Mixing device

Abstract

The utility model provides a mixing device which comprises a mixing main body, a mixing cavity arranged along the flowing-out direction of fluid is limited in the mixing main body, one end of the mixing cavity is provided with a fluid inlet, and the other end of the mixing cavity is provided with a fluid outlet; the mixer is arranged in the mixing cavity; the adjusting pipe is connected to the downstream of the mixing body, a buffer cavity is defined in the adjusting pipe and communicates with the mixing cavity through the fluid outlet, a baffle is arranged at the end, away from the mixer, of the buffer cavity, and the baffle and the fluid outlet are oppositely arranged in the fluid outflow direction; a plurality of through holes are formed in the baffle, the baffle is provided with a blocking part corresponding to the fluid outlet, and the through holes are formed in the side of the blocking part; the adjusting pipe comprises a cavity wall for limiting the buffering cavity, the baffle is arranged in the cavity wall, and the through openings and the cavity wall are arranged at intervals. By arranging the buffering cavity and the blocking part, milk foam can be gathered in the buffering cavity, the viscosity of the milk foam is increased, the milk foam is decelerated after being blocked at the blocking part, and stable milk foam output is generated at the beverage outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of beverage devices, in particular to a mixing device. Background Art

[0002] Mixing devices are usually used in beverage machines to make milk beverages, milk foam beverages, etc. However, most of the existing beverage machines use Venturi tubes to suck milk and air by introducing steam, so as to foam the milk. However, limited by the working principle of the Venturi tube, the mixing effect of steam, air and milk in the mixing cavity is poor. And this method can only produce hot milk foam and hot milk, which cannot meet the production needs of cold milk foam.

[0003] Although there are also some mixing devices that can produce milk foam at different temperatures, the mixing effect of milk and air is not good, resulting in irregular or thinner final output milk foam, so the quality of the milk foam cannot meet the needs of users. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a mixing device for making more types of high-quality milk beverages.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned utility model purpose, an embodiment of the utility model provides a mixing device, which is connected between an input pipeline and an output pipeline. The mixing device includes:

[0006] A mixing main body defining a mixing cavity arranged along the fluid outflow direction. One end of the mixing cavity close to the input pipeline is provided with a fluid inlet, and the other end of the mixing cavity close to the output pipeline is provided with a fluid outlet;

[0007] A mixer arranged in the mixing cavity;

[0008] An adjusting pipe is connected downstream of the mixing main body. A buffer cavity is defined in the adjusting pipe along the fluid outflow direction. The buffer cavity is communicated with the mixing cavity through the fluid outlet. A baffle is arranged at one end of the buffer cavity far from the mixer. The baffle and the fluid outlet are arranged opposite to each other along the fluid outflow direction; a plurality of through holes are arranged on the baffle. The baffle has a blocking part corresponding to the fluid outlet along the fluid outflow direction. The plurality of through holes are arranged beside the blocking part; the adjusting pipe includes a cavity wall defining the buffer cavity, the baffle is arranged in the cavity wall, and the plurality of through holes are arranged at intervals with the cavity wall.

[0009] Compared with the prior art, in the embodiments of the present utility model, by providing a buffer cavity, the milk foam output from the fluid outlet can accumulate in the buffer cavity, which can increase the viscosity of the milk foam and prevent the milk foam quality from being reduced due to the formation of bubbles when hitting the cup. The setting of the baffle forms a block at the outlet of the buffer cavity. The fluid to flow out of the buffer cavity is blocked and decelerated at the blocking part, and then diffuses to the side of the blocking part, and then turns back after hitting the cavity wall. The direction of fluid diffusion and the direction of turning back are different from the direction of fluid flowing out of the plurality of through holes, so that the fluid can slowly flow out to the output pipeline, and finally a stable milk foam output is generated at the beverage outlet.

[0010] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present utility model, the length of the buffer cavity along the fluid outflow direction is greater than or equal to 10 mm, or the length of the buffer cavity along the fluid outflow direction is one-fifth to one-half of the length of the mixing cavity along the fluid outflow direction.

[0011] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present utility model, the plurality of through holes are arranged on the periphery of the blocking part, the plurality of through holes are arranged at intervals around the blocking part, and the through holes are configured as fan-shaped rings concentric with the blocking part;

[0012] The fluid outlet is configured as a circular outlet, the inner ring radius of the fan-shaped ring is 6-12 times the radius of the fluid outlet, or the distance between the outer ring and the inner ring of the fan-shaped ring is greater than the diameter of the fluid outlet.

[0013] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present utility model, the mixer includes a plurality of spiral vanes arranged in sequence along the fluid outflow direction, and the spiral directions of two adjacent spiral vanes are opposite; along the fluid outflow direction, the spiral vane includes a starting end face and an opposite end face, and the plurality of spiral vanes satisfy at least one of the following characteristics:

[0014] The mixer has a spiral center line along the fluid outflow direction, and the spiral vanes are spirally arranged around the spiral center line;

[0015] The starting end face and the end face of the spiral vane are arranged at an angle;

[0016] The projections of the starting end faces of two adjacent spiral vanes along the fluid outflow direction at least partially overlap;

[0017] The projections of the end faces of two adjacent spiral vanes along the fluid outflow direction at least partially overlap;

[0018] The outer diameter of the spiral vane is greater than the height of the spiral vane along the fluid outflow direction;

[0019] The mixer includes at least ten of the spiral vanes.

[0020] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, a first connection structure is provided between the adjustment pipe and the mixing main body. The first connection structure includes a first clamping block and a first clamping groove that cooperates with the first clamping block. The first clamping block extends into the first clamping groove to limit the relative movement of the adjustment pipe and the mixing main body along the fluid outflow direction; the first clamping block is provided on one of the adjustment pipe and the mixing main body, and the first clamping groove is provided on the other of the adjustment pipe and the mixing main body; the relative rotation of the adjustment pipe and the mixing main body enables the first clamping block to extend into the first clamping groove or the first clamping block to separate from the first clamping groove.

[0021] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, along the rotation direction of the adjustment pipe relative to the mixing main body, the first clamping groove has a first closed end and a first open end that are oppositely arranged. The relative rotation of the adjustment pipe and the mixing main body enables the first clamping block to enter the first clamping groove from the first open end until it abuts against the first closed end.

[0022] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, a flow limiting portion is provided in the buffer chamber. The flow limiting portion is disposed adjacent to the fluid outlet, and the flow limiting portion defines a flow limiting channel; along the fluid outflow direction, the cross-sectional area of the flow limiting channel shows an increasing trend, or the cross-sectional area of the flow limiting channel shows a trend of decreasing first and then increasing.

[0023] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment pipe includes a pipe main body and a buffer member that are connected to each other. The buffer member is connected between the pipe main body and the mixing main body. The buffer member is hermetically connected to the pipe main body and the mixing main body respectively. The flow limiting portion is provided on the buffer member; the fluid outlet extends into the buffer member, the fluid outlet is oriented towards the flow limiting channel, and at least a part of the buffer member extends into the buffer chamber.

[0024] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid inlet includes a liquid inlet and a steam inlet. The liquid inlet communicates with the mixing chamber along the fluid outflow direction, and the steam inlet communicates with the mixing chamber along a direction that forms an angle with the fluid outflow direction; the liquid inlet and the steam inlet are offset in position along the fluid outflow direction.

[0025] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the mixing device satisfies at least one of the following characteristics:

[0026] The cross-sectional area of the steam inlet is larger than the cross-sectional area of the liquid inlet;

[0027] The cross-sectional area of the fluid outlet is larger than that of the liquid inlet.

[0028] Along the fluid outflow direction, the liquid inlet is arranged downstream of the steam inlet.

[0029] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present utility model, it further includes a cover body connected to the mixing main body. The mixing cavity is jointly defined by the cover body and the mixing main body. The fluid inlet is arranged on the cover body. The cover body is provided with a fluid channel communicating with the fluid inlet. The fluid channel includes a throttling portion. The throttling portion is arranged between the two ends of the fluid channel, or the throttling portion is arranged at one end of the fluid channel close to the mixer. The cross-sectional area of the fluid channel is the smallest at the throttling portion.

[0030] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present utility model, the mixing main body extends into the adjusting pipe. One end of the mixing main body extending into the adjusting pipe includes a contraction portion. Along the fluid outflow direction, the contraction portion has a contraction trend to form the fluid outlet. The cross-sectional area of the fluid outlet is larger than that of the throttling portion.

[0031] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present utility model, it further includes a cover body connected to the mixing main body. The mixing cavity is jointly defined by the cover body and the mixing main body. The fluid inlet is arranged on the cover body. One end of the fluid channel close to the mixer extends into the mixing cavity.

[0032] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present utility model, a second connection structure is provided between the cover body and the mixing main body. The second connection structure includes a second clamping block and a second clamping groove cooperating with the second clamping block. The second clamping block extends into the second clamping groove to limit the relative movement of the cover body and the mixing main body along the fluid outflow direction. The second clamping block is arranged on one of the cover body and the mixing main body, and the second clamping groove is arranged on the other of the cover body and the mixing main body. The relative rotation of the cover body and the mixing main body enables the second clamping block to extend into the second clamping groove or the second clamping block to separate from the second clamping groove. Description of the Drawings

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective schematic view of an embodiment of the mixing device of the present utility model.

[0034] Figure 2 is Figure 1 the cross-sectional view of the mixing device in

[0035] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a three-dimensional exploded view of the mixing device in

[0036] Figure 4 is Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the mixing device in

[0037] Figure 5 is Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the mixing device in

[0038] Figure 6 is Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the mixing device in

[0039] Figure 7 a three-dimensional schematic diagram of another embodiment of the mixing device of the present utility model.

[0040] Figure 8 is Figure 7 an enlarged schematic diagram of the dashed box of the mixing device in

[0041] Figure 9 is Figure 7 a schematic diagram of another structural form of the mixing device in

[0042] Figure 10 a three-dimensional schematic diagram of another embodiment of the mixing device of the present utility model.

[0043] Figure 11 is Figure 10 a schematic diagram of another structural form of the mixing device in

[0044] Figure 12 is Figure 10 a schematic diagram of yet another structural form of the mixing device in

[0045] Figure 13 is Figure 10 a schematic diagram of yet another structural form of the mixing device in

[0046] The repeated use of reference numerals in this specification and the drawings is intended to represent the same or similar features or elements of this application. Specific Embodiments

[0047] The present utility model will be described in detail below in conjunction with the specific embodiments shown in the drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present utility model, and any structural, method, or functional transformation made by those of ordinary skill in the art based on these embodiments is included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0048] It should be understood that the spatially relative terms, such as "upper", "lower", "outer", "inner", etc., used herein are for the purpose of facilitating description to describe the relationship of one unit or feature to another unit or feature as shown in the drawings. The spatially relative terms may be intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation other than the orientation shown in the figures.

[0049] Furthermore, it should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or structures, the objects so described should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish these described objects from each other. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the relative direction with respect to the fluid flow in the fluid passage. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid flows, and "downstream" refers to the direction to which the fluid flows.

[0050] Some embodiments of the present utility model provide a mixing device, which can be arranged on a beverage machine, for example, on a coffee machine, for making milk-containing beverages.

[0051] Reference Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the mixing device 100 of the first embodiment, the mixing device 100 is connected between the input pipeline and the output pipeline. In this embodiment, the input pipeline can be used to convey milk or a mixture of milk and air to the mixing device 100. The output pipeline is used to output the milk foam generated from the milk or the mixture of milk and air processed by the mixing device 100.

[0052] The mixing device 100 includes a mixing main body 20, the mixing main body 20 defines a mixing chamber 21 arranged along the fluid outflow direction. One end of the mixing chamber 21 close to the input pipeline is provided with a fluid inlet 211, and the other end of the mixing chamber 21 close to the output pipeline is provided with a fluid outlet 212. Among them, the fluid outflow direction can be seen Figure 2 in the direction of arrow F. In some embodiments, the mixture of milk and air to be processed conveyed by the input pipeline enters the mixing chamber 21 through the fluid inlet 211 for mixing, then discharges from the fluid outlet 212 out of the mixing chamber 21, and is then output to the cup by the output pipeline.

[0053] Based on the different types and temperatures of the fluid conveyed by the input pipeline, the milk-containing beverages finally output by the output pipeline are different.

[0054] In some embodiments, the input pipeline may convey cold milk, hot milk, a mixture of cold milk and air, or a mixture of hot milk and air. Correspondingly, the output pipeline outputs cold milk, hot milk, cold milk foam, or hot milk foam. Exemplarily, the input pipeline conveys a mixture of cold milk and air to the mixing device 100. Correspondingly, the output pipeline outputs cold milk foam; the input pipeline conveys a mixture of hot milk and air to the mixing device 100. Correspondingly, the output pipeline outputs hot milk foam. That is to say, the fluid conveyed by the input pipeline is heated before entering the mixing chamber 21, so that the output pipeline outputs a hot milk-based beverage.

[0055] To provide better-quality milk foam, a mixer 50 is provided in the mixing chamber 21. After the mixture of milk and air passes through the mixer 50, it can be more fully mixed, thereby forming finer milk foam.

[0056] Further, a regulating pipe 30 is connected downstream of the mixing main body 20. A buffer chamber 31 is defined in the regulating pipe 30 along the fluid outflow direction. The buffer chamber 31 communicates with the mixing chamber 21 through a fluid outlet 212. A baffle 32 is provided at one end of the buffer chamber 31 away from the mixer 50. The baffle 32 and the fluid outlet 212 are oppositely arranged along the fluid outflow direction; a plurality of through holes 321 are provided on the baffle 32. The baffle 32 has a blocking portion 322 corresponding to the fluid outlet 212 along the fluid outflow direction. The plurality of through holes 321 are provided beside the blocking portion 322; the regulating pipe 30 includes a chamber wall 311 that defines the buffer chamber 31. The baffle 32 is arranged inside the chamber wall 311, and the plurality of through holes 321 are spaced from the chamber wall 311.

[0057] By providing the buffer chamber 31, the milk foam output from the fluid outlet 212 can be buffered and aggregated in the buffer chamber 31, which can increase the viscosity of the milk foam and prevent bubbles from being formed in the cup and reducing the quality of the milk foam. The setting of the baffle 32 forms a block at the outlet of the buffer chamber 31. The fluid to flow out of the buffer chamber 31 is blocked at the blocking portion 322 and decelerates, and then diffuses to the side of the blocking portion 322 and returns after hitting the chamber wall 311. The direction of fluid diffusion and the direction of return are different from the direction of fluid flowing out from the plurality of through holes 321, so that the fluid can slowly flow out to the output pipeline, and finally a stable milk foam output is generated at the beverage outlet.

[0058] The buffer cavity 31 and the blocking portion 322 are provided to prevent the relatively low-viscosity milk foam output from the fluid outlet 212 from being directly and rapidly output to the output pipeline, thereby avoiding the formation of bubbles in the cup and ensuring the quality of the milk foam output from the output pipeline. A plurality of through holes 321 are provided beside the blocking portion 322, and the plurality of through holes 321 are spaced apart from the cavity wall 311, so that the fluid blocked and diffused at the blocking portion 322 can turn back after hitting the cavity wall 311, which can further absorb the kinetic energy of the milk foam and achieve a further deceleration and buffering effect, thereby further ensuring the stability and quality of the milk foam.

[0059] To enable the milk foam to better aggregate in the buffer cavity 31, the length of the buffer cavity 31 in the fluid outflow direction is greater than or equal to 10 mm, or the length of the buffer cavity 31 in the fluid outflow direction is one-fifth to one-half of the length of the mixing cavity 21 in the fluid outflow direction. In this way, the milk foam can form a better viscosity in the buffer cavity 31 and will not defoam due to long-term aggregation.

[0060] Further, the blocking portion 322 is disposed opposite to the fluid outlet 212, and a plurality of through holes 321 are provided on the periphery of the blocking portion 322. The plurality of through holes 321 are spaced apart around the blocking portion 322, and the through holes 321 are configured as fan-shaped rings concentric with the blocking portion 322. The fluid outlet 212 is configured as a circular outlet. The inner ring radius of the fan-shaped ring is 6-12 times the radius of the fluid outlet 212, or the distance between the outer ring and the inner ring of the fan-shaped ring is greater than the diameter of the fluid outlet 212.

[0061] The plurality of fan-shaped rings define the blocking portion 322, that is, the inner ring radius of the fan-shaped ring is the same as the radius of the blocking portion 322. If the inner ring radius of the fan-shaped ring is too small, the blocking and decelerating effect on the milk foam is not good. If the inner ring radius of the fan-shaped ring is too large, the outer diameter of the regulating pipe 30 will be too large, which is not conducive to the miniaturization of the volume of the mixing device.

[0062] The through holes 321 are configured as fan-shaped rings concentric with the blocking portion 322. When the milk foam is discharged from the fluid outlet 212 into the buffer cavity 31, the milk foam hits the blocking portion 322 under the action of gravity and then diffuses to the periphery of the blocking portion 322. Due to the inertia of the milk foam diffusing to the periphery, the fan-shaped through holes 321 can enable more milk foam to change the flow direction and flow out. The design of the position or size of the fan-shaped through holes 321 can optimize the ratio of the amount of milk foam flowing out of the through holes 321 per unit time to the amount of milk foam continuing to mix in the buffer cavity 31, and finally the quality of the milk foam output into the cup is higher.

[0063] In this embodiment, the number of through holes 321 is 3 to 6. Specifically, the number of through holes 321 can be 4. The 4 through holes 321 are evenly spaced around the center line of the fluid outlet 212, which can make the outflow of the milk foam more uniform and stable.

[0064] In some embodiments, the mixing body 20 is hermetically connected to the adjusting pipe 30. The mixing body 20 extends into the adjusting pipe 30. One end of the mixing body 20 extending into the adjusting pipe 30 includes a contraction portion 23. Along the fluid outflow direction, the contraction portion 23 shows a contraction trend to form a fluid outlet 212. By contracting to form the fluid outlet 212, the milk foam is finally squeezed and mixed at the fluid outlet 212, which can further improve the quality of the output milk foam.

[0065] The mixing device 100 further includes a cover body 40 connected to the mixing body 20. The mixing chamber 21 is jointly defined by the cover body 40 and the mixing body 20. The fluid inlet 211 is arranged on the cover body 40; the cover body 40 is provided with a fluid passage 41 communicating with the fluid inlet 211. Specifically, the fluid passage 41 is mixed with the mixing chamber 21 through the fluid inlet 211. One end of the fluid passage 41 close to the mixer 50 extends into the mixing chamber 21. The fluid passage 41 extends into the mixing chamber 21 towards the mixer 50, which can guide the input fluid towards the mixer 50, so that the fluid is gradually and evenly cut and remixed in the direction guided by the spiral blade 51, and the consistency of the output milk foam is better.

[0066] Refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, a first connection structure 25 is provided between the adjusting pipe 30 and the mixing body 20. The first connection structure 25 includes a first clamping block 251 and a first clamping groove 252 cooperating with the first clamping block 251. The first clamping block 251 extends into the first clamping groove 252 to limit the relative movement of the adjusting pipe 30 and the mixing body 20 along the fluid outflow direction; the first clamping block 251 is arranged on one of the adjusting pipe 30 and the mixing body 20, and the first clamping groove 252 is arranged on the other of the adjusting pipe 30 and the mixing body 20; the relative rotation of the adjusting pipe 30 and the mixing body 20 enables the first clamping block 251 to extend into the first clamping groove 252 or the first clamping block 251 to separate from the first clamping groove 252. The cooperation between the first clamping block 251 and the first clamping groove 252 can realize the quick-release connection of the adjusting pipe 30 and the mixing body 20. The relative rotation of a small angle between the adjusting pipe 30 and the mixing body 20 can realize quick disassembly and installation, which is convenient for the production and assembly of the mixing device and subsequent maintenance. In addition, the structure of the first clamping block 251 and the first clamping groove 252 is simple and easy to process and manufacture.

[0067] In this embodiment, the first clamping block 251 is arranged on the mixing main body 20, and the first clamping groove 252 is arranged on the adjusting pipe 30. An edge 34 protruding radially is provided at the end of the adjusting pipe 30, and the first clamping groove 252 is arranged on the edge 34. A notch 341 is provided on the edge 34 to facilitate the first clamping block 251 to rotate into the first clamping groove 252 from the notch 341. Two first clamping grooves 252 can be arranged, which are distributed at intervals along the circumferential direction of the adjusting pipe 30. Correspondingly, two first clamping blocks 251 are arranged, which are distributed at intervals along the circumferential direction of the mixing main body 20. In this way, the stability of the quick-release connection between the adjusting pipe 30 and the mixing main body 20 can be improved.

[0068] Wherein, along the rotation direction of the adjusting pipe 30 relative to the mixing main body 20, the first clamping groove 252 has a first closed end 253 and a first open end 254 which are oppositely arranged. The relative rotation of the adjusting pipe 30 and the mixing main body 20 enables the first clamping block 251 to enter the first clamping groove 252 from the first open end 254 until it abuts against the first closed end 253. When it is necessary to disassemble the adjusting pipe 30 and the mixing main body 20, only a small-angle relative rotation of the adjusting pipe 30 and the mixing main body 20 is required to separate the first clamping block 251 from the first open end 254 of the first clamping groove 252; when it is necessary to install the adjusting pipe 30 and the mixing main body 20, only a small-angle relative rotation of the adjusting pipe 30 and the mixing main body 20 in the opposite direction is required to make the first clamping block 251 enter the first clamping groove 252 from the first open end 254 until it abuts against the first closed end 253. The installation and disassembly of the adjusting pipe 30 and the mixing main body 20 can be realized only by a small-angle relative rotation, and the operation is very convenient. It can avoid large-angle relative rotation or multi-turn relative rotation of the adjusting pipe 30 and the mixing main body 20, thereby greatly twisting the input pipeline and / or the output pipeline, and reducing the pulling amplitude of the input pipeline and / or the output pipeline.

[0069] Preferably, a guiding structure can be arranged at the open end 254. The guiding structure can guide the movement of the first clamping block 251 into the first clamping groove 252, and improve the assembly efficiency of the first clamping block 251 and the first clamping groove 252. Specifically, the guiding structure can be an inclined surface structure.

[0070] Continue to refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6, the mixer 50 includes a plurality of spiral vanes 51 arranged in sequence along the fluid outflow direction, and the spiral directions of two adjacent spiral vanes 51 are opposite; along the fluid outflow direction, the spiral vane 51 includes a starting end face 511 and an opposite end face 512, and the plurality of spiral vanes 51 satisfy at least one of the following characteristics: the mixer 50 has a spiral center line X along the fluid outflow direction, and the spiral vanes 51 are spirally arranged around the spiral center line X; the starting end face 511 and the end face 512 of the spiral vane 51 are arranged at an angle; the projections of the starting end faces 511 of two adjacent spiral vanes 51 along the fluid outflow direction at least partially overlap; the projections of the end faces 512 of two adjacent spiral vanes 51 along the fluid outflow direction at least partially overlap; the outer diameter of the spiral vane 51 is greater than the height of the spiral vane 51 along the fluid outflow direction; the mixer 50 includes at least ten spiral vanes 51.

[0071] Among them, the plurality of spiral vanes 51 are sequentially spirally arranged around the spiral center line X and the spiral directions of two adjacent spiral vanes 51 are opposite, so that the mixture of milk and air is cut and remixed and recut from different directions by the spiral vanes 51, and the mixture of milk and air is repeatedly cut and mixed along two opposite directions to form finer milk foam.

[0072] The starting end face 511 and the end face 512 of the spiral vane 51 are arranged at an angle, that is, the longitudinal direction of the starting end face 511 and the longitudinal direction of the end face 512 are arranged at an angle, such as Figure 6 the angle α in. The starting end face 511 and the end face 512 are substantially rectangular, and the longitudinal direction is the length direction of the rectangle. The angle between the end face 512 and the end face 512 can be considered as the angle through which the starting end face 511 rotates around the spiral center line to reach the end face 512, or the angle through which the end face 512 rotates around the spiral center line to reach the starting end face 511, preferably between 60 degrees and 100 degrees, specifically, it can be 90 degrees. The arrangement of the starting end face 511 and the end face 512 at an angle can change the flow direction of the milk foam while slowing down the flow of the milk foam, so that the next starting end face 511 can cut the milk foam again, thereby improving the quality of the output milk foam.

[0073] The projections of the starting end faces 511 of two adjacent spiral vanes 51 along the fluid outflow direction at least partially overlap, and the projections of the ending end faces 512 of two adjacent spiral vanes 51 along the fluid outflow direction at least partially overlap. It can be considered that the starting end faces 511 of two adjacent spiral vanes 51 are substantially corresponding along the fluid outflow direction, and the ending end faces 512 of two adjacent spiral vanes 51 are substantially corresponding along the fluid outflow direction. Or, it can also be that the longitudinal directions of the starting end faces 511 of two adjacent spiral vanes 51 are substantially parallel, and the longitudinal directions of the starting end faces 511 of two adjacent spiral vanes 51 are substantially parallel; when the milk foam flows out, the cutting and remixing are carried out regularly, which can make the output milk foam more uniform.

[0074] In some embodiments, the projections of the starting end faces 511 of two adjacent spiral vanes 51 along the fluid outflow direction overlap, and the projections of the ending end faces 512 of two adjacent spiral vanes 51 along the fluid outflow direction overlap, that is, the projections of the starting end faces 511 of multiple spiral vanes 51 along the fluid outflow direction overlap, and the projections of the ending end faces 512 of multiple spiral vanes 51 along the fluid outflow direction overlap. In this way, it is also convenient for the processing and manufacturing of the mixer 50.

[0075] The outer diameter of the spiral vane 51 is greater than the height of the spiral vane 51 along the fluid outflow direction. The milk foam is cut after flowing a short distance along the spiral surface of the spiral vane 51, and then flows onto the spiral surface of the next spiral vane 51 for cutting in another direction. More milk foam can be cut and remixed more times in a shorter distance. On the premise of ensuring that the finally output milk foam is more delicate, it is beneficial to save the volume of the mixing device.

[0076] At least ten spiral vanes 51 are provided, so that the mixture of milk and air can be fully cut and remixed, so that the output milk foam is more delicate and thicker to ensure the quality of the output milk foam. Wherein, a connecting column 53 is arranged between two adjacent spiral vanes 51, that is, the connecting column 53 connects two adjacent spiral vanes 51, and the middle parts of the starting end face 511 and the ending end face 512 of the spiral vane 51 are connected to the connecting column 53, which can improve the strength of the entire mixer 50.

[0077] Refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , for the mixing device 200 of another embodiment, in this embodiment, the components or parts with the same reference numerals as those in the above embodiment have the same structure and effect as those in the previous embodiment, and will not be described in detail here. Different from the above embodiment, a flow limiting part 33 is arranged in the buffer cavity 31. The flow limiting part 33 is arranged adjacent to the fluid outlet 212, and the flow limiting part 33 defines a flow limiting channel 331; along the fluid outflow direction, the cross-sectional area of the flow limiting channel 331 shows an increasing trend, or the cross-sectional area of the flow limiting channel 331 shows a trend of decreasing first and then increasing. Such as Figure 7and Figure 8 As shown, the cross-sectional area of the flow-limiting channel 331 first decreases and then increases. The design of the flow-limiting channel 331 can further reduce the flow rate of the milk foam in the buffer chamber 31, enabling the milk foam to be further mixed in the buffer chamber 31 to increase its density.

[0078] Among them, the regulating pipe 30a includes a pipe body 35 and a buffer member 36 connected to each other. The buffer member 36 is connected between the pipe body 35 and the mixing body 20. The buffer member 36 is hermetically connected to the pipe body 35 and the mixing body 20 respectively, and the flow-limiting portion 33 is provided on the buffer member 36; the fluid outlet 212 extends into the buffer member 36, the fluid outlet 212 is arranged facing the flow-limiting channel 331, and at least a part of the buffer member 36 extends into the buffer chamber 31. Specifically, the buffer member 36 is connected to the pipe body 35 through a first sealing ring, and the buffer member 36 is connected to the mixing body 20 through a second sealing ring. The provision of a separate buffer member 36 can facilitate the manufacture of the flow-limiting portion 33, improve the manufacturing accuracy of the flow-limiting channel 331, and ensure that the output quality of the milk foam is more stable and reliable.

[0079] Referring to Figure 9 , in some embodiments, the mixing device 200 further includes a cover body 40 connected to the mixing body 20. The mixing body 20 and the cover body 40 are detachably connected, and the mixing chamber 21 is jointly defined by the cover body 40 and the mixing body 20. The fluid inlet 211 is provided on the cover body 40; the cover body 40 is provided with a fluid channel 41 communicating with the fluid inlet 211. The fluid channel 41 includes a throttling portion 411. The throttling portion 411 is provided between the two ends of the fluid channel 41, or the throttling portion 411 is provided at one end of the fluid channel 41 close to the mixer 50, and the cross-sectional area of the fluid channel 41 is the smallest at the throttling portion 411. As Figure 9 shown, the throttling portion 411 is provided between the two ends of the fluid channel 41. The mixing chamber 21 jointly defined by the detachably connected mixing body 20 and the cover body 40 facilitates the installation of the mixer 50 in the mixing chamber 21, and the manufacture of the cover body 40 is convenient, which can reduce the cost of the mixing device.

[0080] In addition, continuing to refer to Figure 9 , a second connection structure 26 is provided between the cover body 40 and the mixing body 20. The second connection structure 26 includes a second clamping block 261 and a second clamping groove 262 cooperating with the second clamping block 261. The second clamping block 261 extends into the second clamping groove 262 to limit the relative movement of the cover body 40 and the mixing body 20 along the fluid outflow direction; the second clamping block 261 is provided on one of the cover body 40 and the mixing body 20, and the second clamping groove 262 is provided on the other of the cover body 40 and the mixing body 20; the relative rotation of the cover body 40 and the mixing body 20 enables the second clamping block 261 to extend into the second clamping groove 262 or the second clamping block 261 to separate from the second clamping groove 262.

[0081] The cooperation between the second card block 261 and the second card slot 262 can achieve the quick disassembly and connection of the cover body 40 and the mixing main body 20. With a small-angle relative rotation between the cover body 40 and the mixing main body 20, the quick disassembly and installation of the two can be realized, which is convenient for the production and assembly of the mixing device and its later maintenance. In addition, the structures of the second card block 261 and the second card slot 262 are simple and easy to process and manufacture. Additionally, the first connection structure 25 and the second connection structure 26 can be set such that the rotation of the mixing main body 20 in the same direction realizes the connection with both the cover body 40 and the adjusting pipe 30 at the same time. Then, the rotation of the mixing main body 20 in the same direction can also realize the disassembly from both the cover body 40 and the adjusting pipe 30 at the same time, making the installation and disassembly between the mixing main body 20 and the cover body 40, and between the mixing main body 20 and the adjusting pipe 30 more convenient.

[0082] Furthermore, the fluid inlet 211 is arranged on the cover body 40; the cover body 40 is provided with a fluid passage 41 communicating with the fluid inlet 211. The fluid passage 41 includes a throttling portion 411, which is arranged between the two ends of the fluid passage 41, and the cross-sectional area of the fluid passage 41 is the smallest at the throttling portion 411. By arranging the throttling portion 411 between the two ends of the fluid passage 41, milk and air are squeezed and accelerated after passing through the throttling portion 411. During the squeezing and accelerating process, some large air bubbles formed by the mixing of milk and air will be broken, and then they are mixed again, thus improving the quality of the milk foam. Moreover, since the throttling portion 411 is arranged on the cover body 40, it is more convenient to manufacture the throttling portion 411, and the dimensional accuracy of the throttling portion 411 can be guaranteed, further ensuring the quality of the milk foam. Additionally, along the fluid outflow direction, the fluid passage 41 is arranged such that its cross-sectional area gradually increases starting from the throttling portion 411. Specifically, the cross-sectional area of the fluid passage 41 can increase step by step, or linearly, or a combination of linear increase and step-by-step increase, so that the mixture of milk and air that is squeezed and accelerated after passing through the throttling portion 411 can spread more to the spiral fins 51 of the mixer 50 for better cutting and re-mixing in the next step.

[0083] In addition, the mixing main body 20 extends into the adjusting pipe 30. One end of the mixing main body 20 extending into the adjusting pipe 30 includes a contraction portion 23. Along the fluid outflow direction, the contraction portion 23 shows a contraction trend to form a fluid outlet 212, and the cross-sectional area of the fluid outlet 212 is larger than that of the throttling portion 411. For the mixing cavity 21, the outflow cross-sectional area is larger than the minimum inflow cross-sectional area, which can effectively reduce the pressure inside the mixing cavity 21 and reduce the reverse pressure interference between the two inflow and outflow channels.

[0084] Refer to Figure 10, in the mixing device 300 of another embodiment, the fluid inlet 211 includes a liquid inlet 211a and a steam inlet 211b. The liquid inlet 211a communicates with the mixing chamber 21 along the fluid outflow direction, and the steam inlet 211b communicates with the mixing chamber 21 in a direction at an angle to the fluid outflow direction; the liquid inlet 211a and the steam inlet 211b are staggered along the fluid outflow direction.

[0085] Correspondingly, the input pipeline also separately conveys liquid and steam accordingly. The liquid input pipeline can convey cold milk or a mixture of cold milk and air, and the steam input pipeline can convey steam. Based on whether there is steam input in the steam input pipeline, the output pipeline can selectively output hot milk, hot milk foam, cold milk, and cold milk foam. The steam is used to heat the cold milk or the mixture of cold milk and air. That is to say, when the steam input pipeline conveys steam, the output pipeline can output hot milk-based beverages such as hot milk and hot milk foam; when the steam input pipeline does not convey steam, the output pipeline can output cold milk-based beverages such as cold milk and cold milk foam. The liquid inlet 211a and the steam inlet 211b are arranged staggeredly along the fluid outflow direction, which can reduce the mutual interference between the two, ensure the amount of steam entering, and ensure the temperature and mixing uniformity of the milk foam.

[0086] Among them, the cross-sectional area of the fluid outlet 212 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the liquid inlet 211a. The outflow cross-sectional area is larger than the inflow cross-sectional area, which can effectively reduce the pressure inside the mixing chamber 21 and reduce the reverse pressure interference between the two inflow and outflow channels.

[0087] The cross-sectional area of the steam inlet 211b is larger than the cross-sectional area of the liquid inlet 211a; in the fluid outflow direction, the liquid inlet 211a is arranged downstream of the steam inlet 211b.

[0088] Setting the cross-sectional area of the liquid inlet 211a to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the steam inlet 211b can balance the pressures of the liquid input pipeline and the steam input pipeline to ensure the reliable use of the mixing device. Arranging the liquid inlet 211a downstream of the steam inlet 211b can prevent the fluid input by the liquid inlet 211a from entering the steam inlet 211b and affecting the steam input.

[0089] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 10, the cover body 40 is provided with a fluid passage 41a communicating with the liquid inlet 211a. The fluid passage 41a includes a throttling portion 411a. The throttling portion 411a is provided at one end of the fluid passage 41a close to the mixer 50. The cross-sectional area of the fluid passage 41a is the smallest at the throttling portion 411a. The liquid inlet 211a may be the opening of the throttling portion 411a facing the mixer 50. Arranging the throttling portion 411a at one end of the fluid passage 41a close to the mixer 50 can enable the milk and air that are squeezed and accelerated to collide and cut with the mixer 50 faster, so as to increase the density of the milk foam.

[0090] In addition, please continue to refer to Figure 10 , one end of the fluid passage 41a close to the mixer 50 extends into the mixing chamber 21. The fluid passage 41a extending into the mixing chamber 21 towards the mixer 50 can guide the input fluid towards the mixer 50, so that the fluid is gradually and evenly cut and remixed in the direction guided by the spiral vane 51, and the consistency of the output milk foam is better.

[0091] Refer to Figure 11 , in some embodiments, the cover body 40 is provided with a fluid passage 41b communicating with the liquid inlet 211a. The fluid passage 41b includes a throttling portion 411b. The throttling portion 411b is provided at one end of the fluid passage 41b close to the input pipeline. The cross-sectional area of the fluid passage 41b is the smallest at the throttling portion 411b. Arranging the throttling portion 411b at one end of the fluid passage 41b close to the liquid input pipeline can enable the milk and air that are squeezed and accelerated to have a diffusion process after flowing out of the throttling portion 411b, and the mixture of milk and air can have a larger collision area with the spiral vane 51 of the mixer 50, which can further enhance the mixing effect to improve the quality of the milk foam.

[0092] In addition, continue to refer to Figure 11 , one end of the fluid passage 41b close to the mixer 50 extends into the mixing chamber 21, which can guide the input fluid towards the mixer 50, so that the fluid is gradually and evenly cut and remixed in the direction guided by the spiral vane 51, and the consistency of the output milk foam is better.

[0093] Refer to Figure 12, in some embodiments, the liquid inlet 211a is disposed on the cover body 40; the cover body 40 is provided with a fluid passage 41b communicating with the liquid inlet 211a. The fluid passage 41b includes a throttling portion 411b. The throttling portion 411b is disposed between the two ends of the fluid passage 41b, and the cross-sectional area of the fluid passage 41b is the smallest at the throttling portion 411b. By disposing the throttling portion 411b between the two ends of the fluid passage 41b, the milk and air are squeezed and accelerated after passing through the throttling portion 411b. During the squeezing and accelerating process, some large air bubbles formed by the mixing of the milk and air are broken, and then mixed again, thereby improving the quality of the milk foam. Moreover, since the throttling portion 411b is disposed on the cover body 40, the manufacturing of the throttling portion 411b is more convenient, and the dimensional accuracy of the throttling portion 411b can be ensured, thereby further ensuring the quality of the milk foam. In addition, along the fluid outflow direction, the cross-sectional area of the fluid passage 41b is set to gradually increase starting from the throttling portion 411b. Specifically, the cross-sectional area of the fluid passage 41b can increase stepwise, or linearly, or a combination of linear increase and stepwise increase, so that the mixture of milk and air that is squeezed and accelerated after passing through the throttling portion 411b can spread more onto the spiral fins 51 of the mixer 50 for better next-step cutting and remixing.

[0094] Referring to Figure 13 , in some embodiments, a flow limiting portion 33 is provided in the buffer chamber 31 of the mixing device 300. The flow limiting portion 33 is adjacent to the fluid outlet 212, and the flow limiting portion 33 defines a flow limiting passage 331. Along the fluid outflow direction, the cross-sectional area of the flow limiting passage 331 shows an increasing trend, or the cross-sectional area of the flow limiting passage 331 shows a trend of first decreasing and then increasing. As Figure 13 shown, the cross-sectional area of the flow limiting passage 331 shows a trend of first decreasing and then increasing. The design of the flow limiting passage 331 can further reduce the flow rate of the milk foam in the buffer chamber 31, so that the milk foam can be further mixed in the buffer chamber 31 to increase the density.

[0095] Among them, the adjusting pipe 30a includes a pipe main body 35 and a buffer member 36 connected to each other. The buffer member 36 is connected between the pipe main body 35 and the mixing main body 20. The buffer member 36 is hermetically connected to the pipe main body 35 and the mixing main body 20 respectively. The flow limiting portion 33 is disposed on the buffer member 36. The fluid outlet 212 extends into the buffer member 36 and is oriented towards the flow limiting passage 331, and at least a part of the buffer member 36 extends into the buffer chamber 31. Specifically, the buffer member 36 is connected to the pipe main body 35 through a first sealing ring, and the buffer member 36 is connected to the mixing main body 20 through a second sealing ring. By providing a separate buffer member 36, the manufacturing of the flow limiting portion 33 can be facilitated, the manufacturing accuracy of the flow limiting passage 331 can be improved, and the output quality of the milk foam can be ensured to be more stable and reliable.

[0096] In the above embodiments, the input pipeline can be connected to the output end of the pump to generate pressurized fluid through the pump. For example, the milk to be processed or the mixture of milk and air is transported into the input pipeline through the pump, and then transported into the mixing chamber 21 by the input pipeline. By actively inputting the milk or the mixture of milk and air into the mixing chamber 21 through the pump, compared with the method of sucking by a Venturi tube, not only hot milk and hot milk foam can be prepared, but also cold milk and cold milk foam can be prepared, providing more choices for users.

[0097] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to embodiments, not every embodiment only contains an independent technical solution. This narrative way of the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole, and 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.

[0098] The series of detailed descriptions listed above are only specific descriptions of the feasible embodiments of the present invention, and they are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any equivalent embodiments or changes made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A mixing device connected between an input pipeline and an output pipeline, characterized in that: The mixing device comprises: A mixing body, defining a mixing chamber arranged along the fluid outflow direction, wherein one end of the mixing chamber close to the input pipeline is provided with a fluid inlet, and the other end of the mixing chamber close to the output pipeline is provided with a fluid outlet; A mixer, disposed in the mixing chamber; A regulating tube is connected to the downstream of the mixing body, wherein a buffer chamber is defined in the regulating tube and arranged along the fluid outflow direction, wherein the buffer chamber is connected with the mixing chamber through the fluid outlet, and a baffle is arranged at one end of the buffer chamber away from the mixer, wherein the baffle and the fluid outlet are arranged opposite to each other along the fluid outflow direction; a plurality of through openings are arranged on the baffle, wherein the baffle has a blocking portion corresponding to the fluid outlet along the fluid outflow direction, and the plurality of through openings are arranged beside the blocking portion; the regulating tube includes a cavity wall defining the buffer cavity, wherein the baffle is arranged in the cavity wall, and the plurality of through openings are arranged spaced apart from the cavity wall.

2. The mixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The length of the buffer chamber along the fluid outflow direction is greater than or equal to 10 mm, or the length of the buffer chamber along the fluid outflow direction is one fifth to one half of the length of the mixing chamber along the fluid outflow direction.

3. The mixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The plurality of through openings are arranged on the peripheral side of the blocking portion, the plurality of through openings are arranged at intervals around the blocking portion, and the through openings are configured as a fan ring shape concentric with the blocking portion; The fluid outlet is configured as a circular outlet, the inner ring radius of the sector ring is 6-12 times the radius of the fluid outlet, or the distance between the outer ring and the inner ring of the sector ring is greater than the diameter of the fluid outlet.

4. The mixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The mixer comprises a plurality of spiral blades arranged in sequence along the outflow direction of the fluid, and the spiral directions of two adjacent spiral blades are opposite; along the outflow direction of the fluid, the spiral blade comprises a starting end face and an opposite terminal end face, and the plurality of spiral blades at least meet one of the following characteristics: The mixer has a spiral center line along the outflow direction of the fluid, and the spiral sheet is spirally arranged around the spiral center line; The starting end face and the terminal end face of the spiral sheet are arranged at an angle; The projections of the starting end faces of two adjacent spiral sheets along the fluid outflow direction at least partially overlap; The projections of the end faces of two adjacent spiral sheets along the fluid outflow direction at least partially overlap; The outer diameter of the spiral blade is greater than the height of the spiral blade along the outflow direction of the fluid; The mixer comprises at least ten of the spiral flights.

5. The mixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that A first connecting structure is provided between the regulating tube and the mixing body, the first connecting structure comprising a first clamping block and a first clamping groove cooperating with the first clamping block, the first clamping block extends into the first clamping groove to limit the relative movement of the regulating tube and the mixing body along the fluid outflow direction; the first clamping block is arranged on one of the regulating tube and the mixing body, and the first clamping groove is arranged on the other of the regulating tube and the mixing body; the relative rotation of the regulating tube and the mixing body causes the first clamping block to extend into the first clamping groove or the first clamping block to separate from the first clamping groove.

6. The mixing device according to claim 5, characterized in that Along the rotation direction of the adjusting tube relative to the mixing body, the first clamping groove has a first closed end and a first open end arranged opposite to each other, and the relative rotation of the adjusting tube and the mixing body enables the first clamping block to enter the first clamping groove from the first open end until it abuts against the first closed end.

7. The mixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that A flow limiting portion is provided in the buffer cavity, and the flow limiting portion is arranged adjacent to the fluid outlet, and the flow limiting portion defines a limited flow channel; along the fluid outflow direction, the channel cross-sectional area of ​​the flow limiting channel tends to increase, or the channel cross-sectional area of ​​the flow limiting channel tends to first decrease and then increase.

8. The mixing device according to claim 7, characterized in that The regulating tube includes a tube body and a buffer member connected to each other, the buffer member is connected between the tube body and the mixing body, the buffer member is sealed with the tube body and the mixing body respectively, and the flow limiting part is arranged on the buffer member; the fluid outlet extends into the buffer member, the fluid outlet is arranged toward the flow limiting channel, and at least part of the buffer member extends into the buffer cavity.

9. The mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The fluid inlet includes a liquid inlet and a steam inlet, the liquid inlet is connected to the mixing chamber along the fluid outflow direction, and the steam inlet is connected to the mixing chamber along a direction that is angled with the fluid outflow direction; the liquid inlet and the steam inlet are staggered along the fluid outflow direction.

10. The mixing device according to claim 9, characterized in that The mixing device satisfies at least one of the following characteristics: The cross-sectional area of ​​the steam inlet is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid inlet; The cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid outlet is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid inlet; Along the fluid outflow direction, the liquid inlet is arranged downstream of the steam inlet.

11. The mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that It also includes a cover body connected to the mixing body, the mixing chamber is jointly defined by the cover body and the mixing body, and the fluid inlet is arranged on the cover body; the cover body is provided with a fluid channel connected to the fluid inlet, and the fluid channel includes a throttling part, and the throttling part is arranged between the two ends of the fluid channel, or the throttling part is arranged at one end of the fluid channel close to the mixer, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid channel is the smallest at the throttling part.

12. The mixing device according to claim 11, characterized in that The mixing body is extended into the regulating tube, and one end of the mixing body extending into the regulating tube includes a contraction portion. Along the outflow direction of the fluid, the contraction portion tends to contract to form the fluid outlet, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid outlet is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the throttling portion.

13. The mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that It also includes a cover body connected to the mixing body, the mixing chamber is jointly defined by the cover body and the mixing body, and the fluid inlet is arranged on the cover body; the cover body is provided with a fluid channel connected to the fluid inlet, and one end of the fluid channel close to the mixer extends into the mixing chamber.

14. The mixing device according to claim 13, characterized in that A second connecting structure is provided between the cover body and the mixing body, and the second connecting structure includes a second clamping block and a second clamping groove matched with the second clamping block, and the second clamping block extends into the second clamping groove to limit the relative movement of the cover body and the mixing body along the fluid outflow direction; the second clamping block is arranged on one of the cover body and the mixing body, and the second clamping groove is arranged on the other of the cover body and the mixing body; the cover body and the mixing body are relatively rotated so that the second clamping block extends into the second clamping groove or the second clamping block is separated from the second clamping groove.

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