Locking device for an external milk frothing jug and a main machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a locking device of external milk frothing tank and host computer relates to the technical field of beverage making equipment, solves the traditional device for buckle position, fastening sealing washer etc.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of beverage making equipment, and in particular to a locking device between an external milk frothing tank and the main unit. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing popularity of coffee machines in both commercial and home markets, their safety performance has become a growing concern. Current technology typically employs simple plug-in or threaded connection structures for milk frother components, which suffers from the following technical drawbacks:

[0003] Safety Hazard: Under high-pressure steam conditions (0.9-1.2 Bar), traditional connection methods are prone to component detachment due to vibration or accidental contact, which may cause high-temperature steam jet accidents (according to the EU appliance safety standard EN60335-2-15, this type of risk needs to be taken into account).

[0004] Structural limitations: Most mainstream milk frothers on the market (refer to Delonghi ECAM series and Philips EP series) use magnetic or snap-on designs, which generally have insufficient holding force (tests show <5N), making it difficult to meet the durability requirements for frequent disassembly and cleaning.

[0005] User experience pain points: Consumer surveys show that 32% of users reported potential installation problems with existing milk frothers (data from the 2024 China Small Household Appliance Safety White Paper), necessitating the design of an additional locking and confirmation mechanism.

[0006] Although Japanese Patent JP2006-268499 proposed a rotary locking solution, its complex multi-step operation process significantly reduced the ease of use of the equipment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new locking mechanism that combines safety, convenience, and economy. Utility Model Content

[0007] In view of the problems mentioned above with traditional devices such as fasteners and sealing rings, such as poor locking structure stability, easy loosening during foaming process, and cumbersome disassembly and installation, which are not conducive to cleaning and maintenance, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a locking device between an external milk foaming tank and the main unit.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0009] A locking device for an external milk frothing tank and a main unit includes: a front panel 1 of the main unit, a milk frothing tank 2, and a mechanical locking structure 3. The milk frothing tank 2 is provided with a rotatable locking shaft 21, and the mechanical locking structure 3 is provided with an annular locking ring 32. The annular locking ring 32 is sleeved on the locking shaft 21, and the milk frothing tank 2 and the mechanical locking structure 3 can be quickly assembled and disassembled by rotating the annular locking ring 32. The front panel 1 of the main unit is provided with an annular steam port 11, and the front panel 1 of the main unit is sleeved on the annular locking ring 32, and the front panel 1 of the main unit and the mechanical locking structure 3 can be quickly assembled and disassembled by rotating the annular locking ring 32.

[0010] The aforementioned locking device between the external milk frothing tank and the main unit includes an annular limiting protrusion 26 and at least one annular limiting groove 27 on the locking shaft 21. The milk frothing tank 2 also includes a gasket 22, with one gasket 22 installed on each annular limiting groove 27. The multiple gaskets 22 are used to achieve a seal between the locking shaft 21 and the steam connector of the main unit. The steam connector is located inside the annular steam interface 11, and the annular limiting protrusion 26 is used to limit the steam connector.

[0011] The aforementioned locking device between the external milk frothing tank and the main unit includes a slot 12 on the side wall of the annular steam interface 11, a limiting block 13 on one side of the slot 12, and a wedge-shaped limiting groove 14 on the other side of the slot 12.

[0012] The aforementioned locking device between the external milk frothing tank and the main unit includes a mechanical locking structure further comprising: a locking tongue 33, the top of the annular locking ring 32 being connected to the locking tongue 33, the locking tongue 33 being located at the front end of the annular locking ring 32 and matching the slot 12.

[0013] The aforementioned locking device between the external milk frothing tank and the main unit includes a wedge-shaped protrusion on the rear end face of the locking tongue 33 that matches the wedge-shaped limiting groove 14.

[0014] The aforementioned locking device between the external milk frothing tank and the main unit includes a mechanical locking structure 3 further comprising: a wrench 31, with the bottom of the annular locking ring 32 connected to the wrench 31, and the wrench 31 located at the rear end of the annular locking ring 32.

[0015] The aforementioned locking device between the external milk frothing tank and the main unit includes a milk frothing tank 2, which further includes a frothing device 23 and a milk tank 24. The frothing device 23 is provided with a snap-fit ​​mechanism 25. The frothing device 23 covers the milk tank 24 and is engaged with the milk tank 24 through the snap-fit ​​mechanism 25. The locking shaft 21 is rotatably installed inside the frothing device 23 and communicates with the milk tank 24. The frothing device 23 is provided with a knob for adjusting the flow rate. The milk tank 24 is made of transparent material and has scale lines on its side wall.

[0016] The aforementioned locking device between the external milk frother and the main unit includes a positioning protrusion 28 on the side wall of the locking shaft 21 and a positioning groove 35 on the rear end face of the annular locking ring 32. The positioning protrusion 28 and the positioning groove 35 are matched. When the positioning protrusion 28 is located in the positioning groove 35, the positioning protrusion 28 presses the annular limiting protrusion 26 against the steam connector end of the main unit, thereby achieving a seal between the milk frother 2 and the main unit.

[0017] The aforementioned locking device between the external milk frother and the main unit includes a mechanical locking structure 3 made of elastic material. A positioning locking hole 34 is provided in the middle of the annular locking ring 32. The inner diameter of the positioning locking hole 34 is smaller than the outer diameter of the annular limiting protrusion 26. Multiple insertion grooves 36 are provided along the edge of the positioning locking hole 34. By providing multiple insertion grooves 36, the annular limiting protrusion 26 can pass through the annular locking ring 32.

[0018] The aforementioned locking device between the external milk frothing tank and the main unit includes a milk frothing tank 2 further comprising a milk frothing outlet pipe and a silicone sleeve. The milk frothing outlet pipe is inserted into the milk frothing outlet of the frothing device 23, and the silicone sleeve is fitted onto the milk frothing outlet pipe. The silicone sleeve slides along the milk frothing outlet pipe.

[0019] The advantages of this utility model compared to the prior art, due to the adoption of the above-mentioned technology, are as follows:

[0020] (1) This utility model can ensure that the components of the device are tightly connected under the conditions of internal pressure change and mechanical vibration, and prevent poor foaming effect and personnel burns caused by steam spray due to loosening.

[0021] (2) This utility model adopts a connection method that facilitates quick assembly and disassembly, while optimizing the internal structure to reduce cleaning dead corners, enabling operators to easily perform deep cleaning of the device, reducing the risk of bacterial growth, ensuring food safety, and improving the practicality and hygiene standards of the equipment. The milk foam outlet tube, through the dual design of the milk foam device and the milk foam outlet silicone sleeve, meets a certain amount of rotation and stretching, and can meet the needs of different sized containers to simultaneously collect coffee liquid and milk foam. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the locking device between an external milk frothing tank and the main unit according to this utility model.

[0023] Figure 2 This is an assembly diagram of the locking device between an external milk frothing tank and the main unit according to this utility model.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The front view.

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A sectional view.

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a front view of a milk frothing tank, which is a locking device between an external milk frothing tank and the main unit according to this utility model.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a rear view of a milk frothing tank, which is a locking device between an external milk frothing tank and the main unit according to this utility model.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a left-side view of a milk frothing tank, which is a locking device between an external milk frothing tank and the main unit according to this utility model.

[0031] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of the locking shaft position.

[0032] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The right-hand view of the locking axis.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a front view of the mechanical locking structure of the locking device between the external milk frothing tank and the main unit according to this utility model.

[0034] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A left-hand cross-section view along the central section line.

[0035] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A top-down cross-section view along the central section line.

[0036] Figure 15 yes Figure 12 A right-side cross-section view along the central section line.

[0037] Figure 16 yes Figure 12 A top-view cross-section at the midline.

[0038] Figure 17 yes Figure 12 Rear view of the mechanical locking structure.

[0039] Figure 18 yes Figure 12 A top view of the mechanical locking structure.

[0040] Figure 19 This is an embodiment diagram of a locking device between an external milk frothing tank and the main unit according to this utility model.

[0041] Figure 20 This is an embodiment diagram of the silicone sleeve of the locking device between the external milk frothing tank and the main unit of this utility model, which slides along the milk frothing outlet pipe.

[0042] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing structure of the milk foam outlet pipe and the milk foam outlet of the foaming device of an external milk foaming tank and a main unit, according to this utility model.

[0043] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the guide groove between the silicone sleeve and the milk foam outlet pipe of the locking device of the external milk foaming tank and the main unit of this utility model.

[0044] In the attached diagram: 1. Front panel of the main unit; 2. Milk frothing tank; 3. Mechanical locking structure; 11. Annular steam interface; 12. Slot; 13. Limiting block; 14. Wedge-shaped limiting groove; 21. Locking shaft; 22. Washer; 23. Foaming device; 24. Milk tank; 25. Concealed fastening mechanism; 26. Annular limiting protrusion; 27. Annular limiting groove; 28. Positioning protrusion; 31. Wrench; 32. Annular locking ring; 33. Locking tongue; 34. Positioning lock hole; 35. Positioning groove; 36. Insertion groove. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 1 As shown, a locking device for an external milk frothing tank and a main unit is illustrated. The device includes: a front panel 1 of the main unit, a milk frothing tank 2, and a mechanical locking structure 3. The milk frothing tank 2 is provided with a rotatable locking shaft 21, and the mechanical locking structure 3 is provided with an annular locking ring 32. The annular locking ring 32 is sleeved on the locking shaft 21, and the milk frothing tank 2 and the mechanical locking structure 3 can be quickly assembled and disassembled by rotating the annular locking ring 32. The front panel 1 of the main unit is provided with an annular steam inlet 11, and the front panel 1 of the main unit is sleeved on the annular locking ring 32, and the front panel 1 of the main unit and the mechanical locking structure 3 can be quickly assembled and disassembled by rotating the annular locking ring 32.

[0047] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the implementation methods and protection scope of the present invention.

[0048] Based on the above, this utility model also has the following embodiments:

[0049] In a further embodiment of this utility model, the foaming device 23, together with the milk tank 24, is inserted into the steam connector of the main unit via a mechanical locking structure 3, and locked to the front panel 1 of the main unit by a left-hand locking tongue 33. During the foaming process, the foaming device 23 and the milk tank 24 will not loosen or spray out due to internal pressure changes or mechanical vibration. Furthermore, the design of each component employs various practical technical solutions, mainly through snap-fit, guide groove limiting, and plug-in connections, facilitating the disassembly, cleaning, and maintenance of the milk foaming tank.

[0050] In a further embodiment of this utility model, a left-hand rotating locking tongue mechanical locking structure 3 is adopted. Abandoning traditional fastening methods such as snap-fits and rubber rings that rely solely on friction or simple interlocking, the locking tongue 33 has a stepped structure, with one end hinged to the foaming device 23 and the steam connector via a pivot, ensuring that the locking tongue 33 rotates flexibly and is not easily deformed. The free end of the locking tongue 33 is designed as a wedge-shaped protrusion, which closely matches the shape of the annular groove 12 on the inner side of the annular steam interface 11 on the front panel 1 of the main unit, forming a tight "mortise and tenon" fit. When the locking tongue 33 rotates clockwise and inserts into the groove 12, the wedge-shaped protrusion tightly engages with the inner wall of the groove 12, effectively dispersing the steam pressure generated inside the device during the foaming process and the impact force caused by mechanical vibration. Compared with traditional snap-fit ​​structures, this design greatly enhances the stability of the connection, avoiding fluctuations in foaming effect and the risk of milk leakage due to loosening.

[0051] In a further embodiment of this utility model, the locking device composed of the mechanical locking structure 3 and the front panel 1 of the main unit is designed with a structure that is easy for users to operate. Through simple selection, users can easily open and close the lock. Moreover, the locking device has good compatibility and versatility, and can be adapted to different models and specifications of coffee machines to be used for frothing milk.

[0052] In a further embodiment of this utility model, the foaming device 23, together with the milk container 24, can be pulled vertically outward from the front panel 1 of the main unit by rotating the locking tongue 33 clockwise. The foaming device 23 can also be removed entirely from the transparent milk container 24 and rinsed under a tap. The foaming device 23 can be quickly and easily fixed to the transparent milk container 24 by two built-in snap-fit ​​mechanisms 25, i.e., elastic snap-fit ​​structures, to prevent the milk container 24 from falling off during user handling.

[0053] In a further embodiment of this utility model, the milk foam outlet of the foaming device utilizes a guide groove limiting and plug-in connection technology. A vertical limiting guide groove is provided at the position of the milk foam outlet tube, and one end of the milk foam outlet silicone sleeve is adapted to the guide groove. When the foaming device 23 is working, the outlet silicone sleeve slides up and down within the guide groove, ensuring that the outlet silicone sleeve always moves in the vertical direction and will not shift or fall off. The milk foam outlet tube and the milk foam outlet of the foaming device 23 are connected by a plug-in connection. One end of the milk foam outlet tube is designed with a sealing ring. After being inserted into the interface at the milk foam outlet, the sealing ring fits tightly with the interface, providing a good seal and preventing milk leakage. Through the dual design of the milk foam outlet tube, the foaming device 23, and the milk foam outlet silicone sleeve, a certain amount of rotation and stretching is achieved, which can meet the needs of different sized containers to simultaneously receive coffee liquid and milk foam. During cleaning, simply pull out the milk foam outlet tube with gentle force to thoroughly clean the inner and outer walls of the outlet tube and the interface of the foaming device 23. The milk frothing outlet tube and the milk frothing outlet silicone sleeve are connected by a guide groove. Due to the silicone material, the milk frothing outlet silicone sleeve can be directly pulled out of the guide groove for separate cleaning of the milk frothing outlet tube and silicone sleeve, thoroughly removing any attached milk residue. The guide groove is typically designed to be open, facilitating comprehensive cleaning of the inside during the cleaning process and preventing milk residue residue. Through the above-mentioned fastening, guide groove limiting, and plug-in connection technology, the components of the milk frothing tank 2, while ensuring normal function, greatly facilitate cleaning and maintenance, keeping the milk frothing tank 2 clean and hygienic at all times, and ensuring the production of high-quality milk froth.

[0054] In a further embodiment of this utility model, the mechanical locking structure 3 adopts a unique left-hand rotating locking tongue structure, and the locking tongue 33 is protected in a Q-shaped stepped shape, such as... Figure 18 As shown, one end is hinged to the steam connector between the foaming device 23 and the main unit via a locking shaft 21. The free end is a wedge-shaped protrusion, forming a "mortise and tenon" fit with the inner annular groove 12 of the annular steam interface 11 on the front panel 1 of the main unit. Locking is achieved by rotating the locking tongue 33 clockwise. This structure differs from traditional locking structures such as snap fasteners and rubber rings, effectively improving locking stability.

[0055] In a further embodiment of this utility model, an integrated structure that is easy to disassemble is adopted, which protects the foaming device 23 and the milk container 24 from being pulled vertically outward from the front panel 1 of the main unit by turning the locking tongue 33 to the right. The foaming device 23 is fixed to the transparent milk container 24 by two built-in hidden buckle mechanisms 25 and can be removed as a whole for cleaning, highlighting the characteristics of the device being easy to disassemble and clean.

[0056] In a further embodiment of this utility model, a combination of mechanical locking and disassembly / cleaning is adopted to protect the overall technical solution that combines the left-hand locking tongue mechanical locking structure 3 with the convenient disassembly / cleaning structure. This emphasizes the synergistic effect of the combination in achieving stable locking and convenient cleaning and maintenance, and protects this innovative combination of function and structure.

[0057] In a further embodiment of this utility model, a guide groove limiting structure is adopted. By setting a guide groove on the milk foam outlet tube and cooperating with the milk foam outlet silicone sleeve, the movement direction of the component is restricted, ensuring its stable and efficient operation, while facilitating disassembly during cleaning.

[0058] In a further embodiment of this utility model, a plug-in connection structure is adopted, in which the milk foam outlet tube and the foaming device 23 are connected by a plug-in connection, and with the help of sealing rings, grooves and other structures, quick disassembly and assembly, good sealing and convenient cleaning are achieved.

[0059] In a further embodiment of this utility model, Embodiment 1: Installation and Locking: Connect the milk container 24 containing milk to the foaming device 23. Place the mechanical locking structure 3 onto the locking shaft 21 of the foaming device 23. Then, align the foaming device 23 along with the milk container 24 to the annular steam inlet 21 on the front panel 1 of the main unit and slowly insert it along the guide groove 12. During insertion, the locking tongue 33 on the outer side of the foaming device 23 cooperates with the inner groove 12 on the front panel 1 of the main unit to ensure that the foaming device 23 is accurately inserted into place. At this time, the locking tongue 33 and the annular groove 12 are initially aligned.

[0060] In a further embodiment of this invention, rotating the wrench 31, which is mounted counterclockwise on the outside of the foaming device 23, drives the annular locking ring 32 to perform circular motion under the constraint of the annular steam inlet 11. When the locking tongue rotates 90°, the wedge-shaped protrusion at the free end of the locking tongue 33 is fully embedded in the annular groove 12 inside the annular steam inlet 11 of the main unit's front panel 1, thus achieving a secure lock between the foaming device 23, the milk tank 24, and the main unit. At this time, the locking status can be confirmed by observing whether the marked arrow on the wrench 31 is nearly perpendicular to the vertical surface of the milk tank 24.

[0061] In a further embodiment of this utility model, Embodiment Two: Foaming Operation: After completing the locking operation, the steam supply system of the main equipment is activated. Steam enters the steam mixing chamber inside the foaming device 23 through the steam connector, and mixes thoroughly with the milk in the milk tank 24 to perform the foaming operation. During the foaming process, the mechanical locking structure 3, in conjunction with the concealed fastener mechanism 25, effectively resists changes in steam pressure and mechanical vibration inside the milk tank 24, ensuring the stable operation of the foaming device 23 and preventing loosening or milk spraying.

[0062] In a further embodiment of this utility model, Embodiment 3: Unlocking and Disassembly: After the foaming process is completed, rotate the wrench 31 clockwise to drive the annular locking ring 32 to rotate the right-hand locking tongue 33 clockwise simultaneously. The locking tongue 33 gradually exits from the wedge-shaped limiting groove 14. When it rotates to 0°, the locking tongue 33 is located in the slot 12, achieving complete unlocking. At this time, the foaming device 23, together with the milk tank 24, can be pulled vertically outwards and separated from the front panel 1 of the main unit.

[0063] In a further embodiment of this utility model, if the foaming device 23 needs to be cleaned separately, the release button of the snap fastener 25 on the left side of the foaming device 23 can be pressed to retract the snap fastener 25, and then the foaming device 23 can be removed from the transparent milk container 24. The milk foam outlet tube is connected to the foaming device 23 by a plug-in connection, and the milk foam outlet tube and the milk foam outlet silicone sleeve are connected by a guide groove, both of which can be quickly disassembled and assembled.

[0064] In a further embodiment of this utility model, Example 4: Cleaning and Maintenance: Place the disassembled foaming device 23, milk tank 24, and foamer module under a tap and rinse them with clean water to remove milk stains adhering to the surface. For stubborn stains, a soft-bristled brush can be used with food-grade detergent for scrubbing. After scrubbing, rinse thoroughly with clean water.

[0065] In a further embodiment of this utility model, the wear of components such as the locking tongue 33 and the concealed latch mechanism 25 is checked regularly. If the components are found to be severely worn or damaged, they are replaced in time to ensure the normal use and locking performance of the device.

[0066] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the implementation methods and protection scope of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art should realize that any equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made based on the description and illustrations of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A locking device between an external milk frothing tank and a main unit, characterized in that, include: The main unit has a front panel (1), a milk frothing tank (2), and a mechanical locking structure (3). The milk frothing tank (2) is provided with a rotatable locking shaft (21), and the mechanical locking structure (3) is provided with an annular locking ring (32). The annular locking ring (32) is sleeved on the locking shaft (21), and the milk frothing tank (2) and the mechanical locking structure (3) can be quickly disassembled and assembled by rotating the annular locking ring (32). The main unit has a front panel (1) provided with an annular steam port (11). The main unit has a front panel (1) sleeved on the annular locking ring (32), and the main unit has a front panel (1) and the mechanical locking structure (3) can be quickly disassembled and assembled by rotating the annular locking ring (32).

2. The locking device between the external milk frothing tank and the main unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking shaft (21) is provided with an annular limiting protrusion (26) and at least one annular limiting groove (27). The milk foaming tank (2) also includes: a washer (22). A washer (22) is installed on each annular limiting groove (27). Multiple washers (22) are used to achieve a seal between the locking shaft (21) and the steam connector of the main unit. The steam connector is located in the annular steam interface (11). The annular limiting protrusion (26) is used to limit the steam connector.

3. The locking device between the external milk frothing tank and the main unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The annular steam interface (11) has a slot (12) on its side wall. A limiting block (13) is provided on one side of the slot (12), and a wedge-shaped limiting groove (14) is provided on the other side of the slot (12).

4. The locking device between the external milk frothing tank and the main unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mechanical locking structure also includes: a locking tongue (33), the top of the annular locking ring (32) being connected to the locking tongue (33), the locking tongue (33) being located at the front end of the annular locking ring (32) and matching the slot (12).

5. The locking device between the external milk frothing tank and the main unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The rear end face of the locking tongue (33) is provided with a wedge-shaped protrusion that matches the wedge-shaped limiting groove (14).

6. The locking device between the external milk frothing tank and the main unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mechanical locking structure (3) also includes: a wrench (31), the bottom of the annular locking ring (32) is connected to the wrench (31), and the wrench (31) is located at the rear end of the annular locking ring (32).

7. The locking device between the external milk frothing tank and the main unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The milk frothing tank (2) also includes: a frothing device (23) and a milk tank (24). The frothing device (23) is provided with a snap fastener (25). The frothing device (23) is covered on the milk tank (24) and is engaged with the milk tank (24) through the snap fastener (25). The locking shaft (21) is rotatably installed inside the frothing device (23) and is connected to the milk tank (24). The frothing device (23) is provided with a knob for adjusting the flow rate. The milk tank (24) is made of transparent material and has scale lines on its side wall.

8. The locking device between the external milk frothing tank and the main unit according to claim 7, characterized in that, The side wall of the locking shaft (21) is provided with a positioning protrusion (28), and the rear end face of the annular locking ring (32) is provided with a positioning groove (35). The positioning protrusion (28) and the positioning groove (35) are matched. When the positioning protrusion (28) is located in the positioning groove (35), the positioning protrusion (28) presses the annular limiting protrusion (26) against the steam connector end of the main unit, thereby achieving a seal between the milk foaming tank (2) and the main unit.

9. The locking device between the external milk frothing tank and the main unit according to claim 8, characterized in that, The mechanical locking structure (3) is made of elastic material. A positioning lock hole (34) is provided in the middle of the annular locking ring (32). The inner diameter of the positioning lock hole (34) is smaller than the outer diameter of the annular limiting protrusion (26). Multiple insertion grooves (36) are provided on the edge of the positioning lock hole (34). Multiple insertion grooves (36) are provided so that the annular limiting protrusion (26) can pass through the annular locking ring (32).

10. The locking device between the external milk frothing tank and the main unit according to claim 7, characterized in that, The milk foaming tank (2) also includes a milk foam outlet pipe and a silicone sleeve. The milk foam outlet pipe is inserted into the milk foam outlet of the foaming device (23), and the silicone sleeve is fitted on the milk foam outlet pipe. The silicone sleeve slides along the milk foam outlet pipe.

Images