A MIXING APPARATUS FOR CREATING FROTHED MILK

Abstract

A mixing apparatus for creating frothed milk includes a container for containing milk, with a milk passage and a steam inlet channel leading to a mixing chamber for mixing the milk with steam and air. A steam separator is in series along the steam inlet channel reduces the water content of the steam delivered to the mixing chamber.

Claims

1. A mixing apparatus for creating frothed milk, the mixing apparatus comprising: a first container for containing milk; a mixing chamber for mixing the milk, steam, and air; an external steam entry port; a steam inlet channel which leads from the external steam entry port to the mixing chamber; a milk passage which leads from the first container to the mixing chamber; and a steam separator in series along the steam inlet channel.

2. The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an air passage which leads to the mixing chamber.

3. The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the air passage comprises an air intake channel which defines an air flow from air surrounding the mixing apparatus to the mixing chamber.

4. The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the air intake channel imparts a Venturi effect on the air flow.

5. The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steam separator comprises a reservoir for collecting moisture.

6. The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the steam separator comprises an in-line fluid passageway comprising a tortuous path for the steam, with at least one blocking element for blocking a direct path and for directing the moisture to the reservoir.

7. The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first container defines the mixing chamber, and wherein the mixing apparatus further comprises: a second container, wherein the second container is adapted to receive the first container, and wherein the second container comprises a port for connection to the mixing chamber from which a mixture of the milk, the steam, and the air is delivered.

8. The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the steam inlet channel and the milk passage are defined by an interface between the first and second containers.

9. The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the reservoir of the steam separator is defined by an interface between the first and second containers.

10. The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the reservoir of the steam separator has a volume of less than 10 ml.

11. The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, further comprising: a seal disposed between the first container and the second container, wherein the seal comprises: a first sealing member disposed between the mixing chamber and the port; and a second sealing member for defining one surface of the milk passage and one surface of the reservoir.

12. The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the seal further comprises: a transition seal portion, the transition seal portion comprising: a seal split; and an air intake channel.

13. A coffee maker, the coffee maker comprising: a liquid coffee extraction apparatus; a mixing apparatus for creating frothed milk, the mixing apparatus comprising: a first container for containing milk; a mixing chamber for mixing the milk, steam, and air; an external steam entry port; a steam inlet channel which leads from the external steam entry port to the mixing chamber; a milk passage which leads from the first container to the mixing chamber; and a steam separator in series along the steam inlet channel; and a dispenser adapted to dispense: liquid coffee from the liquid coffee extraction apparatus; and the frothed milk from the mixing apparatus.

14. The coffee maker as claimed in claim 13, further comprising: a second container adapted to receive the first container; and a seal disposed between the first container and the second container, wherein mating between the seal and the first container forms a closed channel arrangement that defines a fluid path for mixing a milk inlet and a steam inlet.

15. The coffee maker as claimed in claim 14, wherein the closed channel arrangement connects a port at the bottom of the closed channel arrangement, and wherein closed channel arrangement connects the mixing chamber at the top of the closed channel arrangement.

16. The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein mating between the seal and the first container forms a closed channel arrangement that defines a fluid path for mixing a milk inlet and a steam inlet.

17. The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the closed channel arrangement connects the port at the bottom of the closed channel arrangement, and wherein closed channel arrangement connects the mixing chamber at the top of the closed channel arrangement.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Examples of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] FIGS. 1A and 1B show two views of a drinks machine;

[0047] FIG. 2A shows an exploded view of an example mixing apparatus;

[0048] FIG. 2B shows an assembled view of the mixing apparatus of FIG. 2B;

[0049] FIG. 3A shows a detailed view of the channel arrangement of the mixing apparatus of FIG. 2A;

[0050] FIG. 3B shows the flow of fluid through the channel arrangement of FIG. 3A;

[0051] FIG. 4A shows a first alternative steam separator design;

[0052] FIG. 4B shows a second alternative steam separator design;

[0053] FIG. 4C shows a third alternative steam separator design;

[0054] FIG. 5A shows an example seal;

[0055] FIG. 5B illustrates the operation of the span seal of FIG. 4A;

[0056] FIG. 6A shows an alternative channel of a mixing apparatus;

[0057] FIG. 6B shows a cross section of the channel of FIG. 5A; and

[0058] FIG. 7 shows an example transition portion of a seal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0059] The invention provides a mixing apparatus for creating frothed milk, comprising a container for containing milk, with a milk passage and a steam inlet channel leading to a mixing chamber for mixing milk and steam (and air). A steam separator is in series along the steam inlet channel for reducing the water content of the steam delivered to the mixing chamber.

[0060] The mixing apparatus is for example a milk frothing unit for receiving steam delivered to it by an espresso coffee machine.

[0061] FIGS. 1A and 1B show am example of an espresso coffee machine 10. FIG. 1A shows a perspective view and FIG. 1B shows a view from in front. This example is a bean-to-cup machine, although other options are possible as mentioned further below.

[0062] It comprises a main body 12 which houses a water reservoir, a water heater and a reservoir for receiving coffee beans. There is an internal grinding mechanism for creating coffee grind, a brewing chamber or brew group for receiving the coffee grind, and a pumping system for pumping heated water through the coffee grind.

[0063] The machine comprises a coffee output 14 from which the espresso drink (without milk) is output. The coffee output 14 faces downwardly and is located over a drip tray 16. FIGS. 1A and 1B also show a user interface 18 for receiving user selections, such as for water selection and for other drinks selections. At least some of the drinks selections relate to drinks recipes which include frothed milk and therefore require the generation of steam. There may also be an option for the generation of steam without being part of a drink selection, for example to enable the user to generate heated and/or frothed milk independently of any drink to be made by the machine.

[0064] The operation of the machine in generating an espresso coffee drink is entirely conventional, and the general operation of the coffee machine will not be described further. Furthermore, the illustrated full function espresso machine is only one example of the type of coffee machine to which the invention may be applied.

[0065] An output nozzle 20 is provided for delivering the steam for milk frothing or hot water, depending on user selection at the user interface 18. The steam output may be used for heating and/or frothing milk, and the option of a hot water only output gives additional options to the user, for example for making soup, tea, hot chocolate etc. It is noted that there may be separate nozzles for steam and for hot water.

[0066] The output nozzle 20 is located in a docking region 21 for receiving a drinks vessel or a milk frothing unit.

[0067] The invention relates to a mixing apparatus, in particular for creating frothed milk. The general concept of the invention is to integrate a steam separator with the mixing apparatus to extract liquid water content from the steam used by the mixing apparatus.

[0068] Particular examples will now be described which make use of a two-container design.

[0069] FIG. 2A shows a mixing apparatus 100 in accordance with an example of the invention comprising: a first container 110; a second container 120, adapted to receive the first container; and a seal 130 disposed between the first and second containers.

[0070] The seal is for example a press fit into a side wall of one of the two containers so that when the two containers are assembled, the seal is sandwiched between them. The mating between the seal and one of the containers forms a closed channel arrangement which defines the fluid paths for mixing a milk inlet and a steam inlet, as well as for implementing a steam separator, and for providing a frothed milk outlet. By separating the two containers all parts can be easily cleaned. There is only one seal element for defining all the channels used for the drying of the steam and the supply and mixing of milk and the dry steam. The seal closes at least a water reservoir of a steam separator so that the collected moisture is released when the containers are separated.

[0071] The seal may be 2 shot (2K) molded into the second container, or else it may be a separate seal which is removable from a recess in the second container.

[0072] The mixing apparatus further comprises a channel arrangement 140, which is defined by the seal 130 and the first container 110 when the mixing apparatus is assembled. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first container 110 comprises a raised channel portion 145, which further defines the channel arrangement. The channel arrangement connects a first port 150 at the bottom of the channel and a mixing chamber 160 of the first container at the top of the channel. In addition, the second container comprises a second port (not shown) connected to a first seal port 170 of the seal, wherein the channel further connects the first seal port 170 to the first port and the mixing chamber.

[0073] FIG. 2B shows the mixing apparatus 100 of FIG. 2A in an assembled state.

[0074] In this Figure, it can be clearly seen that the second container 120 further comprises a second port 175 from which steam is provided to the channel and a third port 180 connected to the mixing chamber of the first container, thereby allowing the contents of the mixing chamber to be easily obtained from the mixing apparatus through the third port 180.

[0075] The second port 175 is an external steam entry port of the mixing apparatus, for receiving steam, for example from the espresso coffee machine.

[0076] The operation of the mixing apparatus is described with reference to FIG. 3A below.

[0077] The third port thus functions as a dispenser to dispense frothed milk from the mixing apparatus. Thus, the combination of the coffee maker and the milk frothing unit defines a dispenser having a nozzle 14 for dispensing liquid coffee from the coffee machine (which is more generally a liquid coffee extraction apparatus) and having the third port for dispensing frothed milk from the mixing apparatus. They both dispense to a coffee cup.

[0078] FIG. 3A shows a detailed view 200 of the channel arrangement 140 of the mixing apparatus of FIG. 2A.

[0079] The channel arrangement 140 may be divided into several portions according to the operation performed by each portion. In operation, milk may be provided to the first container 110 and steam may be provided to the first seal port 170. As steam enters the channel arrangement, milk is drawn from the first container into a milk passage 210 (which is a first channel portion) by way of the first port 150. The steam enters a second channel portion 220 from the second port 175, i.e. the external steam entry port.

[0080] It then passes through a steam separator 221 and then travels through a third channel portion 230 and into the mixing chamber 160, the flow of steam generating a negative pressure in the milk passage 210, thereby drawing the milk along the milk passage.

[0081] FIG. 3B shows a simple illustration of the intersection of the three channel portions, and shows one example of steam separator in more detail.

[0082] The steam separator 221 comprises an in-line fluid passageway comprising a tortuous path 222 for the steam, with blocking elements 223 for blocking a direct path and for directing moisture to a reservoir 224. The reservoir collects moisture so that the steam which passes further along the channel arrangement has been dried.

[0083] The milk is drawn along the milk passage 210 due to the negative pressure generated by the steam 225 flowing from the second channel portion 220 to the third channel portion 230. When it meets an intersection of channel portions, the flow of the dried steam draws the milk and steam into the third channel portion 230 which terminates at an end 235 which opens into the mixing chamber 160. The third channel portion 230 may be adapted to impart a Venturi effect on the milk and steam as they pass through the third channel portion. In particular, the channel widths are reduced as the milk and steam enter the third channel portion 230, thereby imparting the Venturi effect (i.e. a reduced pressure) on the milk and steam flows, which is used to draw the milk along its channel, up the milk passage 210.

[0084] Air is drawn in at the end 235 of the third channel portion 230 by suction due to the flow speed, so that there is a milk, steam and air mixture entering the mixing chamber. Due to the suction, the arrangement doesn't leak. The air introduced provides bubbles for the desired frothing. The aim of the mixing chamber is to release large bubbles and retain only small air bubbles in the mixture. The air, milk and steam mixture forms the fluid that enters the mixing chamber.

[0085] The Venturi effect may be achieved by simply restricting the cross sectional area of the third channel portion 230 relative to the first channel portion (the milk passage 210) and the second channel portion 220. The increase in speed of the milk and steam as they enter the third channel portion in combination with the drawing in of air defines the frothing performance of the mixing apparatus, and the pressure differential prevents the milk and steam from flowing down the incorrect channels.

[0086] The milk passage 210 is typically vertical in use and extends up from the (milk entry) first port 150. At the top it meets the outlet from the steam separator to one side which has the steam entry port at its inlet end, and it meets the third channel portion 230 to the other side, which has the mixing chamber at its remote end. The channel arrangement 140 thus generally has a T-shape, and the seal 130 has a corresponding T-shape.

[0087] The seal is for example an integral part of the second container. It may alternatively be a removable seal, in which case it may be a press fit into a side wall of the second container 120. In some instances, the seal 130 comprises a first sealing member 240 comprising transition portion 250. These will be described in more detail below.

[0088] FIG. 3B shows one example of a possible steam separator, based simply on a static arrangement of flow directing and flow blocking members.

[0089] However, other designs of steam separator are possible.

[0090] FIG. 4 shows three variations to the design of steam separator.

[0091] FIG. 4A shows a modification to FIG. 3B with a single blocking element 223, with the reservoir 224 directly beneath.

[0092] FIG. 4B shows that the reservoir can be much larger, with the blocking element 223 extending vertically into the top of the reservoir and with further baffles within the reservoir against which the flow is directed vertically (rather than horizontally as in FIG. 3B).

[0093] More complicated designs may also impart a spin to the steam so that the water droplets are thrown outwardly by centrifugal forces. For example, FIG. 4C shows a design in which the blocking element is replaced with a double helix baffle 227 for causing a spiral flow into and out of the separator. The flow undergoes a 180 degree flow direction reversal to enhance separation efficiency. A deflector baffle 228 prevents re-entrainment of the separated droplets collected in the reservoir.

[0094] Thus, it will be seen that many different designs of steam separator are possible.

[0095] FIG. 5A shows the seal 130 of FIG. 3A in more detail.

[0096] It is clear from the above passage relating to FIG. 3A that the various channel portions undergo a variety of different conditions when the mixing apparatus 100 is in operation. Thus, as each seal area has their own specification, the seal, in this case a span seal, can be optimised for each area without risk of leakage in the transition areas.

[0097] There are three parameters that may be adjusted to tune the sealing force of the span seal. The three parameters are: the shore hardness of the seal; the span width of the seal, which increases the sealing force but may also introduce some deformation to the channel; and the thickness of the seal. As the various areas of the span seal may be tuned using the span width and seal thickness, the risk of leakage is largely reduced as the need for transitions between different seals is eliminated.

[0098] For example, the seal may comprise a first sealing portion 310 for sealing the milk passage 210 of the channel. Thus, the first sealing portion should be adapted to withstand the negative pressure present in the milk passage. As this pressure is typically low, for example, around −0.15 bar, the required sealing force is low; however, the milk passage may be relatively long, for example 200 mm, meaning that the required sealing force increases. As the milk is low temperature at this stage and the dimensions of the milk passage are not critical to the milk frothing process, the sealing force of the first sealing portion may be increased by simply increasing the span width.

[0099] As a further example, the seal may comprise a second sealing portion 320 for sealing the second channel portion 220 of the channel and forming a closure to the steam separator. In this case, the second sealing portion must withstand both the high pressure, for example 1 Bar, and the high temperature, for example 105°, of the steam entering the channel. As with the milk passage, the geometry of the second channel portion is not critical to the milk frothing process meaning that the span width of the second sealing portion may be increased to increase the sealing force and the seal thickness may be increased to increase both the sealing force of the second sealing portion and the resistance of the second sealing portion to the high temperature of the steam.

[0100] As a final example, the seal may comprise a third sealing portion 330 for sealing the third channel portion 230 of the channel arrangement. The dimensions of the third channel portion are critical to the performance of the milk frothing process and the tolerance for deformation is low, for example ±0.1 mm. Therefore, the span width of the third sealing portion may not be freely increased and seal thickness delivers only marginal benefit to the sealing force itself. In this case, the shore hardness of the seal provides the required sealing force. The shore hardness of the seal may constant, for example 45 shore, throughout the seal in order to prevent excessive span widths and seal thicknesses in the first and second sealing portions. In addition to the milk frothing process, the seal would be required to withstand daily cleaning, typically by way of a dishwasher. In this case, the shore hardness of the seal may help to extend the lifetime of the seal.

[0101] Finally, the seal has the first sealing member 240 which provides a radial seal around the mixing chamber. The three sealing portions are span seals whereas the first sealing member is a radial seal. A span seal cannot be used to seal the mixing chamber because an opening is needed. However, the three sealing portions and the first sealing member together form a single integrated component.

[0102] FIG. 5B illustrates the operation of a span seal acting as the seal 130.

[0103] The span seal works on pull forces, F.sub.P, which stretch the seal over the channel instead of compressing it. The span seal provides sealing directly onto the channels without a large amount of deformation. The channel 140 cross section dimension and shape is independent of the indentation and sealing force leading to a more stable milk forth performance, particularly in the third sealing portion 330. The indentation of the span seal may be, for example, 0.6 mm. The span width, S, of a span seal is defined as:

[00001]$S=y-\frac{x}{2},$

[0104] where, y is distance from the centre of the channel to the edge of the span seal and x is the width of the channel.

[0105] FIGS. 6A and 6B show a detailed view of an alternative channel arrangement 400.

[0106] In this case, the seal 410 comprises a raised seal portion 415, which define the channel arrangement 420 in combination with the first container 110. This arrangement simplifies the cleaning of the first container as there are fewer raised portions in which the ingredients may get stuck. In this case, the shore hardness of the seal would need to be further increased in order to ensure that the raised seal portion does not deform under high pressure, thereby causing leakage to occur.

[0107] FIG. 7 shows a seal 700 having a first sealing member 240, which in this case is a radial seal, and a transition portion 250 as previously illustrated in FIG. 3A. A view from above is shown in the top image and a perspective view of the opposite container is shown in the bottom image.

[0108] The transition portion 250 comprises a seal split 720 to facilitate the movement of milk and steam from the channel defined by the other sealing portions 710 (equivalent to 310, 320 and 330 in FIG. 4A), which in this case is the set of span seals as described above, into the mixing chamber. In this way, it is possible to integrate both the span seals and the radial seal into a single seal, thereby increasing the simplicity of the mixing apparatus for disassembly and cleaning.

[0109] Performing a straight combination of a radial and span seal will typically cause leakage in the transition area due to the seal split.

[0110] As seen more clearly in the bottom image, the channel arrangement 140 in this example is defined by raised portions 145 of the first container 110. The raised portions define the sides of the flow channels where span seals are to be applied. At the seal split there is a gap 725 in the side wall which allows external communication to the end 235 of the third channel portion 230 (as shown in FIG. 3A). The gap 725 opens into the space between the first and second containers.

[0111] An air inlet is thus formed by the gap 725. This defined transition portion can be achieved through a controlled combination of the seal split and Venturi of the milk froth system. In this area no sealing is allowed, as ambient air must be sucked in. By providing the air inlet in line with the channel system at the transition portion of the seal, the sealing area is controlled as the air drawn in by the flow within the channel prevents uncontrolled leakage of milk.

[0112] The speed of the liquid (milk, steam and air) entering the mixing chamber is important for the foam quality. It is preferred that the air enters at the end 235 of the third channel portion 230. There is a minimum hole size such as formed by a 1.5 mm gap. The distance between the milk venture and the air gap, and the distance between the air gap and the mixing chamber are the key parameters for defining the milk frothing characteristics.

[0113] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.