A steam wand with mechanical timer adjustment function and its coffee machine

Abstract

This invention discloses a steam wand with mechanical timer adjustment function and its coffee machine, including: a fixed base, a steam wand adjustment head, a steam inlet cover, a timer component, a steam outlet wand, and a steam head connected to the steam outlet wand. The timer component includes a timer gear, an elastic element, and a speed limiting spring. The elastic element and the speed limiting spring act on the timer gear so that the timer gear can return to its original position after rotating a certain angle in the circumferential direction. The timer gear is provided with a steam outlet. The elastic element, the speed limiting spring, and a part of the timer gear are sealed and covered by the steam inlet cover. The steam outlet wand has a hollow cavity. An arc-shaped steam outlet hole is formed in a cross-section of the hollow cavity near the upper end of the steam outlet wand. The steam outlet hole is always connected to the steam outlet hole in the timer state. The timer component can effectively realize the function of manually adjusting the timer of the coffee machine's steam wand, which is convenient to operate, provides stable steam injection, increases coffee extraction and human-machine interaction, and also reduces costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of coffee machines, and in particular to a steam wand with a mechanical timer adjustment function. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards improve, there are more and more coffee shops and coffee lovers. Many people prefer to buy coffee beans, grind them themselves, and brew their own coffee. As a result, coffee machines that can make different types of coffee have appeared on the market, such as espresso machines, fully automatic coffee machines, semi-automatic coffee machines, and milk tea machines. The styles of coffee machines are also becoming more diverse. However, whether it is a fully automatic or semi-automatic coffee machine, they all use a steam wand to heat other beverages, especially for frothing milk and making latte art, in order to obtain a better drinking experience.

[0003] Currently, the steam wand device equipped in coffee machines on the market generally consists of a steam wand, a mounting bracket, and a steam nozzle assembly, allowing users to adjust the angle of the steam wand according to the requirements of the usage environment, making the process convenient.

[0004] There are three common ways to turn on steam in the market: rotary switch, lever switch, and solenoid valve control in fully automatic coffee machines. Among them, rotary switches are less accurate and more prone to failure. Improper operation can easily cause the steam to fail to turn off. Lever-type steam wrenches are most commonly used in semi-automatic coffee machines. Fully automatic coffee machines mainly use solenoid valve control, but solenoid valve control is more expensive. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main technical problem solved by this invention is to provide a steam rod with mechanical timing adjustment function. Based on three commonly used steam rods, a timing component is added, which optimizes the shortcomings of the first three mechanical devices, increases the stability of steam output, adds a timing function, and allows the steam output time to be preset and manually adjusted.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a steam rod with mechanical timing adjustment function, comprising:

[0007] The mounting bracket is used to fix the steam wand adjustment head and connect it to the steam source circuit of the coffee machine;

[0008] Steam rod adjusting head, used to guide steam into the steam inlet cover;

[0009] A steam inlet cover has a steam inlet port, which is connected to a steam rod adjusting head for allowing steam to enter the steam rod.

[0010] The timing component includes a timing gear, an elastic element, and a speed limiting spring ring. The elastic element and the speed limiting spring ring act on the timing gear so that the timing gear can return to its original position after rotating a certain angle in the circumferential direction. The timing gear is provided with a steam outlet. The elastic element, the speed limiting spring ring, and a part of the timing gear are sealed and covered by the steam inlet cover.

[0011] The steam outlet rod, connected to the timing component, has a hollow cavity. An arc-shaped steam outlet hole is formed in a cross-section of the hollow cavity near the upper end of the steam outlet rod. The steam outlet hole is always connected to the steam outlet of the timing gear in the timing state of the timing component.

[0012] A steam head, connected to the steam outlet rod, is used to eject steam.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the timing gear includes a base, teeth, and an extension disposed on the teeth. One end of the elastic element is restricted within the extension on the timing gear, and the other end is provided with a first limiting part, which cooperates with a second limiting part on the inner sidewall of the steam inlet cover to position the other end of the elastic element.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first limiting part is a limiting recess disposed at the other end of the elastic element, and the second limiting part is a limiting protrusion disposed on the inner wall of the steam inlet cover and cooperating with the limiting recess.

[0015] Alternatively, the first limiting part may be a limiting protrusion located at the other end of the elastic element, and the second limiting part may be a limiting recess located on the inner wall of the steam inlet cover that cooperates with the limiting protrusion.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the toothed portion includes a plurality of teeth, and the speed-limiting spring ring is provided with a plurality of speed-limiting steps that contact and engage with the teeth to limit the rebound and reset speed of the elastic element.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first steam passage hole and a second steam passage hole are provided on the timing gear. The second steam passage hole is provided on the upper surface of the base and communicates with the steam outlet. When the steam inlet cover is sealed on the base, the steam in the steam inlet cover is transmitted to the steam outlet and fed into the steam rod after passing through the first steam passage hole and the second steam passage hole.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sealing ring is provided inside the steam outlet, and the diameter of the central steam outlet hole of the sealing ring is less than or equal to the width of the steam outlet through hole.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the timing component further includes a positioning element. The circumferential sidewall of the timing gear is provided with a positioning hole. The outer surface of the upper end of the steam outlet rod has a clearance through groove in the circumferential direction corresponding to the position of the positioning hole. One end of the positioning element is inserted into the positioning hole, and the other end extends out of the clearance through groove and can move in the clearance through groove.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a steering sleeve is fitted on the steam outlet rod, the steering sleeve is provided with an insertion hole corresponding to the position of the positioning element, the positioning element is inserted into the insertion hole, and a rotating handle is fixedly fitted on the steering sleeve.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, multiple scale markings are evenly distributed on the outer wall of the steam rod adjusting head, and a positioning mark button corresponding to the position of the positioning element is provided on the rotating handle. The timing time for steam conduction is determined by turning the rotating handle until the positioning mark button is aligned with the different scale marking positions.

[0022] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a coffee machine, including the steam wand with the above-mentioned mechanical timing adjustment function.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By adding a timing component to the steam wand of the coffee machine, the timing stability and uniformity are ensured by the action of elastic elements and speed-limiting springs on the timing gear. A steam outlet is provided on the timing gear, and a corresponding arc-shaped steam outlet hole is provided on the steam outlet rod, which can adapt to the movement of the steam outlet of the timing gear. This ensures that the steam outlet hole is always connected to the steam outlet of the timing gear during the timing state of the timing component, thus effectively realizing the function of manually adjusting the steam timing of the coffee machine's steam wand. This steam wand enables preset and manual adjustment of the steam output time, adds a timing function, enhances stability, increases the enjoyment of coffee making, improves customer experience, and enhances and optimizes the human-machine interaction between the user and the coffee machine's steam wand, while also reducing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments 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 these drawings without creative effort, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a steam rod structure with mechanical timing adjustment function according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2This is an exploded view of a steam rod with mechanical timing adjustment function according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of a local structure in the middle;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a steam rod with mechanical timing adjustment function according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structural assembly of the timing component in this invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is an assembly schematic diagram of the timing component in this invention from another perspective;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first group of structures in this invention;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the second group of structures in this invention;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the third group of structures in this invention;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the air outlet rod in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] Please see Figure 1-3 The present invention is an embodiment of a steam rod with mechanical timing adjustment function, comprising: a fixed base 1, a steam rod adjustment head 2, a timing component, an air outlet rod 3, and a steam head 4. The fixed base 1 and the steam rod adjustment head 2 are fixed by inserting a nut sleeve. The upper end of the air outlet rod is threadedly connected to the steam rod adjustment head 2, and the lower end is fastened to the steam head 4 by threads. This is a conventional connection method used in pull rod type and fully automatic coffee machines.

[0037] In the embodiments of this application, an air inlet cover 5 is provided inside the steam rod adjusting head 2. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4-6The timing component includes a speed-limiting spring ring 6, a timing gear 7, and an elastic element 8. The elastic element 8 and the speed-limiting spring ring 6 act on the timing gear 7 so that the timing gear 7 can return to its original position after rotating a certain angle in the circumferential direction. The elastic element 8, the speed-limiting spring ring 6, and a part of the timing gear 7 are sealed and covered by the steam inlet cover 5. The speed-limiting spring ring 6 is interference-fitted inside the steam inlet cover 5 to ensure the uniform rotation of the timing gear and the stability of the steam output. Preferably, the elastic element 8 is a coil spring. The timing gear 7 includes a base 71, a tooth 72, and an extension 73 provided on the tooth 72. One end of the elastic element 8 is restricted in the extension 73 on the timing gear 7. A limiting groove 731 is provided in the extension 73 on the timing gear 7. One end of the elastic element 8 is restricted in the limiting groove 731. The other end of the elastic element 8 is provided with a first limiting part 81, which cooperates with a second limiting part 51 on the inner sidewall of the steam inlet cover 5 to position the other end of the elastic element 8. Specifically, in this embodiment, as shown... Figure 8 As shown, the first limiting part 81 is a limiting recess provided on the other end of the elastic element 8, and the second limiting part 51 is a limiting boss on the inner wall of the steam inlet cover 5. During installation, the limiting recess and the boss cooperate to lock and limit the other end of the elastic element 8. It should be noted that the first limiting part 81 can also be a limiting boss provided on the other end of the elastic element 8, and the second limiting part 51 can be a limiting recess provided on the inner wall of the steam inlet cover 5 that cooperates with the limiting boss. The elastic element 8 is the power source for the timing function of the steam rod, so that the timing gear 7 can return to its original position after rotating a certain angle.

[0038] In the embodiments of this application, the steam outlet rod 3 is connected to the timing component and has a hollow cavity. An arc-shaped steam outlet hole 31 is formed in a cross-section of the hollow cavity near the upper end of the steam outlet rod 3. The steam outlet hole 31 is always connected to the steam outlet 74 of the timing gear 7 in the timing state of the timing component.

[0039] Specifically, the top surface of the steam inlet cover 5 is provided with a steam inlet 52, and the bottom surface of the timing gear 7 is provided with a steam outlet 74. The timing gear 7 is also provided with a first steam passage hole 75 and a second steam passage hole (not shown in the figure). The second steam passage hole is located on the upper surface of the base 71 and is connected to the steam outlet 74. When the steam inlet cover 5 is sealed on the base 71, the steam in the steam inlet cover 5 is transmitted to the steam outlet 74 through the first steam passage hole 75 and the second steam passage hole and sent into the steam rod. The top surface of the steam inlet cover is provided with a steam inlet hole, and the bottom surface of the timing gear 7 is provided with a steam outlet hole. The speed limiting spring ring 6 ensures the uniformity of timing. The diameter of the steam inlet hole on the steam inlet cover is larger than the diameter of the steam outlet hole. Since the sealing space inside the steam inlet cover remains unchanged, when the steam rod of the coffee machine is working, the amount of steam injected by the steam rod is always in a stable state, which provides the stability of steam pressure and solves the problem of steam injection and steam instability of conventional steam rods.

[0040] Furthermore, the diameter of the steam inlet 52 on the steam inlet cover 5 is larger than the diameter of the steam outlet 74. Since the sealing space inside the steam inlet cover 5 remains unchanged, the amount of steam injected by the steam rod of the coffee machine remains stable when the steam rod is working, which provides the stability of steam pressure and solves the problems of steam injection and steam instability of conventional steam rods.

[0041] like Figure 4 and Figure 10 As shown, the timing assembly also includes a positioning element 9. The circumferential sidewall of the timing gear 7 is provided with a positioning hole 10. The positioning element 9 can be a positioning pin or a positioning post. The outer surface of the upper end of the steam rod 3 has a clearance through groove 32 in the circumferential direction corresponding to the position of the positioning hole 10. One end of the positioning element 9 is inserted into the positioning hole 10, and the other end extends out of the clearance through groove 32 and can move in the clearance through groove 32. The structure of the clearance through groove 32 of the steam rod is an arc-shaped structure. In this embodiment, the steam rod 3 has a hollow cavity, which forms a channel for steam to pass through. In this embodiment, the steam outlet hole 31 is opened circumferentially along the cross-section of the steam rod 3 and has a semi-circular structure, corresponding to a maximum timing quantity of 1 minute. Under the premise of ensuring strength, the maximum arc of the steam outlet hole 31 does not exceed 3 / 4 of the circumference, 270°.

[0042] See again Figure 5-6 As shown, the speed limiting spring ring 6 has several speed limiting step portions 61, which contact and cooperate with several teeth of the tooth portion 72 to keep the rebound of the elastic element 8 at a uniform speed. When the elastic element 8 returns to its original position at a uniform speed, the teeth contact the speed limiting step portions 61 one by one and move slowly along the inclined surface of the speed limiting step portions 61. This ensures that the timing gear 7 has a certain uniform speed time to complete contact with the speed limiting step portion 61 after each tooth rotates, thereby controlling the reset time of the timing gear 7 after rotating a certain angle, and thus controlling the steam output time.

[0043] In this embodiment, the timing gear 7 has 10 teeth and 3 speed-limiting step portions 61. Each speed-limiting step portion 61 of the speed-limiting spring ring 6 is located between two adjacent teeth and makes frictional contact with the adjacent teeth to control the timing gear 7 to recover at a uniform speed. In this embodiment, the steam outlet hole 31 is designed as an arc-shaped steam outlet hole corresponding to a 180° circumference. The clearance through groove 32 is also an arc-shaped through groove with a half-circumference of 180°. That is, the maximum timing stroke is half a circle. The design of the speed-limiting spring ring 6 makes it so that the timing gear 7 rotates half a circle in 1 minute. That is, the maximum rotation angle of the timing gear 7 is half a circle, and the uniform recovery time is 1 minute. This design takes into account that the general steam usage time does not exceed 1 minute, which meets the maximum steam duration requirement.

[0044] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the number of teeth on the timing gear 7 is not necessarily 10, but can be N, that is, the timing gear 7 rotates through N teeth in one revolution, such as 4, 6, 10 or 12, etc. In this embodiment, it has 10 teeth. The maximum timing stroke is half a revolution. The time taken for the timing gear 7 to rotate one tooth is 2T / N, where T is the preset maximum timing time and N is the number of teeth. In other embodiments, the maximum set rotation stroke can be 270°, and the time taken for the timing gear 7 to rotate one tooth is 4T / 3N. The number of speed limiting step parts 61 is not limited to 3, and can be designed according to the actual speed control needs, or it can be 1, 2 or more. The rotation speed of the timing gear 7 can be obtained by designing the restoring force of the elastic element 8 and the resistance of the uniform speed spring according to the timing duration requirements.

[0045] In this embodiment, a steering sleeve 11 is fitted onto the air outlet rod. The insertion hole on the steering sleeve 11 is aligned with the position of the clearance through groove 32, and their sizes are the same. A rotating handle 12 is fixedly fitted onto the steering sleeve 11. The rotating handle 12 is made of silicone. The assembled timing component is rotated clockwise onto the air outlet rod, ensuring that the positioning hole 10 on the side of the timing gear 7 is aligned with the right side of the elongated clearance through groove 32 at the upper end of the air outlet rod. The steering sleeve 11 is fitted onto the air outlet rod to align with the position of the positioning hole 10, and the positioning element 9 is inserted into the positioning hole 10 of the timing gear 7. Up to the bottom, the rotating handle 12 is fitted onto the steering sleeve 11. Multiple sets of scale markings 13 are evenly distributed on the outer wall of the steam rod adjusting head 2. The rotating handle 12 has a positioning mark button 14 corresponding to the position of the positioning element 9. The rotation of the timing gear 7 is powered by manually rotating the outer ring of the rotating handle 12 clockwise. Since the insertion hole of the steering sleeve 11 also has a controllable angle of 180 degrees, the rotation angle of the positioning rod driven by the rotating handle 12 is also 180 degrees. In this embodiment, the steam rod adjusting head 2 has three scale markings 13, corresponding to steam injection times of 24S / 36S / 60S respectively. By adjusting the positioning mark button 14 to align with the different scale markings 13, the steam injection time can be preset and manually adjusted. It should be noted that multiple scale markings 13 can also be set according to usage requirements. For example, when the rotating handle 12 reaches the nearest scale marking 13, it indicates a steam injection time of 24 seconds, and so on.

[0046] Furthermore, a sealing ring 15 is provided inside the steam outlet 74. The diameter of the central steam outlet hole of the sealing ring 15 is less than or equal to the width of the steam outlet hole 31. The sealing ring 15 is interference-fitted into the steam outlet hole below the timing gear 7, further ensuring the pressure stability of the steam. The diameter of the central steam outlet hole of the sealing ring 15 is less than or equal to the width of the steam outlet hole 31 opened on the circumferential surface of the steam rod 3. In some embodiments, the steam pressure and flow rate can be adjusted by changing the size of the sealing ring 15. The steam outlet 74 below the timing gear 7 is the outlet for injected steam and is aligned and connected to the steam outlet hole 31. This steam outlet 74 rotates clockwise to engage with the steam outlet hole 31 on the steam rod 3. Steam passes through the steam channel inside the steam rod 3 and then exits through the steam outlet hole 31. Figure 10 The steam outlet 3 shown ejects steam from its lower end into the steam head 4. This steam outlet 74 is rotated counterclockwise to the bottom to avoid communication with the steam outlet hole 31. The steel plate inside the steam outlet 3 is blocked, preventing the steam from being ejected and thus pausing the operation of the steam outlet. Based on this principle, a steam outlet with a timer device can be added to the steam outlet, which can effectively realize the timer function of the manually adjustable steam outlet of the coffee machine and maintain the stability of the steam pressure.

[0047] Finally, this application also provides a coffee machine with a steam rod having the aforementioned mechanical timing adjustment function. This coffee machine is equipped with such a steam rod, and by adding a timing component, the timing stability and uniformity are ensured by the action of an elastic element and a speed-limiting spring on the timing gear. A steam outlet is provided on the timing gear, and a corresponding arc-shaped steam outlet hole is provided on the steam rod that can adapt to the movement of the steam outlet of the timing gear. This ensures that the steam outlet hole is always connected to the steam outlet of the timing gear during the timing state of the timing component, thus effectively realizing the function of manually adjusting the steam timing of the coffee machine's steam rod. The steam rod of this coffee machine allows for preset and manual adjustment of the steam output time, adding a timing function, strong stability, increasing the enjoyment of coffee making, improving the customer experience, improving and optimizing the human-machine interaction between the user and the coffee machine's steam rod, and simultaneously reducing the cost of using a solenoid valve to control the steam.

[0048] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention specification, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steam wand having a mechanical timing adjustment function, characterized by, The steam rod adjusting head is fixed on the fixing seat and communicates with the steam passage of the steam source of the coffee machine. The steam rod adjusting head is used for guiding steam into the steam inlet cover. The steam inlet cover has a steam inlet opening which communicates with the steam rod adjusting head and is used for leading steam into the steam rod. The timing assembly comprises a timing gear, an elastic element and a speed-limiting spring ring, the elastic element and the speed-limiting spring ring act on the timing gear to enable the timing gear to be restored to the original position after rotating a certain angle in the circumferential direction, the timing gear is provided with a steam outlet opening, the elastic element, the speed-limiting spring ring and a part of the timing gear are sealed by the steam inlet cover, the timing gear comprises a base, a tooth portion and an extension portion provided on the tooth portion, one end of the elastic element is limited in the extension portion on the timing gear, the other end of the elastic element is provided with a first limiting portion and is positioned in cooperation with a second limiting portion on the inner side wall of the steam inlet cover, the tooth portion comprises a plurality of teeth, and the speed-limiting spring ring is provided with a plurality of speed-limiting step portions which are in contact with the teeth to limit the rebound reset speed of the elastic element. The steam outlet rod is connected with the timing assembly and has a hollow cavity, a circular-arc-shaped steam passage hole is formed in the hollow cavity of the steam outlet rod near the upper end portion in a cross section, and the steam passage hole is always in communication with the steam outlet opening of the timing gear in the timing state of the timing assembly. The steam head is connected with the steam outlet rod and is used for spraying steam. The first limiting portion is a limiting recess provided on the other end of the elastic element, and the second limiting portion is a limiting protrusion provided on the inner side wall of the steam inlet cover and matched with the limiting recess.

2. The steam wand with mechanical timing adjustment function according to claim 1, characterized in that, Or the first limiting portion is a limiting protrusion provided on the other end of the elastic element, and the second limiting portion is a limiting recess provided on the inner side wall of the steam inlet cover and matched with the limiting protrusion. The first steam passage hole and the second steam passage hole are provided on the timing gear, the second steam passage hole is provided on the upper surface of the base and is in communication with the steam outlet opening, and when the steam inlet cover is sealed on the base, steam in the steam inlet cover is transmitted to the steam outlet opening through the first steam passage hole and the second steam passage hole and then enters the steam rod.

3. The steam wand with mechanical timing adjustment function according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing ring is arranged in the steam outlet opening, and the diameter of the central steam passage hole of the sealing ring is less than or equal to the width of the steam passage hole.

4. The steam wand with mechanical timing adjustment function according to claim 3, characterized in that, The timing assembly further comprises a positioning element, the circumferential side wall of the timing gear is provided with a positioning hole, the outer surface of the rod body of the upper end portion of the steam outlet rod has a circumferential displacement slot corresponding to the position of the positioning hole, one end of the positioning element is inserted into the positioning hole, the other end of the positioning element extends out of the displacement slot and can move in the displacement slot.

5. The steam wand with mechanical timing adjustment function according to claim 1, characterized in that, A turning sleeve is sleeved on the steam outlet rod, the turning sleeve is provided with an insertion hole corresponding to the position of the positioning element, the positioning element is inserted into the insertion hole, and a rotating handle is fixedly sleeved on the turning sleeve.

6. The steam wand with mechanical timing adjustment function according to claim 5, characterized in that, ​ 7. The steam wand with mechanical timing adjustment function according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer wall of the steam rod adjusting head is provided with a plurality of scale marks at equal intervals, and the rotating handle is provided with a positioning mark button corresponding to the position of the positioning element. The rotating handle is twisted to align the positioning mark button with different scale marks to determine the timing time of steam conduction.

8. A coffee maker, characterized in that The steam rod with mechanical timing adjustment function according to any one of claims 1-7.

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