Milk beverage distribution system control method and beverage machine

Abstract

The invention provides a milk beverage distribution system control method and a coffee machine applied to a milk beverage distribution system, and the milk beverage distribution system comprises a mixing device which comprises a mixing cavity, and the mixing cavity is provided with a steam inlet, a liquid flow inlet and a discharge outlet; the steam generator is connected to the steam inlet; the hydraulic pump is connected between the milk supply source and the liquid flow inlet; the air valve is connected between the milk supply source and the hydraulic pump; the control method comprises the following steps: receiving a milk beverage preparation signal; when it is judged that the beverage mode corresponding to the milk beverage preparation signal is the beverage mode representing steam output, a pressure relief pipeline of a steam generator is controlled to be opened for a first preset duration, and the temperature of the steam generator is controlled to rise within the first preset duration; after a first preset duration, the hydraulic pump is controlled to be started, the steam generator is controlled to convey steam to the mixing cavity, and the steam enters the mixing cavity not later than the milk. According to the invention, the output of high-temperature steam flow can be ensured, so that the temperature of the output milk beverage is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of beverage apparatus, and more particularly to a control method for a milk beverage dispensing system and a beverage machine. Background Technology

[0002] Coffee machines, especially fully automatic ones, are suitable for preparing coffee blends. These types of coffee blends (such as cappuccinos, latte macchiatos, etc.) contain more or less a certain proportion of milk.

[0003] To improve ease of operation, a common practice for such coffee machines is to include a milk preparation system. This system heats the supplied milk and mixes it with air to create foam. For this purpose, milk is supplied in a separate cooling container and delivered to the milk inlet of the milk preparation system via a milk delivery line.

[0004] Although milk preparation systems can produce milk foam at different temperatures, for beverages with high temperature requirements, the uncontrollable heating process due to the influence of milk temperature, ambient temperature, and other factors can result in the output beverage temperature failing to meet the user's needs, thus affecting the user experience.

[0005] In addition, poor mixing of milk and air results in irregular or thin milk foam, which in turn fails to meet the user's needs for quality. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a control method for a dairy beverage dispensing system that can improve the user experience.

[0007] Another objective of this invention is to provide a beverage machine that can enhance the user experience.

[0008] To achieve one of the above inventions, one aspect of the present invention provides a control method for a milk beverage dispensing system, applied to a milk beverage dispensing system, characterized in that the milk beverage dispensing system includes:

[0009] A mixing device, comprising a mixing chamber having a steam inlet, a liquid inlet, and a discharge outlet;

[0010] A steam generator, connected to the steam inlet, is used to generate steam;

[0011] A hydraulic pump is connected between the milk source and the liquid inlet;

[0012] An air valve is connected to the delivery pipeline between the milk source and the hydraulic pump;

[0013] The control method includes the following steps:

[0014] Upon receiving a milk beverage preparation signal; when determining that the beverage mode corresponding to the milk beverage preparation signal is a beverage mode representing steam output, the pressure relief pipe of the steam generator is opened for a first preset duration, and the steam generator is heated within the first preset duration;

[0015] After the first preset time period, the hydraulic pump is controlled to start to deliver milk from the milk source to the mixing chamber, and the steam generator is controlled to deliver steam to the mixing chamber, and the steam enters the mixing chamber no later than the milk.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention provides a beverage machine, including a controller, the controller including a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program, and the computer program being executed by the processor to enable the beverage machine to implement the aforementioned milk beverage dispensing system control method.

[0017] Compared to existing technologies, by controlling the steam generator to heat up while depressurizing the steam generator, or by heating the steam generator slightly later than depressurizing, the initial steam temperature output by the steam generator can be increased. This ensures the output of high-temperature steam flow, thereby guaranteeing the heating effect on the milk or milk-air mixture in the mixing device, and ultimately ensuring the temperature of the dairy beverage output by the mixing device. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the dairy beverage dispensing system of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of the dashed box 'a'.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A flowchart of the control method for a dairy beverage distribution system.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A flowchart of one implementation of the control method in the process.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A flowchart of another implementation of the control method in the diagram.

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A flowchart of another implementation of the control method in the diagram.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the dairy beverage dispensing system of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A flowchart of the control method for a dairy beverage distribution system.

[0026] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the mixing device in the beverage output system.

[0027] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the mixing device.

[0028] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 An enlarged schematic diagram of the mixing device within the dashed box.

[0029] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 An exploded three-dimensional diagram of the mixing device.

[0030] Figure 13 yes Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the mixing device along line AA.

[0031] Figure 14 yes Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the mixing device along line BB.

[0032] Figure 15 yes Figure 10 A schematic diagram of another structural form of the mixing device.

[0033] Figure 16 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the mixing device of the beverage dispensing system.

[0034] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the mixer in the mixing device.

[0035] Figure 18 yes Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the mixing device along the CC line.

[0036] Figure 19 yes Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the mixing device along line DD.

[0037] Figure 20 yes Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the mixing device along line EE.

[0038] Figure 21 yes Figure 16 A schematic diagram of another structural form of the mixing device.

[0039] Figure 22 yes Figure 16 A schematic diagram of another structural form of the mixing device.

[0040] Figure 23 yes Figure 16 A schematic diagram of another structural form of the mixing device in the diagram.

[0041] The repeated use of reference numerals in this specification and the accompanying drawings is intended to indicate the same or similar features or elements of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] As used herein, the terms "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe various components or structures, but these described objects should not be limited by the aforementioned terms. The terms are used only to distinguish these described objects from one another. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the relative directions of fluid flow within a fluid path. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid flow originates, while "downstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid flow terminates.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 As shown, one embodiment of the present invention provides a milk beverage dispensing system 100, which is suitable for various beverage machines, such as coffee machines, tea extractors, and juicers.

[0045] The milk beverage dispensing system 100 includes a mixing device 160, a steam generator 35, a hydraulic pump 23, and an air valve 24. The mixing device 160 includes a mixing chamber 61 with a steam inlet 611, a liquid inlet 612, and a discharge port 613. The steam generator 35 is connected to the steam inlet 611 to generate steam. The hydraulic pump 23 is connected between the milk source 21 and the liquid inlet 612 to pump milk from the milk source 21 into the mixing chamber 61. The air valve 24 is connected to a delivery line 33 between the milk source 21 and the hydraulic pump 23 to selectively supply air to the delivery line 33. When air is supplied to the delivery line 33 through the air valve 24, the mixture of milk and air is transported together into the mixing chamber 61, and milk foam is eventually generated and discharged from the outlet 613; when the air valve 24 restricts the supply of air to the delivery line 33, only milk is transported into the mixing chamber 61 and discharged from the outlet 613.

[0046] The milk beverage distribution system 100 also includes a beverage outlet 25, a milk inlet pipe 31, and a water inlet pipe 32. The beverage outlet 25 is connected downstream of the discharge outlet 613 and is used to discharge the milk beverage generated by the milk beverage distribution system 100. The milk inlet pipe 31 connects to the milk source 21; the water inlet pipe 32 connects to the water source 22. A conveying pipe 33 is connected downstream of the milk inlet pipe 31 and the water inlet pipe 32. Milk from the milk source 21 can be conveyed from the milk inlet pipe 31 to the conveying pipe 33, and water or cleaning solution from the water source 22 can be conveyed from the water inlet pipe 32 to the conveying pipe 33. The conveying pipe 33 can selectively convey milk from the milk source 21 or water or cleaning solution from the water source 22.

[0047] The milk in milk source 21 can be cow's milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, etc. Correspondingly, the milk beverage can be hot milk, hot milk foam, cold milk, or cold milk foam. Hot milk can be hot cow's milk, hot oat milk, or hot coconut milk, etc., and cold milk can be cold cow's milk, cold oat milk, or cold coconut milk, etc. The water in water source 22 can be drinking water, and the cleaning solution in water source 22 can be a cleaning solution with added detergent. Based on the different liquids in milk source 21 and water source 22, the corresponding delivery pipeline 33 can deliver different liquids.

[0048] Hydraulic pump 23 is mounted on delivery pipeline 33 and is used to selectively deliver liquid from milk inlet pipeline 31 and water inlet pipeline 32. Hydraulic pump 23 can draw milk from milk source 21 via milk inlet pipeline 31, or water or cleaning solution from water source 22 via water inlet pipeline 32. Hydraulic pump 23 can be a gear pump, piston pump, vane pump, screw pump, etc. In this embodiment, a gear pump is preferred because its use in the milk beverage dispensing system 100 can reduce the overall system size, making the beverage machine more compact. Furthermore, the gear pump design of hydraulic pump 23 facilitates precise control of the pumping flow rate.

[0049] When air is supplied to the delivery pipe 33 by air valve 24 and milk is supplied to the delivery pipe 33 by milk source 21, the air and milk mix in the delivery pipe 33 to form a gas-liquid mixture. A mixing device 160 is connected between the delivery pipe 33 and the beverage outlet 25, and can thoroughly mix the gas-liquid mixture from the delivery pipe 33, or mix and heat it. The liquid inlet 612 of the mixing device 160 is connected to the delivery pipe 33, and milk or a gas-liquid mixture of milk and air from the delivery pipe 33 is delivered to the beverage outlet 25 through the liquid inlet 612, the mixing chamber 61, and the discharge port 613.

[0050] An electromagnetic pump 34 is connected upstream of the steam generator 35. Specifically, the electromagnetic pump 34 is connected between the water supply source 22 and the heating plate. The steam inlet 611 is connected to the outlet of the steam generator 35 through the steam pipe 351. The electromagnetic pump 34 can operably adjust the water flow rate entering the steam generator 35. The mixing device 160 is configured to heat the milk or gas-liquid mixture by steam input. The output of hot milk, hot milk foam, or cold milk foam / cold milk can be easily selected by whether steam is supplied to the mixing device 160. Specifically, when steam is supplied to the mixing device 160, the beverage outlet 25 outputs hot milk or hot milk foam; when steam is not supplied to the mixing device 160, the beverage outlet 25 outputs cold milk or cold milk foam.

[0051] The steam generator 35 can be configured as an electric heating plate, which can quickly heat water to generate steam and reduce the overall system cost. Alternatively, the steam generator 35 can be configured as a steam boiler, which provides high steam temperature and stable steam output, offering a more consistent steam output.

[0052] Reference Figure 2 The air valve 24 can open or close the air inlet 241, thereby allowing or restricting air from entering the delivery pipeline 33. The opening or closing of the air inlet 241 can select between milk output or milk foam output. Specifically, when the air valve 24 opens the air inlet 241, milk foam, such as hot milk foam or cold milk foam, can be output at the beverage outlet 25. When the air valve 24 closes the air inlet 241, milk, such as hot milk or cold milk, can be output at the beverage outlet 25.

[0053] In addition, the air valve 24 can be set to a fixed air intake, that is, the opening size of the air intake hole 241 is not adjustable; the air valve 24 can also be set to an adjustable air intake, that is, the opening size of the air intake hole 241 is adjustable. For example, the air supply can be adjusted by controlling the area of ​​the air intake hole 241, so as to achieve milk foam output with different foaming degree and different temperature to meet the needs of different users.

[0054] The air valve 24 includes an inlet conduit 242 and an outlet conduit 243. The outlet conduit 243 is connected to the air inlet 241, and the inlet conduit 242 is connected to the outlet conduit 243. The downstream of the outlet conduit 243 is connected to the delivery pipeline 33, and the upstream of the inlet conduit 242 is connected to the water inlet pipeline 32. Air can enter the delivery pipeline 33 sequentially through the air inlet 241 and the outlet conduit 243, and water or cleaning fluid in the water inlet pipeline 32 can enter the delivery pipeline 33 sequentially through the inlet conduit 242 and the outlet conduit 243.

[0055] During milk foam making, the outlet conduit 243 supplies air to the delivery pipe 33, and the milk inlet pipe 31 supplies milk to the delivery pipe 33. The outlet conduit 243 and the delivery pipe 33 are in communication, and milk may enter the outlet conduit 243. The aforementioned air valve 24 is designed so that the outlet conduit 243 can supply both air and water or cleaning solution to the delivery pipe 33; that is, air intake and cleaning share the same outlet conduit 243, allowing for thorough cleaning without any blind spots. Setting the outlet conduit 243 to be shared for both air intake and cleaning avoids the possibility of the air valve 24 being contaminated by milk and unable to be cleaned. When cleaning the delivery pipe 33 and the mixing device 160, water or cleaning solution can flow through the inlet conduit 242 and the outlet conduit 243, cleaning both conduits simultaneously. The entire process can be automatically controlled, requiring no manual operation from the user, thus improving the user experience. Comprehensive cleaning of the pipelines also ensures the quality and safety of the output milk beverage.

[0056] Furthermore, when the steam generator 35 is configured as an electric heating plate, the milk beverage distribution system also includes an electromagnetic pump 34 connected between the water supply source 22 and the electric heating plate; the electric heating plate is connected to the steam inlet 611 via a steam pipe 351. The milk beverage output system 100 also includes a controller 80, and a pressure relief pipe 352 is connected to the outlet of the electric heating plate. A pressure relief valve 353 is installed on the pressure relief pipe 352, and the downstream of the pressure relief pipe 352 is connected to a water storage box; both the pressure relief valve 353 and the electric heating plate are electrically connected to the controller 80. The controller 80 is configured to control the pressure relief valve 353 and the electric heating plate to open simultaneously, so that the electric heating plate heats up while the pressure is being released; or, the controller 80 is configured to control the electric heating plate to open later than the pressure relief valve 353, so that the electric heating plate heats up after the pressure is released.

[0057] In some embodiments, both the hydraulic pump 23 and the electromagnetic pump 34 are electrically connected to the controller 80. When preparing hot milk, the controller 80 is configured to start the hydraulic pump 23 later than the electromagnetic pump 34, so that the steam generated by the heating plate reaches the mixing device 160 before the milk. When preparing hot milk foam, the controller 80 is configured to start the hydraulic pump 23 later than the electromagnetic pump 34, so that the steam generated by the heating plate reaches the mixing device 160 before the gas-liquid mixture. Allowing the steam to enter the mixing device 160 before the milk or gas-liquid mixture allows the steam to preheat the mixing device 160, increasing the temperature of the mixing chamber 61. This effectively raises the temperature of the milk beverage output from the front end, thus avoiding the problem of low cup temperature when hot milk or hot milk foam is output.

[0058] Furthermore, the aforementioned milk beverage distribution system 100 also includes a venting pump 37 disposed between the discharge port 613 and the beverage outlet 25. The venting pump 37, the hydraulic pump 23, and the air valve 24 are all electrically connected to the controller 80. The downstream of the venting pump 37 is connected to the water storage box 27. The controller 80 is configured to start the venting pump 37 within a preset time period of opening the hydraulic pump 23 or within another preset time period of opening the air valve 24. The venting pump 37 intercepts and directs the flow from the upstream of the beverage outlet 25 to the water storage box 27.

[0059] By setting up the evacuation pump 37, when making hot or cold milk foam, the undesirable milk foam from the initial stage of the mixing device 160 can be discharged into the water storage tank 27 by activating the evacuation pump 37, and then the pump can be turned off and the system can switch to the beverage outlet 25, ensuring the quality of the milk foam and producing a higher-quality milk beverage. When making hot milk or hot milk foam, the milk or milk foam with a lower temperature from the initial stage of the mixing device 160 can be discharged into the water storage tank 27 by activating the evacuation pump 37, and then the pump can be turned off and the system can switch to the beverage outlet 25, ensuring the temperature of the hot milk or hot milk foam and producing a milk beverage with the required temperature.

[0060] When the inlet pipe 32 connects to the delivery pipe 33, the controller 80 is also configured to activate the empty pump 37. For each cup of milk beverage made, the system automatically performs a cleaning process. Specifically, at the end of the milk beverage making process, the empty pump 37 continues to operate, and the remaining milk and cleaning wastewater are pumped into the water storage tank 27. Furthermore, the empty pump 37 not only removes unwanted fluids but also ensures that droplets on the pipe walls are drained into the water storage tank 27, resulting in a more thorough and clean cleaning of the pipeline. This prevents residual droplets from affecting the taste of the next cup of milk beverage. The empty pump 37 effectively empties residual liquid from the system pipelines, preventing contamination and facilitating cleaning, thereby improving the system's hygiene.

[0061] The aforementioned milk beverage dispensing system 100 can generate milk foam or milk liquid based on whether the air valve 24 supplies air to the delivery pipeline 33; it can also generate hot milk liquid and hot milk foam, or cold milk liquid and cold milk foam, based on whether the heating plate supplies steam to the mixing device 160. When the milk beverage dispensing system 100 provides hot milk liquid and hot milk foam, the temperature of the generated beverage has a significant impact on the taste of the beverage. For some beverages with high temperature requirements, a low temperature will not meet the user's needs.

[0062] Reference Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, a milk beverage dispensing system control method S10 is provided, applied to the aforementioned milk beverage dispensing system. The control method S10 includes the following steps:

[0063] Upon receiving a milk beverage preparation signal; when determining that the beverage mode corresponding to the milk beverage preparation signal is a beverage mode representing steam output, the pressure relief pipe 352 of the steam generator 35 is opened for a first preset duration, and the steam generator 35 is heated within the first preset duration;

[0064] After a first preset time, the hydraulic pump 23 is started to deliver milk from the milk source 21 to the mixing chamber 61, and the steam generator 35 is controlled to deliver steam to the mixing chamber 61, and the steam is delivered to the mixing chamber 61 no later than the milk enters the mixing chamber 61.

[0065] The dairy beverage preparation signal can be a signal for preparing cold milk liquid, cold milk foam, hot milk liquid, or hot milk foam, and it can characterize the beverage preparation mode. The dairy beverage preparation signal can be generated by the user inputting it on the beverage machine's control panel, or it can be automatically generated by the user remotely controlling the beverage machine via a mobile device.

[0066] Beverage modes can include beverage modes that characterize steam output and beverage modes that limit steam output. Beverage modes that characterize steam output can include hot milk mode and hot milk foam mode; beverage modes that limit steam output can include cold milk mode and cold milk foam mode. Among them, beverage modes that characterize steam output use steam to heat milk or a mixture of milk and air, thereby producing a beverage that meets the required temperature.

[0067] When you start making hot milk liquid or hot milk foam, you need to open the pressure relief valve 353 to release pressure to the water storage box 27 through the pressure relief pipe 352, so that the heating plate is emptied.

[0068] The slow steam generation rate at the front end of the steam generator 35 affects the output of high-temperature steam and thus the temperature of the milk beverage at the front end. By controlling the heating of the steam generator 35 while depressurizing it, or by delaying the heating of the steam generator 35 slightly after depressurization, the temperature of the front end of the steam generator 35 can be increased, ensuring the output of high-temperature steam flow. This, in turn, ensures the heating effect on the milk or the mixture of milk and air in the mixing device 160, thereby ensuring the temperature of the milk beverage output from the mixing device 160.

[0069] The pressure relief pipe 352 of the steam generator 35 is opened, specifically by opening the pressure relief valve 353, allowing the steam generator 35 to connect to the water storage box 27 through the pressure relief pipe 352, thus relieving pressure on the steam generator 35. The steam generator 35 is connected to the steam inlet 611 of the mixing device 160 through the steam pipe 351. A steam valve 354 is installed on the steam pipe 351, controlling the steam generator 35 to supply steam to the mixing chamber 61 of the mixing device 160. Specifically, the steam valve 354 is opened, allowing steam to enter the mixing chamber 61 through the steam pipe 351. The pressure relief valve 353 and the steam valve 354 can be two independent valves, or they can be multi-way valves, such as three-way valves.

[0070] The heating curve of the electric heating plate has a slow heating rate at the beginning. To avoid the slow heating rate at the beginning of the heating plate affecting the output of high-temperature steam and thus the temperature of the milk beverage at the beginning, the pressure relief valve 353 and the electric heating plate can be opened simultaneously. During the process of venting the electric heating plate through the pressure relief pipe 352, the electric heating plate has a slow heating rate at the beginning. When the electric heating plate finishes venting and the milk beverage is made, the electric heating plate has a high temperature, which can ensure the output of high-temperature steam flow, thereby ensuring the heating effect on milk or gas-liquid mixture, and thus ensuring the temperature of the milk beverage output from the beverage outlet 25.

[0071] Specifically, the first preset duration is the pressure relief duration of the heating plate. In this embodiment, the first preset duration can be 2-4 seconds, meaning the heating plate undergoes pressure relief for 2-4 seconds. For example, the first preset duration is 3 seconds, meaning the heating plate undergoes pressure relief for 3 seconds. One second after the heating plate begins to depressurize, the heating plate is controlled to heat up, meaning there is a 1-second delay between the start of heating and the start of pressure relief.

[0072] Within the first preset time of depressurization, controlling the heating plate to heat up can make the slow initial phase of the heating plate's heating curve pass. Then, when water is supplied to the heating plate by the electromagnetic pump 34, the incoming water can be vaporized more quickly to generate high-temperature steam.

[0073] After the electric heating plate is depressurized, the hydraulic pump 23 is started and the steam valve 354 is opened. The steam generator 35 begins to heat up within the first preset time. After the steam valve 354 is opened, the steam speed is relatively fast, and the steam will not enter the mixing chamber 61 later than the milk, thus effectively raising the temperature of the beverage output from the front end.

[0074] In the above control method S10, controlling the steam generator 35 to heat up within a first preset time includes: controlling the heating plate to heat up within a first preset time.

[0075] Within the first preset time period, the above control method S10 further includes: controlling the electromagnetic pump 34 to shut down, and controlling the steam pipeline 351 to shut down.

[0076] Within the first preset time period of depressurization, the electromagnetic pump 34 and the steam pipeline 351 are shut off, restricting residual steam from entering the mixing chamber 61.

[0077] After the first preset time, the control method also includes: closing the pressure relief pipe 352. Closing the pressure relief pipe 352 after the heating plate is depressurized allows all the steam to enter the mixing chamber 6 through the steam pipe 351 to heat the milk or the gas-liquid mixture of milk and air, thus preventing steam from leaking and being wasted through the pressure relief pipe 352.

[0078] In some embodiments, after a first preset time period, i.e. after the heating plate has finished depressurizing, the control method S10 further includes:

[0079] The electromagnetic pump 34 is started, and the steam pipeline 351 is opened to deliver steam to the mixing chamber 61.

[0080] The hydraulic pump 23 is started to deliver milk to the mixing chamber 61, and the start of the hydraulic pump 23 is delayed by a second preset time after the start of the electromagnetic pump 34, so that the steam enters the mixing chamber 61 before the milk.

[0081] By first controlling the electromagnetic pump 34 to start, and then controlling the hydraulic pump 23 to start, it can be ensured that the steam enters the mixing chamber 61 earlier than the milk. The steam that enters the mixing device 160 first can preheat the mixing device 160 and increase the temperature of the mixing chamber 61, so that the milk that enters the mixing chamber 61 later can be heated more quickly. Especially when making continuous cup drinks, the sequential start of the electromagnetic pump 34 and the hydraulic pump 23 can ensure that the temperature of the hot drink meets the user's needs when the steam enters the mixing chamber 61 earlier than the milk.

[0082] In this embodiment, the second preset duration can be 1-3 seconds, and the second preset duration can be less than the first preset duration. Without affecting the total preparation time of the beverage, it ensures that the steam enters the mixing chamber 61 before the milk.

[0083] Reference Figure 4 As shown, in some other embodiments, after a first preset time period, i.e. after the heating plate has finished depressurizing, the control method S10 further includes:

[0084] Control the start of electromagnetic pump 34 and hydraulic pump 23;

[0085] After the electromagnetic pump 34 has been started for a third preset time, the electromagnetic pump 34 is controlled to shut down.

[0086] After the hydraulic pump 23 starts for a fourth preset time, the steam pipeline 351 is opened and the electromagnetic pump 34 is started. The fourth preset time is longer than the third preset time.

[0087] The first output after a long period without beverage preparation, the first output after the beverage machine is turned off, or the first output after cleaning and purging the pipeline may result in weak suction from the hydraulic pump 23. If steam enters the mixing chamber 61 first, the pressure inside the mixing chamber 61 will increase, potentially causing the hydraulic pump 23 to fail to pump the milk properly. However, by using... Figure 4 The above-mentioned control of electromagnetic pump 34 and hydraulic pump 23 can ensure that when steam enters mixing chamber 61, the milk will pass through hydraulic pump 23 at least once. The milk will fill hydraulic pump 23 after passing through it. At this time, the suction of hydraulic pump 23 will increase, which can avoid the situation where the milk cannot be pumped normally due to the low suction of hydraulic pump 23.

[0088] When the electromagnetic pump 34 starts for the third preset time, it can pump a small amount of water to the heating plate. Then, the electromagnetic pump 34 is turned off. At this time, the steam pipe 351 is also closed. During the time difference between the fourth preset time and the third preset time, the small amount of water pumped into the heating plate is heated to generate steam, and the generated steam is stored in the heating plate.

[0089] After the hydraulic pump 23 starts for the fourth preset time, the steam pipe 351 is opened. That is, during the time interval between the closing of the electromagnetic pump 34 and the opening of the steam pipe 351, the steam generated by the pumped water during the third preset time will accumulate in the heating plate until the output of the hydraulic pump 23 enters a stable stage. The accumulated steam can enter the mixing chamber 61 faster than or at the same time as the milk. At this time, the electromagnetic pump 34 also starts to provide continuous steam output, and the milk does not enter the mixing chamber 61 before the steam, which can ensure that the temperature of the hot drink meets the user's needs.

[0090] Specifically, the third preset duration can be 0.3-0.7 seconds, and the fourth preset duration can be 0.9-1.5 seconds. During the time difference between the fourth and third preset durations, the water pumped into the heating plate by the electromagnetic pump 34 is vaporized to generate steam. The shutdown of the electromagnetic pump 34 and the steam pipe 351 allows steam to accumulate in the heating plate. When the steam pipe 351 is opened, the steam enters the mixing chamber 61 faster under the pressure of the accumulated steam. Even if the opening of the steam pipe 351 is delayed compared to the start of the hydraulic pump 23, it can still ensure that the steam enters the mixing chamber 61 no later than the milk, thereby maintaining the temperature of the beverage and not increasing the total preparation time of the beverage. In the above embodiment, if it is determined that the beverage mode corresponding to the milk beverage preparation signal is a beverage mode representing steam output, it is further determined whether the beverage mode corresponding to the milk beverage preparation signal is a beverage mode representing air input. If so, it means that hot milk foam needs to be output. Under the above control method, it further includes controlling the air valve 24 to open. When the hydraulic pump 23 is started, it will drive the milk and air together to enter the mixing chamber 61 through the delivery pipeline 33.

[0091] In a beverage mode that characterizes steam output, steam may continue to overflow from the beverage outlet 25 after the beverage is finished, which can be inconvenient for users and result in a poor user experience. To avoid this, in some embodiments, the milk beverage preparation signal includes milk beverage parameter information, and the control method S10 described above further includes:

[0092] The operating time of hydraulic pump 23 is determined based on the parameters of the dairy beverage.

[0093] The hydraulic pump 23 and the solenoid pump 34 are shut down based on the working time of the hydraulic pump 23, and the shutdown of the solenoid pump 34 precedes the shutdown of the hydraulic pump 23 by a fifth preset time.

[0094] The parameters for the milk beverage can include the output cup size and the output flow rate of the hydraulic pump 23. Based on these parameters, the operating time of the hydraulic pump 23 for producing one cup of beverage is determined. For example, a larger output cup size requires a longer operating time for the hydraulic pump 23. The control of shutting down the hydraulic pump 23 and the electromagnetic pump 34 based on this operating time is not limited to the duration or timing of their operation; it simply requires that the electromagnetic pump 34 be shut down earlier than the hydraulic pump 23. The fifth preset time can be 1-4 seconds. Even after the electromagnetic pump 34 is shut down, steam will still be input into the mixing chamber 61. This residual steam can heat the final milk or the milk-air mixture, ensuring full utilization of the residual steam and preventing steam from overflowing from the beverage outlet 25 after the beverage is finished. This improves the user experience and is more energy-efficient.

[0095] Furthermore, when the beverage mode corresponding to the milk beverage preparation signal is a beverage mode that restricts steam output, it is only necessary to control the hydraulic pump 23 to start. Further, it is determined whether the beverage mode corresponding to the milk beverage preparation signal is a beverage mode that represents air input. If so, it indicates that cold milk foam needs to be output. The air valve 24 is then opened, and when the hydraulic pump 23 starts, it will carry milk and air together through the delivery pipe 33 into the mixing chamber 61. After the hydraulic pump 23 has reached its operating time, it is turned off, or the hydraulic pump 23 and the air valve 24 are turned off.

[0096] After dispensing a milk beverage, if no next beverage is dispensed within a preset time, the pipeline needs to be cleaned. Alternatively, the pipeline needs to be cleaned after preparing a preset number of milk beverages.

[0097] In some embodiments, the milk beverage dispensing system also includes a control valve 38, which may be, for example, a multi-way solenoid valve or a multi-way pinch valve. A delivery line 33 is connected to the control valve 38. An inlet line 32 connects the water supply source 22 to the control valve 38. An air valve 24 includes an outlet conduit 243, which is connected in series between the control valve 38 and the hydraulic pump 23. (Refer to...) Figure 5 As shown, the control method for pipeline cleaning may include the following steps:

[0098] A cleaning signal has been received.

[0099] Control valve 38 is switched so that water inlet pipe 32 is connected to hydraulic pump 23;

[0100] The air valve 24 is closed, the water inlet pipe 32 is opened, and the hydraulic pump 23 is started. Under the action of the hydraulic pump 23, the water in the water inlet pipe 32 flows through the outlet pipe 243 and enters the mixing chamber 61.

[0101] After the preset cleaning parameters are reached, the air valve 24 is opened and the water inlet pipe 32 is closed. Under the action of the hydraulic pump 23, the air enters the mixing chamber 61 through the outlet pipe 243.

[0102] After the air valve 24 has been open for a six-preset time, the hydraulic pump 23 is shut down.

[0103] The electric heating plate is heated, the electromagnetic pump 34 is started, and the steam pipeline 351 is opened to allow steam to enter the mixing chamber 61.

[0104] The preset cleaning parameters can be the flow rate of water or cleaning fluid delivered by hydraulic pump 23, or the time for hydraulic pump 23 to pump water or cleaning fluid. The sixth preset duration can be the duration required for venting the external air pipeline, which can be a fixed duration set by the system, or it can be changed accordingly based on different scenarios.

[0105] The aforementioned cleaning signal can be automatically triggered according to system settings. For example, if no next beverage is produced within a preset time after the milk beverage is output, the system will automatically trigger the cleaning signal. Alternatively, the system can automatically trigger the cleaning signal after a preset number of milk beverages are made. It can also be triggered manually by the user. According to the cleaning process, water is first supplied to the delivery pipeline 33 and mixing device 160 through the water inlet pipe 32 for cleaning. Then, the air valve 24 is opened to purge the liquid from the pipeline using external air. Finally, steam is introduced into the mixing chamber 61 to further purge the liquid from the pipeline and to sterilize it at high temperature. During water cleaning and air purging, the air outlet conduit 243 is connected in series between the control valve 38 and the hydraulic pump 23, allowing for simultaneous cleaning of the outlet conduit 243. The entire process is automatically controlled, eliminating the need for manual operation and improving the user experience. This comprehensive cleaning of the pipeline also ensures the quality and safety of the output milk beverage.

[0106] Reference Figure 6 As shown, in some other embodiments, the method for controlling pipeline cleaning may include the following steps:

[0107] Upon receiving a cleaning signal, the control valve 38 is switched to connect the water inlet pipe 32 to the hydraulic pump 23.

[0108] The air valve 24 is closed, the water inlet pipe 32 is opened, and the hydraulic pump 23 is started. Under the action of the hydraulic pump 23, the water in the water inlet pipe 32 flows through the outlet pipe 243 and enters the mixing chamber 61.

[0109] After the preset cleaning parameters are reached, the water inlet pipe 32 is closed and the hydraulic pump 23 is closed; the electric heating plate is heated, the electromagnetic pump 34 is started, and the steam pipe 351 is opened to allow steam to enter the mixing chamber 61.

[0110] After the preset steam parameters are reached, the steam pipeline 351 is closed, the air valve 24 is opened, and the hydraulic pump 23 is started. Under the action of the hydraulic pump 23, the air enters the mixing chamber 61 through the outlet pipe 243.

[0111] After the air valve 24 has been open for a six-preset time, the hydraulic pump 23 is shut down.

[0112] According to the above cleaning process, water is first used to clean the delivery pipeline 33 and the mixing device 160 through the water inlet pipe 32. Then, steam is introduced into the mixing chamber 61 to purge the liquid in the pipeline and perform high-temperature sterilization. Finally, the air valve 24 is opened to allow external air to further purge any remaining droplets in the pipeline. The outlet conduit 243 can be cleaned simultaneously during water cleaning. Finally, the air purging of the pipeline ensures that all droplets in the mixing chamber 61 are emptied. The entire process is automatically controlled, requiring no manual operation from the user, thus improving the user experience. This thorough cleaning of the pipeline also ensures the quality and safety of the output milk beverage.

[0113] Reference Figure 7 In another embodiment, the milk beverage dispensing system 200 also includes a control valve 38, a delivery pipeline 33 connected to the control valve 38, an inlet pipeline 32 connected between the water supply source 22 and the control valve 38, a heating element 39 connected to the inlet pipeline 32, and an air valve 24 including an outlet conduit 243 connected in series between the control valve 38 and the hydraulic pump 23. The heating element 39 can provide hot water for cleaning or steam sterilization of the entire system, reducing the load on the heating plate. Additionally, hot water can be provided to the beverage outlet 25 to offer users more functional options.

[0114] Reference Figure 8 The control methods for pipeline cleaning may include the following steps:

[0115] A cleaning signal has been received.

[0116] Control valve 38 is switched so that water inlet pipe 32 is connected to hydraulic pump 23;

[0117] The control air valve 24 is closed, the control hydraulic pump 23 is started, and the control heating device 39 is heated. Under the action of the hydraulic pump 23, the hot water in the inlet pipe 32 flows through the outlet pipe 243 and enters the mixing chamber 61.

[0118] After the preset cleaning parameters are reached, the air valve 24 is opened and the water inlet pipe 32 is closed. Under the action of the hydraulic pump 23, the air enters the mixing chamber 61 through the outlet pipe 243.

[0119] The hydraulic pump 23 is shut off after the air valve 24 has been open for a sixth preset period of time.

[0120] According to the above cleaning process, hot water is first used to clean the delivery pipeline 33 and mixing device 160 through the inlet water pipe 32. Then, the air valve 24 is opened to allow external air to purge residual droplets from the pipeline. Hot water cleaning improves cleanliness and also provides preliminary high-temperature sterilization. The introduction of steam into the mixing chamber 61 can be omitted, or steam can be introduced into the mixing chamber 61 for further high-temperature sterilization. During the hot water cleaning and air purging of the pipeline, the outlet conduit 243 can also be cleaned with hot water. The entire process can be automatically controlled, requiring no manual operation from the user, thus improving the user experience. This comprehensive cleaning of the pipeline also ensures the quality and safety of the output milk beverage.

[0121] Furthermore, the above control method S10 further includes the following steps:

[0122] After the hydraulic pump 23 has reached its operating time and before a cleaning signal is received, the evacuation pump 37 is started.

[0123] Draining the remaining milk or foam into the water tank before cleaning the pipeline can prevent milk from dripping from the beverage outlet 25 or affecting the next drink, and can also ensure the effectiveness of the pipeline cleaning process.

[0124] In some embodiments, the control method S10 further includes the following steps:

[0125] When the beverage mode corresponding to the milk beverage preparation signal is a beverage mode representing steam output, or when the beverage mode corresponding to the milk beverage preparation signal is a beverage mode representing air input, the venting pump 37 is controlled to start within the eighth preset time period after the hydraulic pump 23 starts, so as to intercept the beverage output from the discharge port 613 to the beverage outlet 25.

[0126] When hot milk foam or hot milk liquid passes upstream of the evacuation pump 37, the lower-temperature portion of the hot milk foam or hot milk liquid is discharged into the water storage tank by the evacuation pump 37, and then the pump switches to the beverage outlet 25 to dispense a cup of hot milk foam or hot milk liquid at a higher temperature. When cold milk foam or hot milk foam passes upstream of the evacuation pump 37, the lower-quality portion of the cold milk foam or hot milk foam is discharged into the water storage tank by the evacuation pump 37, and then the pump switches to the beverage outlet 25 to dispense a cup of cold milk foam or hot milk foam with high quality. The milk beverage dispensing system can output hot milk foam with high quality and temperature that meets user needs, hot milk liquid with temperature that meets user needs, and cold milk foam with high quality.

[0127] The eighth preset duration can be 2-5 seconds. The milk foam or milk initially discharged from the discharge port 613 is first discharged into the water storage box, and then the stable milk foam or high-temperature milk is discharged into the cup.

[0128] In other embodiments, after a preset number of cups of milk beverage are made, the cleaning process is started, and the drain pump 37 is started to discharge the cleaning wastewater into the water storage box 27.

[0129] Furthermore, a T-connector 371 is connected between the discharge port 613 and the beverage outlet 25. The input end of the evacuation pump 37 is connected to the T-connector 371, and the output end of the evacuation pump 37 is connected to the water storage box 27. The T-connector 371 allows for more flexible system piping configuration while reducing system costs.

[0130] In some embodiments, the milk beverage dispensing system also includes a temperature sensor 314 disposed on the milk inlet pipe 31. The temperature sensor 314 is electrically connected to a controller 80, which is configured to control the outlet flow rate of the hydraulic pump 23 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 314. The milk source 21 may contain room temperature milk or refrigerated milk. The temperature sensor 314 can detect the temperature of the milk in the milk inlet pipe 31 in real time. Based on the different detected milk temperatures, the duty cycle of the hydraulic pump 23 is adjusted accordingly. If the milk source 21 contains refrigerated milk, and the inlet temperature detected by the temperature sensor 314 is low, then the duty cycle of the hydraulic pump 23 is reduced to control the outlet flow rate of the hydraulic pump 23 to slow down. This slows down the pumping speed of the hydraulic pump 23, thereby slowing down the pumping speed of the milk into the mixing device 160. This increases the temperature of the output hot milk or hot milk foam by increasing the steam ratio, or by slowing down the flow rate of the milk through the heating plate, reducing the amount of fluid heated per unit time and thus increasing the temperature of the output hot milk or hot milk foam. The temperature sensor 314 can be an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient thermistor), which has high sensitivity and stable temperature detection. It can reliably output the temperature of milk beverages based on the detection of NTC.

[0131] The heating element 160 uses steam supplied by a heating plate. The beverage temperature is low at the beginning and only rises towards the end, resulting in unstable and low cup temperatures. To increase the beverage temperature, in a beverage mode representing steam output, the temperature of the milk supplied by the milk source 21 is acquired. Specifically, the temperature of the milk in the milk inlet pipe 31 is detected in real time by a temperature sensor 314. The control method S10 further includes at least one of the following steps:

[0132] a) When the temperature of the milk is lower than the first preset value, the PWM duty cycle of the hydraulic pump 23 is reduced to decrease the milk flow rate; when the temperature is higher than the second preset value, the PWM duty cycle of the hydraulic pump 23 is increased to increase the milk flow rate, and the first preset value is lower than the second preset value.

[0133] b) When the temperature is less than the first preset value, the electromagnetic pump 34 is controlled to operate at a first pulse ratio, which is the ratio of the on-time to the off-time, so as to increase the water speed pumped into the heating plate; when the temperature is greater than the second preset value, the electromagnetic pump 34 is controlled to operate at a second pulse ratio, which is the ratio of the on-time to the off-time, so as to decrease the water speed pumped into the heating plate. The first pulse ratio is greater than the second pulse ratio, and the first preset value is less than the second preset value.

[0134] c) When the temperature is lower than the first preset value, calculate the ratio of the detected milk temperature to the standard temperature, and control the air valve 24 to increase the area of ​​the air inlet according to the ratio; when the milk temperature is higher than the second preset value, calculate the ratio of the detected temperature to the standard temperature, and control the air valve 24 to decrease the area of ​​the air inlet according to the ratio, wherein the first preset value is lower than the second preset value.

[0135] The milk supplied to milk source 21 may be ice-cold milk or room-temperature milk. The temperature of room-temperature milk varies depending on the external environment. A first preset value can represent the temperature of ice-cold milk, for example, 5°C. When ice-cold milk is detected, the PWM duty cycle of hydraulic pump 23 is reduced, decreasing the amount of milk input to mixing chamber 61 while increasing the amount of steam, thus not affecting the temperature of the output hot milk. A second preset value can represent a higher temperature of room-temperature milk, for example, 15°C. When high-temperature room-temperature milk is detected, the PWM duty cycle of hydraulic pump 23 is increased, increasing the amount of milk input to mixing chamber 61, and the temperature of the output hot milk will not rise due to environmental influences.

[0136] Furthermore, by controlling the electromagnetic pump 34 to increase or decrease the water flow rate into the heating plate, the amount of steam can be increased or decreased accordingly, thereby adjusting the temperature of the output milk beverage. The air valve 24 can also be controlled to increase or decrease the area of ​​the air inlet. Both milk and air are drawn in by the hydraulic pump 23; increasing or decreasing the output air will correspondingly decrease or increase the output milk, resulting in a more stable temperature for the output milk beverage after steam heating.

[0137] When the previous beverage was cold milk or cold milk foam, and the next beverage is hot milk or hot milk foam, in order to increase the temperature of the beverage, if it is determined that the beverage mode corresponding to the current milk beverage preparation signal is a beverage mode that represents steam output, and the beverage mode corresponding to the previous milk beverage preparation signal was a beverage mode that restricts steam output, the above control method S10 further includes at least one of the following steps:

[0138] Reduce the PWM duty cycle of hydraulic pump 23 to decrease milk flow rate;

[0139] The electromagnetic pump 34 is controlled to operate at a first pulse ratio of the ratio of the on-time to the off-time, so as to increase the water rate pumped into the heating plate.

[0140] Control air valve 24 to increase the area of ​​the air intake port.

[0141] By using the above methods, when switching from cold beverage output to hot beverage output, or outputting hot beverages after cleaning, the low cup temperature caused by the low temperature of the pipeline can be compensated, so that the temperature of the output hot beverage meets the user's needs.

[0142] For example, the above-described dairy beverage output systems 100 and 200 have the following output modes:

[0143] When hot milk is needed, the multi-way solenoid valve is switched to connect the milk inlet pipe 31 and the delivery pipe 33. The hydraulic pump 23 starts to draw milk from the milk source 21. At this time, the air valve 24 is closed. The milk enters the mixing device 160 through the milk inlet pipe 31 and the delivery pipe 33 in sequence. Steam enters the mixing device 160 through the steam pipe 351. The milk and steam are mixed and heat exchanged in the mixing device 160 to form hot milk, which is then discharged through the beverage outlet 25.

[0144] When hot milk foam needs to be made, the multi-way solenoid valve is switched to connect the milk inlet pipe 31 and the delivery pipe 33. The hydraulic pump 23 starts to draw milk from the milk source 21. At this time, the air valve 24 is opened, and air is drawn in through the air valve 24. The milk is drawn into the delivery pipe 33 through the milk inlet pipe 31, and the air is drawn into the delivery pipe 33 through the outlet pipe 243. The milk and air are mixed for the first time in the delivery pipe 33 and then enter the mixing device 160 through the delivery pipe 33. Steam enters the mixing device 160 through the steam pipe 351. The milk, steam and air are mixed for the second time in the mixing device 160 to form hot milk foam, which is then discharged through the beverage outlet 25.

[0145] When cold milk needs to be made, the multi-way solenoid valve is switched to connect the milk inlet pipe 31 and the delivery pipe 33. The hydraulic pump 23 starts to draw milk from the milk source 21. At this time, the air valve 24 is closed. The milk enters the mixing device 160 through the milk inlet pipe 31 and the delivery pipe 33 in sequence, and is then discharged through the beverage outlet 25.

[0146] When cold milk foam needs to be made, the multi-way solenoid valve is switched to connect the milk inlet pipe 31 and the delivery pipe 33. The hydraulic pump 23 starts to draw milk from the milk source 21. At this time, the air valve 24 is opened, and air is drawn in through the air valve 24. The milk is drawn into the delivery pipe 33 through the milk inlet pipe 31, and the air is drawn into the delivery pipe 33 through the outlet pipe 243. The milk and air are mixed for the first time in the delivery pipe 33 to form a gas-liquid mixture, which enters the mixing device 160 through the delivery pipe 33. The milk and air are mixed for the second time in the mixing device 160 to form cold milk foam, which is then discharged through the beverage outlet 25.

[0147] When pipeline cleaning is required, the multi-way solenoid valve is switched to connect the inlet pipe 32 and the inlet conduit 242. The air inlet 241 of the air valve 24 is closed, and the hydraulic pump 23 is started. Water or cleaning fluid from the water supply 22 flows sequentially through the inlet conduit 242, the outlet conduit 243, the delivery pipe 33, and the mixing device 160, thus flushing these components. Then, the air inlet 241 of the air valve 24 is opened, and the hydraulic pump 23 can continue to operate, drawing air through the air inlet 241 to empty the cleaned delivery pipe 33 and the mixing device 160 of the water or cleaning fluid. Steam is then introduced into the mixing device 160 through the heating plate and the steam pipe 351 for further cleaning and disinfection.

[0148] In another embodiment, a beverage machine is also provided, including a controller 80, which includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, it enables the beverage machine to implement the milk beverage dispensing system control method according to any of the above embodiments.

[0149] refer to Figures 9 to 15 As shown, in one embodiment, a mixing device 160 is connected between an input pipeline and an output pipeline. In this embodiment, the input pipeline can be used to supply steam and milk, or a mixture of steam, milk, and air, to the mixing device 160. The input pipeline can be, for example, the steam pipeline 351 and the conveying pipeline 33 upstream of the mixing device 160 in the aforementioned milk beverage distribution system 100. The mixing device 160 can process the mixture of milk and air into milk foam; the output pipeline is used to output the milk or milk foam processed by the mixing device 160. The output pipeline can be, for example, the pipeline downstream of the mixing device 160 in the aforementioned milk beverage distribution system 100.

[0150] Reference Figures 9 to 11The mixing device 160 includes a mixing body 50, which defines a fluid inflow channel 522 and a mixing chamber 61 disposed along the fluid outflow direction. The fluid inflow channel 522 communicates with the mixing chamber 61, and the mixing chamber 61 is disposed downstream of the fluid inflow channel 522 along the fluid outflow direction. The fluid inflow channel 522 is provided with a liquid inlet 612, and the mixing body 50 is provided with an outlet 513 at one end facing the output pipeline. Both the liquid inlet 612 and the outlet 513 are connected to the mixing chamber 61. The fluid outflow direction can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 10 The direction of arrow F in the diagram. In some embodiments, the mixture of milk to be processed and air, conveyed by the input pipe, enters the mixing chamber 61 through the liquid inlet 612 for mixing, and then exits the mixing chamber 61 from the output port 513, and is then output to a cup through the output pipe. Exemplarily, the mixing device 160 can output hot milk, cold milk, hot milk foam, or cold milk foam through the output pipe.

[0151] The fluid inflow channel 522 includes a first throttling section 524, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid inflow channel 522 is the smallest in the first throttling section 524.

[0152] A first-end diverter plate 53 is provided inside the mixing chamber 61, and a first filling space 501 for fluid entry into the mixing chamber 61 is formed between the fluid inflow channel 522 and the first-end diverter plate 53. The first-end diverter plate 53 is located downstream of the fluid inflow channel 522. The first-end diverter plate 53 has a first blocking part 531 corresponding to the fluid inflow channel 522 along the fluid outflow direction. A first diversion port 532 is provided on the side of the first blocking part 531. Along the fluid outflow direction, the projection of the first throttling part 524 on the first blocking part 531 is offset from the position of the first diversion port 532.

[0153] Since the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid inflow channel 522 is the smallest at the first throttling section 524, the mixture of milk and air input from the fluid inflow channel 522 is squeezed and accelerated after passing through the first throttling section 524, and then enters the first filling space 501 in the mixing chamber 61. The mixture of milk and air impacts the first end splitter plate 53, and after being blocked by the first blocking section 531, the kinetic energy of the jet is converted, and the mixture of milk and air is broken apart by the impact, causing the milk to break and form small droplets. Finally, they adhere to each other to form a milk foam effect. The formed milk foam is dispersed and flows out to the first splitting port 532 on the side of the first blocking section 531, thereby forming a stable milk foam outflow.

[0154] Along the fluid outflow direction, the projection of the first throttling section 524 on the first blocking section 531 is offset from the position of the first diverting port 532. This ensures that the mixture of milk and air accelerated by the first throttling section 524 impacts and blocks the flow on the first diverting plate 53, preventing the mixture of milk and air from flowing directly out of the first diverting port 532 without impacting and blocking the first blocking section 531, thereby ensuring the foaming effect of the milk foam.

[0155] In addition, the mixing body 50 also includes a steam channel 521, a liquid inlet 612 is defined by a fluid inflow channel 522, the fluid inflow channel 522 includes an inlet 523 disposed opposite to the liquid inlet 612, the steam channel 521 includes a steam inlet 611 and a steam outlet 525, the inlet 523 communicates with the mixing chamber 61 along the fluid outflow direction, and the steam outlet 525 communicates with the mixing chamber 61 along a direction at an angle to the fluid outflow direction; the inlet 523 and the steam outlet 525 are offset along the fluid outflow direction.

[0156] Correspondingly, the input lines also separate the delivery of milk and steam. Delivery line 33 can deliver cold milk or a mixture of cold milk and air, while steam line 351 can deliver steam. Depending on whether steam is input into steam line 351, the output line can selectively output hot milk, hot milk foam, cold milk, or cold milk foam. Steam is used to heat cold milk, or to heat a mixture of cold milk and air. That is, when steam is delivered into steam line 351, the output line can output hot milk beverages, such as hot milk and hot milk foam; when steam is not delivered into steam line 351, the output line can output cold milk beverages, such as cold milk and cold milk foam. The input port 523 and steam outlet 525 are staggered along the fluid flow direction to reduce mutual interference and ensure the amount of steam entering, thereby ensuring the temperature and uniformity of the milk foam.

[0157] The cross-sectional area of ​​the output port 513 is larger than that of the input port 523, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet mixing chamber 61 is larger than that of the inlet mixing chamber 61. This can effectively reduce the pressure inside the mixing chamber 61, reduce the reverse pressure interference between the inlet and outlet channels, and also reduce the impact on the steam transport of the steam pipeline 351.

[0158] The cross-sectional area of ​​the steam outlet 525 is larger than that of the inlet 523; in the direction of fluid outflow, the inlet 523 is located downstream of the steam outlet 525.

[0159] Setting the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet 523 to be smaller than that of the steam outlet 525 balances the pressure of the delivery pipeline 33 and the steam pipeline 351, preventing steam from being unable to enter the mixing chamber 61 through the steam pipeline 351 due to the pressure of the mixing chamber 61 and the delivery pipeline 33, thus ensuring the reliable operation of the mixing device. Positioning the inlet 523 downstream of the steam outlet 525 prevents the fluid entering through the inlet 523 from entering the steam pipeline 351 through the steam outlet 525 and affecting the steam input.

[0160] In this embodiment, the mixing body 50 includes a pipe body 51 and a cover 52 connected to the pipe body 51. A fluid inflow channel 522 is disposed on the cover 52, and an outlet 513 is disposed on the pipe body 51. The mixing chamber 61 is jointly defined by the cover 52 and the pipe body 51. A head-end diverter plate 53 is disposed inside the pipe body 51.

[0161] Specifically, both the fluid inflow channel 522 and the steam channel 521 are located on the cover 52. The inlet 523 and the steam outlet 525 are respectively configured as the outlets for the fluid inflow channel 522 and the steam channel 521 into the mixing chamber 61. That is, the inlet 523 is configured as the outlet for the fluid inflow channel 522 into the mixing chamber 61, and the steam outlet 525 is configured as the outlet for the steam channel 521 into the mixing chamber 61. The inclusion of the fluid inflow channel 522 on the cover 52 facilitates the manufacturing of the mixing body 50, ensures the dimensional accuracy of the first throttling section 524 on the fluid inflow channel 522, and further guarantees the quality of the milk foam.

[0162] Furthermore, the mixing chamber 61 is provided with at least one secondary filling space 502 and at least one secondary diverter plate 54, the secondary diverter plate 54 is disposed downstream of the corresponding secondary filling space 502; a plurality of first diverter ports 532 are provided on the side of the first blocking part 531, the secondary filling space 502 is connected to the first filling space 501 through the plurality of first diverter ports 532, the output port of the secondary filling space 502 forms a secondary throttling part 534, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the secondary filling space 502 in the secondary throttling part 534 is the smallest.

[0163] The first diversion ports 532 are spaced apart on the periphery of the first blocking part 531; preferably, the first diversion ports 532 are evenly spaced apart.

[0164] The secondary flow divider 54 has a second blocking portion 541 that corresponds to the secondary throttling portion 534 along the fluid outflow direction. A plurality of second flow dividers 542 are provided on the side of the second blocking portion 541. Along the fluid outflow direction, the projection of the secondary throttling portion 534 on the second blocking portion 541 is offset from the position of the plurality of second flow dividers 542.

[0165] Multiple second diversion ports 542 are spaced apart on the periphery of the second blocking part 541; preferably, the multiple second diversion ports 542 are evenly spaced. At least one primary filling space 502 and at least one secondary diversion plate 54 are provided, meaning that the mixture of milk and air input from the fluid inflow channel 522 undergoes at least two compression accelerations, and at least two impacts and remixings after acceleration. The mixture of milk and air is continuously impacted and dispersed, resulting in finer droplets and finer milk foam. This step-by-step mixing and diversion process leads to a more uniform and stable final output milk foam.

[0166] In one specific embodiment, the mixing chamber 61 is provided with a secondary filling space 503 and a secondary diverter plate 54. The secondary diverter plate 54 is located downstream of the secondary filling space 503. The mixture of milk and air input from the conveying pipe 33 is squeezed and accelerated at the first throttling section 524, then impacted and diverted at the first diverter plate 53, then squeezed and accelerated again at the secondary throttling section 534, and then impacted and diverted again at the secondary diverter plate 54. Through two squeeze accelerations and two impact diversions, high-quality and stable milk foam is formed.

[0167] For details, please see Figure 11 At least one secondary flow divider 54 includes a terminal flow divider 54b near the outlet 513. Along the fluid outflow direction, the distance L3 from the terminal flow divider 54b to the outlet 513 is greater than the distance L1 from the primary flow divider 53 to the adjacent secondary flow divider 534. The larger distance L3 from the terminal flow divider 54b to the outlet 513 buffers the milk foam that is finally output from the outlet 513, making the quality of the output milk foam more stable.

[0168] Additionally, please see Figure 11 At least one secondary diverter 54 also includes a rear diverter 54a located between the first diverter 53 and the last diverter 54b. The distance L3 from the last diverter 54b to the output port 513 is greater than the distance L2 from the rear diverter 54a to the downstream adjacent secondary throttling section 534. The distance L3 from the last diverter 54b to the output port 513 is set to be greater than the distance from any upstream diverter to the downstream adjacent throttling section, which is used to buffer the milk foam that is finally output from the output port 513, so as to make the quality of the output milk foam more stable.

[0169] In one specific embodiment, along the fluid outflow direction, a first-end diverter plate 53, a rear-end diverter plate 54a, and an end diverter plate 54b are sequentially spaced within the mixing chamber 61. The mixture of milk and air input from the conveying pipe 33 is compressed and accelerated at the first throttling section 524, then impacted and diverted at the first-end diverter plate 53, then compressed and accelerated again at the second throttling section 534, then impacted and diverted again at the rear-end diverter plate 54a, then compressed and accelerated again at the next throttling section 534, and then impacted and diverted again at the end diverter plate 54b. Through three compression accelerations and three impact diversions, high-quality and stable milk foam is formed.

[0170] In this embodiment, the number of first diversion ports 532 is 3 to 6, specifically, there can be 4 first diversion ports 532, which are evenly spaced around the center line of the liquid inlet 612. Similarly, the number of second diversion ports 542 is 3 to 6, specifically, there can be 4 second diversion ports 542, with the 4 first diversion ports 532 evenly spaced around the center line of the liquid inlet 612 and the 4 second diversion ports 542 evenly spaced around the center line of the adjacent upstream secondary throttling section 534. This makes the milk foam flow more uniform and stable. The positions of the first diversion ports 532 and the second diversion ports 542 around the center line of the liquid inlet 612 can be corresponding or staggered.

[0171] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 11 The mixing device 160 can be configured such that, along the fluid outflow direction, there is a first distance L0 between the first throttling part 524 and the first blocking part 531, the first throttling part 524 is constructed as a circular hole, the size of the first distance L0 is 2 to 10 times the diameter of the first throttling part 524, a plurality of first diversion ports 532 are spaced apart on the periphery of the first blocking part 531, the plurality of first diversion ports 532 define the outer diameter of the first blocking part 531, and the ratio of the size of the first distance to the outer diameter of the first blocking part 531 is between 0.6 and 2.

[0172] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 11 The mixing device 160 can also be configured such that, along the fluid outflow direction, the secondary throttling portion 534 and the downstream adjacent second blocking portion 541 have a second distance L20, the secondary throttling portion 534 is constructed as a circular hole, the size of the second distance L20 is 2 to 10 times the diameter of the secondary throttling portion 534, a plurality of second diversion ports 542 are spaced apart on the periphery of the second blocking portion 541, the plurality of second diversion ports 542 define the outer diameter of the second blocking portion 541, and the ratio of the size of the second distance L20 to the outer diameter of the second blocking portion 541 is between 0.6 and 2.

[0173] If the impact distance between the throttling section and the corresponding downstream obstruction section is too far, the kinetic energy of the milk-air mixture after being compressed and accelerated will be lost; if the distance is too close, the desired impact effect will not be achieved. Furthermore, the relationship between the impact distance between the throttling section and the corresponding downstream obstruction section and the area of ​​the obstruction section also affects the milk foaming effect. Increasing the impact distance allows the liquid column formed by the milk-air mixture to begin to diffuse; correspondingly, the impact area needs to be increased. If the impact area is too small, some of the milk-air mixture will flow out through the adjacent branch outlet without being impacted. The aforementioned dimensional settings allow for optimal flow velocity and impact distance of the milk-air mixture, thereby improving the milk foaming effect.

[0174] In some embodiments, the mixing device 160 may be configured such that: the first throttling part 524 is constructed as a circular hole with a diameter of 0.6-1 mm, and a first distance L0 of 3-5 mm is provided between the first throttling part 524 and the first blocking part 531 along the fluid outflow direction; a plurality of first diversion ports 532 are spaced apart on the periphery of the first blocking part 531, and the plurality of first diversion ports 532 define the outer diameter of the first blocking part 531, the outer diameter of the first blocking part 531 being 4-6 mm;

[0175] In some embodiments, the mixing device 160 may also be configured such that: each of the secondary throttling portions 534 is constructed as a circular hole with a diameter of 0.6-1 mm; along the fluid outflow direction, the secondary throttling portion 534 and the downstream adjacent second blocking portion 541 have a second distance L20 of 3-5 mm; a plurality of second diversion ports 542 are spaced apart on the periphery of the second blocking portion 541; the plurality of second diversion ports 542 define the outer diameter of the second blocking portion 541, and the outer diameter of the second blocking portion 541 is 4-6 mm.

[0176] The aforementioned size settings allow for an optimal flow rate and impact distance of the milk-air mixture while maintaining a more compact mixing device 160, thereby improving the milk foaming effect.

[0177] Continue to refer to Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 Pressurized fluid from the delivery line 33 enters the mixing chamber 61 through the liquid inlet 612. In other words, the fluid entering the mixing chamber 61 from the liquid inlet 612 is propelled by a pressurizing device on the delivery line 33, such as a hydraulic pump 23, allowing for more precise control of the fluid's velocity and flow rate. In some embodiments, at least one throttling device and a flow divider may be provided at any position between the liquid inlet 612 and the outlet 513.

[0178] Specifically, the mixing device includes at least one fluid channel and at least one flow divider plate. The number of fluid channels and flow dividers is the same, that is, the fluid channels and flow dividers are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The fluid channel is located between the liquid inlet 612 and the outlet 513. The fluid channel includes a throttling section, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid channel is the smallest at the throttling section. The flow divider plate is located in the mixing chamber 61 and is located downstream of the corresponding fluid channel. The flow divider plate has a blocking section that corresponds to the fluid channel along the fluid outflow direction. A flow divider port is provided on the side of the blocking section. Along the fluid outflow direction, the projection of the throttling section on the blocking section is offset from the position of the flow divider port.

[0179] The obstruction section has multiple diversion ports on its side, with a number of 3 to 6 ports. Specifically, there can be 4 diversion ports. The 4 diversion ports are evenly spaced around the center line of the liquid inlet 6122, which makes the milk foam flow out more evenly and stably.

[0180] For example, please see Figure 10 and Figure 11 The fluid channel can be defined by the fluid inflow channel 522 or by any of the secondary filling spaces 502; correspondingly, the manifold can be defined by the first manifold 53 or by any of the secondary manifolds 54, such as the rear manifold 54a or the end manifold 54b, that is, the manifold can be defined by the first manifold 53, the rear manifold 54a or the end manifold 54b.

[0181] For example, at least one fluid channel may include a fluid inflow channel 522 and any number of secondary filling spaces 502; correspondingly, at least one manifold may include a head manifold 53 and any number of secondary manifolds 54.

[0182] The throttling section can be defined by the first throttling section 524 or by the second throttling section 534.

[0183] The blocking part can be defined by the first blocking part 531 or by the second blocking part 541; the diversion port can be defined by the first diversion port 532 or by the second diversion port 542.

[0184] In this embodiment, along the fluid outflow direction, there is an impact distance between the throttling section and the downstream adjacent blocking section; multiple diversion orifices are spaced apart on the periphery of the blocking section, and the multiple diversion orifices define the outer diameter of the blocking section; the throttling section is constructed as a circular orifice; to achieve an optimal configuration of the flow rate and impact distance of the milk-air mixture, in one exemplary embodiment, the mixing device 160 is configured such that the impact distance is 2 to 10 times the diameter of the throttling section, and the ratio of the impact distance to the outer diameter of the blocking section is between 0.6 and 2. In another exemplary embodiment, the mixing device 160 is configured such that the diameter of the throttling section is 0.6-1 mm, the impact distance is 3-5 mm, and the outer diameter of the blocking section is 4-6 mm.

[0185] The impact distance can be the distance between any throttling section and the downstream adjacent blocking section, such as the first distance L0 between the first throttling section 524 and the first blocking section 531, or the second distance L20 between any secondary throttling section 534 and the downstream adjacent second blocking section 541.

[0186] The aforementioned dimensional settings of the throttling section, impact distance, and blocking section allow for optimal settings of the flow rate and impact distance of the milk-air mixture while maintaining a more compact mixing device 160, thereby improving the milk foaming effect. In one embodiment, at least one fluid channel includes a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel, and at least one flow divider includes a first flow divider and a second flow divider; the mixing body 50 includes a tube 51 and a cover 52 connected to the tube 51, a liquid inlet 612 is disposed on the cover 52, an outlet 513 is disposed on the tube 51, and the mixing chamber 61 is jointly defined by the cover 52 and the tube 51; the first fluid channel, the first flow divider, the second fluid channel, and the second flow divider are arranged sequentially along the fluid outflow direction; the first fluid channel is disposed on the cover 52, and the first flow divider, the second fluid channel, and the second flow divider are disposed inside the tube 51.

[0187] Specifically, the first fluid channel is defined by the fluid inflow channel 522, the second fluid channel is defined by the secondary filling space 502, the first diverter is defined by the initial diverter 53, and the second diverter is defined by the secondary diverter 54. Specifically, the second diverter is defined by the rear diverter 24a or the final diverter 24b. In other words, when the fluid enters the fluid inflow channel 522, throttling and diversion occur twice. The double-layer impact can make the milk foam better after it is dispersed and then re-attached.

[0188] The mixture of milk and air input from the delivery pipe 33 is squeezed and accelerated at the throttling section of the first fluid channel, then impacted and split at the first splitter plate, then squeezed and accelerated again at the throttling section of the second fluid channel, and then impacted and split again at the second splitter plate. Through two squeeze accelerations and two impact splits, high-quality and stable milk foam is formed.

[0189] Further, please see Figure 11 The mixing chamber 61 is provided with a first flow-dividing component 530, a second flow-dividing component 540, and a first flow-limiting component 250. The first flow-dividing component 530 includes a first flow-dividing plate (first end flow-dividing plate 53), and the second flow-dividing component 540 includes a second flow-dividing plate (secondary flow-dividing plate 54). The second fluid channel (secondary filling space 502) is defined by the first flow-limiting component 250. Along the fluid outflow direction, the first flow-dividing component 530, the first flow-limiting component 250, and the second flow-dividing component 540 abut against each other in sequence. The mixing chamber 61 is provided with a limiting part 514, and the second flow-dividing component 540 near the output port 513 abuts against the limiting part 514, thereby making the arrangement of each flow-dividing component and each flow-limiting component in the mixing chamber 61 more reliable.

[0190] The dimensions of each channel, flow divider orifice, and throttling section of the mixing device 160 have very strict tolerance requirements. Even a slight difference in the orifice diameter of the throttling section can lead to significant changes in the result. By setting flow dividers and flow restrictors to separately configure corresponding flow dividers and throttling sections, manufacturing is easier, the dimensions of the throttling sections and flow dividers can be more precise, and the milk foam quality is more stable, thus ensuring the final output milk foam effect.

[0191] In other embodiments, at least one fluid channel includes at least two fluid channels, at least one flow divider includes at least two flow dividers, and the fluid channels and flow dividers are alternately arranged along the fluid outflow direction; a terminal contraction cavity 505 is defined between the flow divider near the outlet 513 and the outlet 513, and the terminal contraction cavity 505 contracts to the outlet 513 along the fluid outflow direction, and the diameter of the outlet 513 is larger than the diameter of the fluid inlet 612.

[0192] For example, at least two fluid channels may include a fluid inflow channel 522 and a secondary filling space 502, or may include any two secondary filling spaces 502; correspondingly, at least two flow dividers may include a head flow divider 53 and any one of the secondary flow dividers 54, or may include any two secondary flow dividers 54.

[0193] The alternating fluid channels and flow dividers allow the mixture of milk and air to be squeezed and accelerated multiple times, and after each squeezing and acceleration, it is impacted and remixed. The mixture of milk and air is constantly impacted and broken up, and the dispersed droplets are smaller. Finally, the milk foam formed by their adhesion is more delicate. The mixing and flow are carried out step by step, and the final output milk foam is more uniform and more stable.

[0194] Specifically, three throttling sections and three flow dividers are provided, which allows the mixing device 160 to be arranged in the beverage machine while ensuring that multiple rounds of crushing and mixing can be carried out.

[0195] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown, in some embodiments, the mixing device 160 further includes a buffer tube 70 connected downstream of the mixing body 50. The buffer tube 70 defines a buffer cavity 71 arranged along the fluid outflow direction. One end of the buffer cavity 71 is connected to the output port 513, and the other end of the buffer cavity 71 is provided with a baffle 72. The baffle 72 and the output port 513 are arranged opposite to each other along the fluid outflow direction. Along the fluid outflow direction, the length L4 of the buffer cavity 71 is greater than the distance from the secondary diverter plate 54 to the downstream adjacent secondary throttling section 534.

[0196] Specifically, the length L4 of the buffer cavity 71 is greater than the distance L3 from the end splitter plate 54b to the output port 513; the length L4 of the buffer cavity 71 is greater than the distance L2 from the rear splitter plate 54a to the adjacent downstream secondary throttling section 534; and the length L4 of the buffer cavity 71 is greater than the distance L1 from the front splitter plate 53 to the adjacent secondary throttling section 534. That is, the length L4 of the buffer cavity 71 is greater than the distance from any splitter plate to the adjacent secondary throttling section 534.

[0197] By setting the buffer chamber 71 and its length L4 to be greater than the distance from any of the flow dividers to the adjacent secondary throttling section 534, the milk foam output from the outlet 513 can be buffered and accumulated in the buffer chamber 71, which can increase the viscosity of the milk foam and prevent it from being broken into bubbles in the cup, thus reducing the quality of the milk foam. The distance from any of the flow dividers to the adjacent secondary throttling section 534 is less than the length L4 of the buffer chamber 71, which can save the length of the foaming device 160, thereby reducing the volume of the foaming device 160 while ensuring the viscosity of the milk foam, and also reducing the amount of beverage residue in the foaming device 160 after the beverage is made.

[0198] The baffle 72 is provided with multiple through ports 721. The baffle 72 has an interception part 722 that corresponds to the outlet 513 along the fluid outflow direction. The multiple through ports 721 are disposed on the periphery of the interception part 722. The buffer tube 70 includes a cavity wall 711 that defines the buffer cavity 71. The baffle 72 is disposed in the cavity wall 711. The multiple through ports 721 are spaced apart from the cavity wall 711.

[0199] The baffle 72 is set at the outlet of the buffer chamber 71 to form a blockage. The fluid flowing out of the buffer chamber 71 is slowed down after being blocked at the interception part 722, and then diffuses to the side of the interception part 722. After hitting the chamber wall 711, it is turned back. The direction of fluid diffusion and the direction of turning back are different from the direction of fluid flowing out from the multiple through ports 721, so that the fluid can flow out slowly to the output pipe, and finally produce a stable milk foam output at the beverage outlet of the beverage machine.

[0200] The buffer chamber 71 and the interception section 722 prevent the low-viscosity milk foam from the output port 513 from being directly and quickly output to the output pipe, thus preventing bubbles from forming in the cup and ensuring the quality of the milk foam output from the output pipe. Multiple through ports 721 are arranged around the interception section 722, and the multiple through ports 721 are spaced apart from the chamber wall 711. This allows the fluid that is blocked from spreading at the interception section 722 to hit the chamber wall 711 and then bend back, which can further absorb the kinetic energy of the milk foam and play a further deceleration and buffering role, thereby further ensuring the stability and quality of the milk foam.

[0201] Furthermore, the intercepting part 722 is positioned opposite the output port 513, and multiple through ports 721 are disposed around the periphery of the intercepting part 722. The multiple through ports 721 are spaced apart around the intercepting part 722, and the through ports 721 are constructed as fan-shaped rings concentric with the intercepting part 722. The output port 513 is constructed as a circular outlet, and the inner ring radius of the fan-shaped ring is 6-12 times the radius of the output port 513, or the distance between the outer ring and the inner ring of the fan-shaped ring is greater than the diameter of the output port 513.

[0202] Multiple fan-shaped rings define the interception section 722, meaning that the inner radius of the fan-shaped rings is the same as the radius of the interception section 722. If the inner radius of the fan-shaped rings is too small, the blocking and deceleration effect on milk foam will be poor. If the inner radius of the fan-shaped rings is too large, it will result in the outer diameter of the buffer tube 70 being too large, which is not conducive to the miniaturization of the mixing device.

[0203] The through-hole 721 is constructed as a concentric fan-shaped ring with the intercepting part 722. When milk foam is discharged from the outlet 513 into the buffer chamber 71, the milk foam impacts the intercepting part 722 under the action of gravity, and then diffuses to the periphery of the intercepting part 722. Due to the inertia of the milk foam spreading to the periphery, the fan-shaped through-hole 721 allows more milk foam to change its flow direction and flow out. The design of the position or size of the fan-shaped through-hole 721 can optimize the ratio of the amount of milk foam flowing out of the through-hole 721 per unit time to the amount of milk foam continuing to mix in the buffer chamber 71, resulting in higher quality milk foam output to the cup.

[0204] To ensure better milk foam aggregation within the buffer chamber 71, the length L4 of the buffer chamber 71 along the fluid outflow direction is greater than or equal to 10 mm, or the length of the buffer chamber 71 along the fluid outflow direction is one-fifth to one-half the length of the mixing chamber 61 along the fluid outflow direction. In this way, the milk foam in the buffer chamber 71 can achieve a better viscosity without defoaming due to prolonged aggregation.

[0205] In this embodiment, the number of through ports 721 is 3 to 6. Specifically, the number of through ports 721 can be 4. The 4 through ports 721 are evenly spaced around the center line of the output port 513, which can make the milk foam flow out more evenly and stably.

[0206] For example, the mixing device 160 may be configured such that, along the fluid outflow direction, there is a refill distance between the blocking part and the downstream adjacent throttling part, and the length L4 of the buffer chamber 71 is greater than the refill distance.

[0207] For example, the mixing device 160 may also be configured to include a plurality of fluid channels and a plurality of flow dividers, wherein the blocking portion and the downstream adjacent throttling portion have a refill distance, and the plurality of refill distances are equal or increased along the fluid outflow direction.

[0208] The refill distance can be L1, the distance from the first-end diverter plate 53 to the adjacent secondary throttling section 534; L2, the distance from the rear-end diverter plate 54a to the downstream adjacent secondary throttling section 534; or L3, the distance from the end diverter plate 54b to the output port 513. That is, the length L4 of the buffer chamber 71 can be greater than the length of any one of the secondary filling spaces 502 and the length of the end contraction chamber 505. The length L4 of the buffer chamber 71 can also be greater than the length of one of the secondary filling spaces 502 or the length of the end contraction chamber 505.

[0209] Along the fluid outflow direction, multiple refill distances are equal or increase. For example, the distance L3 from the end distributor plate 54b to the outlet 513 can be greater than the distance L1 from the beginning distributor plate 53 to the adjacent secondary throttling section 534, and the distance L3 from the end distributor plate 54b to the outlet 513 can be greater than the distance L2 from the rear distributor plate 54a to the downstream adjacent secondary throttling section 534. Alternatively, the distances L1 from the beginning distributor plate 53 to the adjacent secondary throttling section 534, L2 from the rear distributor plate 54a to the downstream adjacent secondary throttling section 534, and L3 from the end distributor plate 54b to the outlet 513 can increase sequentially. Or, the distances L1 from the beginning distributor plate 53 to the adjacent secondary throttling section 534, L2 from the rear distributor plate 54a to the downstream adjacent secondary throttling section 534, and L3 from the end distributor plate 54b to the outlet 513 can be equal. The distance L3 between the end distributor plate 54b and the output port 513 is relatively large, which buffers the milk foam that is finally output from the output port 513, making the quality of the output milk foam more stable.

[0210] Furthermore, referring to Figure 12 As shown, a first latch 751 is provided on one of the buffer tube 70 and the mixing body 50, and a first fixing rib 752 is provided on the other. The first fixing rib 752 extends into the first latch 751 to restrict the relative movement of the buffer tube 70 and the mixing body 50 along the fluid outflow direction. The relative rotation of the buffer tube 70 and the mixing body 50 allows the first fixing rib 752 to extend into the first latch 751 or to separate from the first latch 751. The cooperation of the first fixing rib 752 and the first latch 751 enables a quick-release connection between the buffer tube 70 and the mixing body 50. A small-angle relative rotation of the buffer tube 70 and the mixing body 50 enables rapid disassembly and installation, facilitating the production, assembly, and subsequent maintenance of the mixing device. In addition, the first fixing rib 752 and the first latch 751 have a simple structure and are easy to manufacture.

[0211] In this embodiment, the first fixing rib 752 is disposed on the mixing body 50, and the first latch 751 is disposed on the buffer tube 70. Two first latches 751 can be provided, distributed at intervals along the circumference of the buffer tube 70. Correspondingly, two first fixing ribs 752 are provided, distributed at intervals along the circumference of the mixing body 50. In this way, the stability of the quick-release connection between the buffer tube 70 and the mixing body 50 can be improved.

[0212] Along the rotational direction of the buffer tube 70 relative to the mixing body 50, the first bayonet 751 has a first closed end 753 and a first open end 754 disposed opposite to each other. The relative rotation of the buffer tube 70 and the mixing body 50 causes the first fixing rib 752 to enter the first bayonet 751 from the first open end 754 until it abuts against the first closed end 753. When it is necessary to disassemble the buffer tube 70 and the mixing body 50, it is only necessary to rotate the buffer tube 70 and the mixing body 50 relative to each other by a small angle, so that the first fixing rib 752 separates from the first bayonet 751 from the first open end 754; when it is necessary to install the buffer tube 70 and the mixing body 50, it is only necessary to rotate the buffer tube 70 and the mixing body 50 relative to each other by a small angle in the opposite direction, so that the first fixing rib 752 enters the first bayonet 751 from the first open end 754 until it abuts against the first closed end 753. The installation and removal of the buffer tube 70 and the mixing body 50 can be achieved with only a small angle of relative rotation, which is very convenient. This avoids the large-angle or multi-turn relative rotation of the buffer tube 70 and the mixing body 50, which would cause significant twisting of the input and / or output pipes, and reduces the extent of the pull on the input and / or output pipes.

[0213] Reference Figure 15 As shown, a flow limiting part 73 is provided in the buffer cavity 71. The flow limiting part 73 is located near the output port 513 and defines a flow limiting channel 731. Along the fluid outflow direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow limiting channel 731 tends to increase, or the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow limiting channel 731 tends to decrease first and then increase. Figure 7 As exemplarily, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow-limiting channel 731 first decreases and then increases. The design of the flow-limiting channel 731 can further reduce the flow rate of milk foam in the buffer chamber 71, allowing the milk foam to be further mixed within the buffer chamber 71, thereby increasing its density.

[0214] The buffer tube 70a includes a tube body 75 and a buffer element 76 connected to each other. The buffer element 76 is connected between the tube body 75 and the mixing body 50, and is sealed to both the tube body 75 and the mixing body 50. A flow-limiting part 73 is disposed within the buffer element 76, that is, a flow-limiting channel is defined within the buffer element 76. An output port 513 extends into the buffer element 76, and the output port 513 is positioned facing the flow-limiting channel 731. At least a portion of the buffer element 76 extends into the buffer cavity 71. The separate buffer element 76 facilitates the manufacturing of the flow-limiting part 73, improves the manufacturing precision of the flow-limiting channel 731, and ensures a more stable and reliable milk foam output quality.

[0215] refer to Figures 16 to 23As shown, in another embodiment, a mixing device 260 is connected between an input line and an output line. In this embodiment, the input line can be used to supply steam and milk, or a mixture of steam, milk, and air, to the mixing device 260. The output line is used to output milk foam generated from the milk or the mixture of milk and air processed by the mixing device 260.

[0216] The mixing device 260 includes a mixing body 50, which defines a mixing chamber 61 arranged along the fluid outflow direction. The mixing chamber 61 has an inlet 523 and a steam outlet 525 at one end near the conveying channel 33, and an outlet 513 at the other end near the outlet pipe. The fluid outflow direction can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 16 The direction of arrow F in the diagram. In some embodiments, the mixture of milk to be processed and air conveyed by the conveying channel 33 enters the mixing chamber 61 through the inlet 523 for mixing, and then exits the mixing chamber 61 from the outlet 513, and is then output to a cup through the output pipeline. The steam outlet 525 is connected to the mixing chamber 61 at an angle to the fluid outflow direction; the inlet 523 and the steam outlet 525 are offset along the fluid outflow direction.

[0217] Correspondingly, the input pipeline also separates the delivery of liquid and steam. The input pipeline includes a delivery pipeline 33 and a steam pipeline 351. The delivery pipeline 33 can deliver cold milk or a mixture of cold milk and air, while the steam pipeline 351 can deliver steam. Depending on whether steam is input into the steam pipeline 351, the output pipeline can selectively output hot milk, hot milk foam, cold milk, or cold milk foam. Steam is used to heat cold milk or the mixture of cold milk and air. That is, when steam is delivered into the steam pipeline 351, the output pipeline can output hot milk beverages, such as hot milk and hot milk foam; when steam is not delivered into the steam pipeline 351, the output pipeline can output cold milk beverages, such as cold milk and cold milk foam. The inlet 523 and the steam outlet 525 are staggered along the fluid flow direction to reduce mutual interference and ensure the amount of steam entering, thereby ensuring the temperature and uniformity of the milk foam.

[0218] To provide better quality milk foam, a mixer 40 is provided in the mixing chamber 61. The mixture of milk and air can be more thoroughly mixed after passing through the mixer 40, thus forming a finer milk foam.

[0219] The cross-sectional area of ​​the output port 513 is larger than that of the input port 523, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the outflow is larger than that of the inflow, which can effectively reduce the pressure inside the mixing chamber 61 and reduce the reverse pressure interference between the inflow and outflow channels.

[0220] The cross-sectional area of ​​the steam outlet 525 is larger than that of the inlet 523; in the direction of fluid outflow, the inlet 523 is located downstream of the steam outlet 525.

[0221] Setting the cross-sectional area of ​​inlet 523 to be smaller than that of steam outlet 525 helps balance the pressure in the delivery pipeline 33 and the steam pipeline 351, ensuring the reliable operation of the mixing device 260. Positioning inlet 523 downstream of steam outlet 525 prevents fluid entering through inlet 523 from entering steam outlet 525 and affecting the steam input.

[0222] The mixing body 50 includes a tube 51 and a cover 52 connected to the tube 51. The mixing chamber 61 is defined by the cover 52 and the mixing body 50. The cover 52 has a fluid inflow channel 522 communicating with the inlet 523. The fluid inflow channel 522 includes an inlet throttling section 527, which is located at one end of the fluid inflow channel 522 near the mixer 40. The cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid inflow channel 522 is minimized at the inlet throttling section 527. The inlet 523 can be an opening of the inlet throttling section 527 towards the mixer 40. By placing the inlet throttling section 527 at one end of the fluid inflow channel 522 near the mixer 40, the squeezed and accelerated milk and air can collide and cut with the mixer 40 more quickly, thereby increasing the density of the milk foam.

[0223] Furthermore, a buffer tube 70 is connected downstream of the mixing body 50. The specific structure and effect of the buffer tube 70 are the same as those of the mixing device 160 described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0224] In some embodiments, the mixing body 50 is sealed to the buffer tube 70, and the mixing body 50 extends into the buffer tube 70. One end of the mixing body 50 extending into the buffer tube 70 includes a contraction portion 58, which contracts along the fluid outflow direction to form an outlet 513. The contraction forms the outlet 513, where the milk foam is squeezed and mixed for the last time, which can further improve the quality of the output milk foam.

[0225] Continue to refer to Figure 17 and Figure 20The mixer 40 includes a plurality of spiral blades 41 arranged sequentially along the fluid outflow direction, with adjacent spiral blades 41 having opposite spiral directions. Along the fluid outflow direction, each spiral blade 41 includes a starting end face 411 and an opposing ending end face 412. The plurality of spiral blades 41 satisfy at least one of the following characteristics: the mixer 40 has a spiral centerline X along the fluid outflow direction, and the spiral blades 41 are spirally arranged around the spiral centerline X; the starting end face 411 and the ending end face 412 of the spiral blades 41 are arranged at an angle; the projections of the starting end faces 411 of adjacent spiral blades 41 along the fluid outflow direction at least partially overlap; the projections of the ending end faces 412 of adjacent spiral blades 41 along the fluid outflow direction at least partially overlap; the outer diameter of the spiral blades 41 is greater than the height of the spiral blades 41 along the fluid outflow direction; the mixer 40 includes at least ten spiral blades 41.

[0226] In this configuration, multiple spiral blades 41 are arranged spirally around the spiral center line X, and the spiral directions of two adjacent spiral blades 41 are opposite. This allows the mixture of milk and air to be cut, mixed, and cut again from different directions by the spiral blades 41. The mixture of milk and air is repeatedly cut and mixed along two opposite directions to form a finer milk foam.

[0227] The starting end face 411 and the ending end face 412 of the spiral blade 41 are set at an angle, that is, the longitudinal direction of the starting end face 411 and the longitudinal direction of the ending end face 412 are set at an angle, such as... Figure 20 Angle α in the diagram. The starting end face 411 and the ending end face 412 are roughly rectangular, with the longitudinal direction being the length direction of the rectangle. The angle between the two ending end faces 412 can be considered as the angle through which the starting end face 411 rotates around the spiral center line to the ending end face 412, or the angle through which the ending end face 412 rotates around the spiral center line to the starting end face 411. Preferably, it is between 60 degrees and 100 degrees, specifically, it can be 90 degrees. Setting the starting end face 411 and the ending end face 412 at an angle can change the flow direction of the milk foam while slowing down the flow of milk foam, so that the next starting end face 411 can cut the milk foam again, thereby improving the quality of the output milk foam. The projections of the starting end faces 411 of two adjacent spiral blades 41 along the fluid outflow direction at least partially overlap, and the projections of the ending end faces 412 of two adjacent spiral blades 41 along the fluid outflow direction at least partially overlap. This can be considered as the starting end faces 411 and ending end faces 412 of two adjacent spiral blades 41 being approximately corresponding along the fluid outflow direction. Alternatively, the longitudinal directions of the starting end faces 411 of two adjacent spiral blades 41 can be approximately parallel, and their longitudinal directions can also be approximately parallel. The cutting and re-mixing of the milk foam during outflow is carried out regularly, resulting in a more uniform output milk foam.

[0228] In some embodiments, the projections of the starting end faces 411 of two adjacent spiral blades 41 along the fluid outflow direction coincide, and the projections of the ending end faces 412 of two adjacent spiral blades 41 along the fluid outflow direction coincide. That is, the projections of the starting end faces 411 of multiple spiral blades 41 along the fluid outflow direction coincide, and the projections of the ending end faces 412 of multiple spiral blades 41 along the fluid outflow direction coincide. This also facilitates the processing and manufacturing of the mixer 40.

[0229] The outer diameter of the spiral blade 41 is greater than the height of the spiral blade 41 along the fluid outflow direction. The milk foam is cut along the spiral surface of the spiral blade 41 in a short distance, and then flows to the spiral surface of the next spiral blade 41, and is cut in another direction. More milk foam can be cut and mixed more times in a shorter distance. While ensuring that the final output milk foam is finer, it is beneficial to save the volume of the mixing device 160.

[0230] At least ten spiral blades 41 are provided to ensure that the mixture of milk and air is fully cut and remixed, resulting in finer and thicker milk foam and ensuring the quality of the output milk foam. A connecting post 43 is provided between adjacent spiral blades 41, meaning that the connecting post 43 connects two adjacent spiral blades 41. The middle part of the starting end face 411 and the middle part of the ending end face 412 of the spiral blade 41 are connected to the connecting post 43, which can improve the strength of the entire mixer 40.

[0231] The mixing body 50 includes a tube 51 and a cover 52 connected to the tube 51. The mixing chamber 61 is defined by the cover 52 and the mixing body 50. The inlet 523 is provided on the cover 52. The cover 52 is provided with a fluid inflow channel 522 that communicates with the inlet 523. Specifically, the fluid inflow channel 522 mixes with the mixing chamber 61 through the inlet 523. One end of the fluid inflow channel 522 near the mixer 40 extends into the mixing chamber 61. The fluid inflow channel 522 extends into the mixing chamber 61 towards the mixer 40, which can guide the input fluid towards the mixer 40, so that the fluid is gradually and evenly cut and remixed in the direction guided by the spiral blade 41, resulting in better consistency of the output milk foam.

[0232] Reference Figure 19 As shown, a first fixing rib 752 is provided on one of the buffer tube 70 and the mixing body 50, and a first bayonet 751 that cooperates with the first fixing rib 752 is provided on the other of the buffer tube 70 and the mixing body 50. The arrangement of the first fixing rib 752 and the first bayonet 751 is the same as that in the mixing device 160 described above.

[0233] Reference Figure 21In some embodiments, the buffer chamber 71 is provided with a flow limiting part 73, and the buffer tube 70a includes a tube body 75 and a buffer element 76 connected to each other. The arrangement of the flow limiting part 73 and the buffer tube 70a is the same as that in the mixing device 160 described above.

[0234] Reference Figure 22 In some embodiments, the mixing body 50 and the cover 52 of the mixing device 260 are detachably connected, the mixing chamber 61 is defined by the cover 52 and the mixing body 50, and the inlet 523 is disposed on the cover 52; the cover 52 is provided with a fluid inflow channel 522a communicating with the inlet 523, the fluid inflow channel 522a includes an inlet throttling section 527a, the inlet throttling section 527a is disposed between the two ends of the fluid inflow channel 522a, or, the inlet throttling section 527a is disposed at the end of the fluid inflow channel 522a near the mixer 40, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid inflow channel 522a is minimized at the inlet throttling section 527a. Figure 22 As shown, the inlet throttling section 527a is disposed between the two ends of the fluid inflow channel 522a. The mixing chamber 61 is defined by the detachably connected mixing body 50 and the cover 52, which facilitates the installation of the mixer 40 in the mixing chamber 61. Moreover, the cover 52 is easy to manufacture, which can reduce the cost of the mixing device 160.

[0235] In addition, continue to refer to Figure 22 A second fixing rib 762 is provided on one of the cover body 52 and the pipe body 51, and a second latch 761 that cooperates with the second fixing rib 762 is provided on the other of the cover body 52 and the pipe body 51. The second fixing rib 762 extends into the second latch 761 to restrict the relative movement of the cover body 52 and the pipe body 51 in the direction of fluid outflow. The relative rotation of the cover body 52 and the pipe body 51 causes the second fixing rib 762 to extend into the second latch 761 or to separate from the second latch 761.

[0236] The cooperation between the second fixing rib 762 and the second latch 761 enables a quick-release connection between the cover 52 and the tube body 51. A small-angle relative rotation between the cover 52 and the tube body 51 allows for rapid disassembly and installation, facilitating the production, assembly, and subsequent maintenance of the mixing device 260. Furthermore, the second fixing rib 762 and the second latch 761 have a simple structure and are easy to manufacture. Additionally, the first latch 751 and the first fixing rib 752, as well as the second latch 761 and the second fixing rib 762, can be configured so that the tube body 51 can rotate in the same direction to simultaneously connect with the cover 52 and the buffer tube 70. Similarly, rotation of the tube body 51 in the same direction can simultaneously disassemble it from the cover 52 and the buffer tube 70, making the installation and disassembly between the tube body 51 and the cover 52, and between the tube body 51 and the buffer tube 70, more convenient.

[0237] The end of the fluid inflow channel 522a near the mixer 40 extends into the mixing chamber 61. The fluid inflow channel 522a extends into the mixing chamber 61 towards the mixer 40, which can guide the input fluid toward the mixer 40, so that the fluid is gradually and evenly cut and remixed in the direction guided by the spiral blade 41, resulting in better consistency of the output milk foam.

[0238] Reference Figure 23 In some embodiments, the inlet 523 is disposed on the cover 52; the cover 52 has a fluid inflow channel 522b communicating with the inlet 523. The fluid inflow channel 522b includes an inlet throttling section 527b, which is disposed between the two ends of the fluid inflow channel 522b, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid inflow channel 522b is minimized at the inlet throttling section 527b. By distributing the inlet throttling section 527b between the two ends of the fluid inflow channel 522b, the milk and air are compressed and accelerated after passing through the inlet throttling section 527b. During the compression and acceleration process, some large air bubbles formed by the mixing of milk and air are broken up, and then mixed again, thereby improving the quality of the milk foam. Moreover, since the inlet throttling section 527b is disposed on the cover 52, its manufacturing is more convenient, and its dimensional accuracy can be guaranteed, further ensuring the quality of the milk foam. In addition, along the fluid outflow direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid inflow channel 522b is set to gradually increase from the inlet throttling section 527b. Specifically, the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid inflow channel 522b can increase in a step-like manner, or in a linear manner, or in a combination of linear and step-like increases. This allows the mixture of milk and air that is squeezed and accelerated after passing through the inlet throttling section 527b to diffuse more onto the spiral blades 41 of the mixer 40, so as to better carry out the next step of cutting and remixing.

[0239] In the above embodiments, the input pipeline can be connected to the output end of the pump, and the pump generates pressurized fluid. For example, the milk to be processed or a mixture of milk and air is pumped into the input pipeline and then into the mixing chamber 61. By actively inputting the milk or the mixture of milk and air into the mixing chamber 61 by the pump, compared with the method of using a venturi tube suction, not only hot milk and hot milk foam can be prepared, but also cold milk and cold milk foam can be prepared, providing users with more choices.

[0240] Beverage machines equipped with the above-mentioned mixing device can output various beverage modes. The beverage machine can also perform more comprehensive automatic cleaning of the pipeline, ensuring the quality and safety of the output beverages.

[0241] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0242] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a milk beverage dispensing system, applied to a milk beverage dispensing system, characterized in that, The dairy beverage dispensing system includes: A mixing device, comprising a mixing chamber having a steam inlet, a liquid inlet, and a discharge outlet; A steam generator, connected to the steam inlet, is used to generate steam; A hydraulic pump is connected between the milk source and the liquid inlet; An air valve is connected to the delivery pipeline between the milk source and the hydraulic pump; The control method includes the following steps: Received a signal indicating the preparation of a dairy beverage; When it is determined that the beverage mode corresponding to the milk beverage preparation signal is a beverage mode that represents steam output, the pressure relief pipe of the steam generator is opened for a first preset time, and the steam generator is heated within the first preset time. After the first preset time period, the hydraulic pump is controlled to start to deliver milk from the milk source to the mixing chamber, and the steam generator is controlled to deliver steam to the mixing chamber, and the steam enters the mixing chamber no later than the milk.

2. The control method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The steam generator is constructed as an electric heating plate, and the milk beverage dispensing system also includes an electromagnetic pump connected between the water supply source and the electric heating plate; The electric heating plate is connected to the steam inlet via a steam pipe; The step of controlling the steam generator to heat up within the first preset time period includes: controlling the heating plate to heat up within the first preset time period; Within the first preset time period, the control method further includes: controlling the electromagnetic pump to shut down, and controlling the steam pipeline to shut down; After the first preset time period, the control method further includes: controlling the pressure relief pipeline to close.

3. The control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, After the first preset time, the control method further includes: The electromagnetic pump is started, and the steam pipeline is opened to deliver steam to the mixing chamber. The hydraulic pump is controlled to start to deliver the milk to the mixing chamber, and the start of the hydraulic pump is delayed by a second preset time after the start of the electromagnetic pump, so that the steam enters the mixing chamber before the milk.

4. The control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, After the first preset time period, the control method further includes: Control the start-up of the electromagnetic pump and the hydraulic pump; After the electromagnetic pump has been started for a third preset period of time, the electromagnetic pump is controlled to shut down. After the hydraulic pump has been started for a fourth preset time, the steam pipeline is opened and the electromagnetic pump is started. The fourth preset time is longer than the third preset time.

5. The control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The dairy beverage preparation signal includes dairy beverage parameter information, and the control method further includes: The operating time of the hydraulic pump is determined based on the dairy beverage parameter information; The hydraulic pump and the electromagnetic pump are controlled to shut down based on the working time of the hydraulic pump, and the electromagnetic pump is shut down before the hydraulic pump shuts down by a fifth preset time.

6. The control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The milk beverage dispensing system further includes a control valve, the delivery pipeline is connected to the control valve, an inlet pipeline is connected between the water supply source and the control valve, the air valve includes an outlet conduit, the outlet conduit is connected in series between the control valve and the hydraulic pump, and the control method further includes: A cleaning signal has been received. Control the control valve to switch direction so that the water inlet pipe is connected to the hydraulic pump; The air valve is closed, the water inlet pipe is opened, and the hydraulic pump is started. Under the action of the hydraulic pump, the water in the water inlet pipe flows through the outlet conduit and enters the mixing chamber. After the preset cleaning parameters are reached, the air valve is opened and the water inlet pipe is closed. Under the action of the hydraulic pump, air enters the mixing chamber through the outlet pipe. After the air valve has been open for a sixth preset time, the hydraulic pump is controlled to shut down. The electric heating plate is heated, the electromagnetic pump is started, and the steam pipeline is opened to allow steam to enter the mixing chamber.

7. The control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The milk beverage dispensing system further includes a control valve, the delivery pipeline is connected to the control valve, an inlet pipeline is connected between the water supply source and the control valve, the air valve includes an outlet conduit, the outlet conduit is connected in series between the control valve and the hydraulic pump, and the control method further includes: A cleaning signal has been received. Control the control valve to switch direction so that the water inlet pipe is connected to the hydraulic pump; The air valve is closed, the water inlet pipe is opened, and the hydraulic pump is started. Under the action of the hydraulic pump, the water in the water inlet pipe flows through the outlet conduit and enters the mixing chamber. After the preset cleaning parameters are reached, the water inlet pipe is closed and the hydraulic pump is shut off; the heating plate is heated, the electromagnetic pump is started, and the steam pipe is opened to allow steam to enter the mixing chamber. After the preset steam parameters are reached, the steam pipeline is closed, the air valve is opened, and the hydraulic pump is started. Under the action of the hydraulic pump, air enters the mixing chamber through the outlet conduit. After the air valve has been open for a sixth preset time, the hydraulic pump is controlled to shut down.

8. The control method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The milk beverage dispensing system further includes a beverage outlet connected to the discharge port, and an air venting pump is installed between the discharge port and the beverage outlet. The control method further includes: After the hydraulic pump has reached its operating time and before a cleaning signal is received, the venting pump is started.

9. The control method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The milk beverage dispensing system further includes a beverage outlet connected to the discharge port, and an air venting pump is installed between the discharge port and the beverage outlet. The control method further includes: When the beverage mode corresponding to the milk beverage preparation signal is a beverage mode representing steam output, or when the beverage mode corresponding to the milk beverage preparation signal is a beverage mode representing air input, the venting pump is controlled to start within the eighth preset time period after the hydraulic pump starts, so as to intercept the beverage output from the discharge port to the beverage outlet.

10. The control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, In the beverage mode characterizing steam output, the temperature of the milk output from the milk source is obtained, and the control method further includes at least one of the following steps: a) When the temperature of the milk is lower than a first preset value, reduce the PWM duty cycle of the hydraulic pump to reduce the milk flow rate; when the temperature of the milk is higher than a second preset value, increase the PWM duty cycle of the hydraulic pump to increase the milk flow rate, wherein the first preset value is lower than the second preset value. b) When the temperature of the milk is less than a first preset value, the electromagnetic pump is controlled to operate at a first pulse ratio, which is the ratio of the on-time to the off-time, so as to increase the water flow rate into the heating plate; when the temperature of the milk is greater than a second preset value, the electromagnetic pump is controlled to operate at a second pulse ratio, which is the ratio of the on-time to the off-time, so as to decrease the water flow rate into the heating plate, wherein the first pulse ratio is greater than the second pulse ratio and the first preset value is less than the second preset value; c) When the temperature of the milk is less than a first preset value, calculate the ratio of the milk temperature to the standard temperature, and control the air valve to increase the area of ​​the air inlet according to the ratio; when the temperature of the milk is greater than a second preset value, calculate the ratio of the milk temperature to the standard temperature, and control the air valve to decrease the area of ​​the air inlet according to the ratio, wherein the first preset value is less than the second preset value.

11. The control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, When it is determined that the beverage mode corresponding to the current milk beverage preparation signal is a beverage mode that characterizes steam output, and the beverage mode corresponding to the previous milk beverage preparation signal was a beverage mode that restricts steam output, the control method further includes at least one of the following steps: Reduce the PWM duty cycle of the hydraulic pump to decrease the milk flow rate; The electromagnetic pump is controlled to operate at a first pulse ratio of the ratio of the on-time to the off-time, so as to increase the water rate pumped into the heating plate; The air valve is controlled to increase the area of ​​the air inlet.

12. The control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The milk beverage dispensing system includes a control valve, a delivery pipeline connected to the control valve, an inlet pipeline connected between the water supply source and the control valve, a heating device connected to the inlet pipeline, an air valve including an outlet conduit connected in series between the control valve and the hydraulic pump, and the control method further includes: A cleaning signal has been received. Control the control valve to switch direction so that the water inlet pipe is connected to the hydraulic pump; The air valve is closed, the hydraulic pump is started, and the heating device is heated. Under the action of the hydraulic pump, the hot water in the inlet pipe flows through the outlet conduit and enters the mixing chamber. After the preset cleaning parameters are reached, the air valve is opened and the water inlet pipe is closed. Under the action of the hydraulic pump, air enters the mixing chamber through the outlet pipe. The hydraulic pump is shut off after a sixth preset time period since the air valve was opened.

13. A beverage machine, comprising a controller, characterized in that, The controller includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, it is used to enable the beverage machine to implement the control method of the dairy beverage dispensing system according to any one of claims 1-12.

14. The beverage machine as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The mixing device includes: A mixing body is defined with a mixing chamber arranged along the fluid outflow direction. The mixing chamber has a liquid inlet at one end near the delivery pipeline and a discharge port at the other end near the beverage outlet. A mixer is disposed within the mixing chamber; A buffer tube is connected downstream of the mixing body. The buffer tube defines a buffer cavity arranged along the fluid outflow direction. The buffer cavity communicates with the mixing cavity through the discharge port. A baffle is provided at the end of the buffer cavity away from the mixer. The baffle and the discharge port are arranged opposite to each other along the fluid outflow direction. The baffle has multiple through-holes and a blocking portion corresponding to the discharge port along the fluid outflow direction. The multiple through-holes are arranged around the blocking portion. The buffer tube includes a cavity wall defining the buffer cavity. The baffle is disposed within the cavity wall, and the multiple through-holes are spaced apart from the cavity wall.

15. The beverage machine as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The buffer chamber is provided with a flow limiting part, which is located adjacent to the discharge port and defines a flow limiting channel. Along the fluid outflow direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow limiting channel tends to increase, or the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow limiting channel tends to decrease first and then increase.

16. The beverage machine as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The mixing device includes: A mixing body is defined with a fluid inflow channel and a mixing chamber arranged along the fluid outflow direction. The fluid inflow channel is provided with a liquid inlet at one end facing the delivery pipeline, and the mixing body is provided with a discharge port at one end facing the beverage outlet. Both the liquid inlet and the discharge port are connected to the mixing chamber. The fluid inflow channel includes a first throttling section, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid inflow channel is minimized at the first throttling section. A first-end flow divider is disposed within the mixing chamber, and the fluid inflow channel and the first-end flow divider form the first filling space for fluid to enter the mixing chamber; The first end diverter plate is disposed downstream of the fluid inflow channel. The first end diverter plate has a first blocking part corresponding to the fluid inflow channel along the fluid outflow direction. A first diverter port is provided on the side of the first blocking part. Along the fluid outflow direction, the projection of the first throttling part on the first blocking part is offset from the position of the first diverter port.

17. The beverage machine as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The mixing device includes: A mixing body is defined with a mixing chamber arranged along the fluid outflow direction. The mixing body has a liquid inlet at one end facing the delivery pipeline and a discharge liquid inlet at one end facing the beverage outlet. Both the liquid inlet and the discharge liquid inlet are connected to the mixing chamber. Pressurized fluid from the delivery pipeline enters the mixing chamber through the liquid inlet. At least one fluid channel is disposed between the liquid inlet and the discharge liquid inlet, the fluid channel including a throttling section, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid channel is minimized in the throttling section; At least one flow divider is disposed in the mixing chamber. The flow divider is disposed downstream of the corresponding fluid channel. The flow divider has a blocking portion corresponding to the fluid channel along the fluid outflow direction. A flow divider port is provided on the side of the blocking portion. Along the fluid outflow direction, the projection of the throttling portion on the blocking portion is offset from the position of the flow divider port.

18. The beverage machine as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The beverage machine also includes a control valve, the delivery pipeline is connected to the control valve, and a water inlet pipeline is connected between the water supply source and the control valve. The air valve includes an air inlet, an inlet conduit, and an outlet conduit. The outlet conduit is connected to the air inlet, the inlet conduit is connected to the outlet conduit, the downstream of the outlet conduit is connected to the delivery pipeline, and the upstream of the inlet conduit is connected to the water inlet pipeline. The air can enter the delivery pipeline sequentially through the air inlet and the outlet conduit, and the water in the water inlet pipeline can enter the delivery pipeline sequentially through the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit.

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