Milk foam generating device and coffee machine

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of electric appliances, in particular to a milk foam generating device and a coffee machine. The coffee machine comprises a milk foam generating device, a foam outlet assembly of the milk foam generating device comprises a foam outlet head, a first filter screen and a second filter screen, the foam outlet head is provided with a foam outlet cavity and a foam outlet communicated with the foam outlet cavity, and the foam outlet head is detachably assembled on one of a shell of the milk foam generating device and a foam maker body. The foam outlet cavity is communicated with a foaming cavity of the foam maker body; the first filter screen and the second filter screen are both assembled in the foam outlet cavity and used for enabling milk foam entering the foam outlet cavity to be filtered through the first filter screen and the second filter screen in sequence and then output from the foam outlet. The milk foam generating device can slow down the injection speed of the milk foam, solves the problem that the milk foam is easy to inject to a coffee machine host or the edge of a cup, and improves the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrical technology, and more specifically, to a milk foam generating device and a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] Coffee machines provided by related technologies are usually equipped with a milk foam generating device; the principle of milk foam generation is to use high temperature and high pressure steam in the foaming chamber to foam the milk and form milk foam.

[0003] However, when the milk foam generated by the related technology is sprayed out, it tends to spray onto the edge of the coffee machine or the cup, resulting in a poor user experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a milk foam generating device and a coffee machine. The milk foam generating device can be used in a coffee machine, and it can slow down the spraying speed of milk foam, thereby improving the problem that milk foam is easily sprayed onto the coffee machine main unit or the edge of the cup, and improving the user experience.

[0005] The embodiments of this utility model can be implemented as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a milk foam generating device, comprising:

[0007] case;

[0008] A milk box, which is connected to a shell and has a receiving cavity for holding dairy products;

[0009] A foamer, comprising a foamer body and a straw, wherein the foamer body is assembled into a housing and has a foaming chamber, one end of the straw is connected to the foamer body, and the other end of the straw extends into the receiving chamber; and,

[0010] The foaming assembly includes a foaming head, a first filter, and a second filter. The foaming head has a foaming chamber and a foaming outlet communicating with the foaming chamber. The foaming head is detachably assembled to either the housing or the frother body, and the foaming chamber is connected to the foaming chamber. The first filter and the second filter are both assembled inside the foaming chamber, so that the milk foam entering the foaming chamber passes through the first filter and the second filter in sequence before being output from the foaming outlet.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the mesh density of the first filter screen is less than that of the second filter screen; and / or,

[0012] The mesh size of the first filter screen is larger than that of the second filter screen; and / or,

[0013] The first and second filters are detachably assembled inside the bubble outlet chamber.

[0014] In an optional implementation, the first filter and the second filter are spaced apart.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the second filter screen includes a filter screen body and an outer peripheral support portion connected to the filter screen body, with the first filter screen overlapping the support portion.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the thickness of the support portion is greater than the thickness of the filter body.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the foaming assembly further includes a milk outlet connector, the foaming head being detachably connected to either the housing or the foamer body via the milk outlet connector.

[0018] In an optional implementation, the foaming head is threadedly connected to the milk dispensing connector.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, the foaming assembly further includes a first sealing ring, which is disposed between the foaming head and the milk dispensing connector.

[0020] In an optional embodiment, the milk outlet connector includes a foaming tube and an adapter, the foaming tube and the adapter are connected at an angle, the foaming head is detachably connected to the foaming tube, and the adapter is connected to either the housing or the frother body.

[0021] Secondly, this utility model provides a coffee machine, including a milk foam generating device according to any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0022] The beneficial effects of the milk foam generating device of this utility model embodiment include: the milk foam generating device provided in this utility model embodiment has a first filter and a second filter inside the foaming head, so that the generated milk foam needs to be filtered and buffered by the first filter and the second filter before it can be sprayed out from the foaming nozzle. That is, the first filter and the second filter reduce the speed of milk foam spraying out, which can improve the problem of milk foam splashing everywhere when it is sprayed out, that is, improve the problem of milk foam easily spraying onto the coffee machine main unit or the edge of the cup, thus improving the user experience. The use of the first filter and the second filter to realize the double-layer filter setting also allows for secondary foaming of milk foam during foaming, ensuring that the sprayed milk foam is more delicate and dense.

[0023] Furthermore, the bubble outlet is designed to be detachable, making it easy to remove the bubble outlet, the first filter, and the second filter together for cleaning, ensuring that the bubble outlet, the first filter, and the second filter can be cleaned more thoroughly.

[0024] The coffee machine of this utility model embodiment includes all the beneficial effects of the aforementioned milk foam generating device. For example, by reducing the speed of milk foam ejection through the first and second filters, the problem of milk foam splashing everywhere when it is ejected can be improved, that is, the problem of milk foam easily being sprayed onto the coffee machine host or the edge of the cup can be improved, thus improving the user experience. At the same time, by using the first and second filters to achieve the setting of a double-layer filter, the milk foam can also be foamed a second time during foaming to ensure that the ejected milk foam is more delicate and dense. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the milk foam generating device in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the milk foam generating device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bubble head, the first filter screen, and the second filter screen in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the milk foam generating device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the first and second filter screens in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the bubble head, the first filter screen, and the second filter screen in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0032] Icons: 010-Milk foam generating device; 100-Shell; 110-Top cover; 111-Second clearance hole; 112-Third clearance hole; 113-Air hole; 120-Lower cover; 121-First clearance hole; 200-Milk box; 210-Receiving cavity; 300-Foamer; 310-Foamer body; 320-Straw; 400-Foaming assembly; 410-Foaming head; 411-Foaming chamber; 412-Foaming outlet; 413-Stepped surface; 420-First filter; 430-Second filter; 431-Filter body; 432-Support; 440-Milk outlet connector; 441-Foaming tube; 442-Adapter; 443-First sealing ring; 444-Second sealing ring; 445-Third sealing ring; 446-Sealing sleeve; 510-Air inlet assembly; 520-Steam connector. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0034] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0036] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product is usually placed during use, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0037] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0038] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.

[0039] This embodiment provides a coffee machine, which includes a coffee machine body and a milk frothing device 010 disposed on the coffee machine body (e.g., Figure 1 (as shown); Milk foam generating device 010 is used to prepare dairy products (e.g., milk) into milk foam.

[0040] The structure and working principle of the coffee machine body, as well as the way the milk frothing device 010 is set in the coffee machine body, are similar to the relevant technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0041] The inventors discovered that the milk foam generating device provided by the related technology requires a certain pressure to spray out the milk foam, which easily causes the milk foam to spray onto the coffee machine main unit (i.e., the coffee machine body), the edge of the cup, the table, and other places, reducing the cleanliness and resulting in a poor user experience.

[0042] To improve the above issues, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The milk foam generating device 010 of this embodiment includes a housing 100, a milk tank 200, a frother 300, and a foaming assembly 400. The milk tank 200 is connected to the housing 100 and has a receiving cavity 210 for holding dairy products. The frother 300 includes a frother body 310 and a straw 320. The frother body 310 is assembled to the housing 100 and has a foaming cavity. One end of the straw 320 is connected to the frother body 310, and the other end of the straw 320 extends into the receiving cavity 400. Within 10; the foaming assembly 400 includes a foaming head 410, a first filter 420 and a second filter 430. The foaming head 410 is provided with a foaming chamber 411 and a foaming port 412 communicating with the foaming chamber 411. The foaming head 410 is detachably assembled to the frother body 310, and the foaming chamber 411 is in communication with the foaming chamber. The first filter 420 and the second filter 430 are both assembled in the foaming chamber 411, so that the milk foam entering the foaming chamber 411 is filtered by the first filter 420 and the second filter 430 in sequence before being output from the foaming port 412.

[0043] Because the foaming head 410 is equipped with a first filter 420 and a second filter 430, the prepared milk foam is filtered and buffered by the first filter 420 and the second filter 430 before being sprayed out from the foaming outlet 412. This reduces the speed at which the milk foam is sprayed, thus improving the problem of milk foam splashing everywhere, preventing it from easily spraying onto the coffee machine or the edge of the cup, and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the double-layer filter setup using the first filter 420 and the second filter 430 allows for secondary foaming during dispensing, ensuring that the sprayed milk foam is finer and denser.

[0044] It should be noted that the aforementioned milk foam generating device 010 is located on the coffee machine body, specifically the milk tank 200 or the housing 100 is located on the coffee machine body.

[0045] Optionally, the straw 320 is inserted into the foamer body 310 via a sealing sleeve 446. Of course, in other embodiments, the straw 320 and the foamer body 310 can be connected by threaded connection, insertion, snap-fit, etc., which are not specifically limited here.

[0046] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 2 The housing 100 includes an upper cover 110 and a lower cover 120, which are fastened together and connected to form an assembly cavity. The milk tank 200 is connected to the lower cover 120, which has a first clearance hole 121 through which the straw 320 passes. The frother body 310 is assembled in the assembly cavity. The upper cover 110 also has a second clearance hole 111, a third clearance hole 112, and an air hole 113. The housing 100 is designed with the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 fastening together to ensure easy operation of assembling the frother body 310 into the housing 100.

[0047] The connection methods between the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 include, but are not limited to, snap-fit ​​and fastener connection such as bolts. The connection methods between the milk box 200 and the lower cover 120 include, but are not limited to, snap-fit ​​and threaded connection.

[0048] The structure of the foamer body 310 is similar to that of related technologies; the foamer body 310 is also provided with an air channel, a steam channel and a dairy channel (not shown in the figure), and the air channel, steam channel and dairy channel are all connected to the foaming chamber, which can be understood as: the air channel, steam channel, dairy channel and foaming chamber are interconnected.

[0049] Further, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The milk foam generating device 010 also includes an air intake assembly 510 and a steam connector 520. The air intake assembly 510 is mounted on the upper cover 110 and communicates with the air passage of the frother body 310 through the air hole 113, allowing air to enter the air passage through the air intake assembly 510. The steam connector 520 is connected to the frother body 310 through the second clearance hole 111 and communicates with the steam passage, allowing high-temperature steam to be introduced into the steam passage. When steam passes through the steam passage, the frother body 310 uses the Venturi effect to allow the dairy products in the milk tank 200 to enter the dairy passage through the straw 320 and then enter the foaming chamber. At the same time, air also enters the air passage through the air intake assembly 510 under the action of the Venturi effect and then enters the frother body 310. In this way, the dairy products can be foamed in the foaming chamber by the action of steam and air.

[0050] Optionally, a third sealing ring 445 is provided between the steam connector 520 and the foamer body 310.

[0051] Alternatively, the intake assembly 510 may refer to a regulating valve or other similar components as provided in the related art, which will not be described in detail here.

[0052] Optionally, the coffee machine body includes a steam generating device, and the steam connector 520 is connected to the steam generating device via a steam pipe.

[0053] It should be noted that the assembly of the air intake assembly 510 and the steam connector 520 is similar to that of related technologies, and will not be described in detail here.

[0054] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The foaming assembly 400 also includes a milk outlet connector 440, through which the foaming head 410 is detachably connected to the frother body 310. The milk outlet connector 440 passes through a third clearance opening and connects to the frother body 310, with one end of the milk outlet connector 440 away from the frother body 310 detachably connected to the foaming head 410. The milk outlet connector 440 ensures ease of operation and reliability for the detachable assembly of the foaming head 410 and the frother body 310.

[0055] It should be understood that in other embodiments, the milk outlet connector 440 can also be detachably connected to the housing 100 (specifically the top cover 110), that is, the foaming head 410 can also be detachably assembled to the housing 100 through the milk outlet connector 440.

[0056] Optionally, the milk dispensing connector 440 includes a foaming tube 441 and an adapter 442. The foaming tube 441 and the adapter 442 are connected at an angle. The foaming head 410 is detachably connected to the foaming tube 441, and the adapter 442 is connected to the frother body 310. This configuration allows for two advantages: firstly, it extends the path of the milk foam spraying out using the foaming tube 441, which helps reduce the speed of the milk foam spraying and minimizes splashing; secondly, it facilitates adjusting the direction of the milk foam spraying out using the angled foaming tube 441 and the adapter 442, making it easier for users to catch the sprayed milk foam in containers such as cups.

[0057] The included angle between the bubble outlet tube 441 and the adapter 442 can be 90°, 95°, 88°, etc., and is not specifically limited here.

[0058] The connection methods between the bubble tube 441 and the adapter 442 include, but are not limited to, integral molding and threaded connection.

[0059] The connection method between the adapter 442 and the foamer body 310 can be selected as needed. In this embodiment, the foaming assembly 400 also includes a second sealing ring 444. The adapter 442 passes through the third clearance hole 112 and is inserted into the foamer body 310, communicating with the foaming cavity. The second sealing ring 444 is disposed between the adapter 442 and the foamer body 310. The insertion assembly method ensures ease of assembly; the provision of the second sealing ring 444 improves the problems of liquid and air leakage between the adapter 442 and the foamer body 310.

[0060] Of course, in other embodiments, the connection between the adapter 442 and the foamer body 310 can also be a threaded connection, etc., which are not specifically limited here.

[0061] The connection method between the foaming head 410 and the milk dispensing connector 440 can be selected as needed; in this embodiment, the foaming head 410 and the milk dispensing connector 440 are threadedly connected. Specifically, the foaming head 410 is threadedly connected to the end of the foaming tube 441 away from the adapter 442. This ensures easy assembly and stability after assembly, and also facilitates the disassembly of the foaming head 410 for cleaning, improving cleanliness.

[0062] Of course, in other embodiments, the connection between the bubble head 410 and the bubble tube 441 can also be a snap-fit ​​or plug-in connection.

[0063] Further, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4The foaming assembly 400 also includes a first sealing ring 443, which is provided between the foaming head 410 and the milk outlet connector 440, that is, between the foaming head 410 and the foaming tube 441. The first sealing ring 443 can improve the problem of liquid and air leakage between the foaming head 410 and the foaming tube 441, so as to ensure good foaming effect and slow down the milk foam flow rate.

[0064] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 The first filter 420 has a lower mesh density than the second filter 430 (i.e., the number of meshes in the first filter 420 is less than the number of meshes in the second filter 430 per unit area), and the mesh diameter of the first filter 420 is larger than that of the second filter 430. When the milk foam passes through the first filter 420, under high pressure, the blade-like action of the first filter 420 cuts the fast-flowing milk foam, reducing the spray speed and further reducing its fineness. Then, the second filter 430, with its even higher mesh density, cuts the milk foam again, further slowing its spray speed and further reducing its fineness and density. By effectively slowing down the spray speed of the milk foam through the first and second filters 420 and 430, the problem of milk foam spraying onto the edges or outside of the main unit or cup is effectively improved, enhancing the user experience.

[0065] Further, please refer to Figure 6 The first filter 420 and the second filter 430 are distributed alternately. Maintaining a certain distance between the first filter 420 and the second filter 430 ensures the reliability of slowing down the milk foam ejection speed using the filter, and also reliably cuts the milk foam twice, ensuring improved fineness of the milk foam.

[0066] Of course, in other embodiments, the mesh density of the first filter 420 may be equal to or greater than the mesh density of the second filter 430; or, the mesh diameter of the first filter 420 may be less than or equal to the mesh diameter of the second filter 430.

[0067] Optionally, the first filter 420 and the second filter 430 are detachably assembled into the foaming chamber 411. In this way, when cleaning the foaming head 410, the first filter 420 and the second filter 430, the foaming head 410, the first filter 420 and the second filter 430 can be completely disassembled for cleaning, thereby improving the cleaning level.

[0068] Furthermore, the bubble outlet chamber 411 includes a first section and a second section that are interconnected. The first section has an opening at the end away from the second section, and the cavity wall of the first section has an internal thread that is threaded to the bubble outlet tube 441. The second section has a bubble outlet 412 at the end away from the first section. The first filter screen 420 and the second filter screen 430 can be installed and removed from the second section through the first section.

[0069] Of course, in other embodiments, the first filter 420 and the second filter 430 may also be non-detachably assembled into the bubble chamber 411.

[0070] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 6 The second filter 430 includes a filter body 431 and an outer peripheral support 432 connected to the filter body 431. The first filter 420 overlaps the support 432. The second section of the bubble outlet chamber 411 is provided with a stepped surface 413, and the support 432 overlaps the stepped surface 413. This arrangement ensures the ease of operation for installing and removing the first filter 420 and the second filter 430 within the bubble outlet chamber 411.

[0071] Furthermore, the thickness of the support portion 432 is greater than the thickness of the filter body 431. By utilizing the thickness of the support portion 432, a certain distance is ensured between the filter body 431 of the second filter 430 and the first filter 420, without the need for an additional structure to support the first filter 420 within the second bubble outlet chamber 411. This simplifies the internal structure of the bubble outlet head 410 and ensures that the first filter 420 and the second filter 430 can be easily installed and removed from the bubble outlet chamber 411.

[0072] The structure of the first filter 420 is similar to that of the second filter 430, and will not be described in detail here.

[0073] Optionally, the first filter screen 420 and the second filter screen 430 can be made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel. Of course, in other embodiments, the first filter screen 420 and the second filter screen 430 can also be made of plastic, and this is not specifically limited here.

[0074] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the milk frothing device 010 can also be an independent electrical appliance, that is, in other embodiments, the milk frothing device 010 is not an independent electrical appliance attached to the coffee machine.

[0075] In this embodiment, the milk foam generating device 010 can use high-temperature and high-pressure steam to form milk foam in the foaming chamber during milk foam preparation. The formed milk foam enters the milk outlet connector 440 and flows with the milk outlet connector 440 to the foaming chamber 411 of the foaming head 410. When the milk foam passes through the first filter screen 420, because the mesh size of the first filter screen 420 is large and the mesh density is small, the milk foam can quickly flow through the first filter screen 420 and be cut and slowed down by the first filter screen 420. Then, the milk foam is slowly cut by the second filter screen 430 with small mesh size and large density, and is output from the foam outlet 412.

[0076] In summary, the milk foam generating device 010 of this utility model can be used in coffee machines, and the milk foam generating device 010 can slow down the spraying speed of milk foam, improving the problem that milk foam is easily sprayed onto the coffee machine main unit or the edge of the cup. Therefore, it reduces the cleaning frequency of the coffee machine main unit, eliminating the need to clean the outer wall of the coffee machine main unit every time milk foam is made, thus improving the user experience.

[0077] The above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A milk froth generating device, characterized in that The milk frother comprises: a housing (100); a milk tank (200) connected with the housing (100), and the milk tank (200) is provided with a containing cavity (210) for containing dairy products; a frother (300) comprising a frother body (310) and a straw (320), the frother body (310) is assembled in the housing (100), and the frother body (310) is provided with a frothing cavity, one end of the straw (320) is connected with the frother body (310), and the other end of the straw (320) extends into the containing cavity (210); and, a bubble outlet assembly (400) comprising a bubble outlet head (410), a first filter screen (420) and a second filter screen (430), the bubble outlet head (410) is provided with a bubble outlet cavity (411) and a bubble outlet opening (412) in communication with the bubble outlet cavity (411), the bubble outlet head (410) is detachably assembled in one of the housing (100) and the frother body (310), and the bubble outlet cavity (411) is in communication with the frothing cavity; the first filter screen (420) and the second filter screen (430) are both assembled in the bubble outlet cavity (411) for making milk bubbles entering the bubble outlet cavity (411) pass through the first filter screen (420) and the second filter screen (430) in sequence and then output from the bubble outlet opening (412).

2. The milk foam generating device according to claim 1, characterized by The mesh density of the first filter screen (420) is smaller than the mesh density of the second filter screen (430); and / or, The mesh size of the first filter screen (420) is larger than the mesh size of the second filter screen (430); and / or, The first filter screen (420) and the second filter screen (430) are detachably assembled in the bubble outlet cavity (411).

3. The milk foam generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by The first filter screen (420) and the second filter screen (430) are spaced apart.

4. The milk foam generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by The second filter screen (430) comprises a filter screen body (431) and a peripheral support portion (432) connected to the filter screen body (431), and the first filter screen (420) is lapped on the support portion (432).

5. The milk froth generating device according to claim 4, characterized in that The thickness of the support portion (432) is greater than the thickness of the filter screen body (431).

6. The milk froth generating device according to any of the claims 1-5, characterized in that, The bubble outlet assembly (400) further comprises a milk outlet joint (440), and the bubble outlet head (410) is detachably connected with one of the housing (100) and the frother body (310) through the milk outlet joint (440).

7. The milk froth generating device according to claim 6, characterized in that The bubble outlet head (410) is threadedly connected with the milk outlet joint (440).

8. The milk froth generating device according to claim 6, characterized in that The bubble outlet assembly (400) further comprises a first sealing ring (443) arranged between the bubble outlet head (410) and the milk outlet joint (440).

9. The milk froth generating device according to claim 6, characterized in that The milk outlet joint (440) comprises a bubble outlet pipe (441) and an adapter (442), the bubble outlet pipe (441) is connected with the adapter (442) at an angle, the bubble outlet head (410) is detachably connected with the bubble outlet pipe (441), and the adapter (442) is connected with one of the shell (100) and the foamer body (310).

10. A coffee maker characterized in that, A milk froth generating device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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