Beverage outlet structure and beverage equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses a drink outlet structure and drink equipment, which comprises a milk froth device, a steam jet and a driving unit, a first channel and a second channel are formed in the milk froth device; the steam spray head is rotatably arranged on the milk foam device, and the outer wall of the steam spray head abuts against the inner peripheral wall forming the second channel in a sealed mode; a steam channel communicated with the second channel is formed in the steam spray head, and a plurality of milk inlet holes which are different in cross section size and are communicated with the steam channel are distributed in the circumferential direction of the steam spray head; the driving unit is used for driving the steam jet to rotate; when the milk feeding amount of the milk foam device needs to be adjusted, the driving unit drives the steam spray head to rotate so as to control the corresponding milk feeding hole to be communicated with the first channel. According to the utility model, the milk feeding amount can be accurately controlled.

Description

A beverage outlet structure and beverage equipment Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of beverage equipment technology, and in particular to a beverage outlet structure and beverage equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Milk-based drinks, such as milk-based coffee, require heating the milk or creating milk foam during the preparation process. Therefore, the preparation of the milk (such as milk) is crucial. For milk-based coffee machines, the milk frother is typically installed on the coffee beverage outlet. It uses steam and Venturi negative pressure to draw in the milk, or a milk pump to draw in the milk, mixing it with air and steam for heating to create a rich and delicious hot milk foam, or to create hot milk using the drawn-in milk and steam. While a milk pump allows for precise control of milk delivery to create hot milk foam or hot milk at the target temperature and volume, it is also expensive, increasing the cost of the beverage equipment.

[0003] An existing technology discloses an automatic milk frother device for adjusting milk intake, comprising a milk frother body, a compressor, a compressor drive device, and a fixing member. A flexible tube is provided on the milk frother body, passing through the compressor. The fixing member extends inside the compressor and abuts against the flexible tube. The free end of the compressor drive device abuts against the compressor. In use, the compressor drive device is activated, compressing the compressor and moving it towards the fixing member. The compressor drive device drives the compressor to compress the flexible tube, causing the tube to abut against the fixing member. The fixing member abuts against the flexible tube to prevent displacement, thereby changing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flexible tube and adjusting the milk intake. This milk frother device adjusts the milk intake by changing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flexible tube through compression. However, due to the material properties of the flexible tube and the pressure control of the compressor, there are certain errors and uncertainties, making it impossible to accurately adjust to a specific milk intake according to needs. Furthermore, repeated compression of the flexible tube over a long period can easily deform and damage it. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a beverage outlet structure and beverage equipment that enables precise control of the milk intake.

[0005] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A beverage export structure includes:

[0007] A milk frother, wherein a first channel and a second channel are formed inside the milk frother;

[0008] A steam nozzle is rotatably mounted on the milk frother, and the outer wall of the steam nozzle is sealed against the inner peripheral wall forming the second channel; the steam nozzle has a steam channel communicating with the second channel inside, and the steam nozzle has a plurality of milk inlet holes of different cross-sectional sizes distributed in the circumferential direction, all of which are communicating with the steam channel;

[0009] A drive unit is used to drive the steam nozzle to rotate;

[0010] When it is necessary to adjust the milk feed rate of the milk frother, the drive unit drives the steam nozzle to rotate to control the corresponding milk inlet hole to connect with the first channel.

[0011] Furthermore, the drive unit includes a drive motor and a transmission assembly, wherein the drive motor drives the steam nozzle to rotate through the transmission assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, the transmission assembly includes a driving gear and a driven gear. The driving gear is coaxially and fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive motor, and the driven gear is fixed to the steam nozzle and meshes with the driving gear.

[0013] Furthermore, the driven gear is integrally formed on the outer peripheral wall of the steam nozzle.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a main control unit, a first sensor, and multiple first triggers. The main control unit is electrically connected to both the first sensor and the drive motor. The multiple first triggers are disposed on the driven gear, and each of the multiple first triggers corresponds to one of the multiple milk inlets. The first sensor is disposed in correspondence with the first trigger.

[0015] Furthermore, one side of the driven gear has a recessed mounting groove, and the multiple first trigger elements are engaged in the multiple mounting grooves in a corresponding manner.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes a second sensor and a second trigger, the second trigger being fixed on the milk frother, the second sensor being electrically connected to the main control unit and disposed opposite to the second trigger.

[0017] Furthermore, the steam nozzle is integrally formed and includes a sealing body, the sealing body is located in the second channel, and the outer wall of the sealing body is sealed to the inner peripheral wall forming the second channel. A plurality of milk inlet holes are formed in the circumferential direction of the sealing body, and the driven gear is integrally formed on the outer periphery of the sealing body and exposed on the outside of the milk frother.

[0018] Furthermore, a protrusion is formed on the sealing body corresponding to the position of the milk inlet hole, and the protrusion abuts against the inner peripheral wall forming the second channel.

[0019] Furthermore, the milk frother has a plurality of positioning grooves recessed inward, and the plurality of positioning grooves are evenly spaced circumferentially distributed at the opening edge of the second channel. The steam nozzle is provided with a plurality of positioning blocks that correspond one-to-one with the plurality of positioning grooves.

[0020] Furthermore, the steam nozzle is made of hard plastic, while the part where the milk frother is attached to the steam nozzle is made of soft rubber.

[0021] Furthermore, the milk frother includes a milk frother body, a bottom cover, and at least one buffer outlet. The bottom cover is detachably connected to the bottom of the milk frother body, and the buffer outlet is correspondingly connected to a channel at the bottom of the bottom cover.

[0022] Furthermore, it also includes a coffee interface assembly, which includes a distributor and an inlet, an overflow port, and multiple distribution outlets integrally formed on the distributor. A buffer cavity is formed inside the distributor, and the inlet, overflow port, and distribution outlets are all connected to the buffer cavity.

[0023] Furthermore, it also includes a cap, a locking assembly, and a housing, with the milk frother disposed within the housing. The cap is detachably connected to the housing via the locking assembly and is used to cover the milk frother.

[0024] Furthermore, the locking assembly includes a locking seat, a pair of locking blocks, and an elastic element. The locking seat is fixed to the housing, the locking blocks are slidably disposed on the locking seat, and the elastic element abuts between the pair of locking blocks.

[0025] When the cover is in the closed position, a pair of locking blocks abut against both sides of the cover under the elastic force of the elastic element. At this time, the locking blocks are at least partially exposed on the outside of the cover.

[0026] Furthermore, the locking seat has a sliding groove for accommodating the locking block, the bottom wall of the sliding groove has an opening, and a limiting block protrudes from the side of the locking block facing the opening. The limiting block is L-shaped and passes through the opening to abut against the folded edge of the housing.

[0027] A beverage equipment, including the beverage outlet structure described above.

[0028] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this utility model are:

[0029] 1. By setting up a drive unit, the steam nozzle can be rotated automatically, which is more convenient and faster than the existing manual rotation method. In addition, by using the drive unit and steam nozzle together, precise control of the milk intake can be achieved.

[0030] 2. This utility model can automatically match the corresponding production parameters in the system to make hot milk foam or hot milk liquid according to the user's needs, which is convenient and quick to use and improves the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the waterway structure of the beverage outlet;

[0032] Figure 2a is a circuit control block diagram of a fully automatic milk frother control system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2b is a circuit control block diagram of the fully automatic milk frother control system in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a milk frother;

[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the drive unit;

[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the steam nozzle structure;

[0037] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage outlet structure;

[0038] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage outlet structure (II).

[0039] Figure 8 is an exploded view of a milk frother.

[0040] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the coffee interface component;

[0041] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the beverage outlet structure;

[0042] Figure 11 is a partial exploded view of the beverage outlet structure;

[0043] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the locking assembly;

[0044] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage outlet structure;

[0045] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the integrated structure of the temperature sensor and the milk shortage detection component.

[0046] The components include: 1. Milk frother; 10. First channel; 11. Second channel; 12. Positioning groove; 13. Milk frother body; 14. Bottom cover; 15. Buffer outlet; 2. Milk supply unit; 3. Air supply unit; 30. Air pump or air valve; 4. Steam nozzle; 40. Steam channel; 41. Milk inlet hole; 42. Sealing body; 420. Protrusion; 421. Groove; 43. Positioning block; 5. Steam supply unit; 50. Steam boiler; 51. Steam valve; 6. Drive unit; 60. Drive motor; 600. Output shaft; 61. Drive gear; 62. Driven gear; 620. First trigger element; 621. First sensor element; 622. Mounting groove; 623. Second sensor element; 624. 7. Second trigger element; 8. Temperature sensor; 9. Host computer; 10. Control system; 11. Main control unit; 12. Data storage unit; 23. Milk shortage detection component; 24. First detection electrode; 25. Second detection electrode; 26. Milk volume detection sensor; 27. Milk temperature detection sensor; 28. Milk foam detection sensor; 19. Coffee interface component; 10. Diverter; 111. Liquid inlet; 112. Overflow outlet; 113. Diverter outlet; 114. Illumination component; 120. Cap; 130. Locking component; 131. Locking seat; 132. Locking block; 133. Elastic component; 134. Sliding groove; 135. Opening; 136. Limiting block; 140. Housing; 141. Folded edge. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The following detailed, non-limiting description of the utility model's technical solution, in conjunction with preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings, is provided. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0048] As shown in Figure 1, a beverage outlet structure according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a milk frother 1, a milk supply unit 2, an air supply unit 3, a steam nozzle 4, a steam supply unit 5, a drive unit 6, a milk temperature acquisition unit, a host computer 8, and a control system 9. The milk frother 1 has a first channel 10 and a second channel 11 inside. The milk supply unit 2 is connected to the first channel 10 to supply milk, and the air supply unit 3 is connected to the first channel 10 to supply air. The steam nozzle 4 has multiple settings and is rotatably mounted on the milk frother 1. The steam nozzle 4 has a steam channel 40 that communicates with the second channel 11. The outer wall of the steam nozzle 4 is sealed against the inner circumferential wall that forms the second channel 11. The steam nozzle 4 has multiple milk inlet holes 41 of different cross-sectional sizes that are all connected to the steam channel 40 in the circumferential direction. The multiple milk inlet holes 41 correspond one-to-one with the multiple settings. The steam supply unit 5 is connected to the steam channel 40 to supply steam. The drive unit 6 is used to drive the steam nozzle 4 to rotate. When it is necessary to adjust the milk intake of the milk frother 1, the drive unit 6 drives the steam nozzle 4 to rotate to control the corresponding milk inlet hole 41 to communicate with the first channel 10. The milk temperature acquisition unit is used to acquire the initial temperature of the milk in the milk supply unit 2. The host computer 8 has a milk volume input window, a foaming milk temperature input window, and a foaming rate input window. The control system 9 includes a main control unit 90 and a data storage unit 91 that is communicatively connected to the main control unit 90. The main control unit 90 is also electrically connected to the air supply unit 3, the steam supply unit 5, the drive unit 6, the milk temperature acquisition unit, and the host computer 8. The data storage unit 91 stores multiple sets of parameters for making hot milk or hot milk foam. In use, the user first needs to input the milk volume value, the target temperature value of the milk foam / milk, and the foaming rate value on the host computer 8. After starting the process, the control system 9 receives these parameters and, based on the target parameters for making hot milk foam or hot milk set by the user on the host computer 8, automatically matches the corresponding processing parameters for making milk or milk foam in the data storage unit 91. Furthermore, it issues corresponding control commands through the main control unit 90 to achieve precise milk heating and milk foam making. The control commands mainly include controlling the speed of the steam nozzle 4 by controlling the drive unit 6 to control the milk flow rate, and adjusting the working status of the air supply unit 3 and the steam supply unit 5 to ensure that the milk is processed into ideal hot milk foam or hot milk liquid according to the preset temperature and foaming rate. This invention can automatically match the corresponding production parameters in the system to produce hot milk foam or hot milk liquid according to the user's needs, making it convenient and quick to use and improving the user experience.

[0049] In this embodiment, the milk supply unit 2 is a milk box used to store liquid milk such as cow's milk.

[0050] As shown in Figure 1, the air supply unit 3 is activated during milk foam preparation to provide air. In one embodiment of this invention, the air supply unit 3 includes an air pump or air valve 30 connected to the first channel 10, and the air pump or air valve 30 is electrically connected to the main control unit 90. If an air pump is selected, the air injection amount is determined by the air pump itself. Specifically, the air pump adjusts its duty cycle according to the instructions of the main control unit 90 to adjust the air injection amount. If an air valve is selected, the air injection amount is determined by the air valve. The air valve can be a high-frequency air valve. Specifically, the air valve adjusts its opening and closing time according to the signal sent by the main control unit 90 to achieve precise control of the air injection amount.

[0051] Steam supply unit 5 is activated during milk foam preparation to provide steam. Utilizing the Venturi effect, the steam creates a negative pressure inside the second channel 11 of the milk frother 1. Under this negative pressure, milk and air mix in the first channel 10 and enter the second channel 11, where they are fully mixed with the steam to generate milk foam. Specifically, referring to Figure 1, steam supply unit 5 includes a steam boiler 50 and a steam valve 51. The steam boiler 50 is connected to the second channel 11 of the milk frother 1. The steam valve 51 is located between the steam boiler 50 and the milk frother 1 to control the opening and closing of the pipeline between them. The main control unit 90 is electrically connected to the steam valve 51, and the main control unit 90 controls the steam output time by directly controlling the opening and closing of the steam valve 51.

[0052] The milk temperature acquisition unit is used to acquire the temperature in the milk tank. In this embodiment, the milk temperature acquisition unit is a temperature sensor 7, which is located between the milk supply unit 2 and the milk frother 1. The temperature sensor 7 is electrically connected to the main control unit 90 and is used to acquire the initial temperature of the milk in the milk supply unit 2. The initial temperature of the milk is a data point in the parameter set, and its temperature value can also be acquired by inputting it into the host computer 8. Specifically, the milk temperature acquisition unit is the initial milk temperature input window in the host computer 8. The user inputs the initial milk temperature through the initial milk temperature input window. Based on this, a temperature control device is needed to control the temperature of the milk, which undoubtedly increases the equipment cost. Therefore, in this application, it is preferable to acquire the initial milk temperature using the temperature sensor 7.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4, the drive unit 6 includes a drive motor 60 and a transmission assembly. The drive motor 60 drives the steam nozzle 4 to rotate through the transmission assembly. By setting the drive unit 6, the steam nozzle 4 can be rotated automatically, which is more convenient and faster than the existing manual plug-and-play adjustment method. In addition, by using the drive unit 6 and the steam nozzle 4 together, precise control of the milk intake can be achieved.

[0054] In this embodiment, referring to Figure 4, the transmission assembly includes a driving gear 61 and a driven gear 62. The drive motor 60 is electrically connected to the main control unit 90. The driving gear 61 is coaxially and fixedly connected to the output shaft 600 of the drive motor 60. The driving gear 61 and the driven gear 62 mesh with each other, and the driven gear 62 is integrally formed on the outer peripheral wall of the steam nozzle 4. Under the control of the main control unit 90, the drive motor 60 rotates at a set specific angle. The drive motor 60 drives the driving gear 61 to rotate, which in turn drives the driven gear 62 to rotate synchronously, thereby precisely controlling the rotation of the steam nozzle 4 to the target level. Since different levels correspond to milk inlet holes 41 with different cross-sectional sizes, precise control of the milk flow rate can be achieved.

[0055] Furthermore, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the driven gear 62 is equipped with multiple first trigger elements 620, each corresponding to a different milk inlet hole 41. The beverage outlet structure also includes a first sensor element 621 corresponding to each of the first trigger elements 620, which is electrically connected to the main control unit 90. The first trigger element 620 is a magnet, and the first sensor element 621 is a reed switch. Through the interaction between the first trigger element 620 and the first sensor element 621, the main control unit 90 can monitor the rotational position of the steam nozzle 4 in real time. Specifically, when the drive motor 60 drives the steam nozzle 4 to rotate via the transmission assembly, each first trigger element 620 on the driven gear 62 will be detected when it passes the first sensor element 621, thus sensing a change in gear position. The steam nozzle 4 is initially positioned at level 1 by default. When the drive motor 60 rotates forward or backward, the final level is determined based on the count of level changes and fed back to the control system 9. For example, if the first sensor 621 detects one level change, the current level is 2; two changes indicate level 3; and four changes return it to the initial level 1 after one cycle. The cross-sectional size of the milk inlet hole 41 varies for each level, gradually increasing or decreasing from level 1 to level 4.

[0056] Referring further to Figure 5, a plurality of mounting grooves 622 are recessed on one side of the driven gear 62, and a plurality of first trigger elements 620 are engaged in the plurality of mounting grooves 622 in a corresponding manner.

[0057] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the beverage outlet structure also includes a second sensor 623 and a second trigger 624. The second trigger 624 is fixed to the milk frother 1, and the second sensor 623 is electrically connected to the main control unit 90 and is positioned opposite to the second trigger 624. The second sensor 623 can be a reed switch, micro switch, Hall effect sensor, or potentiometer sensor, etc., and its purpose is to detect whether the milk frother 1 has been installed or is installed in place, and to provide feedback to the coffee machine control system. When the second sensor 623 detects the signal from the second trigger 624, the main control unit 90 confirms that the milk frother 1 has been installed in place, ensuring the stable operation of the milk frother 1.

[0058] In this embodiment, the steam nozzle 4 is made of hard plastic, while the part where the milk frother 1 and the steam nozzle 4 are joined is made of soft rubber. Furthermore, the steam nozzle 4 is detachably and sealed to the milk frother 1, ensuring ease of maintenance and cleaning. In addition, the design of the milk inlet hole 41 within the milk frother 40 allows for better automatic cleaning and disassembly for cleaning, effectively preventing bacteria caused by residual milk.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5, the steam nozzle 4 is integrally formed and includes a sealing body 42. The sealing body 42 is located inside the second channel 11, and the outer wall of the sealing body 42 is sealed to the inner peripheral wall forming the second channel 11. Multiple milk inlet holes 41 are formed in the circumferential direction of the sealing body 42. The driven gear 62 is integrally formed around the outer periphery of the sealing body 42 and exposed on the outside of the milk frother 1.

[0060] Furthermore, a protrusion 420 is formed on the sealing body 42 at the position corresponding to the milk inlet hole 41, and the protrusion 420 abuts against the inner peripheral wall forming the second channel 11. The protrusion 420 further enhances the sealing effect, ensuring the flow stability of milk and air when entering the second channel 11 through the milk inlet hole 41, and preventing leakage of milk or air between the sealing body 42 and the inner wall of the second channel 11, thereby affecting the adjustment accuracy of the gear.

[0061] A groove 421 is formed between adjacent protrusions 420. The groove 421 not only plays a role in relieving pressure and reducing stress concentration in the material, but also the design of the groove 421 can further reduce the contact area between the outer peripheral wall of the sealing body 42 and the inner peripheral wall of the second channel 11, thereby reducing the friction between the two.

[0062] Referring to Figure 8, the milk frother 1 has multiple positioning grooves 12 recessed within it. These grooves 12 are evenly spaced circumferentially distributed at the opening edge of the second channel 11. Further referring to Figure 5, the steam nozzle 4 has multiple positioning blocks 43 protruding from it, each corresponding to one of the positioning grooves 12. The cooperation between the positioning blocks 43 and the positioning grooves 12 ensures the stability and positioning accuracy of the steam nozzle 4 when switching between different speed settings. Simultaneously, the current changes as the drive motor 60 rotates the steam nozzle 4, passing through each speed setting, which can also serve as a basis for detecting these changes.

[0063] As shown in Figure 8, the milk frother 1 includes a milk frother body 13, a bottom cover 14 and at least one buffer outlet 15. The bottom cover 14 is detachably connected to the bottom of the milk frother body 13, and the buffer outlet 15 is correspondingly connected to the channel at the bottom of the bottom cover 14.

[0064] As shown in Figure 9, a coffee inlet assembly 100 is also provided at the rear of the milk frother 1. The coffee inlet assembly 100 includes a distributor 110 and an inlet 111, an overflow port 112, and multiple outlets 113 integrally formed on the distributor 110. A buffer chamber is formed inside the distributor 110, and the inlet 111, overflow port 112, and outlets 113 are all connected to the buffer chamber. The buffer chamber can buffer and divert the incoming coffee, preventing coffee from splashing directly out of the outlets 113. This design ensures the stability and uniformity of the flow rate during coffee making. The overflow port 112 mainly functions to vent air and ensure that coffee flows out of the outlets 113, preventing the coffee from generating bubbles in the buffer chamber and ensuring the quality of the coffee.

[0065] The coffee interface assembly 100 is equipped with lighting elements 114 on both sides. The lighting elements 114 can be sensor lights or automatically illuminate when the beverage device is started, providing convenience for users to operate at night or in low-light environments.

[0066] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the beverage outlet structure also includes a cap 120, a locking assembly 130, and a housing 140. The milk frother 1 is housed within the housing 140. The cap 120 is detachably connected to the housing 140 via the locking assembly 130 and is used to cover the milk frother 1. The design of the cap 120 not only protects the internal components but also facilitates cleaning and maintenance. The locking assembly 130 ensures a secure connection of the cap 120, preventing accidental opening.

[0067] Specifically, referring to Figures 12 and 13, the locking assembly 130 includes a locking seat 131, a pair of locking blocks 132, and an elastic element 133. The locking seat 131 is fixed to the housing 140, the locking blocks 132 are slidably disposed on the locking seat 131, and the elastic element 133 abuts against the pair of locking blocks 132. When the cover 120 is in the closed position, the pair of locking blocks 132 abut against both sides of the cover 120 under the elastic force of the elastic element 133. At this time, the locking blocks 132 are at least partially exposed on the outside of the cover 120. When the milk frother 1 needs to be cleaned, the user needs to press the exposed locking blocks 132 to remove the cover 120, and then further disassemble the milk frother 1. Disassembly is convenient and quick.

[0068] The locking base 131 has a sliding groove 134 for accommodating the locking block 132. The bottom wall of the sliding groove 134 has an opening 135. A limiting block 136 protrudes from the side of the locking block 132 facing the opening 135. The limiting block 136 is L-shaped and passes through the opening 135 to abut against the folded edge 141 of the housing 140. This prevents the locking block 132 from exceeding the predetermined range of the sliding groove 134 during sliding.

[0069] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 14, the beverage outlet structure also includes a milk shortage detection component 20. This component 20 includes a first detection electrode 200 and a second detection electrode 201 electrically connected to the main control unit 90. The detection heads of both the first and second detection electrodes 200 and 201 are located within the pipeline between the milk supply unit 2 and the milk frother 1. When the milk flows normally through the first and second detection electrodes 200 and 201, an effective detection loop is formed between them because the detection heads are both in the milk. Conversely, when a milk shortage occurs, an effective detection loop cannot be formed between the first and second detection electrodes 200 and 201. The main control unit 90 receives the milk shortage signal and immediately feeds it back to the host computer 8 or an alarm to remind the user to add milk in time. Simultaneously, the milk frothing process is interrupted to prevent damage to the machine. Referring to Figure 14, in this embodiment, the first detection electrode 200, the second detection electrode 201, and the temperature sensor 7 are integrated into one unit. The integrated design facilitates maintenance, installation, and replacement.

[0070] This application utilizes steam to froth milk. To obtain the target milk temperature, foaming rate, and milk volume of hot milk foam, multiple parameters need to be adjusted and controlled. The foaming rate is affected by factors such as the amount of air injected, steam flow rate, steam temperature, steaming time, initial milk temperature, and milk inlet flow rate, as well as the milk's fat and protein content. In reality, this is quite complex and difficult to represent with formulas considering multiple variables. However, this invention uses multiple different levels of milk inlet holes 41 to determine a quantifiable milk flow rate, while controlling the steam flow rate and steam temperature as constants, setting only the steaming time as a variable. This simplifies the control of hot milk / hot milk foam production parameters, and a set of milk production parameters is formed by first collecting a large amount of test data and user data. In this embodiment, the parameter set stored in the data storage unit 91 includes multiple independent variable data sets and multiple dependent variable data sets, with one dependent variable data set corresponding to at least one independent variable data set. It is understood that the independent variable data set consists of parameters set by the user or parameters that exist objectively through detection, while the dependent variable data set consists of production parameters based on the independent variable data set, meeting the specific conditions for making hot milk liquid or hot milk foam. In this embodiment, the independent variable data set specifically includes milk volume value, target temperature value of milk foam / milk liquid, foaming rate value, and initial temperature of milk liquid, while the dependent variable data set includes air injection volume, steam output time, and milk flow rate. See Tables 1 and 2 below for details, where Table 1 is the parameter set for hot milk foam and Table 2 is the parameter set for hot milk liquid. It is understood that the tables only show a portion of the parameter sets composed of the independent and dependent variable data sets. The actual number of parameter sets stored in the data storage unit 91 is not limited to the four items shown in the tables. Furthermore, the parameter sets stored in the data storage unit 91 can be updated and corrected based on the customer's daily usage data records.

[0071] Table 1. Parameter set for hot milk foam

[0072]

[0073] The data in each row of Table 1 represents a fixed set of parameters. After the user sets the preset target parameters on the user interface, the control system 9 issues corresponding automatic control commands based on the preset target parameters and the initial temperature of the milk. These automatic control commands include the selection of the steam nozzle 4's setting, the valve start / stop parameters or the pump's duty cycle, and the steam output time. Note that in this application, only one of the pump and valve is used; therefore, only one of the valve start / stop parameters and pump duty cycle shown in Table 1 needs to be selected. Furthermore, note that the fat content and protein content of the milk will also affect the target parameters; therefore, these parameters are best applied to the same milk source.

[0074] Table 2 Parameter Set for Hot Milk

[0075]

[0076] Table 2 shows the parameter set for hot milk. As shown in Table 2, unlike hot milk foam making, the hot milk making process does not require air introduction. Therefore, it is not necessary to input the foaming rate parameter into the host computer 8, and the air valve or air pump remains closed throughout the preparation process. It should also be noted that the fat content and protein content of the milk will affect the target parameters; therefore, the above parameters are best applied to the same milk source.

[0077] Based on the different fat and protein contents of different milk sources, milk type can also be used as a preset parameter. Milk types include high-fat milk, skim milk, etc. Specifically, the host computer 8 also has a milk type selection window, which is selected by the user on the host computer 8 interface, such as skim milk, high-calcium milk, high-protein milk, etc.

[0078] Referring to Figure 2b, preferably, in another embodiment of this application, a milk volume detection sensor 21, a milk temperature detection sensor 22, and a milk foam detection sensor 23 are also provided, electrically connected to the main control unit 90. The milk volume detection sensor 21 is used to detect the amount of milk foam / milk liquid output in real time; the milk temperature detection sensor 22 is used to detect the temperature of the output milk foam / milk liquid in real time; and the milk foam detection sensor 23 is used to detect the foaming rate of the milk foam. The detected amount, temperature, and measured foaming rate of the output milk foam / milk liquid are fed back to the control system 9. The control system 9 provides correction and updates to the corresponding milk preparation parameters in the data storage unit 91 based on the feedback data. Furthermore, the control system 9 can record and maintain the user's parameter configurations each time, record the user's historical data, and store the user's confirmed measured data as data records in the data storage unit 91.

[0079] The control methods corresponding to the beverage export structure include the following steps:

[0080] S1: Obtain the type of milk beverage to be prepared;

[0081] S2: Determine the type of milk beverage obtained. If the obtained milk beverage type is milk foam, execute steps S3-S5; if the obtained milk beverage type is hot milk liquid, execute steps S6-S8.

[0082] S3: Obtain the milk volume, target temperature, foaming rate, and initial temperature of the milk in the milk foam to be prepared;

[0083] S4: The main control unit 90 analyzes and evaluates the acquired milk volume value, milk foam target temperature value, foaming rate value and milk initial temperature, and calls the corresponding parameter set in the data storage unit 91. The main control unit 90 issues the corresponding control command according to the called parameter set.

[0084] S5: Air supply unit 3, steam supply unit 5 and drive unit 6 control the air injection volume, steam output time and milk flow rate respectively according to the control instructions of main control unit 90;

[0085] S6: Obtain the milk volume, target temperature, and initial temperature of the milk in the milk foam to be prepared;

[0086] S7: The main control unit 90 analyzes and evaluates the acquired milk volume value, milk target temperature value and milk initial temperature, and calls the corresponding parameter set in the data storage unit 91. The main control unit 90 issues the corresponding control command according to the called parameter set.

[0087] S8: The steam supply unit 5 and the drive unit 6 control the steam output time and milk flow rate respectively according to the control instructions of the main control unit 90.

[0088] In this embodiment, the user inputs the required parameters for preparing milk foam on the host computer 8, namely the milk volume value, the target temperature value of milk foam / milk liquid, and the foaming rate value, while the initial temperature of the milk liquid is obtained by temperature sensor 7.

[0089] In addition, the control commands mainly include controlling the drive unit 6 to control the setting of the steam nozzle 4 to control the milk flow rate, and adjusting the start / stop status of the air supply unit 3 and the steam supply unit 5.

[0090] To further understand the technical solution of this application, the following will provide a further explanation in conjunction with specific implementations.

[0091] When making hot milk foam, the user sets the milk volume to 100ml, the milk foam temperature to 60℃, and the foaming rate to 30% on the host computer 8. Then, the user clicks "Make". First, steam is input into the steam boiler, which creates a negative pressure in the milk frother 1, causing the milk to be sucked from the milk tube connector of the milk frother into the first channel 10. The sucked milk is sensed by the temperature sensor 7, which obtains the initial temperature value of the milk as 15℃ and feeds the milk temperature value back to the control system 9. The control system 9 includes a data storage unit 91, which has a database of preset milk foam or hot milk production parameters. The control system 9 automatically matches the processing parameters for milk foam making in the database, and then issues control commands through the main control unit 90. These commands include: first, the main control unit 90 controls the drive motor 60 to start, causing the output shaft 600 of the drive motor 60 to rotate and sequentially drive the active gear 61 and the driven gear 62, thereby controlling the steam nozzle 4 to rotate to the second position; second, the main control unit 90 controls the duty cycle of the air pump to 35, or controls the air valve to start 5mm and close 23mm within a start-stop cycle; third, the main control unit 90 controls the steam valve 51 to open for 22 seconds. These production parameters are automatically called by the system after matching, requiring no manual adjustment. With the coordinated work of each unit, the milk rapidly foams under precise temperature control, forming a fine and uniform hot milk foam. The entire process is efficient and stable, ensuring consistency and high quality in every batch.

[0092] Furthermore, this application also provides a beverage device, including the aforementioned beverage outlet structure. In one specific embodiment, the beverage device is a coffee machine with a milk-making function, allowing users to easily make milk coffee and milk foam, providing convenience and a good user experience.

[0093] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A beverage outlet structure, characterized in that, include: Milk frother (1), the milk frother (1) has a first channel (10) and a second channel (11) inside; steam nozzle (4), the steam nozzle (4) is rotatably disposed on the milk frother (1), and the outer wall of the steam nozzle (4) is sealed against the inner peripheral wall forming the second channel (11); the steam nozzle (4) has a steam channel (40) communicating with the second channel (11) inside, and the steam nozzle (4) has a plurality of milk inlet holes (41) of different cross-sectional sizes distributed in the circumferential direction, all of which are communicating with the steam channel (40); drive unit (6), the drive unit (6) is used to drive the steam nozzle (4) to rotate; when it is necessary to adjust the milk intake of the milk frother (1), the drive unit (6) drives the steam nozzle (4) to rotate to control the corresponding milk inlet hole (41) to communicate with the first channel (10).

2. The beverage outlet structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive unit (6) includes a drive motor (60) and a transmission assembly. The drive motor (60) drives the steam nozzle (4) to rotate through the transmission assembly.

3. The beverage outlet structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmission assembly includes a drive gear (61) and a driven gear (62). The drive gear (61) is coaxially and fixedly connected to the output shaft (600) of the drive motor (60). The driven gear (62) is fixed on the steam nozzle (4) and meshes with the drive gear (61). The driven gear (62) is integrally formed on the outer peripheral wall of the steam nozzle (4).

4. The beverage outlet structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a main control unit (90), a first sensor (621) and a plurality of first triggers (620). The main control unit (90) is electrically connected to both the first sensor (621) and the drive motor (60). The plurality of first triggers (620) are disposed on the driven gear (62), and the plurality of first triggers (620) correspond one-to-one with the plurality of milk inlets (41). The first sensor (621) is disposed correspondingly to the first triggers (620). A plurality of mounting grooves (622) are recessed on one side of the driven gear (62), and the plurality of first triggers (620) are snapped into the plurality of mounting grooves (622) one-to-one.

5. The beverage outlet structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a second sensor (623) and a second trigger (624), the second trigger (624) being fixed on the milk frother (1), the second sensor (623) being electrically connected to the main control unit (90) and being disposed opposite to the second trigger (624).

6. The beverage outlet structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The steam nozzle (4) is integrally formed and includes a sealing body (42). The sealing body (42) is located inside the second channel (11), and the outer wall of the sealing body (42) is sealed to the inner peripheral wall forming the second channel (11). A plurality of milk inlet holes (41) are formed in the circumferential direction of the sealing body (42). The driven gear (62) is integrally formed on the sealing body (42) and exposed on the outside of the milk frother (1).

7. The beverage outlet structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sealing body (42) has a protrusion (420) at the position corresponding to the milk inlet hole (41), and the protrusion (420) seals against the inner peripheral wall forming the second channel (11).

8. The beverage outlet structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The milk frother (1) has a plurality of positioning grooves (12) formed in the inner recess. The plurality of positioning grooves (12) are evenly spaced and circumferentially distributed at the opening edge of the second channel (11). The steam nozzle (4) is provided with a plurality of positioning blocks (43) that correspond one-to-one with the plurality of positioning grooves (12).

9. The beverage outlet structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The milk frother (1) includes a milk frother body (13), a bottom cover (14) and at least one buffer outlet (15). The bottom cover (14) is detachably connected to the bottom of the milk frother body (13), and the buffer outlet (15) is correspondingly connected to the channel at the bottom of the bottom cover (14).

10. The beverage outlet structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a coffee interface assembly (100), which includes a distributor (110) and an inlet (111), an overflow (112) and a plurality of diversion outlets (113) integrally formed on the distributor (110). A buffer cavity is formed inside the distributor (110), and the inlet (111), the overflow (112) and the diversion outlets (113) are all connected to the buffer cavity.

11. A beverage equipment, characterized in that, Includes the beverage outlet structure as described in any one of claims 1-10.

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