Coffee machine and milk foam structure

Abstract

The utility model provides a coffee machine and a milk foam structure. The milk foam structure comprises a foaming mechanism and a flow slowing mechanism. The foaming mechanism is respectively connected with a steam source and a milk source to form milk foams, the foaming mechanism comprises a flow outlet channel, the flow slowing mechanism comprises a closed cavity, the flow outlet channel is connected with the closed cavity, the radial size of the flow outlet channel is smaller than that of the closed cavity, and the flow slowing mechanism is connected with the closed cavity. The closed cavity is provided with a flow outlet channel, the flow outlet channel extends for a certain distance in the axial direction, the closed cavity further comprises a flow drainage opening and a first wall body, and the flow outlet direction of the flow outlet channel corresponds to the first wall body. By the adoption of the technical scheme, the milk foam structure can slow down the milk foam discharging speed and improve the stability and texture of milk foam.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a coffee machine and a milk foaming structure. Background Technology

[0002] Automatic coffee machines are common beverage preparation devices that automate coffee making and are widely used in homes, offices, restaurants, and other settings. Modern automatic coffee machines have a relatively complex design, typically including several core components such as a water tank, heating element, pump, grinder, coffee extraction system, and milk frothing system. The milk frothing system is crucial for making milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes; its function is to mix milk with air and heat it with steam to create dense, warm milk foam.

[0003] The milk frothing system in an automatic coffee machine typically consists of the following parts: a steam pipe, a chamber, a milk inlet pipe, and an air passage. The milk frothing system usually works based on the Venturi effect: when high-temperature steam enters the chamber through the steam pipe, a negative pressure is created inside the chamber. This negative pressure draws milk from the milk inlet pipe into the chamber. Simultaneously, the air passage is also affected by the negative pressure, drawing in an appropriate amount of air. The milk, air, and steam mix thoroughly within the chamber, ultimately creating milk foam.

[0004] In existing technologies, milk foam is directly discharged from the chamber after it forms and enters the coffee cup or other container. However, this direct discharge method has certain technical drawbacks. First, because the milk foam mixes rapidly and the bubbles are relatively large during formation, its stability is poor. After discharge, the milk foam easily dissipates within a short time, failing to maintain a dense and uniform texture. Furthermore, directly discharged milk foam, without effective buffering, often has a large impact force. This not only causes the milk foam to collapse quickly but may also affect the appearance and taste of the finished coffee. Excessive impact force may also cause the milk foam to not be evenly distributed or splashed in the cup, affecting the overall quality of the beverage. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a milk foam structure that slows down the milk foam discharge rate and improves the stability and texture of the milk foam.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a milk foam structure, including a foaming mechanism and a slowing mechanism; the foaming mechanism is connected to a steam source and a milk source respectively to form milk foam, the foaming mechanism includes an outlet channel, the slowing mechanism includes a sealed chamber, the outlet channel is connected to the sealed chamber, the radial dimension of the outlet channel is smaller than the radial dimension of the sealed chamber, the outlet channel extends axially for a certain distance, the sealed chamber also includes a drain port, wherein the sealed chamber also includes a first wall, and the outflow direction of the outlet channel corresponds to the first wall.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the sealed chamber includes sidewalls disposed on both sides of the first wall, and the drain outlet is disposed on the sidewalls.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the sealed chamber includes a second wall spaced apart from the first wall, the second wall including a protrusion extending toward the first wall, and the outlet of the outflow channel being disposed on the protrusion.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the drain outlet is located close to the first wall.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, a milk outlet chamber is also provided outside the sealed chamber, the milk outlet chamber including a third wall, and the outflow direction of the drain port corresponds to the third wall.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the sealed chamber includes side walls disposed on both sides of the first wall, the drain outlet is disposed on the side walls, the sealed chamber includes a second wall, the second wall is spaced apart from the first wall, and the outlet of the outflow channel is disposed on the second wall; the milk foam structure further includes a milk outlet chamber, the milk outlet chamber is disposed outside the sealed chamber, the milk outlet chamber includes a third wall, and the outflow direction of the drain outlet corresponds to the third wall;

[0012] The milk foam structure further includes a foaming body and a slow-flowing body. The outflow channel and the second wall are formed on the foaming body. The side wall is formed on the foaming body or the slow-flowing body. The first wall and the milk outlet cavity are formed on the slow-flowing body. The slow-flowing body is detachably connected to the foaming body so that the first wall, the second wall, and the side wall form the sealed chamber.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the foaming mechanism includes a foaming chamber, a steam pipe, a milk inlet pipe, and an air channel; the steam pipe, milk inlet pipe, air channel, and outlet channel are connected to the foaming chamber, and the foaming mechanism forms a venturi structure to generate negative pressure through the steam in the steam pipe to form milk foam in the foaming chamber.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the steam pipe flows outward toward the outward channel.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the inner wall of the third wall is curved.

[0016] This utility model also provides a coffee machine, including the aforementioned milk foaming structure.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] The slow-flow mechanism includes a sealed chamber, with an outlet channel connected to it. The radial dimension of the outlet channel is smaller than that of the sealed chamber. The outlet channel extends axially for a certain distance. The sealed chamber also includes a drain port and a first wall. The outflow direction of the outlet channel corresponds to the first wall. When steam, milk, and air mix in the foaming chamber to generate milk foam, the foam is not directly discharged at high speed but is temporarily retained and further buffered within the sealed chamber. The smaller radial dimension of the outlet channel compared to the sealed chamber, and its axial extension, effectively controls the outflow velocity, resulting in more thorough and stable mixing of milk and air, thus reducing the formation of large bubbles. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the milk foam structure in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the milk foam structure in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0022] A coffee machine includes a milk frothing structure. The milk frothing structure includes a frothing mechanism 1 and a flow control mechanism 2.

[0023] The foaming mechanism 1 is connected to both a steam source and a milk source to form milk foam. Specifically, the foaming mechanism 1 includes a foaming chamber 11, a steam pipe 12, a milk inlet pipe 13, and an air channel 14. The steam pipe 12, milk inlet pipe 13, air channel 14, and outlet channel 111 are connected to the foaming chamber 11. The foaming mechanism 1 forms a Venturi structure to generate negative pressure through the steam in the steam pipe 12, thereby forming milk foam in the foaming chamber 11. One end of the steam pipe 12 is connected to the steam source, and the other end is connected to the upper end of the foaming chamber 11. The lower end of the foaming chamber 11 includes the outlet channel 111. One end of the milk inlet pipe 13 is connected to the milk source, and the other end is connected to the side wall of the foaming chamber 11. An insertion port 112 is formed on the side wall of the foaming chamber 11, connecting the foaming chamber 11. The milk inlet tube 13 is inserted into the insertion port 112. The air channel 14 includes an air inlet 14a formed on the foaming chamber and an air inlet gap 14b formed between the insertion port 112 and the milk inlet tube 13. Steam from the steam pipe 12 enters the foaming chamber 11, creating a negative pressure in the foaming chamber 11. This negative pressure draws milk from the milk inlet tube 13 and air from the air channel 14, thereby forming milk foam. In this embodiment, the outflow direction of the steam pipe 12 faces the outflow channel 111.

[0024] The flow-slowing mechanism 2 includes a sealed chamber 21, and an outlet channel 111 connects to the sealed chamber 21. The radial dimension of the outlet channel 111 is smaller than the radial dimension of the sealed chamber 21. The outlet channel 111 extends axially for a certain distance. The sealed chamber 21 also includes a drain port 211 and a first wall 212. The outflow direction of the outlet channel 111 corresponds to the first wall 212. When steam, milk, and air mix in the foaming chamber 11 to generate milk foam, the milk foam is not directly discharged at high speed, but is temporarily retained in the sealed chamber 21 for further buffering. The radial dimension of the outlet channel 111 is smaller than the radial dimension of the sealed chamber 21, and the channel extends axially for a certain distance, so that the outflow velocity is effectively controlled, the flow is more stable, and the mixing is more thorough, thereby reducing the formation of large bubbles. The extension of the outlet channel 111 not only reduces the fluid velocity but also increases the buffering capacity of the fluid throughout the flow process. When milk foam enters the outflow channel 111 from the foaming chamber 11, the flow velocity is somewhat limited due to the small radial dimension of the channel, resulting in finer milk foam. The design of the sealed chamber 21 allows the milk foam to undergo a certain buffering time inside the chamber, which helps to better break up large air bubbles and reduce uneven bubble structure. This results in denser, more stable milk foam. When the milk foam exits the outflow channel 111, it does not directly enter the external environment but first impacts the first wall 212 located at the channel outlet. This wall further breaks up the air bubbles. As the flow velocity of the milk foam is further dispersed during the impact, the bubbles are further mixed, forming a more uniform bubble effect. The impact wall design also effectively avoids the problem of excessive impact force caused by direct high-speed discharge of milk foam, further improving the stability and texture of the milk foam.

[0025] The sealed chamber 21 includes side walls 213 disposed on both sides of the first wall 212, and the drain outlet 211 is disposed on the side walls 213. After the milk foam impacts the first wall 212, its flow direction changes. As the milk foam exits from the outlet channel 111 and impacts the first wall 212, the impact force rapidly disperses the milk foam. The dispersed milk foam will diffuse in all directions, especially flowing towards the side walls 213 on both sides of the first wall 212. The drain outlet 211 disposed on the side walls 213 can follow the natural flow direction of the milk foam, guiding these scattered milk foams to exit from the drain outlet 211.

[0026] The drain outlet 211 is positioned close to the first wall 212. This placement of the drain outlet 211 near the first wall 212 helps optimize the flow path of the milk foam during the discharge process. When the milk foam exits from the outlet channel 111 and impacts the first wall 212, the flow rate of the milk foam decreases significantly, resulting in a good slow-flow effect, and the bubble structure is broken up and mixed. However, the drain outlet 211's proximity to the first wall 212 ensures that the milk foam does not completely lose its flow rate due to excessive impact, and that the milk foam can flow towards the milk outlet chamber 13 under gravity, thus preventing milk foam residue in the sealed chamber. After impact, the milk foam quickly flows along the surface of the wall towards the drain outlet 211, maintaining a certain flow rate. This means that the milk foam not only gets fully mixed but can also be smoothly discharged from the chamber at an appropriate flow rate, thus avoiding excessively slow or viscous milk foam.

[0027] The sealed chamber 21 includes a second wall 214, which is spaced apart from the first wall 212. The second wall 214 includes a protrusion 2141 extending toward the first wall 212. The outlet of the outflow channel 111 is located on the protrusion 2141, making the outlet of the outflow channel 111 closer to the first wall 212, rather than directly on the plane of the second wall 214. This closer design extends the flow path of the milk foam within the sealed chamber 21, allowing the milk foam to undergo a longer mixing and buffering process before being discharged, thereby improving the quality of the milk foam.

[0028] The milk foam structure also includes a milk outlet chamber 3, which is located outside the sealed chamber 21. The milk outlet chamber 3 includes a third wall 31, and the outflow direction of the drain port 211 corresponds to the third wall 31. The outflow direction of the drain port 211 is towards the third wall 31, and the inner wall of the third wall 31 is curved. Specifically, the entire inner wall of the third wall 31 may be curved, or it may be curved at the corners. When the milk foam is discharged from the drain port 211, it impacts the third wall 31 of the milk outlet chamber 3 approximately perpendicularly. The third wall 31 acts as a guide, helping the milk foam to disperse and flow evenly to both sides. Guided by the curved third wall, the milk foam flows smoothly to both sides along the third wall 31 of the milk outlet chamber 3. At the same time, there is a certain height difference between the drain port 211 and the outlet of the milk outlet chamber. The milk foam dispersed to both sides is gradually flowing downward under the action of gravity, similar to projectile motion, thus forming a stable vortex flow, and finally converging at the bottom of the milk outlet chamber 3 and being discharged from the milk outlet. During the flow process, the vortex flow not only alleviates the fluid impact force but also promotes further mixing of milk foam and air, generating a finer and more stable foam. Simultaneously, the inner walls of other parts of the milk outlet chamber 3 can also have a curvature. In this embodiment, there are two outlets 211 and two milk outlet chambers 3, with one outlet 211 corresponding to one milk outlet chamber 3. Through the swirling effect of the vortex, the milk foam is guided longitudinally to the outlet of the milk outlet chamber 3, thereby reducing the impact force of the milk foam and making the milk foam quality more stable and delicate. The third wall 31 of the milk outlet chamber 3 corresponds to the outflow direction of the outlet 211, thus forming a smooth vortex flow. The third wall 31 plays a guiding role in this process, ensuring that the milk foam does not experience turbulence or instability due to sudden changes in the flow path when entering the milk outlet chamber 3.

[0029] In this embodiment, the milk foam structure includes a foaming body 15 and a slow-flowing body 22. The foaming body 15 forms the foaming chamber 11. The steam pipe 12 and the milk inlet pipe 13 are both inserted into the foaming body 15. The second wall 214 and the side wall 213 are formed on the foaming body 15, and the first wall 212 and the milk outlet chamber 3 are formed on the slow-flowing body 22. The foaming body 15 and the slow-flowing body 22 are detachably connected so that the first wall 212, the second wall 214, and the side wall 213 form the sealed chamber 21. When the slow-flowing body 22 is detached from the foaming body 15, the first wall 212, the second wall 214, and the side wall 213 are exposed to the outside, thus allowing for convenient cleaning.

[0030] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the design concept of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any non-substantial modifications made to the present utility model by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present utility model using this concept shall be deemed as an infringement of the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A milk foam structure, characterized in that, It includes a foaming mechanism and a slowing mechanism; the foaming mechanism is connected to a steam source and a milk source respectively to form milk foam, the foaming mechanism includes an outflow channel, the slowing mechanism includes a sealed chamber, the outflow channel is connected to the sealed chamber, the radial dimension of the outflow channel is smaller than the radial dimension of the sealed chamber, the outflow channel extends axially for a certain distance, the sealed chamber also includes a drain port, wherein the sealed chamber also includes a first wall, and the outflow direction of the outflow channel corresponds to the first wall.

2. The milk foam structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sealed chamber includes side walls disposed on both sides of the first wall, and the drain outlet is disposed on the side walls.

3. The milk foam structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sealed chamber includes a second wall, which is spaced apart from the first wall. The second wall includes a protrusion extending toward the first wall, and the outlet of the outflow channel is disposed on the protrusion.

4. The milk foam structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The drain outlet is located close to the first wall.

5. The milk foam structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a milk outlet chamber, which is located outside the sealed chamber. The milk outlet chamber includes a third wall, and the outflow direction of the drain port corresponds to the third wall.

6. The milk foam structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sealed chamber includes side walls disposed on both sides of the first wall, and the drain outlet is disposed on the side walls. The sealed chamber also includes a second wall, which is spaced apart from the first wall. The outlet of the outflow channel is disposed on the second wall. The milk foam structure further includes a milk outlet chamber disposed outside the sealed chamber. The milk outlet chamber includes a third wall, and the outflow direction of the drain outlet corresponds to the third wall. The milk foam structure further includes a foaming body and a slow-flowing body. The outflow channel and the second wall are formed on the foaming body. The side wall is formed on the foaming body or the slow-flowing body. The first wall and the milk outlet cavity are formed on the slow-flowing body. The slow-flowing body is detachably connected to the foaming body so that the first wall, the second wall, and the side wall form the sealed chamber.

7. A milk foam structure as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The foaming mechanism includes a foaming chamber, a steam pipe, a milk inlet pipe, and an air channel; the steam pipe, milk inlet pipe, air channel, and outlet channel are connected to the foaming chamber, and the foaming mechanism forms a Venturi structure so that the steam passing through the steam pipe can generate negative pressure to form milk foam in the foaming chamber.

8. The milk foam structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The steam pipe flows outward toward the outward channel.

9. A milk foam structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The inner wall of the third wall is curved.

10. A coffee machine, characterized in that, Includes a milk foam structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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