Beverage machine milk frother

Abstract

This invention discloses a milk frother for a beverage machine, comprising a core shell, a milk suction tube, and a milk frothing tube. The core shell has a second inlet equipped with an air conditioning component, a third inlet connected to the milk suction tube, a first inlet connected to the steam pipe of the beverage machine, and a first outlet connected to the milk frothing tube. The core shell includes a mixing tube and a frothing tube sequentially connected and interconnected from the first inlet to the first outlet. Steam enters the mixing chamber through the mixing tube, generating a Venturi effect. Air and milk, under the influence of the Venturi effect, enter the mixing chamber through the second and third inlets respectively, mix with the steam, and then enter the frothing tube to generate milk foam. In this invention, a diversion port is provided on the inner wall of the mixing tube, and an air groove is provided on the outer wall of the mixing tube between the diversion port and the air inlet. A portion of the steam in the mixing tube flows from the diversion port through the air groove to the air inlet, premixing and heating the air before it enters the mixing chamber. This improves the heating and mixing effect of the steam on the air and milk within the mixing chamber, thus enhancing the quality of the generated milk foam.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of beverage machine technology, specifically to a milk frother for a beverage machine. Background Technology

[0002] Latte art, made by mixing milk foam with coffee, is loved for its smooth texture and rich milky flavor. A milk frothing device can be added to coffee extraction equipment to create latte art. Currently, the most common milk frothing devices used in beverage machines employ a "Venturi effect" principle, where steam is introduced into the milk frother. Milk is drawn into a vacuum chamber, mixed with steam, and heated to generate foam. The foam is then propelled out of the machine by steam pressure. The milk foam generation is primarily handled by the frother, which contains steam, air, and milk channels. When steam flows at high speed through the mixing and frothing chamber from the main steam channel, it draws air and milk into the mixing and frothing chamber through their respective channels, where they mix. Within the limited space of the mixing and frothing chamber, the steam must simultaneously heat the air and milk to ensure thorough mixing, thus guaranteeing the quality of the resulting milk foam.

[0003] CN202321526870.3 discloses an automatic milk frothing device for a coffee machine, including a milk tank, a milk tank lid, a negative pressure valve, a steam pipe, an air pipe, a milk inlet pipe, and a milk frothing pipe. The milk tank lid is located on top of the milk tank, and the negative pressure valve is located inside the lid, forming a Venturi chamber. One end of the steam pipe is connected to a first inlet of the Venturi chamber, and the other end is connected to the steam outlet of the coffee machine. One end of the air pipe is connected to a second inlet of the Venturi chamber, and the other end is connected to an external space. One end of the milk inlet pipe is connected to a third inlet of the Venturi chamber, and the other end is inserted into the milk tank. The outlet of the Venturi chamber is connected to the milk frothing pipe. In this technical solution, steam, air, and milk simultaneously enter the Venturi chamber. The limited chamber space restricts the heating and mixing effect of steam on the air and subsequently the milk, which is not conducive to generating high-quality milk froth. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a milk frother for a beverage machine that solves the problem that when steam, air, and milk enter the Venturi chamber simultaneously, the limited chamber space restricts the heating and mixing effect of steam on air and milk, which is not conducive to generating high-quality milk foam, thus overcoming the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0005] This invention provides a milk frother for a beverage machine through the following technical solution: a core shell, a milk suction tube, and a milk frothing tube. The core shell is a four-way pipe. The first inlet of the core shell is connected to the steam pipe of the beverage machine. The second inlet of the core shell is equipped with an air conditioning component. The third inlet of the core shell is connected to the milk suction tube. The first outlet of the core shell is connected to the milk frothing tube. The core shell includes a mixing tube and a frothing tube that are sequentially connected and interconnected from the first inlet to the first outlet. The outlet end of the mixing tube has a mixing chamber, and the side wall of the mixing chamber has an air inlet. The air inlet is connected to the second inlet, and the side wall of the mixing chamber is also provided with a milk inlet, which is connected to the third inlet. Steam enters the mixing chamber through the mixing pipe, generating a Venturi effect. Under the action of the Venturi effect, air and milk enter the mixing chamber through the second and third inlets respectively and mix with the steam before entering the foaming pipe to generate milk foam. The inner wall of the mixing pipe is also provided with a diversion port, and the outer wall of the mixing pipe between the diversion port and the air inlet is provided with an air groove. The steam in the mixing pipe flows from the diversion port through the air groove to the air inlet, premixing and heating the air before it enters the mixing chamber. Furthermore, a shielding part is provided at the connection between the second inlet and the core shell, and a second outlet is provided on one side of the shielding part.

[0006] Furthermore, the outer wall of the mixing tube is provided with a buffer groove, which is directly opposite the second outlet. One side of the buffer groove is connected to the diversion port through the air groove, and the other side of the buffer groove is connected to the air inlet through the assembly gap between the mixing tube and the core shell.

[0007] Furthermore, the mixing pipe is provided with stepped inner cavities in sequence from the inlet to the outlet direction. The inner cavities include a first inner cavity, a second inner cavity, and a third inner cavity in sequence. The diversion port is located on the inner wall of the second inner cavity. The ratio of the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the air groove to that of the second inner cavity is between 1:15 and 1:20.

[0008] Furthermore, a sleeve is also provided in the first inner cavity, and the sleeve is connected to the steam pipe of the beverage machine.

[0009] Furthermore, the second inner cavity is provided with a backstop assembly, which includes a steel ball and a spring. One end of the spring abuts against the outlet end of the second chamber, and the other end abuts against the steel ball, causing the steel ball to block the entrance of the second chamber.

[0010] Furthermore, a guide tube is embedded in the third inner cavity, which is interference-fitted with the third inner cavity and extends directly into the mixing chamber.

[0011] Furthermore, the air conditioning assembly includes a knob and a valve body. The valve body is rotatably disposed within the second inlet. An adjusting wedge is disposed on the side wall of the valve body. The inner wall of the second inlet is provided with a convex arc. When the valve body rotates, the adjusting wedge pushes the convex arc of the inner wall of the second inlet outward at different contact points, causing the cross-sectional area of ​​the gap between the valve body and the inner wall of the second inlet to change, thereby realizing the adjustment of the intake volume of external air entering the second inlet through the gap.

[0012] Furthermore, the height of the adjusting wedge protruding on the valve body sidewall is gradually changing, and the convex arc gradually extends from the bottom of the inner wall of the second inlet to the outer end.

[0013] Furthermore, the guide tube is made of stainless steel.

[0014] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: a diversion port is provided on the inner wall of the mixing tube, and an air groove is provided on the outer wall of the mixing tube between the diversion port and the air inlet. The steam in the mixing tube flows from the diversion port through the air groove to the air inlet, premixing and heating the air before it enters the mixing chamber, thereby improving the heating and mixing effect of the steam on the air and milk in the mixing chamber and improving the quality of milk foam generation. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the milk frother for a beverage machine according to the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is an exploded schematic diagram of a milk frother for a beverage machine according to the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of the core shell (including the mixing tube cavity and the foaming tube) of the milk frother of a beverage machine according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of the core shell (including mixing tube and foaming tube) of the milk frother for a beverage machine according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the mixing tube and foaming tube of a milk frother for a beverage machine according to the present invention.

[0020] in, Figures 1 to 5 The correspondence between the reference numerals and component names in the attached drawings is as follows:

[0021] 1. Core shell, 2. Milk suction tube, 3. Milk frothing tube, 4. Second inlet, 5. Air conditioning component, 6. Third inlet, 7. First inlet, 8. First outlet, 9. Mixing tube, 10. Foaming tube, 11. Mixing chamber, 12. Air inlet, 13. Milk inlet, 14. Diverter, 15. Air groove, 16. First inner cavity, 17. Second inner cavity, 18. Third inner cavity, 19. Sleeve, 20. Steel ball, 21. Spring, 22. Guide tube, 23. Knob, 24. Valve body, 25. Adjusting wedge, 26. Convex arc, 27. Buffer groove, 28. Second outlet, 29. Shielding part. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of this application, but not all embodiments.

[0023] The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application.

[0024] Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0026] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] The following reference Figure 1 one Figure 5 This application describes a milk frother for a beverage machine according to some embodiments.

[0028] A milk frother for a beverage machine includes a core shell 1, a milk suction tube 2, and a milk frothing tube 3. The core shell 1 is a four-way pipe. The first inlet 7 of the core shell 1 is connected to the steam pipe of the beverage machine. The second inlet 4 of the core shell 1 is equipped with an air conditioning component 5. The third inlet 6 of the core shell 1 is connected to the milk suction tube 2. The inlet 7 of the core shell 1 is connected to the steam pipe of the beverage machine. The first outlet 8 of the core shell 1 is connected to the milk frothing tube 3. A mixing tube 9 and a frothing tube 10 are sequentially arranged and interconnected in the direction from the first inlet 7 to the first outlet 8 inside the core shell 1. A mixing chamber 11 is provided at the outlet end of the mixing tube 9. An air inlet 12 is opened on the side wall of the mixing chamber 11 and is connected to the second inlet 4. A milk inlet 13 is also opened on the side wall of the mixing chamber 11 and is connected to the third inlet 6.

[0029] When using a milk frother to make milk foam, the steam pipe of the beverage machine is inserted into the mixing pipe 9 of the core shell 1. Steam enters the mixing chamber 11 through the mixing pipe 9 and generates a Venturi effect. Under the action of the Venturi effect, external air enters the mixing chamber 11 through the second inlet 4 via the air inlet 12 from the air conditioning component 5. Milk enters the mixing chamber 11 through the third inlet 6 via the milk inlet 13 from the milk suction pipe 2. In the mixing chamber 11, the gas-liquid mixture after the steam heats and mixes the air and milk enters the foaming pipe 10. Since the foaming pipe 10 has a larger space than the mixing chamber 11, the gas-liquid mixture releases pressure in the foaming pipe 10 and generates uniform and fine milk foam, which flows out of the machine body through the first outlet 8 into the milk foaming pipe 3.

[0030] The air conditioning assembly 5 provided with the second inlet 4 includes a knob 23 and a valve body 24. The valve body 24 is rotatably disposed inside the second inlet 4. An adjusting wedge 25 is provided on the side wall of the valve body 24, and a corresponding convex arc 26 is provided on the inner wall of the second inlet 4. When the knob 23 is rotated, causing the valve body 24 to rotate, the adjusting wedge 25 pushes the convex arc 26 on the inner wall of the second inlet 4 outward at different contact points, thereby changing the cross-sectional area of ​​the gap between the valve body 24 and the inner wall of the second inlet 4. The amount of external air entering the second inlet 4 through this gap also changes with the change in cross-sectional area, thus achieving the regulation of the amount of air entering the milk frother. The height of the adjusting wedge 25 protruding on the side wall of the valve body 24 is gradually changing, and the convex arc 26 gradually extends from the inner end of the inner wall of the second inlet 4 to the outer end.

[0031] In this technical solution, depending on the requirements of the application scenario, the second inlet 4 can be located on the upper part or side of the core shell 1, and the third inlet 6 can be located on the lower part or side of the core shell 1. In this embodiment, the second inlet 4 is located on the upper part of the core shell 1, and the third inlet 6 is located on the lower part of the core shell 1.

[0032] In addition, in this embodiment, in order to avoid the overflow of the gas-liquid mixture in the mixing chamber 11, the air inlet 12 and the second inlet 4 are not connected in a straight line. A shielding part 29 is provided at the connection between the second inlet 4 and the core shell 1. A second outlet 28 is provided on one side of the shielding part 29. A buffer groove 27 is provided on the outer wall of the mixing pipe 9 opposite to the second outlet 28. External air enters the second inlet 4 through the air conditioning component 5, passes through the second outlet 28 and the buffer groove 27, and finally enters the air inlet 12 through the assembly gap between the mixing pipe 9 and the core shell 1. This connection method does not affect the passage of air and reduces the risk of gas-liquid mixture overflow.

[0033] The mixing tube 9 has stepped inner cavities arranged sequentially from the inlet to the outlet, including a first inner cavity 16, a second inner cavity 17, and a third inner cavity 18. These stepped cavities allow for better pressure build-up and acceleration of the incoming steam. A diversion port 14 is provided on the inner wall of the second inner cavity 17, perpendicular to the flow direction of the second inner cavity 17. A gas groove 15 is provided on the outer wall of the mixing tube 9 between the diversion port 14 and the air inlet 12. One side of the buffer tank 27 is connected to the diversion port 14 via the gas groove 15, and the other side of the buffer tank 27 is connected to the air inlet 12 via the assembly gap between the mixing tube 9 and the core shell 1. Part of the steam entering the mixing tube 9 flows from the diversion port 14 through the gas groove 15 to the buffer tank 27, where it mixes and heats with the air entering from the second outlet 28. The heated mixed gas enters the mixing chamber 11 through the air inlet 12 via the assembly gap between the mixing tube 9 and the core shell 1. The buffer tank 27 has a certain mixing space, and the steam and air entering the buffer tank 27 intersect at a near-vertical angle, which can quickly and fully achieve mixing and heating of the air, so that the air entering the mixing chamber 11 is hot air with a certain temperature, which improves the temperature of the milk and the mixing effect with the milk, thereby making the gas-liquid mixture generate more uniform and fine milk foam after entering the foaming tube, thus improving the quality of milk foam generation.

[0034] In order to control the amount of steam flowing out of the heating air through the diversion port 14, the ratio of the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the air groove 15 to the second inner cavity 17 is 1:15 to 1:20, so that the proportion of steam diverted through the air groove 15 is within an appropriate range, which can ensure the premixed heating of the air and avoid excessive steam diversion from affecting the generation effect of the Venturi effect of steam in the mixing chamber.

[0035] The first inner cavity 16 is provided with a sleeve 19, the inside of which is adapted to the outer contour of the front end of the steam pipe of the beverage machine, so that it can be more securely connected to the steam pipe of the beverage machine.

[0036] The second inner cavity 17 is equipped with a backflow prevention assembly, which includes a steel ball 20 and a spring 21. One end of the spring 21 abuts against the outlet end of the second cavity 17, and the other end abuts against the steel ball 20, causing the steel ball 20 to block the inlet of the second cavity 17. The elastic force of the spring 21 is less than the steam pressure, so the steam entering the mixing tube 9 can push open the steel ball 20 and enter normally to make milk foam. After the milk foam is made, when the steam is turned off or the milk frother is disconnected from the steam pipe of the beverage machine, the steel ball 20 will re-seal the inlet of the second cavity 17 under the action of the spring 21, preventing milk from being sucked back into the first cavity 16 or the beverage machine due to the pressure drop at the first inlet 7 of the mixing tube 9.

[0037] The third inner cavity 18 is embedded with a guide tube 22, which is used to connect the second chamber 17 and the mixing chamber 11. The guide tube 22 is interference-fitted with the third inner cavity 18 and has good stability.

[0038] Steel ball 20, spring 21 and guide tube 22 are made of stainless steel, which is dimensionally stable; while mixing tube 9 and foaming tube 10 are made of silicone, which is lightweight and easy to use.

[0039] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A milk frother for a beverage machine, comprising a core shell, a milk suction tube, and a milk frothing tube, characterized in that: The core shell is a four-way pipe fitting. The first inlet of the core shell is connected to the steam pipe of the beverage machine. The second inlet of the core shell is equipped with an air conditioning component. The third inlet of the core shell is connected to the milk suction pipe. The first outlet of the core shell is connected to the milk frothing pipe. The core shell includes a mixing pipe and a foaming pipe that are sequentially connected and interconnected from the first inlet to the first outlet. The mixing tube has a mixing chamber at its outlet end. An air inlet is provided on the side wall of the mixing chamber, which is connected to a second inlet. A milk inlet is also provided on the side wall of the mixing chamber, which is connected to a third inlet. Steam enters the mixing chamber through the mixing tube and generates a Venturi effect. Under the action of the Venturi effect, air and milk enter the mixing chamber through the second and third inlets respectively and mix with the steam before entering the foaming tube to generate milk foam. The inner wall of the mixing tube is also provided with a diversion port, and the outer wall of the mixing tube between the diversion port and the air inlet is provided with an air groove. The steam part in the mixing tube flows from the diversion port through the air groove to the air inlet, premixing and heating the air before it enters the mixing chamber.

2. The milk frother for a beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection between the second inlet and the core shell is provided with a shielding part, and a second outlet is provided on one side of the shielding part.

3. A milk frother for a beverage machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer wall of the mixing tube is provided with a buffer groove, which is directly opposite the second outlet. One side of the buffer groove is connected to the diversion port through the air groove, and the other side of the buffer groove is connected to the air inlet through the assembly gap between the mixing tube and the core shell.

4. A milk frother for a beverage machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mixing pipe has stepped inner cavities arranged sequentially from the inlet to the outlet. The inner cavities include a first inner cavity, a second inner cavity, and a third inner cavity. The diversion port is located on the inner wall of the second inner cavity. The ratio of the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the air groove to that of the second inner cavity is between 1:15 and 1:

20.

5. A milk frother for a beverage machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first inner cavity is also provided with a sleeve, which is connected to the steam pipe of the beverage machine.

6. A milk frother for a beverage machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second inner cavity is provided with a backstop assembly, which includes a steel ball and a spring. One end of the spring abuts against the outlet end of the second chamber, and the other end abuts against the steel ball and blocks the entrance of the second chamber.

7. A milk frother for a beverage machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third inner cavity is embedded with a guide tube, which is interference-fitted with the third inner cavity and leads directly to the mixing chamber.

8. A milk frother for a beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioning assembly includes a knob and a valve body. The valve body is rotatably disposed within the second inlet. An adjusting wedge is disposed on the side wall of the valve body. The inner wall of the second inlet is provided with a convex arc. When the valve body rotates, the adjusting wedge pushes the convex arc of the inner wall of the second inlet outward at different contact points, causing the cross-sectional area of ​​the gap between the valve body and the inner wall of the second inlet to change, thereby realizing the adjustment of the intake air volume of external air entering the second inlet through the gap.

9. A milk frother for a beverage machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, The height of the adjusting wedge protruding on the valve body sidewall is gradually changing, and the convex arc gradually extends from the bottom of the inner wall of the second inlet to the outer end.

10. A milk frother for a beverage machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The guide tube is made of stainless steel.

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