Spray head assembly, foaming device and beverage equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses a nozzle assembly, frothing device and beverage equipment wherein the nozzle assembly comprises: a steam pipe, the pipe inner diameter of which is a first inner diameter; the nozzle structure is provided with an air inlet cavity communicated with the steam pipe and an air injection flow channel communicated with the air inlet cavity, the cavity inner diameter of at least part of the air inlet cavity is a second inner diameter, and the second inner diameter is larger than the first inner diameter. According to the technical scheme, steam jet flow with higher kinetic energy can be formed, the foaming success rate is increased, and the scutching effect is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of beverage equipment, in particular to a spray head assembly, a frothing device and beverage equipment. Background Art

[0002] Milk coffee is becoming increasingly popular. Dense milk foam can enhance the coffee's flavor and create latte art. High-speed steam jets are essential for producing dense, glossy milk foam, creating a need for steam wands that can effectively increase the speed of the steam jet. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main purpose of the utility model is to provide a nozzle assembly, which is intended to facilitate the formation of a steam jet with stronger kinetic energy, improve the success rate of foaming, and enhance the foaming effect.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the nozzle assembly proposed by the present invention includes:

[0005] a steam pipe, wherein the inner diameter of the steam pipe is a first inner diameter; and

[0006] A nozzle structure is provided with an air inlet cavity connected to the steam pipe and an air jet flow channel connected to the air inlet cavity, and the inner diameter of at least part of the air inlet cavity is a second inner diameter, and the second inner diameter is larger than the first inner diameter.

[0007] Optionally, the nozzle structure includes a nozzle body with an opening, the air inlet cavity and the air jet flow channel are both provided in the nozzle body, and the air inlet cavity is communicated with the opening, and the nozzle body is sleeved on the outer tube surface of the steam pipe through the opening.

[0008] Optionally, a positioning groove is provided on the periphery of the opening, and a positioning step is provided on the outer tube surface of the steam pipe corresponding to the positioning groove.

[0009] Optionally, the steam pipe includes a pipe body having an inner diameter of the first inner diameter, and a mounting head integrally connected to the pipe body, wherein the outer diameter of the mounting head is larger than the outer diameter of the pipe body, and a connecting cavity is formed in the mounting head, wherein the inner diameter of the connecting cavity is a third inner diameter, and the third inner diameter is larger than the second inner diameter;

[0010] The nozzle structure includes a nozzle body with an open opening, the air inlet cavity and the air jet flow channel are both provided in the nozzle body, and the air inlet cavity is communicated with the open opening;

[0011] The mounting head is sleeved on the outer peripheral surface of the end where the opening of the nozzle body is located through the connecting cavity.

[0012] Optionally, a transition cavity is further formed in the mounting head, one end of the transition cavity is connected to the tube body, and the other end is connected to the connecting cavity, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the transition cavity is gradually expanded in the direction approaching the connecting cavity.

[0013] Optionally, the nozzle structure includes a first nozzle split and a second nozzle split that are connected, the air inlet chamber includes a first sub-chamber provided in the first nozzle split and a second sub-chamber provided in the second nozzle split, the inner diameter of the second sub-chamber is the second inner diameter, the jet flow channels are all provided in the second nozzle split, the inner diameter of the first sub-chamber is the fourth inner diameter, the fourth inner diameter is smaller than the second inner diameter, and the second sub-chamber is connected to the steam pipe through the first sub-chamber.

[0014] Optionally, the inner diameter of a portion of the first sub-cavity close to the second sub-cavity is gradually increased in a direction close to the second sub-cavity.

[0015] Optionally, the first nozzle body and the second nozzle body are connected via a threaded pair.

[0016] Optionally, the steam pipe is connected to the nozzle structure via a threaded pair.

[0017] Optionally, the nozzle structure has a nozzle axis extending along a first direction, an outlet of the jet flow channel away from the air inlet cavity is a jet outlet, the jet outlet is located outside the nozzle axis, and the jet outlet has an jet centerline extending along a second direction;

[0018] On a reference plane passing through the jet center point of the jet outlet and perpendicular to the nozzle axis, a line connecting the projection point of the nozzle axis and the jet center point is arranged at an angle to the jet center line or its projection line.

[0019] The utility model also provides a foaming device, which includes the aforementioned spray head assembly.

[0020] The present invention also provides a beverage device, comprising the aforementioned spray head assembly and / or the aforementioned frothing device.

[0021] In the technical solution of the present utility model, the nozzle assembly includes a steam pipe and a nozzle structure; wherein, the inner diameter of the steam pipe is a first inner diameter; the nozzle structure is provided with an air inlet cavity connected to the steam pipe, and a jet flow channel connected to the air inlet cavity, and the inner diameter of at least part of the air inlet cavity is a second inner diameter, and the second inner diameter is larger than the first inner diameter, that is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet cavity is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the steam pipe, so that it can be beneficial for the air inlet cavity to buffer and pressurize the steam, thereby facilitating the formation of a steam jet with stronger kinetic energy at the jet outlet of the jet flow channel, thereby improving the success rate of bubbling and increasing the cotton-beating effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a top view schematic diagram of an application scenario of an embodiment of the nozzle structure of the utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a side view schematic diagram of an application scenario of an embodiment of the nozzle structure of the utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the nozzle structure and the steam pipe of the first embodiment of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Side view schematic diagram of the application scenario of the middle nozzle structure;

[0027] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A bottom-up schematic diagram of the middle nozzle structure;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a bottom view schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the nozzle structure of the utility model;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a side view of a third embodiment of the nozzle structure of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A bottom-up schematic diagram of the middle nozzle structure;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a bottom view schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of the nozzle structure of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a side view of a fifth embodiment of the nozzle structure of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 11 This is a side view of a sixth embodiment of the nozzle structure of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 12 This is an exploded diagram of the nozzle structure and steam pipe of the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the nozzle structure and the steam pipe according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the nozzle structure and the steam pipe according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the assembly of the nozzle structure and the steam pipe according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 16 Schematic diagram of the assembly of the nozzle structure and the steam pipe according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0040] 10. Nozzle body; 11. Jet flow channel; 11c. Auxiliary jet flow channel; 111. Jet outlet; 12. Air inlet chamber; 121. Air inlet; 122. Guide convex portion; 13. Nozzle hole; 14. Extension tube; 15. Positioning sink; 10a. First sub-chamber; 10b. Second sub-chamber; 101. First nozzle split; 102. Second nozzle split; 20. Steam pipe; 21. Pipe body; 22. Mounting head; 221. Connecting chamber; 222. Transition chamber; 23. Positioning step; 20a. First channel; 20b. Second channel; 201. Inner tube; 202. Outer tube; 30. Temperature sensor; 31. Temperature sensing portion; 32. Wire; 41. First sealing member; 42. Second sealing member; 421. Positioning convex portion

[0041] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the components in a certain specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0044] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present invention, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features limited to "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In addition, if "and / or" or "and / or" appears in the full text, its meaning includes three parallel schemes. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes scheme A, or scheme B, or a scheme in which A and B are satisfied at the same time. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in this field to implement. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0045] The utility model provides a spray head assembly.

[0046] Reference Figures 12 to 14 In one embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle assembly includes a steam pipe 20 and a nozzle structure. The inner diameter of the steam pipe 20 is a first inner diameter; the nozzle structure is provided with an air inlet cavity 12 connected to the steam pipe 20, and an air jet flow channel 11 connected to the air inlet cavity 12. The inner diameter of at least part of the air inlet cavity 12 is a second inner diameter, which is larger than the first inner diameter. That is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet cavity 12 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the steam pipe 20. This, on the one hand, is conducive to the opening of multiple air jet flow channels 11, and can make the air jet outlet 111 of the air jet flow channel 11 farther from the axis of the nozzle, thereby being more conducive to the formation of a larger vortex effect; on the other hand, it is conducive to the buffering and pressurization of steam by the air inlet cavity 12, thereby being conducive to the formation of a steam jet with stronger kinetic energy at the air jet outlet 111, thereby improving the success rate of foaming and enhancing the cotton-spinning effect.

[0047] Reference Figure 12In one embodiment, the nozzle structure includes a nozzle body 10 having an opening. The air inlet cavity 12 and the air jet flow channel 11 are both provided in the nozzle body 10, and the air inlet cavity 12 is in communication with the opening. The nozzle body 10 is sleeved onto the outer tube 202 of the steam pipe 20 via the opening. It will be appreciated that the wall of the steam pipe 20 has a certain thickness. By sleeved the opening onto the outer tube 202 of the steam pipe 20, the wall thickness of the steam pipe 20 can be utilized to directly increase the inner diameter of the air inlet cavity 12. As such, the structure of the nozzle body 10 is relatively simple and easy to manufacture.

[0048] Optionally, the open end of the nozzle body 10 is detachably connected to the steam pipe 20 to facilitate repair or replacement of the jet structure in the event of blockage. Of course, the open end of the nozzle body 10 and the steam pipe 20 may also be connected, but not limited to, by a riveted structure or an adhesive structure. Further, optionally, the open end of the nozzle body 10 and the steam pipe 20 are detachably connected via a threaded pair. Specifically, the open end of the nozzle body 10 is provided with an internal thread, and the outer tube 202 of the steam pipe 20 is provided with an external thread, and the detachable connection is achieved through the cooperation of the internal and external threads. In particular, the threaded pair structure also has a certain degree of sealing capability. Of course, a sealing structure may also be optionally provided between the open end of the nozzle body 10 and the steam pipe 20. Furthermore, the open end of the nozzle body 10 and the steam pipe 20 may also be detachably connected, but not limited to, by a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0049] Optionally, a positioning structure is provided between the opening of the nozzle body 10 and the steam pipe 20. This positioning structure limits the depth to which the steam pipe 20 extends into the air inlet cavity 12, thereby ensuring a larger volume of the air inlet cavity 12 and thereby ensuring a better buffering and pressurizing effect. Further optionally, the positioning structure includes a positioning groove 15 provided on the periphery of the opening of the nozzle body 10 and a positioning step 23 provided on the outer tube 202 of the steam pipe 20. The positioning groove 15 and the positioning step 23 cooperate to limit the depth to which the steam pipe 20 extends into the air inlet cavity 12.

[0050] Reference Figure 13In another embodiment, the steam pipe 20 includes a pipe body 21 having an inner diameter of the first inner diameter, and a mounting head 22 integrally connected to the pipe body 21. The outer diameter of the mounting head 22 is larger than the outer diameter of the pipe body 21, and a connecting cavity 221 is formed within the mounting head 22. The inner diameter of the connecting cavity 221 is a third inner diameter, which is larger than the second inner diameter. The nozzle structure includes a nozzle body 10 having an open opening, the air inlet cavity 12 and the air jet flow channel 11 are both provided in the nozzle body 10, and the air inlet cavity 12 is connected to the open opening. The mounting head 22 is sleeved onto the outer circumferential surface of the open end of the nozzle body 10 through the connecting cavity 221. In this embodiment, a mounting head 22 is added to the end of the main body 21 of the steam pipe 20 to connect it to the nozzle body 10. The mounting head 22 is relatively thick, enabling a reliable connection with the nozzle body 10, which is also relatively thick. Furthermore, the open nozzle body 10 is also easy to manufacture. In this embodiment, the main body 21 and the mounting head 22 are optionally integrally formed. However, this design is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the mounting head 22 and the main body 21 may also be welded together, but are not limited to being integrally formed.

[0051] Optionally, a transition chamber 222 is further formed in the mounting head 22, one end of the transition chamber 222 is connected to the tube body 21, and the other end is connected to the connecting chamber 221. The cross-sectional area of ​​the transition chamber 222 is gradually expanded in the direction close to the connecting chamber 221, so that the steam flowing from the tube body 21 can diffuse to the air inlet chamber 12 through the transition chamber 222, that is, the steam can enter the air inlet chamber 12 more smoothly.

[0052] Optionally, the open end of the nozzle body 10 is detachably connected to the connecting cavity 221 of the mounting head 22 to facilitate repair or replacement of the jet structure in the event of blockage. Of course, the open end of the nozzle body 10 and the connecting cavity 221 of the mounting head 22 may also be connected, but not limited to, by a riveting structure or an adhesive structure. Further, optionally, the open end of the nozzle body 10 and the connecting cavity 221 of the mounting head 22 are detachably connected by a threaded pair. Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the open end of the nozzle body 10 is provided with an external thread, and the side surface of the connecting cavity 221 of the mounting head 22 is provided with an internal thread, and the detachable connection is achieved through the cooperation of the external and internal threads. In particular, the threaded pair structure also has a certain degree of sealing capability. Of course, a sealing structure may also be optionally provided between the open end of the nozzle body 10 and the connecting cavity 221 of the mounting head 22. In addition, the open end of the nozzle body 10 and the connecting cavity 221 of the mounting head 22 may also be detachably connected, but not limited to, by a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0053] Reference Figure 14 In yet another embodiment, the nozzle structure includes a first nozzle body 101 and a second nozzle body 102 connected together. The air inlet chamber 12 includes a first sub-chamber 10a disposed within the first nozzle body 101 and a second sub-chamber 10b disposed within the second nozzle body 102. The second sub-chamber 10b has an inner diameter equal to the second inner diameter. The air jet passages 11 are disposed within the second nozzle body 102. The inner diameter of the first sub-chamber 10a is a fourth inner diameter that is smaller than the second inner diameter. The second sub-chamber 10b communicates with the steam pipe 20 via the first sub-chamber 10a. This embodiment facilitates the processing and forming of the larger inner cavity by dividing the nozzle structure with a larger inner cavity into at least two connected portions.

[0054] Optionally, the inner diameter of the portion of the first sub-cavity 10a close to the second sub-cavity 10b is gradually increased in the direction close to the second sub-cavity 10b, so that the steam flowing from the steam pipe 20 can diffuse to the second sub-cavity 10b through the gradually expanding part of the first sub-cavity 10a, that is, the steam can enter the second sub-cavity 10b more smoothly.

[0055] Optionally, the first nozzle split 101 and the second nozzle split 102 are detachably connected. In this way, when either the first nozzle split 101 or the second nozzle split 102 needs to be replaced, only that one can be replaced without replacing both at the same time, and this is also beneficial for repairing blockages in the jet flow channel 11. Of course, the first nozzle split 101 and the second nozzle split 102 can also be connected, but not limited to, by a riveted structure or an adhesive structure. Further optionally, the first nozzle split 101 and the second nozzle split 102 are detachably connected by a threaded pair. In particular, the threaded pair structure also has a certain degree of sealing capability. Of course, a sealing structure can also be optionally provided between the first nozzle split 101 and the second nozzle split 102. In addition, the first nozzle split 101 and the second nozzle split 102 can also be detachably connected, but not limited to, by a snap-on structure.

[0056] Optionally, the first nozzle body 101 is detachably connected to the steam pipe 20 to facilitate repair of blockage or replacement of the jet structure. Furthermore, the first nozzle body 101 is detachably connected to the steam pipe 20 via a threaded pair. In particular, the threaded pair structure has a certain degree of sealing capability. Of course, a sealing structure may also be optionally provided between the first nozzle body 101 and the steam pipe 20. Furthermore, the first nozzle body 101 and the steam pipe 20 may also be detachably connected via, but not limited to, a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0057] Reference Figures 1 to 5In one embodiment, the nozzle structure has a nozzle axis extending along a first direction (the nozzle axis is usually the axis of the air inlet cavity 12), the outlet of the jet flow channel away from the nozzle axis is a jet outlet 111, and the jet outlet 111 has a jet centerline extending along a second direction. On a reference plane passing through the jet center point of the jet outlet 111 and perpendicular to the axis of the nozzle, a line connecting the projection point of the nozzle axis and the jet center point is set at an angle α to the jet center line or its projection line. In this way, the steam ejected from the jet outlet 111 can have a tangential component of a circle centered on the projection point of the nozzle axis. This tangential component can enable the steam to drive the liquid to achieve a vortex flow. Therefore, when making bubbles, it is only necessary to extend the nozzle structure into the center or near-center position of the liquid to be foamed, and tilt the jet outlet 111 toward the bottom of the cup of the flower drawing cylinder. A vortex flow can be formed in the flower drawing cylinder and the liquid can be rolled inside and outside, thereby achieving a good foaming effect. That is, the nozzle structure provided by the technical solution of the present invention can achieve foaming through simpler operation, thereby lowering the usage threshold of the foaming device provided with the nozzle structure.

[0058] It should be noted that, when the jet center line is located on the reference plane, the user needs to simply adjust the inclination angle of the nozzle structure, as long as there is a certain inclination angle between the jet outlet 111 and the bottom of the latte art cylinder cup; and when there is an angle between the jet center line and the reference plane, the user only needs to vertically extend the nozzle structure to a position close to the liquid surface, so that there is a certain inclination angle between the jet outlet 111 and the bottom of the latte art cylinder cup. In this case, the projection line of the jet center line on the reference plane is set at an angle α with the aforementioned connecting line.

[0059] Optionally, on the reference plane, the distance L from the projection point of the nozzle axis to the jet centerline or the reverse extension line of its projection line is greater than or equal to 2 mm. It can be understood that the farther the tangential airflow is from the nozzle axis, that is, the farther the tangential airflow is from the center of the liquid to be foamed, the better the vortex effect. In this embodiment, L is ≥ 2 mm to ensure that the vortex effect generated by the nozzle structure is good. Furthermore, L is ≥ 3 mm to further increase the lower limit of the vortex effect that can be generated by the nozzle structure.

[0060] It is worth mentioning that, when the diameter of the circle where the jet outlet 111 is located is constant, that is, when the outer diameter of the nozzle structure is constant, the larger the angle α is, the larger the L is, and the better the vortex effect of the steam on the liquid is, but the larger the angle α is, the more difficult the nozzle structure is to process; and when the angle α is constant, the larger the outer diameter of the nozzle structure is, the larger the L is, and the better the vortex effect of the steam on the liquid is, but the larger the outer diameter of the nozzle structure is, the higher the material cost required for the nozzle structure is, and it may not be applicable to smaller drawing cylinders. In order to take into account lower processing difficulty, lower cost and wider product application range, the range of the angle α can be selected from 10° to 45°, and the diameter of the circle where the jet outlet 111 is located (that is, the outer diameter of the nozzle structure) can be selected from 10mm to 30mm.

[0061] Furthermore, the jet centerline is set at an angle β with the reference plane. In this way, the user only needs to vertically extend the nozzle structure to a position close to the liquid surface, so that the jet outlet 111 and the bottom of the latte art cylinder cup have a certain inclination angle (the foaming operation is simpler), so that the steam ejected from the jet outlet 111 is inclined relative to the liquid surface, so that the steam jet can generate a local negative pressure cavity on the liquid surface and draw in the outside air, which is conducive to better air intake and frothing effect of the liquid.

[0062] It's worth noting that as the angle β approaches 90°, the steam jet creates a weaker liquid surface tumbling effect, less effective air entrainment, and poorer cotton-beating performance. Conversely, as the angle β approaches 0°, the steam jet is more likely to cause liquid overflow and splashing. To achieve both a good cotton-beating performance and minimize overflow and splashing, the angle β can be set within the range of 20° ≤ β ≤ 70°. To further achieve a better balance between maintaining a good cotton-beating performance and minimizing overflow and splashing, the angle β can be set within the range of 30° ≤ β ≤ 60°.

[0063] Furthermore, the jet outlets 111 are provided in plurality, and the plurality of jet outlets 111 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the axis of the nozzle. In this way, a vortex of better quality can be formed more efficiently in the drawing cylinder, and a negative pressure cavity of a larger range for entraining air can be realized, ultimately forming finer bubbles. In addition, the provision of multiple jet outlets 111 can also make the horizontal components of the reverse thrust of the steam jets ejected by the jet outlets 111 at various positions offset or nearly offset each other, so that the user basically does not need to consider the impact of the horizontal displacement of the nozzle structure on the drawing process. Of course, in the present invention, only one jet outlet 111 can also be provided. In this case, during the drawing operation, additional force is required to limit the translation of the nozzle structure. This additional force can be applied by the user, or by fixing the nozzle structure in one place and providing this additional force through a fixed structure. The user only needs to hold the drawing cylinder to cooperate with the nozzle structure. Further optionally, the plurality of jet outlets 111 are evenly spaced in the circumferential direction around the axis of the nozzle to completely offset the horizontal components of the reverse thrusts and make the liquid bubbles at each position more uniform.

[0064] It is understood that if the number of the air jet outlets 111 is too small, the beating effect of the bubble will be weak; if the number of the air jet outlets 111 is too large, processing will be more difficult. In this embodiment, in order to achieve a good beating effect and easier processing, the number of the air jet outlets 111 can be selected to be 3 or 4.

[0065] Reference Figure 3 Without loss of generality, the nozzle structure further comprises an air inlet 121 communicating with the air inlet cavity 12. The air inlet 121 is configured to communicate with the steam generator. In this embodiment, multiple jet flow channels 11 are connected to the same air inlet cavity 12. This means that steam generated by the steam generator is typically first delivered to the air inlet cavity 12 via the steam pipe 20 for buffering and pressurization before being ejected through each jet flow channel 11 and through each jet outlet 111.

[0066] Reference Figure 6 Furthermore, at least part of the jet flow channel 11 extends along a curve. It can be understood that for the portion extending along the curve, the deflection angle gradually increases from the inside to the outside, which is conducive to forming a larger angle α at the jet outlet 111.

[0067] Optionally, in the direction away from the nozzle axis, the curvature of the portion of the jet flow channel 11 extending along the curve gradually increases; it can be understood that the greater the curvature, the greater the degree of bending, the faster the deflection angle increases, and it is more conducive to the realization of a larger angle α.

[0068] Optionally, the entire jet flow channel 11 extends along a curve (eg Figure 6 However, the present design is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the jet flow channel 11 may also partially extend in a straight line.

[0069] For the embodiment with the air inlet cavity 12 , the nozzle structure generally includes a nozzle body 10 with the air inlet cavity 12 and a nozzle hole 13 provided in the nozzle body 10 , and the air jet flow channel 11 includes a channel of the nozzle hole 13 .

[0070] In one embodiment, the jet flow channel 11 may only include the channel of the nozzle hole 13. In this case, the channel of the nozzle hole 13 at least partially extends along a curve, and usually extends along a curve as a whole (e.g. Figure 6 ), so as to reduce the wall thickness of the nozzle body 10 required to achieve a larger angle α, thereby reducing material cost and processing cost.

[0071] However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, referring to Figures 7 to 9 , the nozzle structure may further include an extension tube 14 provided on the outer wall of the nozzle body 10 and connected to the nozzle hole 13, and the jet flow channel 11 may also include a pipeline of the extension tube 14. It can be understood that the provision of the extension tube 14 can make the jet flow channel 11 longer, so that the desired orientation of the jet outlet 111 can be achieved more conveniently, because the direction change of the extension tube 14 is easier to achieve than the direction change of the channel in the wall of the nozzle body 10. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, only at least a portion of the channel of the nozzle hole 13 can be set to extend along a curve (such as Figure 9 ), it is also possible to set at least a portion of the extension pipe 14 to extend along a curve (such as Figure 8 ), at least a portion of the nozzle hole 13 and at least a portion of the extension pipe 14 can also be arranged to extend along a curve.

[0072] Further, refer to Figure 10 The inner cavity surface of the air inlet cavity 12 includes a cavity bottom surface located at the end of the first direction, and the cavity bottom surface is provided with a guide protrusion 122, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the guide protrusion 122 is gradually increased in the first direction. The jet flow channel 11 has an inner flow channel opening connected to the air inlet cavity 12, and the inner flow channel opening is arranged close to the guide protrusion 122; in this way, the steam entering the air inlet cavity 12 can be guided to the inner flow channel opening of the jet flow channel 11 through the circumferential surface of the guide protrusion 122, so that the airflow in the nozzle structure is smoother, which is conducive to forming a steam jet with stronger kinetic energy at the jet outlet 111, thereby improving the success rate of bubbling and increasing the cotton-beating effect.

[0073] Reference Figure 10In this embodiment, the guide protrusion 122 is configured in a cone shape, and the tip of the cone can effectively divert the steam. However, the present design is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the guide protrusion 122 can also be configured in a partially spherical or truncated cone shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0074] When there are multiple jet flow channels 11, the multiple jet flow channels 11 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the guide protrusion 122 to better utilize the airflow diverted in various directions by the guide protrusion 122, so that the airflow can flow smoothly into each jet flow channel 11.

[0075] Optionally, the inner cavity surface of the air inlet cavity 12 also includes a cavity side surface adjacent to the cavity bottom surface, and the inner flow channel opening is arranged on the cavity side surface close to the cavity bottom surface, so that the jet flow channel 11 extends outward toward the side of the nozzle structure, thereby making the airflow flow toward the peripheral side of the nozzle structure smoother, which is more conducive to the formation of a vortex effect.

[0076] Further, refer to Figure 11 The nozzle structure is also provided with an auxiliary jet flow channel 11c connected to the air inlet chamber 12, and the auxiliary jet flow channel 11c extends along the first direction. In this way, when the nozzle structure is vertically extended into the cup body of the drawing cylinder, the auxiliary jet flow channel 11c can form a vertical bottom spray jet steam of the cup of the drawing cylinder, thereby enhancing the disturbance effect of the vortex center or near the vortex center of the liquid to be foamed, so as to improve the efficiency of bubble formation.

[0077] Optionally, the centerline of the auxiliary jet flow channel 11c coincides with the nozzle axis to enhance the disturbance effect at the vortex center of the liquid to be frothed. However, the present design is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the centerline of the auxiliary jet flow channel 11c may also be offset from the nozzle axis. It should also be noted that only one auxiliary jet flow channel 11c may be provided, or multiple auxiliary jet flow channels 11c may be provided to further enhance the disturbance effect at or near the vortex center.

[0078] Furthermore, when the first direction is vertically downward, the auxiliary jet flow channel 11c is connected to the lowest point of the air inlet cavity 12, so that the auxiliary jet flow channel 11c can also facilitate the drainage of residual water in the air inlet cavity 12, thereby reducing the probability of bacterial growth in the air inlet cavity 12. Optionally, the auxiliary jet flow channel 11c has an inner channel opening connected to the air inlet cavity 12, and when the first direction is vertically downward, the inner surface of the air inlet cavity 12 is gradually inclined downward toward the inner channel opening, so as to further facilitate the flow of residual water to the auxiliary jet flow channel 11c, thereby more conveniently draining the residual water.

[0079] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 In one embodiment, further, a temperature sensor 30 is installed on the nozzle structure to detect the temperature of the liquid in the latte art cylinder through the temperature sensor 30. The temperature sensor 30 includes a temperature sensing portion 31 and a wire 32 connected to the temperature sensing portion 31. The wire 32 is sequentially passed through the steam pipe 20 and the air inlet cavity 12, and the temperature sensing portion 31 is sealed and passes through the cavity wall of the air inlet cavity 12. In this embodiment, by adding the temperature sensor 30, the temperature measurement function of the liquid of the nozzle structure can be increased, so that the temperature of the beverage can be obtained while achieving latte art, thereby enriching the function of the nozzle structure. In addition, by passing the wire 32 of the temperature sensor 30 through the steam pipe 20, the wire 32 of the temperature sensor 30 can be prevented from being exposed, thereby preventing the user from affecting the latte art operation.

[0080] Furthermore, the steam pipe 20 is provided with a first channel 20a and a second channel 20b extending in parallel. The first channel 20a is connected to the air inlet cavity 12, and the second channel 20b is isolated from the air inlet cavity 12. The wire 32 is passed through the second channel 20b. In this way, the mutual influence between the steam and the wire 32 can be avoided. It can be understood that the high steam temperature can easily accelerate the aging of the insulation layer of the wire 32. At the same time, the wire 32 is also easy to harbor dirt or precipitate odor at high temperature, which affects the cleanliness of the steam.

[0081] Reference Figure 15 In one embodiment, the steam pipe 20 includes an inner tube 201 and an outer tube 202 sleeved on the outside of the inner tube 201. The first channel 20a is formed between the outer tube 202 and the inner tube 201. The second channel 20b is the inner pipe of the inner tube 201, that is, the wire 32 is passed through the inner tube 201. The steam enters the air inlet cavity 12 through the space between the outer tube 202 and the inner tube 201. In this way, the mutual influence between the steam and the wire 32 can be avoided.

[0082] Optionally, a temperature sensing mounting hole is provided in the cavity wall of the air inlet cavity 12, and the temperature sensing part 31 is passed through and installed in the temperature sensing mounting hole. A first sealing member 41 is provided between the end of the inner tube 201 close to the temperature sensing part 31 and the temperature sensing mounting hole. In this way, the first sealing member 41 not only blocks the gap between the temperature sensing part 31 and the temperature sensing mounting hole, but also isolates the inner tube 201 from the air inlet cavity 12, thereby realizing one sealing member blocking two positions, which can simplify the structure of the product.

[0083] Reference Figure 16In another embodiment, the steam pipe 20 includes an inner tube 201 and an outer tube 202 sheathed outside the inner tube 201. The first channel 20a is an inner conduit of the inner tube 201, and the second channel 20b is formed between the outer tube 202 and the inner tube 201. Specifically, the wire 32 passes through the space between the outer tube 202 and the inner tube 201, and steam enters the air inlet chamber 12 through the inner tube 201. This prevents interaction between the steam and the wire 32. Specifically, high-temperature steam flows only through the inner tube 201, that is, no high-temperature steam flows into the space between the outer tube 202 and the inner tube 201. Therefore, the temperature of the outer tube 202 is hardly affected by the high-temperature steam, thereby maintaining a relatively low temperature. Thus, even if the outer tube 202 is not provided with a thermal insulation structure, it will not cause burns to the user, thereby simplifying the overall structure of the product.

[0084] Optionally, a temperature sensing mounting hole is formed in the wall of the air inlet cavity 12, and the temperature sensing portion 31 is installed in the temperature sensing mounting hole. The nozzle structure is further provided with an air inlet 121 communicating with the air inlet cavity 12, and the outer tube 202 is connected to the air inlet 121. A second sealing member 42 is further provided in the air inlet cavity 12, wherein a first end of the second sealing member 42 seals the air inlet 121, and a second end seals the temperature sensing mounting hole. The inner tube 201 penetrates the second sealing member 42 from the end surface of the first end and exits from the circumference of the second sealing member 42 to communicate with the air inlet cavity 12. The wire 32 penetrates the second sealing member 42 from the end surface of the second end and exits from the end surface of the first end to between the outer tube 202 and the inner tube 201. In this way, the second seal 42 not only blocks the gap between the temperature sensing part 31 and the temperature sensing mounting hole, but also isolates the space between the outer tube 202 and the inner tube 201 from the connection with the air inlet cavity 12, so that one seal blocks two positions, which can simplify the structure of the product.

[0085] Optionally, the inner tube 201 includes a first inner tube section extending from the end face of the first end into the second seal 42, and a second inner tube section passing through the circumferential surface of the second seal 42. The first inner tube section is connected to the second inner tube section, and the angle between the first inner tube section and the second inner tube section is an obtuse angle. In this way, steam can enter the air inlet cavity 12 more smoothly, which is conducive to forming a steam jet with stronger kinetic energy at the jet outlet 111, thereby improving the success rate of bubbling and increasing the cotton-beating effect.

[0086] Optionally, the second seal 42 is provided with a limiting protrusion 421 corresponding to the inner hole edge of the air inlet 121 to limit the length of the portion of the second seal 42 extending into the air inlet 121, thereby facilitating ensuring the effectiveness of the second seal 42 in sealing the gap between the temperature sensing part 31 and the temperature sensing mounting hole.

[0087] It is worth mentioning that in this embodiment, the nozzle structure can optionally adopt a structure including a first nozzle body 101 and a second nozzle body 102 that are detachably connected. The air inlet cavity 12 is formed between the first nozzle body 101 and the second nozzle body 102. The air inlet 121 is provided in the first nozzle body 101, and the temperature sensing mounting hole is provided in the second nozzle body 102 to facilitate the installation of the second sealing member 42. Typically, the air jet channel 11 is provided in the second nozzle body 102.

[0088] The present invention also proposes a frothing device, which includes a nozzle assembly. The specific structure of the nozzle assembly refers to the above embodiment. Since the frothing device adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described one by one here.

[0089] The present invention also provides a beverage device, comprising a nozzle assembly and / or a frothing device. The specific structures of the nozzle assembly and / or the frothing device are described with reference to the above-described embodiments. Since the present beverage device utilizes all of the technical solutions of all of the above-described embodiments, it at least possesses all of the beneficial effects provided by the technical solutions of the above-described embodiments, and therefore, no further description is given herein. The beverage device may be a coffee machine or other device requiring frothing of the liquid surface of the beverage being produced.

[0090] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made by using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A nozzle assembly, characterized in that: include: a steam pipe, wherein the inner diameter of the steam pipe is a first inner diameter; as well as A nozzle structure is provided with an air inlet cavity connected to the steam pipe and an air jet flow channel connected to the air inlet cavity, and the inner diameter of at least part of the air inlet cavity is a second inner diameter, and the second inner diameter is larger than the first inner diameter.

2. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The nozzle structure includes a nozzle body with an opening, the air inlet cavity and the air jet flow channel are both provided in the nozzle body, and the air inlet cavity is communicated with the opening, and the nozzle body is sleeved on the outer tube surface of the steam pipe through the opening.

3. The nozzle assembly according to claim 2, wherein: A positioning groove is provided on the periphery of the opening, and a positioning step is provided on the outer surface of the steam pipe corresponding to the positioning groove.

4. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The steam pipe includes a pipe body having an inner diameter of the first inner diameter, and a mounting head integrally connected to the pipe body, wherein the outer diameter of the mounting head is larger than the outer diameter of the pipe body, and a connecting cavity is formed in the mounting head, wherein the inner diameter of the connecting cavity is a third inner diameter, and the third inner diameter is larger than the second inner diameter; The nozzle structure includes a nozzle body with an open opening, the air inlet cavity and the air jet flow channel are both provided in the nozzle body, and the air inlet cavity is communicated with the open opening; The mounting head is sleeved on the outer peripheral surface of the end where the opening of the nozzle body is located through the connecting cavity.

5. The nozzle assembly according to claim 4, wherein: A transition cavity is further formed in the mounting head, one end of the transition cavity is connected to the pipe body, and the other end is connected to the connecting cavity. The cross-sectional area of ​​the transition cavity is gradually expanded in the direction approaching the connecting cavity.

6. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The nozzle structure includes a first nozzle split and a second nozzle split that are connected. The air inlet chamber includes a first sub-chamber provided in the first nozzle split and a second sub-chamber provided in the second nozzle split. The inner diameter of the second sub-chamber is the second inner diameter. The jet flow channels are all provided in the second nozzle split. The inner diameter of the first sub-chamber is the fourth inner diameter, and the fourth inner diameter is smaller than the second inner diameter. The second sub-chamber is connected to the steam pipe through the first sub-chamber.

7. The nozzle assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The inner diameter of the portion of the first sub-cavity close to the second sub-cavity is gradually increased in the direction close to the second sub-cavity; and / or The first nozzle split body and the second nozzle split body are connected through a threaded pair.

8. The nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The steam pipe is connected to the nozzle structure through a threaded pair.

9. The nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The nozzle structure has a nozzle axis extending in a first direction, an outlet of the jet flow channel away from the air inlet cavity is a jet outlet, the jet outlet is located outside the nozzle axis, and the jet outlet has an jet centerline extending in a second direction; On a reference plane passing through the jet center point of the jet outlet and perpendicular to the nozzle axis, a line connecting the projection point of the nozzle axis and the jet center point is arranged at an angle to the jet center line or its projection line.

10. A foaming device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A beverage device, characterized in that: It comprises the spray head assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and / or the foaming device according to claim 10.

Images