Modulation device, beverage modulation machine and method of modulation operation thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a modulating device, a beverage modulating machine and a modulating operation method thereof. The modulating device comprises a base and a steam module. The steam module comprises a steam rod. The steam rod has a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably installed on the base, so that the second end forms an included angle with the base during rotation driven by an external force. One of the steam rod and the base is provided with an interference protrusion, and the other is provided with an interference surface. During rotation of the steam rod, the interference protrusion is driven to move on the interference surface, and an interference force used to hinder the rotation of the steam rod is generated between the interference protrusion and the interference surface. The interference force is variably arranged. When the steam rod rotates, the interference force between the interference protrusion and the interference surface changes, so that the current region of the interference protrusion moving to the interference surface can be determined by sensing the interference force. Therefore, the rotation process of the steam rod relative to the machine body is controllable and can be stopped at any time, and the flexibility is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of beverage preparation equipment technology, specifically to a preparation device, a beverage preparation machine, and its preparation operation method. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards continue to improve, their taste in beverages is also constantly evolving. Many people are no longer satisfied with a single type of drink and prefer to customize their beverages according to their own preferences. Take coffee machines as an example. Coffee machines can dispense coffee or milk. Existing coffee machines generally have an externally mounted steam wand that receives steam to heat or froth the coffee or milk dispensed by the machine, creating a customized beverage. However, the mounting position of the steam wand on the coffee machine is either fixed, resulting in a limited operating method, or it can be rotated and adjusted, but the rotation cannot be stopped at a specific position as needed, leading to limited applicability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to propose a mixing device, a beverage mixing machine, and a mixing operation method thereof, aiming to solve the problem of low operational flexibility of the traditional steam rod due to unreasonable installation on the machine body.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a modulation device comprising:

[0005] Base, for securing to the beverage mixing machine; and,

[0006] A steam module includes a steam rod having a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other along its axial direction. The steam rod is used to receive external steam and output it outward via the second end. The first end is rotatably mounted on the base so that when rotated by an external force, the second end is driven to form an angle relative to the base.

[0007] The steam rod and the base are provided with an interference protrusion and an interference surface, respectively. During the rotation of the steam rod, the interference protrusion is driven to move on the interference surface and an interference force is generated between them to hinder the rotation of the steam rod. The interference force is set to vary.

[0008] Optionally, the rotation axis of the first end intersects perpendicularly with the central axis of the steam rod.

[0009] Optionally, the interference surface is provided with at least one first interference region and a second interference region other than the first interference region on the movement trajectory corresponding to the interference protrusion;

[0010] When the interference protrusion moves to the first interference region, it generates a first interference force, and when it moves to the second interference region, it generates a second interference force, wherein the first interference force is greater than the second interference force.

[0011] Optionally, when the interference protrusion moves to the first interference region and the external force does not increase to a preset threshold, the first interference force maintains the steam rod fixed relative to the base; and / or,

[0012] When the interference protrusion moves to the second interference region and the external force is removed, the second interference force maintains the steam rod fixed relative to the base.

[0013] Optionally, the second end of the steam rod has two extreme positions during its rotational stroke;

[0014] The first interference region is provided in two places, corresponding one-to-one with the two extreme positions, so that when the steam rod rotates to any of the extreme positions, the first interference force keeps the steam rod fixed relative to the base.

[0015] Optionally, one of the steam rod and the base is provided with a stop protrusion, and the other is provided with a corresponding stop surface. When the steam rod rotates to any of the said limit positions, the stop protrusion is driven to stop and abut against the stop surface to limit the rotation of the steam rod.

[0016] Optionally, the interference surface has at least one groove on the movement trajectory corresponding to the interference protrusion, and the location of the groove constitutes the first interference region;

[0017] The protrusion height of the interference protrusion relative to the base or the steam rod on which it is mounted is adjustable, such that when the interference protrusion moves to the second interference region, it is pushed and shortened; and when the interference protrusion moves to the first interference region, it extends and engages with the groove.

[0018] Optionally, the interference protrusion is elastically and telescopically mounted to the base or the steam rod via an elastic element.

[0019] Optionally, the base is used to fix the beverage mixing machine to the front panel, and the beverage mixing machine has a tray that protrudes laterally below the front panel;

[0020] The groove is provided in two parts, namely the first groove and the second groove;

[0021] When the interference protrusion engages with the first groove, the steam rod extends vertically, with the second end facing the tray;

[0022] When the interference protrusion engages with the second groove, the steam rod extends at an angle relative to the vertical direction, and the second end is offset from the tray.

[0023] Optionally, when the interference protrusion engages with the second groove, the inclination angle of the steam rod is greater than 0° and not greater than 90°.

[0024] Optionally, during the rotation of the steam rod, the interference protrusion is driven to slide on the interference surface; or,

[0025] The base or the steam rod with the interference protrusion is provided with an assembly hole. The interference protrusion is a ball bearing, which is rotatably mounted in the assembly hole and at least partially protrudes from the opening of the assembly hole. During the rotation of the steam rod, the interference protrusion is driven to roll on the interference surface.

[0026] Optionally, the steam module further includes an inlet pipe for connecting an external steam source and the steam rod, the inlet pipe protruding from the radial side of the steam rod.

[0027] Optionally, the access pipe includes a first pipe segment extending radially along the steam rod and a second pipe segment intersecting the first pipe segment. The first pipe segment is connected in communication with the steam rod, and the second pipe segment is bent in connection with the first pipe segment and is used to connect in communication with an external steam source.

[0028] Optionally, the base includes a first side plate, which is disposed on the radial side of the steam rod;

[0029] The first pipe segment passes through the first side plate radially along the steam rod and is connected to the steam rod. The second pipe segment is located on the side of the first side plate opposite to the steam rod and is fixedly connected to the first side plate by a first bracket.

[0030] Optionally, the steam module further includes a rotating shaft, the central axis of which is collinear with the rotation axis of the steam rod, one end of which is fixedly connected to one of the steam rod and the base, and the other end is rotatably connected to the other of the steam rod and the base;

[0031] The access tube and the rotating shaft are set independently of each other.

[0032] Optionally, the central axis of at least a partial section of the access pipe is collinear with the rotation axis of the steam rod, and one of the steam rod and the base is fixedly connected to the access pipe, while the other is rotatably connected to the access pipe.

[0033] Optionally, the base includes a first side plate and a second side plate respectively disposed on the radial sides of the steam rod, and the steam rod is provided with a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole respectively corresponding to the first side plate and the second side plate in a radial direction;

[0034] The access pipe includes a first pipe segment extending radially along the steam rod, the first pipe segment passing through the first side plate and installed in the first mounting hole;

[0035] The steam module also includes a sealing component, which is sealed and inserted into the second mounting hole. One of the steam rod and the second side plate is fixedly connected to the sealing component, and the other is rotatably connected to the sealing component.

[0036] Optionally, the sealing element is structurally compatible with the first pipe segment; and / or,

[0037] The installation state of the sealing component relative to the steam rod and the base is the same as the installation state of the first pipe section relative to the steam rod and the base.

[0038] Optionally, the modulation device further includes a temperature sensor that passes through the steam rod along its axial direction and has a measuring section extending out of the second end. The measuring section is used to detect the temperature of the liquid inside the external container when the second end is inserted into the external container.

[0039] Optionally, the steam module further includes a mounting base, which is detachably mounted to the first end and is enlarged relative to the first end;

[0040] The first end is indirectly rotatably connected to the base via the mounting bracket; and / or,

[0041] One of the mounting base and the base is provided with the interference protrusion, and the other is provided with the interference surface; and / or,

[0042] The first end is indirectly connected to external steam via the mounting base.

[0043] Optionally, the base includes a first side plate and a second side plate respectively disposed on the radial sides of the steam rod, and the interference protrusion and the interference surface are respectively provided between the first side plate and the mounting base, and between the second side plate and the mounting base;

[0044] The base also includes a bottom plate connected between the first side plate and the second side plate. The bottom plate has a clearance hole through which the steam rod is movably inserted, and at least the second end extends outward from the clearance hole.

[0045] Optionally, at least in the rotation direction of the steam rod, the mounting base is bent to form two bends, and the connection between the two bends is rotatably mounted on the first side plate and the second side plate;

[0046] The orthographic projection of the bent portion on the base plate partially falls outside the clearance hole, forming a stop protrusion, and the base plate forms a corresponding stop surface on the outer periphery of the clearance hole;

[0047] The second end of the steam rod has two extreme positions in its rotational stroke, and when the interference protrusion rotates to either extreme position, the stop protrusion abuts against the stop surface.

[0048] Furthermore, to achieve the above objectives, the present invention also provides a beverage preparation machine, comprising:

[0049] The body; and,

[0050] The modulation device described above is externally mounted on the body.

[0051] Optionally, the body has a front panel, and a tray is provided laterally below the front panel for placing an external container;

[0052] The base is detachably mounted on the front panel, and when the steam rod is driven to rotate by an external force, it causes the second end to swing in the direction of approaching and moving away from the tray.

[0053] Furthermore, to achieve the above objectives, the present invention also provides a beverage preparation method for a beverage preparation machine, comprising:

[0054] When confirming the operation of the manual modulation mode, rotate the steam rod until the interference protrusion engages with the second groove;

[0055] The steam rod is operated so that at least the second end is inserted into the external container;

[0056] After the steam rod and the external container are rotated synchronously to the target angle, the steam rod is connected to external steam.

[0057] Optionally, the beverage mixing machine's mixing operation method further includes:

[0058] When confirming the operation of the automatic modulation mode, rotate the steam rod until the interference protrusion engages with the second groove.

[0059] The steam rod is operated so that at least the second end is inserted into the external container;

[0060] After the steam rod and the external container are rotated synchronously until the external container is placed on the tray and the interference protrusion engages with the first groove, the temperature sensor is activated.

[0061] Operate the steam rod to connect to external steam, and when the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor reaches a preset threshold, operate the steam rod to stop connecting to external steam.

[0062] In the technical solution provided by this invention, the base is fixedly installed on the body of the beverage preparation machine, keeping the base fixed relative to the body. When an external force drives the steam rod to rotate, it causes the interference protrusion to move on the interference surface, thereby achieving the purpose of arbitrarily adjusting the orientation of the steam rod. During the rotation, the interference force generated between the interference protrusion and the interference surface is set to change, and this change is known in advance. Therefore, by sensing the change in the interference force, it is possible to determine that the interference protrusion has now moved to a certain area of ​​the interference surface. This makes the rotation process of the steam rod relative to the body controllable and can be stopped at any time, providing greater flexibility. Attached Figure Description

[0063] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0064] Figure 1 A perspective schematic diagram of an embodiment of the modulation apparatus provided by the present invention;

[0065] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the main structure of the modulation device;

[0066] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A longitudinal section view of the assembly point of the steam rod and the base;

[0067] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the central base from another perspective;

[0068] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the mounting bracket from another perspective;

[0069] Figure 6 for Figure 1 Schematic diagrams of the structure when the steam rod rotates to its two extreme positions;

[0070] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the modulation device at the junction of the interference protrusion and the first groove;

[0071] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged structural diagram at point A;

[0072] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the beverage preparation method of the beverage preparation machine provided by the present invention;

[0073] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the beverage preparation method provided by the present invention.

[0074] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0075] 100 Base; 110 First side plate; 111 First connecting lug; 112 First connecting hole; 120 Second side plate; 121 Second connecting lug; 122 Second connecting hole; 130 Base plate; 131 Clearance hole; 132 Stop surface; 210 Steam rod; 211 First end; 212 Second end; 220 Mounting seat; 221 Bend; 221a Stop protrusion; 222 First mounting hole; 223 Second mounting hole; 224 Third mounting hole; 225 Fourth mounting hole; 226 Assembly hole; 310 Ball bearing; 321 First groove; 322 Second groove; 330 Elastic element; 400 Inlet pipe; 410 First pipe section; 420 Second pipe section; 430 First bracket; 500 Sealing element; 600 Temperature sensor; 610 Measuring section; 700 Sealing connector; 800 Transition connecting sleeve.

[0076] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0077] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0078] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0079] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0080] Please see Figures 1 to 8 This invention provides a beverage preparation device and a beverage preparation machine used therein. The specific form of the beverage preparation machine is not limited; it can be a product that prepares ready-made beverages, or a product that prepares a beverage first from powder and / or liquid materials, and then prepares the prepared beverage. The preparation methods achievable based on the device can include, but are not limited to, heating the beverage with steam, or foaming the beverage with steam and air.

[0081] A beverage mixing machine, in addition to its mixing device, also includes a main body, which typically has a front panel facing the user and a rear surface. Taking a coffee machine as an example, the main body also has a tray protruding forward from the front panel. The tray includes a base recessed to form a water collection trough, and a grid bracket covering the opening of the water collection trough. The grid bracket can hold external containers and uses its grid to filter out larger particles of residue. The main body also typically has a downward-facing beverage outlet on the front panel, above the tray, which can supply beverages such as milk or coffee to external containers placed on the tray.

[0082] Therefore, the modulation device is generally located externally on the machine body, and preferably on the front panel of the machine body. The modulation device is generally located at least adjacent to the tray, so that the modulation device can supply steam to the external container placed on the tray.

[0083] In addition, the preparation device is generally used to circulate steam. In this case, the beverage preparation machine has a built-in steam source, or other products independent of the beverage preparation machine serve as the steam source. The steam source generates steam and connects the steam to the preparation device.

[0084] In view of the above, please refer to the following for details. Figures 1 to 8The modulation device provided by the present invention includes a base 100 and a steam module. The base 100 is used to fix to, for example, the front panel of the beverage modulation machine body. The steam module includes a steam rod 210, which has a first end 211 and a second end 212 arranged opposite each other along its axial direction. The steam rod 210 is used to receive external steam and output it outward through the second end 212. The first end 211 is rotatably mounted on the base 100 so that during rotation driven by external force, the second end 212 forms an angle relative to the base 100. One of the steam rod 210 and the base 100 has an interference protrusion, and the other has a corresponding interference surface. During the rotation of the steam rod 210, the interference protrusion is moved on the interference surface, generating an interference force between them to hinder the rotation of the steam rod 210. The interference force is varied.

[0085] In the technical solution provided by this invention, the base 100 is fixedly installed on the body of the beverage preparation machine, keeping the base 100 fixed relative to the body. When an external force drives the steam rod 210 to rotate, it causes the interference protrusion to move on the interference surface, thereby achieving the purpose of arbitrarily adjusting the orientation of the steam rod 210. During the rotation, the interference force generated between the interference protrusion and the interference surface is set to change, and this change is known in advance. Therefore, by sensing the change in interference force, it is possible to determine that the interference protrusion has now moved to a certain area of ​​the interference surface. This makes the rotation process of the steam rod 210 relative to the body controllable and can be stopped at any time, providing greater flexibility.

[0086] In this design, the base 100 serves to fix the modulation device to the body. As described above, when the body has a front panel and a tray protruding laterally below the front panel for placing an external container, the base 100 is detachably mounted to the front panel. When an external force drives the steam rod 210 to rotate, it causes the second end 212 to swing towards and away from the tray. Thus, the steam rod 210 can modulate the liquid in the external container when it is placed on the tray, or it can modulate the liquid in the external container when it is detached from the tray, and the modulation process does not interfere with the tray.

[0087] To achieve the goal of forming an angle between the steam rod 210 and the base 100, in this design, the rotation axis of the first end 211 of the steam rod 210 must at least intersect with the central axis of the steam rod 210. Furthermore, the rotation axis of the first end 211 can intersect perpendicularly with the central axis of the steam rod 210, that is, the rotation axis of the first end 211 extends along a certain radial direction of the steam rod 210.

[0088] The first end 211 of the steam rod 210 can be directly mounted to the base 100. Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment in the attached drawings, the steam module also includes a mounting base 220, through which the first end 211 of the steam rod 210 can be indirectly rotatably mounted to the base 100. In this case, to increase the convenience and stability of the rotatable connection between the mounting base 220 and the base 100, the mounting base 220 can be configured to be at least partially enlarged compared to the first end 211 of the steam rod 210, for example, the dimensions of one or more radial directions of the steam rod 210 are respectively larger than the diameter of the first end 211.

[0089] Since the mounting base 220 is rotatably mounted on the base 100 along the radial direction of the steam rod 210, in a feasible embodiment, the base 100 can be located at one end of the rotation axis of the mounting base 220, allowing the mounting base 220 to be rotatably mounted at one end. Therefore, in a feasible embodiment, the base 100 includes at least one side plate, specifically, for example, a first side plate 110 or a second side plate 120, and the mounting base 220 can be rotatably connected to the first side plate 110 or the second side plate 120 through a rotating structure.

[0090] However, to further increase the stability of the mounting base 220 and the steam rod 210 during rotation, in another feasible solution, the base 100 is disposed at both ends of the rotation axis of the mounting base 220. Specifically, the base 100 may include two side plates (specifically, the two side plates can be respectively configured as a first side plate 110 and a second side plate 120) respectively disposed at both ends of the rotation axis of the mounting base 220 (i.e., the radial ends of the steam rod 210). The two side plates have connecting holes (specifically, the two connecting holes can be respectively configured as a first connecting hole 112 and a second connecting hole 122) at corresponding positions along the radial direction of the steam rod 210; the mounting base 220 may have shaft holes at the corresponding connecting holes. Based on this, the modulation device may also include a rotating structure, one of which, the shaft hole and the limiting hole, is fixedly connected to the rotating structure, and the other is rotatably connected to the rotating structure, so as to achieve the purpose of rotatably mounting the mounting base 220 on the side plates.

[0091] The specific form of the mounting base 220 is not limited, and the rotation axis of the mounting base 220, that is, the mounting position of the rotating structure on the mounting base 220, is not limited; it can be, but is not limited to, located at the center of the mounting base 220, or off-center. Specifically, as shown... Figure 5 As shown, at least in the rotational direction of the steam rod 210, the mounting base 220 is bent to form two bends 221. The connection between the two bends 221 is for mounting a rotating structure as described above, so that the mounting base 220 is rotatably mounted on the first side plate 110 and the second side plate 120.

[0092] In addition, the base 100 also includes a bottom plate 130 connected between the two side plates. The bottom plate 130 can connect the two side plates into a whole and provide sufficient strength support for the two side plates. The bottom plate 130 can be located on the side of the mounting base 220 where the steam rod 210 is connected, and the bottom plate 130 is provided with a clearance hole 131. The clearance hole 131 allows at least the steam rod 210 to pass through.

[0093] In practical applications, one of the steam rod 210 and the base 100 is provided with a stop protrusion 221a, and the other is provided with a corresponding stop surface 132. When the interference protrusion rotates to any extreme position, the stop protrusion 221a stops and abuts against the stop surface 132. Specifically, when the stop protrusion 221a or the stop surface 132 is located between the base plate 130 and the mounting base 220, the orthographic projection of the bent portion 221 on the base plate 130 can at least partially fall outside the clearance hole 131, forming the stop protrusion 221a, and the base plate 130 forms a stop surface 132 on the outer periphery of the clearance hole 131. When the mounting base 220 drives the steam rod 210 to rotate to a set position, the stop protrusion 221a can abut against the stop surface 132 on the periphery of the clearance hole 131 of the base plate 130, thereby stopping and limiting the continued rotation of the mounting base 220. Of course, the stop protrusion 221a and the stop surface 132 can also be set in other positions without limitation.

[0094] When the base 100 is installed on the front panel of the beverage mixing machine, it can be directly fixed to the front panel of the machine through the side plate; or in a further embodiment, the base 100 also includes connecting ear plates (the two connecting ear plates can be specifically set as the first connecting ear plate 111 and the second connecting ear plate 121 respectively), the connecting ear plates extend radially from the end edge of the corresponding side plate along the steam rod 210, and are fixedly connected to the front panel of the machine.

[0095] Based on one or more of the above embodiments, the mounting base 220 and the steam rod 210 are connected and fixed, meaning that under external force, the mounting base 220 and the steam rod 210 can rotate synchronously. The rotation angle range of the steam rod 210 is not limited. When the base 100 is fixed to the front panel of the machine body, the rotation axis of the steam rod 210 and the mounting base 220 extends laterally, meaning the steam rod 210 can swing in the vertical direction. Therefore, the steam rod 210 can be specifically configured to rotate between 0° and 180°, meaning the second end 212 of the steam rod 210 can rotate from a vertically downward opening to a vertically upward opening. Of course, to make the rotation of the steam rod 210 more practical, the steam rod 210 can also be specifically configured to rotate between 0° and 90°, meaning the second end 212 of the steam rod 210 can rotate from a vertically downward opening to a forward opening.

[0096] When the steam rod 210 does not rotate a full circle as described above, it has two extreme positions in its rotational stroke. At this time, the aforementioned interference protrusion and interference surface can be correspondingly set at these two extreme positions. When the interference protrusion rotates to either extreme position, the stop protrusion 221a stops and abuts against the stop surface 132.

[0097] Interference protrusions and interference surfaces are generally arranged in pairs, and can be configured as one pair or at least two pairs. For each pair of interference protrusions and interference surfaces, the interference protrusions can be disposed on the side plate, and the corresponding interference surfaces are disposed on the steam rod 210 and / or the mounting base 220. Alternatively, as shown in the attached figure, the interference protrusions can be disposed on the steam rod 210 and / or the mounting base 220, and the corresponding interference surfaces are disposed on, for example, the side plate of the base 100. When there are two side plates as shown in the figure, namely a first side plate 110 and a second side plate 120, at least one pair of interference protrusions and interference surfaces can be respectively disposed between the first side plate 110 and the mounting base 220, and between the second side plate 120 and the mounting base 220.

[0098] When multiple pairs are configured, each interference protrusion and each interference surface can be configured in a one-to-one correspondence. For example, the steam rod 210 and / or the mounting base 220 can have all interference protrusions or all interference surfaces uniformly configured; the side plate of the base 100 can correspondingly have all matching interference surfaces or all interference protrusions uniformly configured. Alternatively, the steam rod 210 and / or the mounting base 220 can simultaneously have some interference protrusions (e.g., a first interference protrusion) and some interference surfaces (e.g., a first interference surface); the side plate of the base 100 can correspondingly have all matching first interference surfaces or uniformly have all second interference protrusions configured. The interference protrusions and interference surfaces of each pair can be on the same plane or on different planes. Of course, when multiple pairs are configured, at least two interference protrusions can also be correspondingly configured with the same interference surface.

[0099] Given the above, the steam rod 210 has multiple preset positions along its rotational stroke. Correspondingly, the interference surface has multiple interference regions along the movement trajectory of the corresponding interference protrusions. When the interference protrusions come into contact with each interference region, they generate different interference forces, resulting in different degrees of resistance to the steam rod 210 by different interference forces, and thus the state of the steam rod 210 at each corresponding position is not entirely the same.

[0100] Specifically, for example, each interference region includes at least one first interference region and the remaining second interference regions. When the interference protrusion moves to the first interference region, it generates a first interference force; when it moves to the second interference region, it generates a second interference force, wherein the first interference force is greater than the second interference force. That is, if the interference protrusion moves to the first interference region, the second end 212 of the steam rod 210 rotates to a first position; if the interference protrusion moves to the second interference region, the second end 212 of the steam rod 210 rotates to a second position. Under the action of the first and second interference forces, the anti-rotation strength of the steam rod 210 at the first position is greater than that at the second position. For example:

[0101] When the user manually or automatically applies an external force, and the external force drives the interference protrusion to move to the first interference region and the second end 212 of the steam rod 210 rotates to the first position, if the current external force remains unchanged, or the external force weakens, or the external force increases but does not increase to a preset threshold, the first interference force maintains the steam rod 210 fixed relative to the base 100. The preset threshold can be determined by the user in any suitable manner, or it can be preset by the system. The preset threshold is at least greater than the current external force value. Thus, when the second end 212 of the steam rod 210 rotates to the first position, it will be stably limited to the current position, allowing the user to more intuitively determine the current position of the steam rod 210 and perform related operations on it.

[0102] Similarly, when the user manually or automatically applies an external force, and the external force drives the interference protrusion to move to the second interference region and the second end 212 of the steam rod 210 rotates to the second position, if the current external force remains unchanged or continues to increase, the second interference force is insufficient to resist the external force, and the second end 212 of the steam rod 210 will continue to rotate in the same direction. However, if the current external force is appropriately reduced until it is removed, the second interference force is sufficient to resist the external force, and the second end 212 of the steam rod 210 will not continue to rotate in the same direction. In particular, when the external force is removed, the second interference force is balanced with other external forces (such as the gravity of the steam module) at the current position, maintaining the steam rod 210 fixed relative to the base 100. Thus, when the second end 212 of the steam rod 210 rotates to the second position, the user can completely or temporarily disengage from further operation of the steam rod 210 and / or the mounting base 220, for example, to perform other operations.

[0103] It should be noted that the aforementioned first interference region and / or second interference region may be set in one or more forms according to actual needs, and may be arranged in any form according to actual needs. For example Figure 6As shown, when the second end 212 of the steam rod 210 has two extreme positions during its rotational stroke, the first interference region is provided with at least two positions corresponding to the two extreme positions, such that when the steam rod 210 rotates to either extreme position, it stops rotating and remains fixed relative to the base 100. When the modulation device is assembled to the front panel of the body, the first extreme position can be when the steam rod 210 extends vertically and the second end 212 faces downward (i.e., when the central axis is T1). At this time, the second end 212 is located above the tray, so that when an external container is placed on the tray, at least the second end 212 is inserted into the external container and the current state is maintained to modulate the liquid in the external container (i.e., when the central axis is T2). The second extreme position can be when the steam rod 210 is tilted relative to the front panel and the second end 212 faces forward. At this time, the second end 212 is offset from the tray, so that when the outer container is outside the tray, for example when the user is holding it, at least the second end 212 can be inserted into the outer container and maintain the current state to modulate the liquid in the outer container.

[0104] The specific form of the first interference region is not limited, and it generally matches the specific form of the interference protrusion. For example, when the interference protrusion is a magnetic structure, the first interference region can be another magnetic structure that can be magnetically attracted to it, or a layer containing iron-cobalt-nickel material. Or, for example, when the interference protrusion is an adhesive structure, the first interference region can be another adhesive structure that can be adhered to it. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the interference surface has at least one groove on the movement trajectory of the corresponding interference protrusion, and the location of the groove constitutes the first interference region. When the interference protrusion moves to the first interference region, it can be adapted to and engaged with the groove, and under the limitation of the groove, it cannot continue to rotate relative to the interference surface under the original external force, thus achieving the purpose of stopping.

[0105] Next, in order to ensure that the interference forces generated by the interference protrusion at the groove (i.e., the first interference region) and at the non-groove (i.e., the second interference region) are different, in a further design, the protrusion height of the interference protrusion relative to the base 100 or the steam rod 210 on which it is mounted is adjustable. This allows the interference protrusion to be pushed and shortened when it moves to the second interference region, and to extend and engage with the groove when it moves to the first interference region. In this way, through the extension and retraction of the interference protrusion, it can achieve both the generation of a second interference force by moving and abutting against the surface of the second interference region when it moves to the second interference region, and the generation of a first interference force by engaging with the groove when it moves to the first interference region.

[0106] There are several ways to achieve the goal of adjusting the protrusion height of the interference protrusion relative to the base 100 or steam rod 210 on which it is mounted. These methods include, but are not limited to: making the interference protrusion itself, either entirely or partially, from an elastic material; or elastically extending and retracting the interference protrusion to the base 100 or steam rod 210 via an elastic element 330. The elastic element 330 is made of an elastic material, and its specific form is not limited; it can be configured as, for example, a spring, a rubber block, or a metal spring sheet, depending on actual needs.

[0107] When the mixing device is used in a beverage mixing machine, specifically when the base 100 is fixed to the front panel of the machine body, and the beverage mixing machine has a tray protruding horizontally below the front panel, please refer to... Figures 6 to 8 As shown, given the specific limitations on the two extreme positions mentioned above, two grooves can be provided, namely the first groove 321 and the second groove 322. When the interference protrusion engages with the first groove 321, the steam rod 210 extends vertically (i.e., when the central axis is T1), and the second end 212 faces the tray. When the interference protrusion engages with the second groove 322, the steam rod 210 extends obliquely relative to the vertical direction (i.e., when the central axis is T2), and the second end 212 is offset from the tray. It can be understood that the rotation angle of the steam rod 210 from the central axis T1 to the central axis T2 is a, and the angle between the first groove 321 and the second groove 322 and the rotation axis of the steam rod 210 is b. Generally, a and b are equal.

[0108] As described above, when the interference protrusion engages with the second groove 322, its purpose is to tilt the steam rod 210 away from the front panel of the machine body, and to offset the second end 212 from the tray as much as possible. Therefore, the tilt angle of the steam rod 210 is not limited. Depending on actual needs, the tilt angle of the steam rod 210 can be specifically set to be greater than 0° and not greater than 90°. That is, when the interference protrusion engages with the second groove 322, the second end 212 is offset from the tray, but not completely away from it. Thus, when the interference protrusion engages with the second groove 322, the user can, for example, manually insert at least the second end 212 of the steam rod 210 outside the tray into the external container to achieve manual modulation of the liquid in the external container at the current position; or after the second end 212 is inserted into the external container, the user can then operate the steam rod 210 and the external container to rotate and reset together toward the front panel of the machine until the interference protrusion engages with the first groove 321, the external container is placed on the tray, the steam rod 210 maintains its vertical extension, and the second end 212 remains inserted into the external container to achieve automatic modulation of the liquid in the external container at the current position.

[0109] Based on any of the above embodiments, during the rotation of the steam rod 210, the movement between the interference protrusion and the interference surface can be either a sliding fit or a rolling fit.

[0110] In one embodiment, when the interference protrusion and the interference surface are in a rolling fit, the base 100 with the interference protrusion or the steam rod 210 / mounting base 220 has an assembly hole 226. The interference protrusion is a ball bearing 310, which is rotatably mounted in the assembly hole 226 and at least partially protrudes from the opening of the assembly hole 226. During the rotation of the steam rod 210, the interference protrusion is driven to roll on the interference surface. The ball bearing 310 can be directly rotatably mounted in the assembly hole 226 as needed, or indirectly mounted in the assembly hole 226 through an installation structure. The ball bearing 310 can rotate in all directions relative to the assembly hole 226 to achieve the rolling purpose.

[0111] Specifically, for example, when the interference protrusion is mounted on the base 100 or the steam rod 210 / mounting seat 220 via the elastic member 330 as described above, taking the mounting seat 220 as an example, the mounting seat 220 is provided with a mounting hole 226. The elastic member 330 is block-shaped and has a ball groove, and the ball 310 is rotatably mounted in the ball groove; the elastic member 330 is elastically telescopically mounted in the mounting hole 226.

[0112] Furthermore, based on one or more of the above embodiments, in a further embodiment, the steam module also includes an inlet pipe 400, which is used to connect an external steam source and a steam rod 210. The inlet pipe 400 protrudes from the radial side of the steam rod 210 so that external steam can be laterally inlet into the steam rod 210, thereby achieving a smooth and slow steam flow when it flows radially and changes direction to the axial direction.

[0113] It should be noted that the inlet pipe 400 can be directly connected to the steam rod 210, for example, directly connected to the first end 211. Alternatively, as shown in the figure, the inlet pipe 400 can be indirectly connected to the steam rod 210 by connecting to the mounting base 220. The mounting base 220 may have a third mounting hole 224 along, for example, the axial direction of the steam rod 210, and at least the first end 211 of the steam rod 210 is connected to the third mounting hole 224. Furthermore, the mounting base 220 may also have a first mounting hole 222 along, for example, the radial direction of the steam rod 210, and a portion of the inlet pipe 400 is connected to the first mounting hole 222. The first mounting hole 222 and the third mounting hole 224 are connected.

[0114] Next, in one embodiment, the access pipe 400 includes a first pipe segment 410 extending radially along the steam rod 210, and a second pipe segment 420 intersecting the first pipe segment 410. The first pipe segment 410 is connected to the steam rod 210, and the second pipe segment 420 is bent to connect to the first pipe segment 410 and is used to connect to an external steam source. The first pipe segment 410 can be adapted to be connected to the first mounting hole 222 of the mounting base 220. The second pipe segment 420 is configured to intersect the first pipe segment 410, and specifically can extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first pipe segment 410. When the inlet pipe 400 is directly installed on the side wall of the mounting base 220, the second pipe section 420 can be specifically configured to extend along the side wall of the mounting base 220. By adjusting the lateral height of its protrusion from the mounting base 220, the second pipe section 420 and the side wall of the mounting base 220 can be appropriately spaced apart, so that the second pipe section 420 and the mounting base 220 have a certain degree of independence while ensuring a compact structure as much as possible.

[0115] Of course, when a side plate is provided as described above, taking the first side plate 110 as an example, the first pipe section 410 can be specifically configured to penetrate the first side plate 110 radially along the steam rod 210 and be connected to the steam rod 210. The second pipe section 420 is located on the side of the first side plate 110 opposite to the steam rod 210 and is fixedly connected to the first side plate 110 through the first bracket 430. In this way, it can be ensured that the installation of the inlet pipe 400 between the first bracket 430 and the first side plate 110, and the installation between the mounting base 220 and the first side plate 110, do not interfere with each other. The first bracket 430 can limit the second pipe section 420 to the side of the first side plate 110 opposite to the steam rod 210 / mounting base 220, preventing the second pipe section 420 from detaching from the first side plate 110. At this time, the second pipe section 420 can extend as far as possible along the side wall of the first side plate 110 opposite to the steam rod 210 / mounting base 220. When the mixing device is specifically used in a beverage mixing machine and is specifically installed on the front panel of the machine body, the second pipe section 420 can extend backward close to the front panel of the machine body to facilitate connection with the steam source set in the machine body.

[0116] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the first pipe segment 410 of the inlet pipe 400 extends radially along the steam rod 210, and the steam rod 210 / mount 220 is rotatably mounted on the base 100 around the axis extending radially along the steam rod 210 via the above-mentioned rotating structure.

[0117] In one design, the rotating structure can be set up independently from the 400mm access pipe:

[0118] Specifically, the aforementioned rotating structure can be a rotating shaft, with its central axis collinear with the rotation axis of the steam rod 210. One end of the rotating shaft is fixedly connected to one of the steam rod 210 and the base 100, while the other end is rotatably connected to the other of the steam rod 210 and the base 100. In this case, the inlet pipe 400 and the rotating shaft are set independently of each other, and the first pipe section 410 of the inlet pipe 400 and the rotating shaft are spaced apart and approximately parallel.

[0119] The aforementioned rotating shaft is disposed between the base 100 and the steam rod 210. Specifically, it can be located on one radial side of the steam rod 210 or on both radial sides of the steam rod 210. Specifically, when the base 100 includes a first side plate 110 and a second side plate 120 respectively disposed on the radial sides of the steam rod 210, the rotating shaft passes radially through the steam rod 210 and / or the mounting base 220, and connects the first side plate 110 and the second side plate 120 respectively, which helps to stabilize the rotational installation of the steam rod 210 / mounting base 220 on the base 100.

[0120] The connection between the inlet pipe 400 and the steam rod 210 provides a steam flow path from the inlet pipe 400 to the second end 212 of the steam rod 210. Since the rotating shaft and the inlet pipe 400 are separate components, it is necessary to minimize the adverse effects of the rotating shaft on the steam flowing through the aforementioned steam flow path. For example, the rotating shaft can be placed outside the aforementioned steam flow path; or, when it is necessary to place the rotating shaft within the aforementioned steam flow path, efforts should be made to ensure that the rotating shaft does not obstruct the flow of steam within the steam flow path.

[0121] In another design, the rotating structure can be shared at least partially with the access pipe 400:

[0122] Specifically, the central axis of at least a partial section of the access pipe 400 is collinear with the rotation axis of the steam rod 210, and one of the steam rod 210 and the base 100 is fixedly connected to the access pipe 400, while the other is rotatably connected to the access pipe 400. For example, when the access pipe 400 includes the first pipe section 410 and the second pipe section 420 as described above, the first pipe section 410 directly constitutes the aforementioned rotation axis and is rotatably connected to the first mounting hole 222 opened on the mounting base 220.

[0123] Similarly, the inlet pipe 400 is disposed between the base 100 and the steam rod 210. Specifically, it can be located on one radial side of the steam rod 210, or it can be disposed on both radial sides of the steam rod 210. When disposed on both radial sides of the steam rod 210, for example, two inlet pipes 400 can be disposed on both radial sides of the steam rod 210.

[0124] When the base is located on the radial side of the steam rod 210, specifically, the base 100 includes a first side plate 110 and a second side plate 120 respectively disposed on the radial sides of the steam rod 210. The steam rod 210 is provided with a first mounting hole 222 and a second mounting hole 223 respectively corresponding to the first side plate 110 and the second side plate 120. The first side plate 110 is provided with a first connecting hole 112 corresponding to the first mounting hole 222, and the second side plate 120 is provided with a second connecting hole 122 corresponding to the second mounting hole 223. The inlet pipe 400 includes a first pipe section 410 extending radially along the steam rod 210. The first pipe section 410 passes through the first connecting hole 112 and is rotatably installed in the first connecting hole 112.

[0125] In addition, the steam module also includes a sealing element 500, which is sealed and inserted into the second mounting hole 223. One of the second mounting hole 223 of the steam rod 210 and the second connecting hole 122 of the second side plate 120 is fixedly connected to the sealing element 500, and the other is rotatably connected to the sealing element 500. The sealing element 500 thus constitutes the aforementioned rotating shaft independently. Alternatively, the sealing element 500 can be directly and sealed into the second mounting hole 223 without contacting the second side plate 120, or it can slide against the second side plate 120. In this case, the second side plate 120 is not located in the aforementioned second connecting hole 122.

[0126] It should be noted that the structures of the aforementioned sealing element 500 and the first pipe segment 410 can be designed to be compatible. That is, at least the shapes and dimensions of the parts where the sealing element 500 is installed with the second mounting hole 223 and the parts where the first pipe segment 410 is installed with the first mounting hole 222 are approximately the same, allowing the first pipe segment 410 and the sealing element 500 to be installed interchangeably. For example, the first pipe segment 410 can be installed at the first mounting hole 222 or at the second mounting hole 223. The second mounting hole 223 can also be connected to the third mounting hole 224.

[0127] And / or, the installation state of the plugging member 500 relative to the steam rod 210 and the base 100 is the same as the installation state of the first pipe segment 410 relative to the steam rod 210 and the base 100. That is, for example, when the plugging member 500 is configured to be rotatably connected to the steam rod 210 / mounting seat 220 and fixedly connected to the base 100, correspondingly, the first pipe segment 410 is configured to be rotatably connected to the steam rod 210 / mounting seat 220 and fixedly connected to the base 100. Conversely, when the plugging member 500 is configured to be fixedly connected to the steam rod 210 / mounting seat 220 and rotatably connected to the base 100, correspondingly, the first pipe segment 410 is configured to be fixedly connected to the steam rod 210 / mounting seat 220 and rotatably connected to the base 100.

[0128] Based on one or more of the above embodiments, the modulation device further includes a temperature sensor 600, which is inserted through the steam rod 210 along its axial direction and has a measuring section 610 extending from the second end 212. The measuring section 610 is used to detect the temperature of the liquid inside the external container when the second end 212 is inserted into the external container. Specifically, the temperature sensor 600 can be inserted through the steam rod 210 along its axial direction. The mounting base 220 can have a fourth mounting hole 225 extending through the steam rod 210 along its axial direction, and the fourth mounting hole 225 communicates with the inside of the steam rod 210.

[0129] In a further embodiment, the extension section passes through at least the fourth mounting hole 225 and the hollow structure of the steam rod 210. In this way, the extension section does not occupy additional space outside the steam rod 210, resulting in a smaller overall radial dimension and a more compact structure for the modulation device.

[0130] When the extension section is entirely inserted through the hollow structure of the steam rod 210, there is at least a partial gap between the outer peripheral sidewall of the extension section and the inner peripheral sidewall of the steam rod 210, allowing steam to flow through. Generally, the hollow structure of the steam rod 210 is a regular cylinder along the first direction, and the extension section is also generally a regular cylinder along the first direction. When the extension section is entirely inserted through the hollow structure of the steam rod 210, the extension section can be eccentrically positioned, that is, the central axis of the steam rod 210 is approximately parallel to but not collinear with the central axis of the extension section. In this case, if the outer peripheral sidewall of the extension section and the inner peripheral sidewall of the steam rod 210 are partially in contact and partially separated, the gap formed between them is generally a circumferentially non-connected chamber; if neither the outer peripheral sidewall of the extension section nor the inner peripheral sidewall of the steam rod 210 is in contact, the gap formed between them is generally a circumferentially connected, eccentric annular chamber. In this embodiment, the steam rod 210 and the extension section are coaxially positioned. That is, the central axis of the steam rod 210 is basically collinear with the central axis of the extension section. At this time, the outer peripheral wall of the extension section and the inner peripheral wall of the steam rod 210 do not abut against each other, and the gap formed between them is circumferentially connected, forming a concentric annular cavity, i.e., an annular flow channel. The setting of the annular flow channel ensures that the flow velocity and flow rate in all directions between the extension section and the steam rod 210 are consistent, which helps to further improve the stability of steam flow.

[0131] Furthermore, in view of any of the above embodiments, a sealing connector 700 may also be provided between each hole structure and pipe section structure. The sealing connector 700 may be, but is not limited to, a sealing ring, a sealing sleeve, etc. A transition connecting sleeve 800 may also be fitted around the outer periphery of the connection between the steam rod 210 and the mounting base 220, so as to provide a smooth transition in appearance for the size and shape differences between the mounting base 220 and the steam rod 210, and to help protect the connection between the mounting base 220 and the steam rod 210 to a certain extent.

[0132] In addition, the present invention also provides a beverage preparation method, which can be, but is not limited to, the beverage preparation machine / preparation device described in any of the above embodiments.

[0133] Specifically, please combine Figure 9 The first embodiment of the beverage mixing operation method of the beverage mixing machine includes:

[0134] Step A100: When confirming the operation of the manual modulation mode, rotate the steam rod 210 until the interference protrusion engages with the second groove 322;

[0135] Step A200: Insert at least the second end 212 of the operating steam rod 210 into the outer container;

[0136] Step A300: After the steam rod 210 and the external container are rotated synchronously to the target angle, the steam rod 210 is connected to external steam.

[0137] In this embodiment, when it is confirmed that the manual modulation mode needs to be operated, the steam rod 210 can be manually rotated until the interference protrusion engages with the second groove 322. It should be noted that the second groove 322 may correspond to an extreme position of the steam rod 210, or it may not have reached the extreme position of the steam rod 210. When the interference protrusion engages with the second groove 322, the steam rod 210 can be limited and maintained at the current position. The user can hold the external container and keep it away from the tray. Then, the user continues to insert at least the second end 212 of the steam rod 210 into the external container, and then rotates the steam rod 210 and the external container synchronously to the target angle. Finally, at the position corresponding to the target angle, the steam rod 210 is operated to connect to external steam to begin manual modulation of the liquid in the external container. It should be noted that the position corresponding to the target angle may be directly the position corresponding to the second groove 322, that is, in step A300 above, no further force is applied to drive the steam rod 210 to rotate. Alternatively, the position corresponding to the target angle could be the position between the second groove 322 and the first groove 321, or the position on the side of the second groove 322 away from the first groove 321, etc.

[0138] Please combine Figure 10 A second embodiment of the beverage mixing operation method includes:

[0139] Step B100: When confirming the operation of the automatic modulation mode, rotate the steam rod 210 until the interference protrusion engages with the second groove 322;

[0140] Step B200: Insert at least the second end 212 of the operating steam rod 210 into the outer container;

[0141] Step B300: Operate the steam rod 210 and the external container to rotate synchronously until the external container is placed on the tray and the interference protrusion is engaged with the first groove 321, then start the temperature sensor 600 to run;

[0142] Step B400: Operate the steam rod 210 to connect to external steam, and when the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor 600 reaches the preset threshold, operate the steam rod 210 to stop connecting to external steam.

[0143] In this embodiment, when it is confirmed that the automatic modulation mode needs to be run, the steam rod 210 can be manually rotated until the interference protrusion engages with the second groove 322. It should be noted that the second groove 322 may correspond to an extreme position of the steam rod 210, or it may not have reached that extreme position. When the interference protrusion engages with the second groove 322, the steam rod 210 can be limited and maintained in its current position. The user can hold the external container, ensuring it is positioned away from the tray. Then, the user continues to insert at least the second end 212 of the steam rod 210 into the external container, and then rotates the steam rod 210 and the external container synchronously until the external container is placed on the tray and the interference protrusion engages with the first groove 321. The steam rod 210 is then connected to external steam, and automatic modulation of the liquid in the external container begins. Before, during, or after this step, the temperature sensor 600 can be activated to measure the temperature of the liquid in the external container. When the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor 600 reaches the preset threshold, it indicates that the modulation operation of the modulation device on the liquid in the external container has reached the required level and no further adjustment is needed. At this time, the steam rod 210 can be operated automatically or manually to stop the connection of external steam and end the modulation.

[0144] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modulation device, characterized in that, include: Base, for securing to the beverage mixing machine; and, A steam module includes a steam rod having a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other along its axial direction. The steam rod is used to receive steam and output it outward through the second end. The first end is rotatably mounted on the base so that when rotated by an external force, the second end is driven to form an angle with respect to the base. The steam rod and the base are provided with an interference protrusion and an interference surface, respectively. During the rotation of the steam rod, the interference protrusion is driven to move on the interference surface and an interference force is generated between them to hinder the rotation of the steam rod. The interference force is set to vary. The interference surface has at least one first interference region and a second interference region other than the first interference region on the movement trajectory corresponding to the interference protrusion; the interference protrusion generates a first interference force when it moves to the first interference region, and generates a second interference force when it moves to the second interference region, wherein the first interference force is greater than the second interference force.

2. The modulation apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rotation axis of the first end intersects perpendicularly with the central axis of the steam rod.

3. The modulation apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the interference protrusion moves to the first interference region and the external force does not increase to a preset threshold, the first interference force maintains the steam rod fixed relative to the base; and / or, When the interference protrusion moves to the second interference region and the external force is removed, the second interference force maintains the steam rod fixed relative to the base.

4. The modulation apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second end of the steam rod has two extreme positions during its rotational stroke; The first interference region is provided in two places, corresponding one-to-one with the two extreme positions, so that when the steam rod rotates to any of the extreme positions, the first interference force keeps the steam rod fixed relative to the base.

5. The modulation apparatus as described in claim 4, characterized in that, One of the steam rod and the base is provided with a stop protrusion, and the other is provided with a corresponding stop surface. When the steam rod rotates to any of the said limit positions, the stop protrusion is driven to stop and abut against the stop surface to limit the rotation of the steam rod.

6. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The interference surface has at least one groove on the movement trajectory corresponding to the interference protrusion, and the location of the groove constitutes the first interference region. The protrusion height of the interference protrusion relative to the base or the steam rod on which it is mounted is adjustable, such that when the interference protrusion moves to the second interference region, it is pushed and shortened; and when the interference protrusion moves to the first interference region, it extends and engages with the groove.

7. The modulation apparatus as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The interference protrusion is elastically and retractably mounted on the base or the steam rod via an elastic element.

8. The modulation apparatus as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The base is used to fix the beverage mixing machine to the front panel, and the beverage mixing machine has a tray that protrudes laterally below the front panel. The groove is provided in two parts, namely the first groove and the second groove; When the interference protrusion engages with the first groove, the steam rod extends vertically, with the second end facing the tray; When the interference protrusion engages with the second groove, the steam rod extends at an angle relative to the vertical direction, and the second end is offset from the tray.

9. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, When the interference protrusion engages with the second groove, the tilt angle of the steam rod is greater than 0° and not greater than 90°.

10. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, During the rotation of the steam rod, the interference protrusion is driven to slide on the interference surface; or, The base or the steam rod with the interference protrusion is provided with an assembly hole. The interference protrusion is a ball bearing, which is rotatably mounted in the assembly hole and at least partially protrudes from the opening of the assembly hole. During the rotation of the steam rod, the interference protrusion is driven to roll on the interference surface.

11. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The steam module also includes an inlet pipe for connecting an external steam source and the steam rod, and the inlet pipe protrudes from the radial side of the steam rod.

12. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The access pipe includes a first pipe segment extending radially along the steam rod and a second pipe segment intersecting the first pipe segment. The first pipe segment is connected to the steam rod, and the second pipe segment is bent and connected to the first pipe segment for connecting to an external steam source.

13. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, The base includes a first side plate, which is disposed on the radial side of the steam rod; The first pipe segment passes through the first side plate radially along the steam rod and is connected to the steam rod. The second pipe segment is located on the side of the first side plate opposite to the steam rod and is fixedly connected to the first side plate by a first bracket.

14. The modulation apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The steam module also includes a rotating shaft, the central axis of which is collinear with the rotation axis of the steam rod. One end of the rotating shaft is fixedly connected to one of the steam rod and the base, and the other end is rotatably connected to the other of the steam rod and the base. The access tube and the rotating shaft are set independently of each other.

15. The modulation apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The central axis of at least a partial section of the access pipe is collinear with the rotation axis of the steam rod, and one of the steam rod and the base is fixedly connected to the access pipe, while the other is rotatably connected to the access pipe.

16. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The base includes a first side plate and a second side plate respectively disposed on the radial sides of the steam rod, and the steam rod is provided with a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole respectively corresponding to the first side plate and the second side plate in a radial direction; The access pipe includes a first pipe segment extending radially along the steam rod, the first pipe segment passing through the first side plate and installed in the first mounting hole; The steam module also includes a sealing component, which is sealed and inserted into the second mounting hole. One of the steam rod and the second side plate is fixedly connected to the sealing component, and the other is rotatably connected to the sealing component.

17. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that, The sealing component is structurally compatible with the first pipe section; and / or, The installation state of the sealing component relative to the steam rod and the base is the same as the installation state of the first pipe section relative to the steam rod and the base.

18. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The modulation device further includes a temperature sensor that passes through the steam rod along its axial direction and has a measuring section extending out of the second end. The measuring section is used to detect the temperature of the liquid inside the external container when the second end is inserted into the external container.

19. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The steam module also includes a mounting base, which is detachably mounted to the first end and is enlarged relative to the first end. The first end is indirectly rotatably connected to the base via the mounting bracket; and / or, One of the mounting base and the base is provided with the interference protrusion, and the other is provided with the interference surface; and / or, The first end is indirectly connected to external steam via the mounting base.

20. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that, The base includes a first side plate and a second side plate respectively disposed on the radial sides of the steam rod. The interference protrusion and the interference surface are respectively provided between the first side plate and the mounting base, and between the second side plate and the mounting base. The base also includes a bottom plate connected between the first side plate and the second side plate. The bottom plate has a clearance hole through which the steam rod is movably inserted, and at least the second end extends outward from the clearance hole.

21. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that, At least in the direction of rotation of the steam rod, the mounting base is bent to form two bends, and the connection between the two bends is rotatably mounted on the first side plate and the second side plate; The orthographic projection of the bent portion on the base plate partially falls outside the clearance hole, forming a stop protrusion, and the base plate forms a corresponding stop surface on the outer periphery of the clearance hole; The second end of the steam rod has two extreme positions in its rotational stroke, and when the interference protrusion rotates to either extreme position, the stop protrusion abuts against the stop surface.

22. A beverage preparation machine, characterized in that, include: The body; and, The modulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the modulation device is externally disposed in the body.

23. The beverage preparation machine as described in claim 22, characterized in that, The body has a front panel, and a tray is provided horizontally below the front panel for placing an external container. The base is detachably mounted on the front panel, and when the steam rod is driven to rotate by an external force, it causes the second end to swing in the direction of approaching and moving away from the tray.

24. A method for operating a beverage mixing machine as described in any one of claims 22 to 23, characterized in that, The interference surface has at least one groove on the movement trajectory corresponding to the interference protrusion, and the location of the groove constitutes the first interference region; the base is used to fix the beverage preparation machine to the front panel, and the beverage preparation machine has a tray protruding laterally below the front panel; there are two grooves, namely the first groove and the second groove, and when the interference protrusion engages with the second groove, the steam rod extends at an angle relative to the vertical direction, and the second end is offset from the tray; The beverage mixing machine's mixing operation method includes: When confirming the operation of the manual modulation mode, rotate the steam rod until the interference protrusion engages with the second groove; The steam rod is operated so that at least the second end is inserted into the external container; After the steam rod and the external container are rotated synchronously to the target angle, the steam rod is connected to external steam.

25. The beverage preparation method of the beverage preparation machine as described in claim 24, characterized in that, When the interference protrusion engages with the first groove, the steam rod extends vertically, with the second end facing the tray; The beverage mixing machine's mixing operation method also includes: When confirming the operation of the automatic modulation mode, rotate the steam rod until the interference protrusion engages with the second groove. The steam rod is operated so that at least the second end is inserted into the external container; After the steam rod and the external container are rotated synchronously until the external container is placed on the tray and the interference protrusion engages with the first groove, the temperature sensor is activated. Operate the steam rod to connect to external steam, and when the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor reaches a preset threshold, operate the steam rod to stop connecting to external steam.

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