Milk cooking temperature sensor assembly of coffee machine

By using sleeve clearance fit, layered welding structure and quick-connect modular connection, the problems of easy breakage of temperature probe and steam leakage are solved, realizing the stability and easy maintenance of coffee machine milk evaporator, and extending equipment life.

CN224070196UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-03SHANGYU INTELLIGENT MANUFACTURING (YANTAI) CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-05
Publication Date
2026-04-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing coffee machine milk evaporators suffer from problems such as the temperature probe being prone to breakage when connected to the ball seat, insufficient sealing of the steam pipe interface, and easy damage to the probe, which affect equipment stability and maintenance costs.

Method used

The sleeve gap fit and layered welding structure, combined with the modular connection design of the quick connector, form a multi-level stress buffer and double seal, providing rigid protection and sealing performance to avoid probe damage and leakage.

Benefits of technology

It improves structural reliability, enhances sealing performance, reduces maintenance difficulty, extends service life, and improves the operational stability and efficiency of the equipment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to a coffee machine, in particular to a milk cooking temperature sensor assembly of a coffee machine, which comprises a ball head and a temperature probe, and a first through hole penetrating up and down is arranged in the ball head; an upper connecting pipe and a lower connecting pipe are respectively welded at the top and the bottom of the ball head; a connecting block is welded to the top end of the upper connecting pipe, and a vertically-through second through hole is formed in the connecting block; the lower connecting pipe and the screw pipe are of an integrated structure. The sleeve sequentially penetrates into an inner cavity of the lower connecting pipe, the first through hole, an inner cavity of the upper connecting pipe and the second through hole in a clearance fit mode, and the top end of the sleeve is fixedly welded to the connecting block. The temperature probe penetrates into the sleeve, and a lead at the upper end of the temperature probe penetrates out of the through hole II; the side face of the connecting block is connected with the quick connector in a direct or indirect threaded connection mode. According to the utility model, the structural reliability is improved, the sealing performance is optimized, and the protection is enhanced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to coffee machines, and more particularly to a coffee machine milk brewing temperature sensor assembly. Background Technology

[0002] In the coffee beverage making industry, the milk evaporator assembly of a coffee machine is a key component for making milk-based coffee drinks. Current technology has significant flaws in the connection structure between the steam pipe and the temperature detection component: First, the connection between the temperature probe and the ball seat uses a rigid connection, which can easily lead to stress concentration at the probe base during frequent assembly and disassembly for cleaning, causing breakage. Second, the steam pipe interface uses a standard threaded connection, resulting in insufficient sealing and steam leakage. Third, the existing assembly structure lacks effective protection for the temperature probe, which is easily bent and damaged by lateral forces during operation. These problems not only affect the stability of equipment operation but also increase maintenance costs and limit the efficiency of the coffee machine. Utility Model Content

[0003] To overcome the aforementioned defects or one of the defects in the existing technology, this utility model proposes a coffee machine milk brewing temperature sensor assembly, and the technical solution adopted is as follows:

[0004] A coffee machine milk evaporation temperature sensor assembly includes a ball head and a temperature probe, characterized in that: the ball head has a through hole extending vertically; an upper connecting tube and a lower connecting tube are welded to the top and bottom of the ball head, respectively; a connecting block is welded to the top of the upper connecting tube, and the connecting block has a through hole extending vertically; the lower connecting tube and the threaded tube are integrated into one structure. A sleeve is inserted sequentially into the inner cavity of the lower connecting tube, through hole one, the inner cavity of the upper connecting tube, and through hole two in a clearance fit, and its top end is welded and fixed to the connecting block. The temperature probe is inserted into the sleeve, and its upper lead wire exits through through hole two; the side of the connecting block is connected to a quick connector by a direct or indirect threaded connection.

[0005] Furthermore, it also includes a connecting ring, which is welded to the upper end of the sleeve, and its circumferential side is welded and fixed to the upper end face of the connecting block.

[0006] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the connecting ring is smaller than the outer diameter of the temperature probe to prevent the temperature probe from coming out; at the same time, the inner diameter of the connecting ring is larger than the outer diameter of the temperature probe's lead wire so that the temperature probe's lead wire can pass through.

[0007] Furthermore, the connecting block has a side hole that communicates with the through hole two, and the outer end of the side hole is threaded, through which a threaded connection is achieved with the quick connector.

[0008] Furthermore, when the side hole is a smooth hole, it also includes a side connecting tube; the side connecting tube is welded and fixed to the connecting block at the position corresponding to the side hole, and the inner cavity of the side connecting tube is connected to the side hole; the outer end of the side connecting tube is machined with a thread, and a threaded connection is achieved with the quick connector through the thread.

[0009] Furthermore, the inner diameters of the upper connecting pipe, lower connecting pipe, and spiral pipe, as well as the inner diameters of through hole one and through hole two, are all equal and larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve. The gaps between them are used for steam flow.

[0010] Furthermore, the lower end of the sleeve extends 2-8 cm beyond the length of the threaded tube.

[0011] Furthermore, the lower end of the sleeve is welded and fixed to the temperature probe, and the gap between the two is sealed.

[0012] Furthermore, the quick connector is either a straight-through quick connector or a right-angle quick connector.

[0013] Furthermore, the proximal diameters of the upper and lower connecting tubes near the ball head are smaller than their distal diameters.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial technical effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0015] Improved structural reliability: Through the sleeve clearance fit and the three-stage welding of the ball head-connecting pipe-connecting block in the layered welding structure, a multi-level stress buffer is formed for the temperature probe, so that the external load is evenly distributed along the welding surface, effectively avoiding the breakage of the probe root;

[0016] Optimized sealing performance: The integrated molding structure of the lower connecting pipe and the threaded pipe eliminates potential leakage points at traditional threaded connections, and together with the indirect threaded connection method of the quick coupling, it forms a double sealing guarantee;

[0017] Enhanced protection: The full-wrap design of the metal sheath provides a rigid protective layer for the temperature probe, which can withstand lateral loads of more than 150N without damaging the probe.

[0018] Improved ease of maintenance: The modular connection design of the quick connector increases disassembly and assembly efficiency by more than 60%, and the disassembly process does not generate torsional loads on the temperature sensing components.

[0019] Extended service life: The overall structure retains its complete function after 3,000 disassembly and assembly fatigue tests, which is 3-5 times longer than that of traditional structures. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a component separation diagram of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the purpose of facilitating the description of 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "communication" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0025] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0026] like Figure 1-3 The coffee machine milk evaporation temperature sensor assembly shown includes a ball head 1 and a temperature probe 9. The ball head 1 has a through hole 11 running vertically through it. An upper connecting tube 2 and a lower connecting tube 3 are welded to the top and bottom of the ball head 1, respectively. A connecting block 4 is welded to the top of the upper connecting tube 2, and the connecting block 4 has a through hole 41 running vertically through it. The lower connecting tube 3 and the screw tube 31 are integrated. A sleeve 5 is inserted sequentially into the inner cavity of the lower connecting tube 3, the through hole 11, the inner cavity of the upper connecting tube 2, and the through hole 41 with a clearance fit, and its top end is welded and fixed to the connecting block 4. The temperature probe 9 is inserted into the sleeve 5, and its upper lead wire exits through the through hole 41. The side of the connecting block 4 is connected to a quick connector 6 by a direct or indirect threaded connection.

[0027] Work process:

[0028] 1. Steam flow path

[0029] Steam enters through quick connector 6, flows sequentially through through hole 41 of connecting block 4, the inner cavity of upper connecting pipe 2, through hole 11 of ball head 1, the inner cavity of lower connecting pipe 3, and integrated screw pipe 31, and finally enters the external steam pipe. Steam is ejected at high speed through the jet hole at the lower end of the steam pipe, completing the milk steaming operation. The annular gaps (with inner diameters larger than outer diameters of the sleeves) formed between the inner cavities of each component and the sleeve 5 maintain the smooth flow of steam.

[0030] 2. Temperature detection mechanism

[0031] Temperature probe 9 is axially arranged through sleeve 5, and its sensing section contacts the milk through an opening at the lower end of the steam sleeve. The probe detects the temperature of the milk in real time (response time < 1.5 seconds) and feeds it back to the temperature control system through the top lead, achieving a closed-loop temperature control accuracy of ±0.3℃ to ensure uniform heating of the milk.

[0032] 3. Multi-stage sealing system

[0033] Primary sealing: Quick connector 6 and connecting block 4 work together with a silicone sealing ring to achieve a seal at the inlet end;

[0034] Secondary sealing: The lower end of the sleeve 5 is welded and fixed to the temperature probe 9, and the gap between the two is sealed.

[0035] Protective sealing: The welding point between the top of the sleeve 5 and the connecting block 4 prevents external liquids from seeping into the circuit area.

[0036] 4. Steam injection optimization

[0037] When the steam flows through the converging jet orifice, it forms a jet velocity of 15-20 m / s. At the same time, the inclination design of the end of the steam pipe makes the steam flow form the optimal contact angle with the milk surface. With the real-time feedback of the temperature probe 9, precise temperature control of 3°C per second is achieved within the range of 55-65°C.

[0038] In another preferred embodiment, a connecting ring 7 is also included. After the connecting ring 7 is welded to the upper end of the sleeve 5, its circumferential side surface is welded and fixed to the upper end face of the connecting block 4. Through the stepped welding of the connecting ring 7 to the sleeve 5 and the connecting block 4, a dual guarantee of axial limiting and radial reinforcement is formed to prevent abnormal displacement of the temperature probe 9, while ensuring the airtightness of the lead channel (anti-pull-out force ≥50N).

[0039] In another preferred embodiment, the inner diameter of the connecting ring 7 is smaller than the outer diameter of the temperature probe 9 to prevent the temperature probe 9 from coming out; at the same time, the inner diameter of the connecting ring 7 is larger than the outer diameter of the lead wire of the temperature probe 9 so that the lead wire of the temperature probe 9 can pass through.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment, the connecting block 4 has a side hole 42 communicating with the through hole 41. The outer end of the side hole 42 is threaded, and the threaded connection with the quick connector 6 is achieved through the thread. The threaded structure of the side hole 42 of the connecting block 4 reduces the number of assembly parts, achieves zero-gap docking of the quick connector 6, and reduces flow channel pressure loss (pressure drop reduced by 15%).

[0041] In another preferred embodiment, when the side hole 42 is a smooth hole, a side connecting tube 8 is also included. The side connecting tube 8 is welded and fixed to the connecting block 4 at the position corresponding to the side hole 42, and the inner cavity of the side connecting tube 8 communicates with the side hole 42. The outer end of the side connecting tube 8 is threaded, and a threaded connection is achieved with the quick connector 6 through the thread. When the side hole 42 is a smooth hole, the additive welding structure of the side connecting tube 8 can be compatible with quick connectors of different specifications, expanding the adaptability of equipment modification.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment, the inner diameters of the upper connecting pipe 2, the lower connecting pipe 3, and the spiral pipe 31, as well as the inner diameters of through hole 11 and through hole 41, are all equal and larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve 5. The gaps between them are used for steam flow. The equal-diameter design of the inner cavities of each component forms a continuous expansion flow channel, stabilizing the steam flow velocity in the range of 2.5-3 m / s and avoiding temperature measurement interference caused by local eddies (temperature fluctuations are reduced by 40%).

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, the lower end of the sleeve 5 extends 2-8 cm beyond the threaded tube 31. The 2-8 cm extension at the lower end of the sleeve 5 forms a probe protection buffer zone, which can absorb the axial impact during the installation of the steam pipe 7 (impact energy ≥0.5J).

[0044] In another preferred embodiment, the lower end of the sleeve 5 is welded and fixed to the temperature probe 9, and the gap between them is sealed. The welding of the sleeve 5 to the end of the temperature probe 9 simultaneously achieves mechanical fixation and gas-tight sealing, preventing steam back-seepage from corroding the lead wire (sealing pressure resistance ≥ 0.8 MPa).

[0045] In another preferred embodiment, the quick connector 6 is a straight-through quick connector or a right-angle quick connector. The modular configuration of the straight / right-angle quick connector 6 allows the assembly to adapt to L-shaped or I-shaped pipe layouts (reducing space occupation by 30%-60%).

[0046] In another preferred embodiment, the proximal diameters of the upper connecting pipe 2 and the lower connecting pipe 3 near the ball head 1 are smaller than their distal diameters. The tapered pipe structure of the upper / lower connecting pipes 2 and 3 utilizes the Venturi effect to improve the uniformity of steam flow (flow velocity standard deviation < 0.2 m / s).

[0047] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with general descriptions and specific embodiments, some modifications or improvements can be made to it, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, all such modifications or improvements made without departing from the spirit of the present invention fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0048] Any aspects of this utility model not described in detail are existing technology or common knowledge in the field.

Claims

1. A coffee machine milk brewing temperature sensor assembly, comprising a ball head (1) and a temperature probe (9), characterized in that: The ball head (1) has a through hole (11) running vertically inside; the top and bottom of the ball head (1) are respectively welded with an upper connecting pipe (2) and a lower connecting pipe (3); the top of the upper connecting pipe (2) is welded with a connecting block (4), and the connecting block (4) has a through hole (41) running vertically inside; the lower connecting pipe (3) and the screw pipe (31) are an integrated structure; The sleeve (5) is inserted into the inner cavity of the lower connecting pipe (3), through hole one (11), the inner cavity of the upper connecting pipe (2) and through hole two (41) in a clearance fit manner, and its top end is welded and fixed to the connecting block (4); The temperature probe (9) is inserted into the sleeve (5), and the lead wire at its upper end passes through the through hole two (41); the side of the connecting block (4) is connected to the quick connector (6) by direct or indirect threaded connection.

2. The coffee machine milk brewing temperature sensor assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a connecting ring (7), which is welded to the upper end of the sleeve (5) and its circumferential side is welded and fixed to the upper end face of the connecting block (4).

3. The coffee machine milk brewing temperature sensor assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner diameter of the connecting ring (7) is smaller than the outer diameter of the temperature probe (9) to prevent the temperature probe (9) from coming out; at the same time, the inner diameter of the connecting ring (7) is larger than the outer diameter of the lead wire of the temperature probe (9) so that the lead wire of the temperature probe (9) can pass through.

4. The coffee machine milk brewing temperature sensor assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting block (4) has a side hole (42) inside that communicates with the through hole (41). The outer end of the side hole (42) is threaded, and the threaded connection with the quick connector (6) is achieved through the thread.

5. The coffee machine milk brewing temperature sensor assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the side hole (42) is a smooth hole, it also includes a side connecting tube (8); the side connecting tube (8) is welded and fixed to the connecting block (4) at the position corresponding to the side hole (42), and the inner cavity of the side connecting tube (8) is connected to the side hole (42); the outer end of the side connecting tube (8) is threaded, and the threaded connection is achieved with the quick connector (6) through the thread.

6. The coffee machine milk brewing temperature sensor assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner diameters of the upper connecting pipe (2), the lower connecting pipe (3), the screw pipe (31), and the inner diameters of through hole one (11) and through hole two (41) are all equal and larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve (5). The gap between them is used for steam flow.

7. The coffee machine milk brewing temperature sensor assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end of the sleeve (5) extends 2-8 cm beyond the threaded tube (31).

8. The coffee machine milk brewing temperature sensor assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end of the sleeve (5) is welded and fixed to the temperature probe (9), and the gap between the two is sealed.

9. The coffee machine milk brewing temperature sensor assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The quick connector (6) is a straight-through quick connector or a right-angle quick connector.

10. The coffee machine milk brewing temperature sensor assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the upper connecting tube (2) and the lower connecting tube (3) near the ball head (1) is smaller than its distal diameter.