Homemade plant-based beverage filtration accessory for frothing jug

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an assembly (1, 1', 1'', 1''') for foaming a plant-based beverage, the assembly (1, 1', 1'', 1''') comprising: a reservoir (4) including a wall delimiting a cavity (9) for receiving the plant-based beverage; a conveying conduit (3) having a suction end (6) fluidically connected to the interior of the cavity and a discharge end (7) intended to be connected to a foaming element (8) for the plant-based beverage; and a filter wall (2, 2', 2'') extending within the cavity (9), at a non-zero distance from the suction end (6), and configured to filter plant-based beverage flowing from the reservoir (4) to the foaming element (8), before it passes through the suction end (6). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Accessory for filtering homemade plant-based beverages for a frothing jug technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to the field of foaming devices for producing foam from a liquid, in particular from a plant-based beverage, especially a homemade plant-based beverage and in particular homemade plant-based milk. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Some coffee-based beverages contain milk and milk foam, which can be produced by a frothing device provided either in a coffee machine or separately. This is generally industrial animal milk, which is in liquid form.

[0003] To produce milk foam, foaming devices operating on the principle of the Venturi effect are known in the prior art: a vacuum is generated at one end of a delivery duct so as to force milk to be drawn into the duct. A downstream end of the delivery duct, through which the milk exits, is then connected to a device capable of transforming the milk into milk with milk foam.

[0004] However, more and more consumers prefer plant-based drinks to animal milk and want to enjoy their coffee with milk and milk foam made from such plant-based drinks. For ecological or economic reasons, due to taste preference, or also for health reasons such as intolerances or allergies, some of them want to make their own plant-based drinks, for example by grinding or blending nuts, legumes, grains, etc. Indeed, taking the example of a drink made from almonds, a commercially available version typically contains 2 to 5% almonds by volume, whereas a homemade version can contain more than 15% almonds by volume.

[0005] However, the artisanal plant-based beverages thus produced contain numerous large particles, typically with a largest dimension of at least 300 micrometers. In large numbers, these particles can clog the circuits of frothing devices into which they are poured and disrupt their operation. Furthermore, the presence of such particles in the beverage during frothing is undesirable, as the particles tend to burst the bubbles that give the foam its characteristic texture, and also impart a harsh taste to the beverage. EXPOSED

[0006] There is therefore a need for an optimized device adapted to the foaming of plant-based drinks / milk, especially homemade, and capable of producing a foam from these plant-based drinks that is of good quality.

[0007] To that end, a first aspect of this disclosure relates to an assembly for foaming a plant-based beverage, the assembly comprising: - a reservoir comprising a wall delimiting a cavity for receiving the plant-based drink; - a delivery conduit having a suction end fluidly connected to the interior of the cavity and a discharge end intended to be connected to a foaming device for the plant-based beverage; and - a filter wall extending within the cavity, at a non-zero distance from the suction end, and configured to filter plant-based beverage flowing from the reservoir to the foaming element, before it passes through the suction end.

[0008] Thanks to the proposed assembly, the plant-based beverage is filtered by the filter wall upstream of its passage at the suction end of the delivery duct. This design ensures that the liquid passing through the foaming element to be foamed is filtered before reaching the foaming element. This prevents clogging of the foaming element's small-diameter ducts and results in a high-quality foam free of large particles.

[0009] Preferred but not limiting aspects of this set, taken alone or in combination, are as follows: - at least a portion of the tank wall forms a base on which the tank is intended to rest under the effect of gravity, the filter wall extending in a plane not parallel to the base, - the filter wall extends to a non-zero distance from the bottom, - a portion of the conveying duct is elongated along a longitudinal axis not parallel to the bottom, and the filter wall is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis, - the conveying duct includes a portion extending inside the cavity, and the filter wall surrounds, preferably entirely, at least part of the portion of the conveying duct extending inside the cavity, - the filter wall is concave with a concavity that is deflected from the conveying duct, - the filter wall is cylindrical and surrounds at least part of the portion of the delivery duct extending inside the cavity, preferably centered on the portion of the delivery duct extending inside the cavity, The foaming assembly further includes a collection element extending inside the cavity and configured to collect each particle filtered by the filter wall from the plant-based beverage flowing from the reservoir to the foaming unit, before it passes through the suction end. The collection element is coupled to the filter wall and preferably extends substantially parallel to the bottom of the tank. the filter wall is coupled to the reservoir in a removable manner, the filter wall separates the cavity into at least two distinct parts, the suction end extending inside one of the two parts, the other of the two parts being open so as to be able to collect liquid before its circulation to the foaming element, through the filter wall, the foaming assembly includes a filtration element comprising: • the filter wall; • a guiding element configured to guide plant-based beverage poured into the cavity to the filter wall; • a collection element configured to collect a particle filtered by the filter wall from the liquid passing through the filter wall; and • a support configured to couple the filtration unit to the reservoir; the filter wall is cylindrical in shape and comprises filtration zones separated by reinforcement zones of the filtration unit structure; the collection element comprises a collection wall for the filtration unit; the support comprises feet adapted to be in contact with the bottom of the reservoir; the feet defining channels for the circulation of the plant-based beverage after its passage through the filter wall; the reservoir wall comprises a sliding connection; the filter wall is configured to be coupled to the reservoir via the sliding connection; the foaming assembly further comprises a collection element configured to collect each particle filtered by the filter wall from the liquid circulating from the reservoir to the foaming unit, before it passes through the suction end.The collection element includes a tab fixed to the filter wall; the foaming assembly includes a filtration unit comprising: • at least two caps (15, 16); • the filter wall fixed to each of the two caps so as to form a cylinder, one of the two caps forming the head of the cylinder, the other of the two caps forming the base of the cylinder; and • a collection element configured to collect each particle filtered by the filter wall from the liquid flowing from the reservoir to the foaming unit, before it passes through the suction end, the collection element comprising a tab fixed to the base of the cylinder, - the filtration unit is configured to be removably mounted on the delivery conduit, so that the collection element fits at least part of the bottom of the tank and the cylinder surrounds at least part of a portion of the delivery conduit extending within the cavity, - the filter wall comprises a material chosen from metals, plastics and / or textiles, - the filter wall is configured to filter particles with a largest dimension greater than or equal to 30 micrometers, preferably greater than 100 micrometers, - the foaming element is suitable for integration into a beverage dispensing head of a beverage dispensing machine or for connection to a hot water or steam dispensing outlet of the beverage dispensing machine, and the discharge end is suitable for connection to a vegetable beverage inlet of the foaming element, - the foaming device is positioned at an open end of the reservoir opposite the bottom along a vertical axis, the open end forming an access opening to the cavity, - the foaming device is designed to at least partially close an open end of the reservoir opposite the bottom. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] Other features, purposes and advantages will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and which should be read in conjunction with the drawings.

[0011] Fig. IA and Fig. IB represent an assembly for foaming a plant-based beverage, according to a first embodiment.

[0012] Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B represent an assembly for foaming a plant-based beverage, according to a second embodiment.

[0013] Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B represent an assembly for foaming a plant-based beverage, according to a third embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B represent an assembly for foaming a plant-based beverage, according to a fourth embodiment.

[0015] Throughout the figures, similar elements bear identical references. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In the following description, foam or foaming means obtaining foam from a liquid, whether it is only foam from that liquid (i.e., milk foam) or a mixture of that liquid and foam from that liquid (i.e., a mixture of milk and milk foam).

[0017] Furthermore, plant-based milk or plant-based drink means a beverage obtained, for example, by grinding or mixing nuts, legumes, cereals, etc. More specifically, these drinks are prepared, for example, from almonds, soybeans, oats, rice, coconut, or hazelnuts.

[0018] We propose an assembly 1, 1', 1”, 1'” for foaming a vegetable beverage, such as vegetable milk.

[0019] In Figures IA and IB, assembly 1 conforms to a first embodiment, while in Figures 2A and 2B, assembly 1' conforms to a second embodiment, in Figures 3A and 3B, assembly 1” conforms to a third embodiment, and in Figures 4A and 4B, assembly 1”' conforms to a fourth embodiment.

[0020] In the remainder of this text, the elements common to the four examples of embodiment mentioned above will be described first, then each of the embodiments will be described individually.

[0021] The assembly 1, 1', 1”, 1”' comprises a reservoir 4 equipped with a wall, in particular a sealed wall.

[0022] The wall delimits a cavity 9 for receiving a vegetable beverage.

[0023] The tank 4 includes a base 10 on which the tank 4 is intended to rest under the effect of gravity.

[0024] The assembly 1, 1', 1”, 1”' further includes a conveying conduit 3 comprising a first end, called the suction end 6, which is fluidly connected to the receiving cavity 9 so as to allow the suction, into the conveying conduit 3, of a portion of the plant drink located in the cavity 9. The conveying conduit 3 advantageously extends itself at least partially into the cavity 9.

[0025] In the configuration of use of the assembly 1, 1', 1”, 1'” to foam the plant drink, the liquid flows in the conveying conduit 3 from the suction end 6 to a discharge end 7, through which it exits and joins a foaming element 8.

[0026] The flow of the liquid in the conveying conduit 3 can be carried out under the action of the foaming element 8, for example by Venturi effect: the foaming element 8 is for example connected to a steam nozzle of a coffee machine, and the distribution of steam by the nozzle to the foaming element allows the creation of a vacuum at the discharge end 7, which forces the liquid present in the reservoir 4 to flow into the conveying conduit 3 by entering through the suction end 6 due to the pressure difference generated between the discharge end 7 and the suction end 6.

[0027] In the first three embodiments shown in Figures IA, IB, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, the foaming element 8 belongs to the assembly 1, 1', 1”. The foaming element 8 is advantageously adapted to be positioned at an open end 25 of the reservoir 4 opposite the bottom 10 along a vertical axis, the open end 25 forming an access opening to the cavity 9. Advantageously still, and as shown in Figures IA, 2A and 3A, the foaming element 8 is adapted to at least partially close the open end 25.

[0028] As shown in Figures IA, 2A and 3A, the foaming element 8 comprises a mixing chamber 21 in which the beverage is suitable for being transformed into foam. The mixing chamber 21 is attached, either removably or permanently, to the delivery conduit 3. Alternatively, the mixing chamber 21 is formed as a single unit with the delivery conduit 3.

[0029] The mixing chamber 21 opens to a frothed milk dispensing outlet. The frothed milk dispensing outlet includes, for example, a spout through which the frothed milk can be dispensed into a container such as a coffee cup.

[0030] The foaming element 8 preferably comprises an air circulation channel and a vapor circulation channel not visible in the figures, which join at the discharge end 7, the whole opening into a main flow duct connected to the mixing chamber 21. Thus a first mixing is carried out at the main flow duct, the mixing then continuing in the mixing chamber 21 (this is also called homogenization).

[0031] In the fourth embodiment shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the foaming element is not visible and is located in a beverage dispensing head 26 of a beverage dispensing machine 28 such as a coffee machine. The foaming element comprises, similarly to the other embodiments, a mixing chamber, a main flow conduit, and steam and air circulation channels. The foaming element also includes a milk circulation channel for supplying milk to the main flow conduit and circulating the milk to a frothed milk dispensing outlet via the chamber. mixing and frothing the milk. In this embodiment, the delivery conduit 3 is, for example, a flexible tube whose suction end 6 is immersed in the cavity 9 and whose discharge end is connected to a milk inlet of the frothing unit, supplying the milk-to-milk circulation channel. Advantageously, the delivery conduit 3 comprises several parts, such as tubes, assembled together.

[0032] As shown in Figures IA, IB, and IC, for the first three embodiments, assembly 1 comprises a cover 20 equipped with a movable ring 22 adapted to be fixed to the reservoir 4 to hold the cover 20 against the foaming element 8 and, in particular, against the steam and air circulation channels, the discharge end 7, and the main flow conduit. The cover 20 is adapted to close an open upper portion of the steam and air circulation channels, the discharge end 7, and the main flow conduit. This facilitates access to and cleaning of these elements.

[0033] Advantageously, an internal surface of the movable ring 22 is provided with a thread complementary to a thread provided on the reservoir 4, so as to allow the cover 20 to be screwed onto the reservoir 4. Preferably, a sealing gasket is disposed inside the movable ring 22, and thus ensures a seal between the cover 20 and the reservoir 4 when the cover 20 is screwed onto the reservoir.

[0034] The assembly 1, 1', 1" includes a coupling element 23 configured to allow coupling of the conveying conduit 3, and optionally of the mixing chamber 21, with the tank 4. The coupling element 23 includes a shoulder 24 configured to bear against an upper rim of the wall of the tank 4.

[0035] A filter wall 2, 2', 2" is disposed in the cavity 9, and allows, during the filling of the cavity 9 with plant-based beverage and / or subsequently, the filtration of large-diameter particles present in the beverage. The filter wall 2, 2', 2" is disposed in the reservoir 4 so as to ensure the filtration of the beverage upstream of the suction end 6 in a direction of liquid flow, so that the liquid entering the delivery conduit 3 has already undergone filtration.

[0036] The filter wall 2, 2', 2" is positioned at a non-zero distance from the suction end 6. This arrangement is advantageous because the filter wall does not create a pressure drop at the suction end 6, through which a filtered liquid can therefore be easily drawn. Furthermore, it prevents a possible blockage of the liquid flow at the suction end 6, due to a potential clog that particles retained by the filter wall 2, 2', 2" could form if they were against the suction end 6.

[0037] Preferably, the filter wall 2, 2', 2" is disposed at a distance from the suction end 6 of at least 1 mm, preferably on the order of 5 mm, preferably another distance between 1 and 40 mm.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the filter wall 2, 2', 2" is removable. Thus, the assembly is not only usable for frothing homemade plant-based drinks, but can also be used to receive animal milk or a pre-filtered plant-based drink.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the filter wall 2, 2', 2" comprises a metallic material. The filter wall 2, 2', 2" comprises, for example, stainless steel. Alternatively, the filter wall 2, 2', 2" comprises a metal treated with an anti-corrosion coating. According to another embodiment, the filter wall 2, 2', 2" comprises a plastic material, in particular polyester. Alternatively, the filter wall 2, 2', 2" comprises a textile material, the mesh thickness of the textile material being adapted to the size of the particles to be filtered from the beverage.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the filter wall 2, 2', 2" is configured to filter particles whose largest dimension is greater than 30 and preferably greater than 100 micrometers or even 300 micrometers.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the filter wall 2, 2', 2" extends at a non-zero distance from the bottom 10 of the tank 4, so as to allow the passage of filtered liquid in a space between the filter wall 2, 2', 2" and the bottom 10 before its circulation in the conveying conduit 3, and thus facilitate the suction of the liquid into the conveying conduit 3. This also allows homogenization of the filtered liquid during its flow in the space between the filter wall 2, 2', 2" and the bottom 10. Preferably, the filter wall 2, 2', 2" is disposed at a distance from the bottom 10 of the tank 4 of at least 10 mm, more preferably a distance between 10 mm and 40 mm.

[0042] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the conveying conduit 3 is extended along a longitudinal axis X not parallel to the bottom 10 when the conveying conduit 3 is in a mounted state in the tank 4. As shown in Figures IA, 2A and 3A, the axis X is preferably orthogonal to a plane in which the bottom 10 is inscribed. The filter wall 2, 2', 2" extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The conveying conduit 3 then includes a portion that extends inside the cavity 9 such that the filter wall 2, 2', 2" surrounds, at least partially, and preferably entirely, a part of the portion of the conveying conduit 3 extending inside the cavity.

[0043] As shown in Figures 2B and 3B, the filter wall 2', 2" has a concavity along part or all of its length defined along the longitudinal axis X. In particular, the filter wall 2', 2" may have a concavity that is oriented away from the conveying conduit 3 so as to better conform to the shape of the conveying conduit 3. This ensures homogenization of the liquid filtration. around the delivery conduit 3 before its entry through the suction end 6.

[0044] Alternatively, the filter wall 2, 2', 2" is partially or entirely planar.

[0045] Advantageously, the filter wall 2, 2', 2" extends in a plane not parallel to the bottom 10. When the beverage flows in a direction parallel to the bottom 10, for example under the effect of suction caused by a vacuum at the discharge end 7, this ensures that the plane of the filter wall is substantially orthogonal to the direction of flow of the beverage.

[0046] In the embodiments shown, the foaming assembly 1, 1', 1”, 1'” includes a collection element 5, 5' which extends inside the cavity 9. The collection element allows the particles filtered by the filter wall 2, 2', 2" to be collected during the passage of the liquid through it before its entry into the conveying conduit 3 through the suction end 6. The collection element 5, 5' is advantageously formed in one piece with the filter wall 2, 2', 2" as shown in the figures.

[0047] Alternatively, the collection element 5, 5' is coupled to the filter wall 2, 2', 2”, while being formed separately from it. In particular, the collection element 5, 5' is coupled to the filter wall 2, 2', 2” in a removable manner.

[0048] According to another variant, the collection element is separated from the filter wall 2, 2', 2”.

[0049] According to the embodiment shown in Figures IA and IB, a guide element 11 is positioned adjacent to the filter wall 2 so as to be upstream of the filter wall 2 in the normal direction of liquid flow. The guide element 11 may, for example, be in the form of a spout or a funnel. The guide element 11 allows the liquid to be guided towards the filter wall 2, particularly when liquid is poured into the cavity 9 by a user.

[0050] The collection element takes the form of a collection wall 5 arranged between the filter wall 2 and the bottom 10, so that the particles filtered by the filter wall 2 are conveyed, under the action of gravity, to the collection wall 5. As shown in Figures IA and IB, the collection wall 5 extends substantially parallel to the bottom 10.

[0051] Alternatively, the collection wall 5 has a slight inclination relative to the bottom 10, for example of a few degrees, so that the accumulation of the filtered particles under the effect of gravity on the collection wall 5 takes place on a given part of the collection wall 5, thus facilitating the recovery of the filtered particles by the user.

[0052] According to another variant, as shown in Figures 2A and 3A, the collection element takes the form of a tab 5' extending outward from the filter wall 2', 2”. Advantageously, the tab 5' extends substantially parallel to the bottom 10.

[0053] Alternatively, the tab 5' has a slight inclination relative to the bottom 10, for example of a few degrees, so that the accumulation of filtered particles under the effect of gravity on the tab 5' takes place on a given part of the tab 5', thus facilitating the recovery of the filtered particles by the user.

[0054] When it extends substantially parallel to the bottom 10, the tongue 5' is advantageously disposed on the bottom 10. Alternatively, the tongue 5' is disposed at a non-zero distance from the bottom 10.

[0055] The tongue 5' comprises a main part 52 and a rim 51 not parallel to the main part 52. In particular, the rim 51 is preferably configured to fit a wall of the reservoir 4. The rim 51 makes it easier for a user to grasp the tongue 5', in particular to recover the filtered particles accumulated on the tongue 5'.

[0056] Alternatively, the tongue 5' consists only of the main part 52, without the rim 51.

[0057] In the embodiment of [Fig. 2A], the filter wall 2' separates the cavity 9 into two distinct parts: an upstream part 91 and a downstream part 92, according to the normal flow direction of the beverage during operation of the assembly 1'. The suction end 6 of the delivery conduit 3 extends into the downstream part 92 to receive the filtered liquid. The upstream part 91 is open so as to collect liquid before it passes through the filter wall 2'. For example, the upstream part 91 is open to allow a user to pour the beverage into the upstream part 91.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the filter wall 2, 2', 2" is arranged relative to the conveying conduit 3 so that the circulation of the plant beverage through the filter wall 2, 2', 2" takes place in a radial direction, that is to say in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X and passing through it.

[0059] The specific embodiment examples corresponding to the figures will now be described in more detail embodiment by embodiment.

[0060] The foaming assembly 1 for a plant-based beverage illustrated in Figures IA and IB comprises a filter element 12 equipped with a filter wall 2 and a guide element 11 arranged to guide liquid poured into the cavity 9 to the filter wall 2. The guide element 11 is in the form of a spout, as shown in [Fig. 1A], or a funnel. The filter element 12 includes a collection element 5, configured to collect at least a portion of the particles filtered by the filter wall 2.

[0061] At least a portion of the conveying conduit 3 extends in a direction not parallel to the bottom 10 defined by the longitudinal axis X, and the filter wall 2 extends at least partially along the longitudinal axis X. The longitudinal axis X defines a direction axial. According to the example illustrated in figures IA and IB, the longitudinal axis X is substantially orthogonal to the bottom 10 of the tank 4 when the conveying conduit 3 is positioned in the tank 4.

[0062] The filter wall 2 extends around a receiving area 93, intended to receive a pour of the beverage by the user, so as to completely surround the receiving area 93. The filter wall comprises, depending on its circumference, one or more filtration area(s) 17 operating the filtration of the beverage.

[0063] The filtration zones 17 are separated by one or more reinforcement zones 14. The reinforcement zones 14 are solid and allow structural reinforcement of the filter wall 2.

[0064] The suction end 6 of the conveying conduit 3 is located in the cavity 9 and outside the receiving area 93.

[0065] The filtration element 12 includes a support 13 configured to couple the filtration element 12 to the reservoir 4.

[0066] The support 13 can take any shape allowing such coupling so as to prevent relative movement between the filter element 12 and the reservoir 4 during use of the assembly 1.

[0067] Advantageously, the support 13 includes feet 18 in contact with the bottom 10. The feet 18 define between them circulation channels 19 configured to allow passage of the filtered plant beverage, following its passage through the filter wall 2, through the support 13 towards the suction end 6.

[0068] Alternatively, the support 13 has the form of a rim extending in the continuation of the wall of the filtration unit 12 along the axial direction defined by the longitudinal axis X.

[0069] Preferably, the collection wall 5 is not filtering. This allows a user to use a tool, such as a pestle with a shape substantially complementary to that of the collection wall 5, to wring out the liquid remaining in the filter element 12 without the risk of particles passing through the collection wall 5 under the action of the tool. The collection element 5 retains the filtered particles, allowing a user to retrieve them when the assembly 1 is no longer in operation.

[0070] The filter element 12 is advantageously removable from the reservoir 4. The reservoir 4 can thus be used without the filter element 12, for example to froth a plant-based beverage or animal milk that has already been filtered before being poured into the cavity 9. The removability of the filter element 12 from the reservoir also allows, once the liquid has been filtered, the filter element 12 to be removed with the filtered particles arranged in the collection element, so as to leave only the filtered liquid in the cavity 9.

[0071] One use of assembly 1 according to this example embodiment includes the steps The following steps are taken: assembly of set 1, with the introduction of the filter element 12 into the reservoir 4, followed by filling the cavity 9 with the beverage. To best extract the beverage from the filter element 12 and force the filtered particles towards the collection wall 5, the user can use a tool, in particular the tamper, by pressing it against the collection wall 5 and possibly against the filter wall 2. The assembly of set 1 then includes the insertion of a portion of the delivery conduit 3 into the cavity 9, followed by screwing the movable ring 22 onto the reservoir 4.

[0072] During disassembly of assembly 1, carried out after filtration of the beverage, and before or after foaming of the beverage, the filtration element 12 is suitable for removal from cavity 9.

[0073] A second embodiment is illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B. Compared with the first embodiment illustrated in Figures IA and IB, this embodiment is identical except for the following.

[0074] In this embodiment, assembly 1' does not include a filter element. The filter wall 2' is coupled to the reservoir 4 via a sliding joint 14, preferably two sliding joints 14 arranged at two distinct circumferential positions on the wall of the reservoir 4. The filter wall 2' extends to the bottom 10 of the reservoir, so as to divide the cavity 9 into an upstream portion 91 and a downstream portion 92 in the normal flow direction of the liquid during operation of assembly 1'. The suction end 6 is then positioned in the downstream portion 92, while the upstream portion 91 is open so as to be able to receive liquid, for example, during a pour by a user.

[0075] The assembly 1' advantageously comprises, as shown, a collection element. The collection element takes the form of a tab 5' as described previously.

[0076] In this embodiment, an assembly of the unit 1' includes a step of positioning the filter wall 2' in the sliding joints 14 in order to couple the filter wall 2' to the reservoir 4, before filling the cavity 9, particularly the upstream part 91, with plant-based beverage. Optionally, the user uses a tool, such as a tamper, to force the filtered particles in the upstream part 91 towards the bottom 10 of the reservoir 4 and / or towards the tab 5'.

[0077] A third embodiment is illustrated in figures 3A and 3B.

[0078] The assembly 1” comprises a filter element 12” with a filter wall 2”. The filter wall 2” is cylindrical in shape, the center of the cylinder preferably coinciding with the center of the suction end 6. The filter element 12” also comprises two caps 15, 16. When the filter element 12” is mounted in the reservoir 4, a cap located closest to the bottom 10 of the tank 4 forms a foot 15 of the cylinder, the other cap forming a head 16 of the cylinder.

[0079] The 12” filter element advantageously includes a collection element, the collection element comprising a 5' tab fixed to the foot 15 of the cylinder. The 5' tab is configured to collect the particles filtered by the 2” filter wall.

[0080] The filter element 12" is advantageously configured to allow removable mounting of the filter element 12" on the conveying conduit 3. The collection element then fits at least a part of the bottom 10, the cylinder comprising the filter wall 2", the foot 15 and the head 16 surrounding at least a part of a portion of the conveying conduit 3 which extends into the cavity 9. In particular, the cylinder surrounds a part of the conveying conduit 3 which includes the suction end 6.

[0081] In this embodiment, an assembly of set 1” includes a step for positioning the filter element 12” in the cavity 9. When the assembly 1” includes a tab 5', the positioning of the filter element 12” in the cavity 9 takes place before the cavity 9 is filled with beverage. The filling can, in particular, be carried out through an opening provided for this purpose in the foaming element 8. When the assembly 1” does not include a collection element, the positioning of the filter element 12” can be carried out before or after the cavity 9 is filled with beverage.

[0082] In the first three embodiments, the assembly 1, 1', 1" forms a milk jug comprising a foaming element 8 at its filling end which includes a steam inlet suitable for being connected to a steam outlet of a beverage distribution machine in order to deliver a plant-based beverage foam from a plant-based beverage contained in the reservoir 4.

[0083] A fourth embodiment is illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B. For this embodiment, the assembly 1'' comprises, for example, a filter element 12 such as that described for the embodiment of Figures IA and 1B (as shown in [Fig. 4A]), or a filter element 12' such as that described for the embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B (not shown for this fourth embodiment). Alternatively, the assembly 1'' is without a filter element, and instead comprises a filter wall 2' mounted on two sliding joints 14 as described for the embodiment of Figures 2A and 2B (not shown for this fourth embodiment).

[0084] The differences between this embodiment of Figures 4A and 4B and the three previous embodiments of Figures IA and IB, 2A and 2B, 3A and 3B respectively are as follows: the assembly 1'" comprises a foaming element and a mixing chamber (not shown) arranged within a beverage dispensing head 26 of a beverage dispensing machine 28, such as a coffee machine. Thus, the foaming element and the mixing chamber are located outside the reservoir 4. In this embodiment, the suction end 6 of the delivery line 3 extends into the cavity 9, and the delivery line 3 extends partially outside the assembly 1" so as to connect to the dispensing head 26 of the beverage dispensing machine 28. The assembly 1" includes a cover 20', provided with an opening 27 for the passage of the delivery line 3. The cover 20' has no other openings besides the passage opening 27. Alternatively, the cover 20' also includes a pouring opening 29 allowing a user to pour a liquid into the cavity 9 without having to first remove the cover 20'. The cover 20' may include an internal thread complementary to an external thread of an open end 25 of the tank 4, so as to be able to engage removably on it.According to this embodiment, the reservoir 4 only performs a filtering function, the foaming function being performed by the assembly 1" within the distribution head 26.

[0085] As an alternative to this embodiment, the foaming element is not located within a beverage distribution head but is located away from the reservoir 4 and is suitable for connection to a hot water / steam distribution outlet of the beverage distribution machine, for example accessible on a front face of the beverage distribution machine.

[0086] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have 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.

Claims

Demands

1. Assembly (1, 1', 1”, 1”') for foaming a plant beverage, the assembly (1, 1', 1”, 1’”) comprising: a reservoir (4) including a wall delimiting a cavity (9) for receiving the plant beverage; a conveying conduit (3) having a suction end (6) fluidically connected to the interior of the cavity and a discharge end (7) provided for connection to a foaming element (8) for the plant beverage; and a filter wall (2, 2', 2”) extending within the cavity (9), at a non-zero distance from the suction end (6), and configured to filter plant beverage flowing from the reservoir (4) to the foaming element (8), before it passes through the suction end (6).

2. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the wall of the tank (4) forms a bottom (10) on which the tank (4) is intended to rest under the effect of gravity, the filter wall (2, 2', 2") extending in a plane not parallel to the bottom (10).

3. Assembly according to claim 2, wherein the filter wall (2, 2', 2") extends to a non-zero distance from the bottom (10).

4. Assembly according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein a portion of the conveying conduit (3) is elongated along a longitudinal axis (X) not parallel to the bottom (10), and wherein the filter wall (2, 2', 2") is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis (X).

5. Assembly according to claim 4, wherein the conveying conduit (3) comprises a portion extending inside the cavity (9) and wherein the filter wall (2', 2") surrounds, preferably entirely, at least a portion of the portion of the conveying conduit (3) extending inside the cavity (9).

6. Assembly according to claim 5, wherein the filter wall (2, 2', 2") is concave with a concavity diverted from the conveying conduit (3).

7. Assembly according to claim 5, wherein the filter wall (2”) is cylindrical and surrounds at least a portion of the portion of the conveying conduit (3) extending inside the cavity (9), preferably centered on the portion of the conveying conduit (3) extending inside the cavity (9).

8. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a collection element (5, 5') extending inside the cavity (9) and configured to collect each particle filtered by the filter wall (2, 2', 2") from the plant beverage flowing from the reservoir (4) to the foaming element (8), before it passes through the suction end (6).

9. Assembly according to claim 8, wherein the collection element (5, 5') is coupled to the filter wall (2, 2', 2") and preferably extends substantially parallel to a bottom (10) of the tank (4).

10. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the filter wall (2, 2', 2") is coupled to the reservoir (4) in a removable manner.

11. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the filter wall (2, 2', 2") separates the cavity (9) into at least two distinct parts (91, 92), the suction end (6) extending inside one (92) of the two parts, the other (91) of the two parts being open so as to be able to collect liquid before its circulation to the foaming member (8), through the filter wall (2, 2', 2").

12. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a filtration element (12) including: the filter wall (2); a guide element (11) configured to guide plant-based beverage poured into the cavity (9) to the filter wall (2); a collection element (5) configured to collect a particle filtered by the filter wall from the liquid passing through the filter wall; and a support (13) configured to couple the filtration element (12) to the reservoir (4).

13. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the wall of the tank (4) comprises a sliding link (14), the filter wall (2') being configured to be coupled to the tank (4) via the sliding link (14).

14. Assembly according to claim 13, further comprising a collection element configured to collect each particle filtered by the filter wall (2') from the liquid flowing from the reservoir (4) to the foaming element (8), before it passes through the suction end (6), the collection element comprising a tab (5') fixed to the filter wall (2').

15. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a filter element (12”) including: at least two caps (15, 16); the filter wall (2”) fixed to each of the two caps so as to form a cylinder, one of the two caps forming the head (16) of the cylinder, the other of the two caps forming the foot (15) of the cylinder; and a collection element configured to collect each particle filtered by the filter wall (2”) from the liquid flowing from the reservoir to the foaming element (8), before it passes through the suction end (6), the collection element comprising a tab (5') fixed to the foot of the cylinder.

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