemplary embodiments. However, they can also be combined with other exemplary embodiments shown or not shown and are also suitable as advantageous embodiments of the subject matter described in one or more of the main and subclaims.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows a first exemplary structure of a device according to the invention for the automated production of milk-air emulsions. The device can form an integral component of a beverage vending machine, in particular a coffee machine. This coffee machine can be designed in a variety of ways. However, it can also form a separate unit, which is placed, for example, as a standalone device next to a beverage vending machine. This is because the device for producing milk foam—whether integrated into the beverage vending machine or designed separately—is essentially designed separately from a section of the coffee machine with which the coffee is produced.

[0044] The devices of Figures 1 to 3 for producing milk-air emulsions serve to produce a milk-air emulsion, in particular in the manner of a milk foam, from a medium such as milk 3, which is preferably poured "untreated" or from a package or a tank into a vessel 2, by means of at least one steam lance 1 immersed in the vessel 2, with the aid of air and steam which are passed into the milk through the steam lance 1, with the aid of manual or preferably automated control of the addition of air and steam to the milk. The term "milk" should not be defined too narrowly. It encompasses animal milks but also non-animal plant-based milk substitutes such as soy milk or oat milk or the like.

[0045] This milk foam can then be used, among other things, to prepare a coffee specialty. For example, the milk foam can be poured into a cup that has previously been partially filled with coffee, or one that will be refilled with coffee afterward, to prepare a cappuccino or similar beverage.

[0046] The steam lance 1 can have an elongated shape, which allows it to be immersed from above into a vessel 2, such as a mug or a pitcher. It can have an outer casing in the manner of a tube. This outer casing can be made of metal or another material, such as ceramic. A combined steam / air line 4 is guided through the steam lance 1. A thermometer 5 can also be formed in or on the steam lance. This thermometer 5 can be connected to a control device 9 (which can be designed as a CPU) via a data link, such as a cable, or wirelessly. It is arranged such that the free end of the steam lance 1 is usually immersed in the medium, such as milk, contained in the vessel 2.

[0047] Alternatively, it may also be provided that a further separate supply line is formed in the steam lance, through which air can be fed into the vessel 2. In this case, only steam is fed through line 4, and air is fed through the further line (not shown here).

[0048] The milk can - for example in the embodiment of Fig. 1 - be filled into the vessel 2 - here the pitcher - from a separate container or - and this is particularly preferred - from a tank and an outlet of the beverage machine.

[0049] Thus, after the device for generating a milk-air emulsion, preferably milk foam, in particular a beverage vending machine with such a device has been previously provided, the milk is first poured into the container 2. This can be done manually. Or it can be done automatically using a dispensing lance, from which milk is drawn from a tank into the container. For this purpose, the milk pump can be controlled by a control unit 9 to switch it on and off and / or to vary the speed of the milk pump 24. Both options are feasible.

[0050] In a further step, air can be fed into the steam / air line 4 with an air system 8 through an air line 14 and steam can be fed together or individually through the steam / air line 4 into and through the steam lance 1 into the vessel 2 with a steam system 7 through a steam line 20.

[0051] The air and steam can be fed into the steam / air line 4 manually or automatically, controlled or regulated. The air and steam addition can be constant according to a pre-stored schedule.

[0052] The air and steam can, for example, be fed individually into the steam / air line 4 at different times or simultaneously. For this purpose, the steam system 7 and the air system 8 can each be connected to the control unit 9 (CPU). This can have a CPU and a memory or be connected to one - locally or via, for example, a network or cloud connection - and can be provided with a control and / or regulation program with which the steam / air supply through the steam / air supply line 4 into the vessel 2 can be controlled or regulated.

[0053] It is optionally possible to use the control and / or regulation program to carry out a sequence control of the process for the automated production of a milk-air emulsion.

[0054] The air system 8 can be designed or constructed in various ways. An exemplary embodiment is shown in Fig. 1. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The air system 8 could also be constructed in other ways.

[0055] According to Fig. 1, the air system 8, according to an advantageous embodiment, has an air inlet for air from an "air source 12," which can be formed from a tank or, for example, from the ambient air. At least one throttle, in particular a motor-driven variable air throttle 13, and an air pump 11 can be connected downstream of this air source 12 in the air line 14, thereby providing means by which the air from the air source 12 can be conveyed through the air line 14 into the steam / air line 4. Preferably, the amount of air fed into the steam / air line 4 can be varied by appropriate control by the control unit 9. For this purpose, the motor-driven air throttle 13 and / or the air pump 11 can be controllable and connected to the control unit 9 at least via a control path (a wired line or wirelessly configured).

[0056] It is also conceivable for the air path to be opened by two or more controllable air throttles. In this case, for example, several air throttles with the same cross-section can be used.

[0057] It is also conceivable that the at least one controllable air pump is designed in such a way that its delivery capacity can be changed during operation of the air pump, for example, can be adjusted with the aid of the control unit.

[0058] The steam system 7 can also be designed in various ways. Its purpose is to generate steam from water and, if necessary, via an intermediate line such as the steam / air line 4, to direct it into the steam lance 1.

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

[0060] Downstream of this water source 16, a flow meter 17, a controllable filling valve 18, a steam boiler 15, and a steam line 20 with a steam shut-off and vent valve 19 may preferably be provided. The steam line 20 may open into the steam / air line 4.

[0061] However, the steam system 7 can also be constructed in a different way. For example, according to an alternative embodiment not shown here, the steam pressure in the steam line could be adjustable or controlled directly or via a motorized throttle in the steam channel 20 (corresponding profiles for air and steam can be stored).

[0062] The steam system 7 and the air system 8 can each be optionally controlled by the control unit 9, on which a milk-air emulsion generation program is loaded and executable, wherein the control unit has access to a memory on which at least one or more milk-air emulsion generation profiles are stored, so that the steam and the air can be guided into the milk according to a respectively selected milk-air emulsion generation profile in order to automatically generate the milk-air emulsion in the vessel 2.

[0063] According to Fig. 1 to 3 it is also possible to direct water directly into the vessel 2 through the steam lance 1.

[0064] For this purpose, it is provided that the water valve 23 can control cold or hot water, preferably cold water, through the steam lance 1 into the vessel 2.

[0065] This supply can be effected by a water pipe 24, which on the one hand can be connected directly or indirectly to the water source 16 (or another water source) and which on the other hand either opens into the steam pipe 4 (Fig.1) or which is led separately through the steam lance 1 to a water outlet 25 (Fig. 2).

[0066] This enables an automatic cold water supply (T typically less than 20°C) to and into the steam lance 1. Thus, cold or hot water, preferably cold water, can be fed via this water valve 23 into the steam channel, or as a separate line, of the steam lance system. This enables an automatic water supply to and into the steam lance. This can be advantageously used for cleaning and / or cooling the steam lance 1 or for adding water to a beverage.

[0067] The water valve 23 can be arranged in the water line 24. The water valve 23 can be designed as a controllable shut-off valve, which is operatively connected to the computing unit or the control unit 9 via a wireless or wired connection path.

[0068] A program configured as a control profile or milk-air emulsion generation profile can be stored on the control unit 9 and run during operation. This can automatically control the addition of air and / or steam during the generation of the milk-air emulsion. However, the addition of water can also be used if the generation of the milk-air emulsion is manually controlled.

[0069] It is preferably provided that this program can also control the addition of water. Thus, after creating a milk / air emulsion for a hot beverage, the water valve 23 can be controlled in such a way that a type of "water surge" is generated, which serves to flush the steam line 4 (Fig. 1) or at least to flush the outlet area of ​​the steam lance 1 with water. It is also possible, if necessary, to also enable controlled cold water dispensing into the vessel, for example, to fill it completely or partially with water (without creating a milk / air emulsion).

[0070] It is also conceivable to provide an optional cleaning agent supply.

[0071] Such a cleaning agent supply could be implemented in both the embodiment of Fig. 1 and that of Fig. 2. This is illustrated by way of example in Fig. 3, which is based on Fig. 1 and supplements it with a cleaning agent supply.

[0072] The cleaning agent supply can comprise a cleaning agent unit 27 having a cleaning agent line 30 that can open into the water line 24. A controllable cleaning agent valve 26 can be connected into the cleaning agent line 30. The cleaning agent unit can, for example, comprise a cleaning agent container 28 from which, by means of a pump 29, cleaning agent, in particular a liquid cleaning agent, can be conveyed through the cleaning agent line 30 into the water line 24 and through the latter directly or via the steam / water line 4 into the vessel 2.

[0073] The cleaning agent valve 26 can be designed as a controllable shut-off valve which is in operative connection with the computing unit or the control unit 9 via an operative connection path in a wireless and / or wired manner.

[0074] It is preferably provided that the control profile or milk-air emulsion generation profile can also control the addition of cleaning agent. Thus, after generating a milk-air emulsion for a hot beverage, the water valve 23 and the cleaning agent valve can be controlled in parallel or at different times, for example, such that first a "cleaning agent pulse" and then a "water pulse" is generated, which serves to clean the steam line 4 and then flush it with water or at least to flush the outlet area of ​​the steam lance 1 with water. However, it can also be provided that a type of cleaning-in-place process runs in a controlled manner.

[0075] Cold or hot water, preferably cold water, can be fed into the steam duct via a valve, or as a separate line in the steam lance system. This allows for automatic water supply to and into the steam lance.

[0076] The main advantages and options of these designs are listed again as follows: • A water rinse can be used instead of a steam burst (purge) after foaming;

[0077] • An automatic lance cleaning program with internal water addition via lance (CIP Cleaning in Place) can run;

[0078] • A rinsing process with the lance can be provided for the pitcher and lance;

[0079] • The amount of water added to the drink can be adjusted;

[0080] • The lance can be cooled after product production;

[0081] • Steam and cold water can be added in parallel during the purge and / or cleaning process; and

[0082] • Temperature-controlled hot water preparation (tea) can be carried out.

[0083] The device 1 can, for example, be advantageously used as follows to produce a milk-air emulsion.

[0084] The medium 3 to be heated and / or frothed, preferably milk or a milk substitute, is manually or automatically placed into the vessel 2 - e.g. the pitcher - and positioned under the steam lance 1, whereby the steam lance 1 and especially the nozzle with the steam outlet openings 22 should be immersed within the medium.

[0085] The steam generated in the steam system 8 in a steam boiler 15 is, when triggered with a preset steam product, directed through a line located in the coffee machine through the lance into the milk 3. The control of the steam generators and the necessary valve position is controlled by a computing unit—also called control unit 9—which preferably simultaneously records the duration / process time of milk foam production and / or the medium temperature with the temperature sensor 5.

[0086] The temperature measurement is performed here, for example, using a sensor / probe 5, which has a tube that runs through the steam lance 1 and a measuring tip that can be located outside the steam lance parallel to the steam-air mixture outlet 4. This advantageously performs the measurement directly in the medium 3.

[0087] The addition of steam and / or air can then be controlled depending on parameters, for example depending on preset time and / or temperature values, which can be done via the control unit 9. The air is preferably added by means of the air pump 11, which is activated as needed by the computing unit or the control unit 9 and supplies a defined amount of air to the steam flow according to the selected flow pattern - also called a control profile or milk / air emulsion generation profile. The steam-air mixture 6 is guided through the one steam / air line 4 or several internal pipes in the steam lance 1 to the steam outlet orifice(s) in the manner of a steam nozzle 22 and froths the medium 3 in the vessel - in particular in a pitcher - 2 during and after the outlet.

[0088] It is possible to set individual switch-off temperatures for the air and steam addition, which are preferably between 50°C and 70°C.

[0089] It is also possible to set individual process times for the addition of air and steam, which depend on the respective amount of milk, for example 30 seconds of steam addition followed by 20 seconds of air addition for 180 ml of milk.

[0090] Instead of a fixed / static air flow rate, it is also possible to vary the air flow before and during foam preparation. Dynamic adjustment of the air flow allows for adaptation to individual requirements, fluctuating ambient conditions, and specific framework conditions, achieving ideal foam results regardless of these.

[0091] The air addition control can preferably be carried out as a function of the temperature and / or time (and / or other measurable physical quantities) and can further be adjusted to the type of milk, the milk temperature, the target consistency, the target foam quantity and the target temperature.

[0092] In particular, for dynamic air addition control, preset milk / air emulsion generation profiles can be used for optimal milk processing through time-varying air addition.

[0093] For example, by adjusting the valve 13, different opening cross-sections can be generated, through which the amount of air generated by the air pump 11 and supplied to the steam can be varied. A large opening cross-section corresponds to a large amount of air, a small opening cross-section corresponds to a small amount of air. The setting can be controlled and / or regulated before the foam is prepared and / or during preparation. It is also conceivable to regulate or control and / or regulate the air delivery rate of the air pump by adjusting the speed accordingly. With dynamic air supply control, preset profiles can be used for optimal milk processing. The profiles can be stored in the data memory of the control unit 9 and can differ depending on the type of milk available (preselection) and / or the desired milk foam properties.

[0094] The milk foam produced in this way can then be used to make a specialty drink.

[0095] Subsequently, the water and / or steam pulse can be generated, and an optional cleaning agent pulse can be generated before or after the cleaning. The term "pulse" should not be interpreted too narrowly. It can also be interrupted, extend over a longer period, or form part of a more comprehensive cleaning process.

[0096] Cold water, which has a temperature of less than 30°C and in particular less than 15°C, can be used as the water for the water jet. Alternatively, hot water, which can be more than 60°C and in particular more than 80°C, can also be used.

[0097] List of reference symbols

[0098] 1. Dam plant

[0099] 2. Vessel (preferably pitcher)

[0100] 3. Medium (preferably milk or milk substitute)

[0101] 4. Steam / air line

[0102] 5. Temperature sensor

[0103] 6. Steam-air mixture

[0104] 7. Steam system

[0105] 8. Air system

[0106] 9. Computing unit

[0107] 10. Steam / air mixing connector (steam jet nozzle)

[0108] 11. Air pump

[0109] 12. Air source

[0110] 13. Air throttle

[0111] 14. Air / Air line

[0112] 15. Steam boiler

[0113] 16. Water supply / water pump

[0114] 17. Flow meter

[0115] 18. Filling valve

[0116] 19. Vapor barrier and ventilation valve

[0117] 20. Steam / steam line

[0118] 21. Data line

[0119] 22. Steam nozzle

[0120] 23. Water valve

[0121] 24. Water pipe

[0122] 25. Water outlet

[0123] 26. Detergent valve

[0124] 27. Cleaning agent unit

[0125] 28. Detergent container

[0126] 29. Detergent pump

[0127] 30. Cleaning agent line

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device for producing a milk-air emulsion, which has at least one steam plant (1) which is designed to be immersed in a vessel (2) filled with milk, wherein with the aid of a steam system (7) and with the aid of an air system (8) steam and air can be conducted through the steam plant (1) into the milk, characterized by a design such that water, in particular also cold water, can also be conducted into the vessel (2) through the steam plant (1).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized by a design such that water, preferably cold water, can also be guided into the vessel (2) through the steam lance (1) in a controlled manner by a computing unit or a control device (9).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a design such that the water is cold water having a temperature of less than 30°C and preferably less than 20°C.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized by a design such that hot water can alternatively be conducted into the vessel (2) through the steam lance (1).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by a design such that the water can be guided into the vessel (2) with the computing unit under the control of the steam lance (1) - in particular according to a programmable sequence scheme - parallel, sequentially or partially parallel to the addition of steam and air, wherein at least the amount of water added is controllable.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a water pipe (24) is provided for supplying the water, which on the one hand is connected directly or indirectly to a water source (16) and on the other hand is led directly to a water outlet (25) in the steam lance.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a water pipe (24) is provided for supplying the water, which on the one hand is connected directly or indirectly to a water source (16) and on the other hand opens into a steam-water pipe (4) which is led into the steam lance (1) and through it.

8. Device according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the water valve (23) is designed as a controllable shut-off valve, which is in operative connection with the computing unit or the control unit (9) via a operative connection path, wirelessly and / or wired.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cleaning agent supply is provided.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning agent supply has a cleaning agent unit (27) which has a cleaning agent line (30) which can open into the water line (24), wherein a controllable cleaning agent valve (26) is connected into the cleaning agent line (30).

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning agent unit (27) has a cleaning agent container (28) from which cleaning agent, in particular a liquid cleaning agent, can be conveyed by means of a pump (29) through the cleaning agent line (30) into the water line (24) and through this directly or through the steam-water line (4) into the vessel (2).

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning agent valve (26) is designed as a controllable shut-off valve which is in operative connection with the computing unit or the control unit (9) via an operative connection path in a wireless and / or wired manner.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air system has at least the following: a) at least one or more air throttles (13), b) at least one controllable air pump (11) connected to the control unit, and c) an air line (14).

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steam system has at least one steam boiler (15), at least one controllable steam valve (19) and a steam line (20).

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air line (14) and the steam line (20) open into a common combined steam-air line (4) which is guided through the steam lance (4) which can be immersed in the milk in the vessel.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air line (14) and the steam line (20) are guided separately through the steam lance (4), which can be immersed in the milk in the vessel.

17. Beverage vending machine, in particular a coffee machine, with at least one device according to one of the preceding claims.

18. A method for producing a milk-air emulsion from milk using a device according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising at least the following steps: a) providing the device, providing a vessel (2) and providing milk, b) filling the vessel (2) with the milk and arranging the vessel (2) such that the steam lance (1) is immersed in the milk; and c) introducing air and steam through the steam lance (1) into the milk in the vessel (2), and d) generating at least one burst of water and / or at least one burst of cleaning agent following step c).

19. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that step d) is carried out as part of a cleaning-in-place cleaning.

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