Milk box mounting structure for coffee machine

Abstract

A milk box installation structure for a coffee machine comprises a coffee main machine, a containing area for installing a milk box is arranged on the coffee main machine, and the containing area comprises a bottom plate, a back plate and a top plate which are arranged on the coffee main machine. A U-shaped containing space is defined by the bottom plate, the back plate and the top plate, a boss protruding out of the upper surface of the bottom plate is arranged on the bottom plate, correspondingly, a groove is formed in the bottom of the milk box, and when the milk box is installed, the boss is clamped into the groove. The milk box further comprises a lock rod arranged at the top of the milk box, the lock rod is connected with a handle arranged on the side wall of the milk box, and the handle drives the lock rod to ascend and descend to be in butt joint with or separated from a lock hole formed in the top plate. The milk box mounting structure has the advantages that the bosses arranged on the bottom plate are matched with the grooves in the bottom of the milk box, and stable mounting of the milk box is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a coffee machine, in particular to a milk box installation structure for the coffee machine. Background Art

[0002] With the accelerating pace of modern life, coffee machines have become an indispensable appliance in homes and offices. To meet diverse user needs, many coffee machines are now equipped with milk tanks, enabling the production of a variety of beverages. However, existing milk tank mounting structures for coffee machines suffer from numerous design flaws, particularly during installation and removal, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0003] Currently, most coffee machines on the market use a front-mounted insert mechanism to secure the milk box to the machine's main body via a buckle or locking mechanism. This design has the following drawbacks:

[0004] 1. Complicated installation: In existing technology, the milk box needs to be inserted from the front of the coffee machine. It usually requires alignment and a certain amount of force to push the milk box into place to ensure that the locking mechanism below engages the milk box. This operation not only requires a large amount of force but also has high positioning requirements, making it difficult for users to complete installation quickly and conveniently.

[0005] 2. Inconvenient disassembly: During use, because the milk box is locked from the bottom, the user must first lift it slightly upward to release the lock and then pull it out. This action can require considerable strength and skill for users, especially the elderly or those with less strength, and is not ergonomically designed. In addition, after long-term use, the locking mechanism may wear out, making it more difficult to operate, affecting the lifespan and user experience of the device.

[0006] 3. Poor stability: Because the existing milk box locking structure relies solely on the buckle at the bottom for fixation, the upper and lower parts of the milk box are prone to shaking during use, affecting the installation stability of the milk box. This unstable structure may cause the milk box to shift during operation, thereby affecting the overall performance of the coffee machine and even causing safety hazards such as leakage and milk box detachment.

[0007] 4. Inconvenient Cleaning and Maintenance: The difficulty in assembling and disassembling the milk tank also complicates cleaning and maintenance. The hygiene of the milk tank is crucial in the daily use of a coffee machine. However, the existing design makes it difficult for users to quickly and conveniently remove the milk tank for cleaning after each use, increasing maintenance difficulties. Therefore, further improvements are necessary. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of the utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a milk box installation structure for a coffee machine that is simple in structure, easy to use, simplifies the installation process, improves installation efficiency, and at the same time enhances the stability of the milk box installation, extends the service life of the equipment, and facilitates users to perform daily cleaning and maintenance.

[0009] The object of the utility model is achieved by the following manner: a milk box mounting structure for a coffee machine, comprising a coffee main unit, the coffee main unit being provided with a receiving area for mounting the milk box, the receiving area comprising a bottom plate, a back plate, and a top plate provided on the coffee main unit; a "U"-shaped receiving space is formed between the bottom plate, the back plate, and the top plate; the bottom plate is provided with a boss protruding from its upper surface, and correspondingly, a groove is provided at the bottom of the milk box, and when the milk box is installed, the boss is snapped into the groove;

[0010] The utility model also includes a locking rod arranged on the top of the milk box, which is connected to a handle arranged on the side wall of the milk box. The locking rod is driven to move up and down by the handle to connect with or separate from the locking hole arranged on the top plate.

[0011] Furthermore: a guide hole is provided on the top of the milk box, and the locking rod is telescopically installed in the guide hole.

[0012] Furthermore, a guide groove is provided on the side wall of the milk box, and a connecting rod extends backward from the rear end of the handle, and the connecting rod passes through the guide groove and is connected to the locking rod.

[0013] Furthermore, a spring is provided between the locking rod and the milk box, and the spring pushes the locking rod to always pop up.

[0014] Furthermore, the boss is a triangular boss that is narrow in the front and wide in the back. Correspondingly, the shape of the groove is matched with the shape of the boss.

[0015] Furthermore: the surfaces of the bottom plate and the boss are provided with anti-slip grooves.

[0016] Furthermore: a micro switch is installed on the back of the lock hole. After the lock rod is inserted into the lock hole, the lock rod triggers the micro switch to generate an electrical signal.

[0017] Furthermore: a driving arm is hingedly installed on the back of the lock hole, a guiding slope is provided on the driving arm toward the lock hole, a pressing arm is provided on the side wall of the driving arm protruding toward the micro switch, the locking rod is inserted into the lock hole to push the driving arm to swing, and the pressing arm is used to push the micro switch to generate an electrical signal.

[0018] Furthermore, an air inlet pipe is extended backward from the back of the milk box, and correspondingly, an air outlet hole is provided on the back plate. After the milk box is installed, the air inlet pipe is inserted into the air outlet hole and docked with the air outlet hole.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the utility model are: 1. Simple structure, low production cost and improved market competitiveness.

[0020] 2. The milk box mounting structure of this utility model achieves a secure installation by integrating a boss on the base plate with a groove in the bottom of the milk box. This interlocking design not only ensures accurate positioning of the milk box but also improves installation stability, preventing loosening or displacement caused by vibration or movement during use. Furthermore, the boss is designed as a triangular shape, narrow in front and wide in the back, allowing the milk box to slide easily during installation, further simplifying the operation process.

[0021] 3. The handle drives the locking lever up and down, engaging and disengaging the locking hole on the coffee machine's top plate, ensuring easy installation and removal of the milk crate. This design eliminates the need for traditional milk crates to be locked from below, eliminating the need to lift the crate for removal and reducing operational complexity. This is especially helpful for elderly or less physically demanding users. Simply operating the handle allows for installation and locking of the milk crate, making operation intuitive and labor-saving.

[0022] 4. This utility model further enhances the automatic locking and safety features of the mounting structure by incorporating a spring and microswitch. A spring positioned between the locking rod and the milk box ensures the rod remains in an ejected position, ensuring it automatically locks the milk box when the handle is released, thus preventing the milk box from being improperly installed. When properly installed, the locking rod inserts into the keyhole, triggering the microswitch and generating an electrical signal, ensuring the coffee machine will only start after the milk box is properly installed, significantly improving the safety and reliability of the device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 This is the general assembly effect diagram of the utility model.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a structural exploded view of the utility model.

[0025] Figure 3 、 4 This is a schematic diagram of the milk box structure in the utility model.

[0026] Figure 5 This is the assembly diagram of the locking rod and micro switch in this utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The present invention is further described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. A milk tank mounting structure for a coffee machine includes a coffee machine 1, which is provided with a receiving area 3 for mounting a milk tank 2. The receiving area 3 includes a bottom plate 11, a back plate 12, and a top plate 13 provided on the coffee machine 1. The bottom plate 11, the back plate 12, and the top plate 13 form a U-shaped receiving space. The bottom plate 11 is provided with a boss 14 protruding from its upper surface. Correspondingly, the bottom of the milk tank 2 is provided with a groove 21. When the milk tank is installed, the boss 14 is snapped into the groove 21.

[0028] The milk box 2 further includes a locking rod 4 disposed on the top thereof, which is connected to a handle 41 disposed on the side wall of the milk box 2 . The locking rod 4 is driven to move up and down by the handle 41 to connect with or separate from a locking hole 15 disposed on the top plate 13 .

[0029] In one embodiment, a guide hole 22 is provided on the top of the milk box 2 , and the locking rod 4 is telescopically installed in the guide hole 22 .

[0030] In one embodiment, a guide groove 23 is provided on the side wall of the milk box 2 , a connecting rod 42 is extended backward from the rear end of the handle 41 , and the connecting rod 42 passes through the guide groove 23 and is connected to the locking rod 4 .

[0031] In one embodiment, a spring is provided between the locking rod 4 and the milk box 2, and the spring pushes the locking rod 4 to always pop up.

[0032] In one embodiment, the boss 14 is a triangular boss 14 that is narrow in front and wide in the back. Correspondingly, the shape of the groove 21 is matched with the shape of the boss 14 .

[0033] In one embodiment, the surfaces of the bottom plate 11 and the boss 14 are provided with anti-slip grooves.

[0034] In one embodiment, a micro switch 5 is installed on the back of the lock hole 15. After the lock rod 4 is inserted into the lock hole 15, the lock rod 4 triggers the micro switch 5 to generate an electrical signal.

[0035] In one embodiment, a driving arm 6 is hingedly mounted on the back of the lock hole 15. The driving arm 6 is provided with a guide slope 61 toward the lock hole 15. A pressing arm 62 is provided on the side wall of the driving arm 6 protruding toward the micro switch 5. The locking rod 4 is inserted into the lock hole 15 to push the driving arm 6 to swing, and the pressing arm 62 is used to push the micro switch 5 to generate an electrical signal.

[0036] In one embodiment, an air inlet pipe 24 extends backward from the back of the milk box 2, and correspondingly, an air outlet hole 16 is provided on the back plate 12. After the milk box is installed, the air inlet pipe 24 is inserted into the air outlet hole 16 and docked with it.

[0037] Working Principle: This utility model provides a milk tank mounting structure for coffee machines. Its design aims to address the difficulties of installing and removing existing milk tanks, their unstable structure, and their lack of safety. Through this innovative design, the installation, locking, and removal of the milk tank are simpler and more stable, and the user's convenience and safety are improved.

[0038] The milk box mounting structure comprises a bottom plate, back plate, and top plate positioned within the coffee machine's accommodating area, which is arranged in a U-shape. The bottom of the milk box corresponds to the bottom plate, which features a triangular boss that is narrow in front and wide in the back. The bottom of the milk box has a groove that matches the boss' shape. To install the milk box, the user simply pushes the milk box into the accommodating area from the front. As the milk box slides to the bottom, the boss on the bottom plate automatically snaps into the groove at the bottom, ensuring precise positioning and stable installation.

[0039] This design eliminates the tedious steps of traditional structures that rely on front insertion and require locking from the bottom. Through the cooperation of the boss and the groove, the milk box can be easily and securely installed. And because the boss is narrow in front and wide in the back, the installation process is smoother and users can complete the installation without pushing hard.

[0040] Furthermore, a guide hole is provided at the top of the milk box, into which a locking rod is telescopically mounted and actuated by a handle. The handle is connected to the locking rod via a connecting rod at its rear end. When the user pushes or pulls the handle, the connecting rod slides within the guide groove, thereby driving the locking rod up and down. Once the milk box is positioned, the user operates the handle, or a spring automatically pushes the locking rod upward into the locking hole on the top plate of the coffee machine. The locking rod engages the locking hole, locking the milk box and ensuring it is securely fixed to the coffee machine.

[0041] The linkage between the locking rod and the handle makes locking and unlocking the milk crate extremely easy, allowing users to secure or remove the crate without having to lift it. This design significantly enhances ease of installation and removal while preventing misuse or damage due to improper operation. Furthermore, the design of the locking rod and keyhole ensures that the crate will not loosen or fall off after installation, enhancing structural stability and safety.

[0042] A spring is installed between the lock rod and the milk box, and the spring force keeps the lock rod in the pop-up position. When the user operates the handle, the lock rod is pressed into the lock hole to separate, and when the handle is released, the spring force automatically pops the lock rod out of the lock hole, completing the automatic locking operation.

[0043] This automatic ejection function not only simplifies the user's operation and avoids excessive manual steps, but also ensures that the lock bar is always locked when the handle is not being operated, preventing the possibility of accidental operation when the milk box is not installed correctly. This design improves the safety and operational reliability of the equipment.

[0044] Furthermore, a micro switch is located behind the lock hole on the top panel. When the locking rod is inserted into the lock hole, it pushes the micro switch, triggering the switch to generate an electrical signal. This electrical signal is used to detect whether the milk box is correctly installed. Only when the milk box is correctly installed will the coffee machine continue to operate.

[0045] The microswitch design enhances the intelligence and safety of the entire installation structure. If the milk tank is not installed correctly or the locking rod is not inserted into the keyhole, the device will not start, preventing damage or safety hazards caused by misoperation. This safety mechanism effectively ensures the stability and reliability of the coffee machine during use.

[0046] Furthermore, the milk box has an air inlet pipe on the back, and a corresponding air outlet on the back panel. When the milk box is installed, the air inlet pipe automatically inserts into the air outlet, achieving automatic air path connection. This design not only physically secures the milk box but also ensures the connection of the air path system.

[0047] The air inlet and outlet are connected together, eliminating the need for additional air line connections during milk tank installation, simplifying overall operation. This automatic connection ensures reliable air line connections and enhances the overall functionality and user experience of the coffee machine.

[0048] In summary, the coffee machine milk box mounting structure of this utility model achieves a secure installation of the milk box through the coordination of the boss and groove. The design of the locking rod and handle makes locking and unlocking the milk box simple and convenient. The spring and micro switch further enhance the automation and safety of the installation. The provision of the guide groove ensures precise operation, while the automatic docking of the air inlet pipe and the air outlet simplifies the air circuit connection operation. In summary, this utility model greatly improves the convenience and stability of milk box installation, enhances the user's operating experience, and increases the safety and reliability of the device.

[0049] The above shows and describes the basic principles and main features of the present invention and the advantages of the present invention. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments and descriptions are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Various changes and improvements may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such changes and improvements shall fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed.

Claims

1. A milk box mounting structure for a coffee machine, characterized by: The coffee machine comprises a main coffee machine (1), and a receiving area (3) for installing a milk box (2) is provided on the main coffee machine (1), and the receiving area (3) comprises a bottom plate (11), a back plate (12) and a top plate (13) provided on the main coffee machine (1); a "U"-shaped receiving space is formed between the bottom plate (11), the back plate (12) and the top plate (13); a boss (14) protruding from the upper surface of the bottom plate (11) is provided, and correspondingly, a groove (21) is provided at the bottom of the milk box (2); when the milk box is installed, the boss (14) is inserted into the groove (21); The invention also includes a locking rod (4) arranged on the top of the milk box (2), the locking rod (4) being connected to a handle (41) arranged on the side wall of the milk box (2), and the locking rod (4) being driven to move up and down by the handle (41) to connect with or separate from the locking hole (15) arranged on the top plate (13).

2. The milk box mounting structure for a coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A guide hole (22) is provided on the top of the milk box (2), and the locking rod (4) is telescopically installed in the guide hole (22).

3. A milk box mounting structure for a coffee machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The side wall of the milk box (2) is provided with a guide groove (23), and a connecting rod (42) extends backward from the rear end of the handle (41), and the connecting rod (42) passes through the guide groove (23) and is connected to the locking rod (4).

4. A milk box mounting structure for a coffee machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A spring is provided between the locking rod (4) and the milk box (2), and the spring pushes the locking rod (4) to always pop up.

5. The milk box mounting structure for a coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The boss (14) is a triangular boss (14) that is narrow in front and wide in the back. Correspondingly, the shape of the groove (21) is matched with the shape of the boss (14).

6. The milk box mounting structure for a coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surfaces of the bottom plate (11) and the boss (14) are provided with anti-slip grooves.

7. The milk box mounting structure for a coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A micro switch (5) is installed on the back of the lock hole (15). After the lock rod (4) is inserted into the lock hole (15), the lock rod (4) triggers the micro switch (5) to generate an electrical signal.

8. The milk box mounting structure for a coffee machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: A driving arm (6) is hingedly mounted on the back of the lock hole (15). The driving arm (6) is provided with a guide slope (61) toward the lock hole (15). A pressing arm (62) is provided on the side wall of the driving arm (6) protruding toward the micro switch (5). The locking rod (4) is inserted into the lock hole (15) to push the driving arm (6) to swing, and the pressing arm (62) is used to push the micro switch (5) to generate an electrical signal.

9. The milk box mounting structure for a coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: An air inlet pipe (24) extends backward from the back of the milk box (2), and correspondingly, an air outlet hole (16) is provided on the back plate (12). After the milk box is installed, the air inlet pipe (24) is inserted into the air outlet hole (16) and docked with it.

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