A steam box with a bend-proof tube and a coffee maker

Abstract

This application discloses an anti-bend steam box and a coffee machine. By setting a steam delivery pipe inside the box and then setting a steam ball head mounting seat to connect to the steam delivery pipe, the steam ball head is rotatably set inside the steam delivery pipe. The steam delivery pipe and the steam ball head are designed to be separated. In this way, no matter how the steam ball head rotates, it will not cause the steam delivery pipe to bend. The user can freely adjust the angle. The overall design not only solves the common problems of pipe bending and leakage in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of coffee machine technology, and in particular relates to an anti-bend steam box and a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] In coffee making, using steam to froth milk is a common practice. Currently, existing coffee machines typically have an internal steam generator, usually connected to a steam wand via Teflon or silicone tubing. The steam wand is rotatably fixed to the steam generator via a steam bulb. To use, the steam wand is inserted into the milk cup, and steam is output from the wand to froth the milk. The wand must be continuously rotated during the frothing process to ensure even frothing. However, this design has significant drawbacks. Because the steam wand needs to be constantly rotated during frothing, the connected Teflon or silicone tubing is prone to kinking, resulting in uneven steam output. Furthermore, existing coffee machines with steam functions have their steam structure fixed inside the machine and cannot be disassembled, offering only one method of frothing milk, which fails to meet the needs of most users. Summary of the Invention

[0003] (a) Purpose of the utility model

[0004] To overcome the above shortcomings, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an anti-bend steam box and a coffee machine, so as to solve the technical problems of existing coffee machine steam components being prone to bend during use, having a single milk frothing method, and having a poor user experience.

[0005] (II) Technical Solution

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A steam box with anti-bend tube includes: a box body; a steam delivery pipe disposed inside the box body, one end of which extends out to the outside of the box body and is detachably connected to the steam output head of a coffee machine, and the other end of which extends to a steam output port near the box body; a steam ball head mounting seat connected to the other end of the steam delivery pipe; a steam ball head rotatably disposed inside the steam ball head mounting seat and matching the size of the steam ball head mounting seat; wherein the steam ball head has a steam channel communicating with the steam delivery pipe inside; and a steam rod connected to the other end of the steam ball head and extending out to the outside of the box body through the steam output port.

[0008] This technical solution involves setting up a steam delivery pipe inside the casing, then connecting the steam ball head mounting base to the steam delivery pipe, and rotatably mounting the steam ball head inside the steam delivery pipe. By separating the steam delivery pipe from the steam ball head, the steam delivery pipe will not bend no matter how the steam ball head rotates, allowing users to freely adjust the angle. The overall design not only solves the common problems of pipe bending and leakage in existing technologies.

[0009] In some embodiments, the steam ball head mounting base is threaded to the other end of the steam delivery pipe.

[0010] By using a threaded connection, not only can a stable connection between the steam ball head mounting base and the steam delivery pipeline be ensured, but it also facilitates quick disassembly and installation by the user when needed. This design effectively avoids the loosening problems that may occur with traditional snap-fit ​​connections, while enhancing the sealing performance of the connection, thereby preventing steam leakage and improving the reliability and service life of the equipment.

[0011] In some embodiments, a first sealing element is disposed around the other end of the steam delivery pipe and abuts against the inner sidewall of the steam ball head mounting seat;

[0012] The design of the first seal plays a dual role: on the one hand, it further enhances the sealing of the connection by closely fitting the inner wall of the steam delivery pipe and the steam ball head mounting seat; on the other hand, the presence of the first seal can also effectively prevent external impurities from entering the steam channel, ensuring the smoothness and purity of steam output.

[0013] In some embodiments, it further includes: a second seal, disposed within the steam ball head mounting seat and located between the other end of the steam conveying pipe and the steam ball head, wherein the sidewall of the second seal abuts against the inner side surface of the steam ball head mounting seat, and the end face corresponding to the steam ball head forms an arc-shaped structure that matches the shape of the steam ball head;

[0014] The design of the second sealing element not only enhances the sealing performance inside the steam ball head mounting base, preventing gaps from appearing between the steam ball head and the inner wall of the mounting base when the steam ball head rotates, thus avoiding steam leakage to the steam outlet, effectively preventing steam leakage caused by the rotation of the steam ball head, but also matches the shape of the steam ball head with its arc structure, making the steam ball head rotate more smoothly and stably, improving the user experience.

[0015] In some embodiments, it further includes: a spring disposed in the steam ball head mounting seat and having its two ends respectively abutting against the other end of the steam conveying pipe and the second seal;

[0016] The spring is designed primarily to provide support and cushioning. It ensures that the steam rod will not automatically fall due to gravity after rotation or tilting, while also maintaining a good feel for the user during operation. In addition, the spring can also tighten the second seal, improving the sealing effect.

[0017] In some embodiments, it further includes: a third sealing member disposed at the end of the steam ball head mounting base near the steam outlet of the housing, the two ends of the third sealing member respectively abutting against the steam ball head and the inner sidewall of the steam ball head mounting base;

[0018] This design effectively prevents steam from leaking from the steam outlet, while also blocking external dust or liquids from entering the casing, thus ensuring the long-term stable operation of the equipment.

[0019] In some embodiments, it further includes: a steam pipe cover fitted onto the steam outlet of the box body, wherein a limiting boss protrudes outward on the outer side wall of the steam rod and abuts against the inner edge of the steam pipe cover to limit the rotation angle of the steam rod.

[0020] The design of the limiting boss reasonably restricts the rotation angle of the steam rod, avoiding problems such as uncontrolled steam injection direction or steam leakage caused by excessive rotation. This function not only improves the safety of equipment use, but also prevents inconvenience caused by user misoperation.

[0021] Another aspect of this utility model provides a coffee machine with the above-mentioned anti-bend steam box, which further includes: a coffee machine housing, a brewing component and a steam generating component disposed inside the coffee machine housing, wherein a steam output head that communicates with the steam generating component is disposed on the side wall of the coffee machine housing.

[0022] By integrating the anti-bend steam box into the coffee machine, the problem of the steam box bending during milk frothing is prevented, thus avoiding uneven steam output. A steam output head connected to the steam generating component is set on the side wall of the coffee machine casing, realizing a modular design for the steam function. Users can remove the steam box and replace it with a milk carton, optimizing the user experience and meeting the needs of modern coffee machines to make diverse beverages. This significantly improves the practicality and reliability of the product. At the same time, users can remove the steam box or milk carton for cleaning, preventing bacterial growth over long-term use.

[0023] In some embodiments, it further includes: a milk box detachably connected to the steam output head;

[0024] The steam output head features a detachable connection design, allowing users to quickly switch between the milk container or steam box to achieve different functional modes (such as milk heating, frothing, etc.). This design significantly enhances the coffee machine's versatility and flexibility, meeting users' diverse beverage preparation needs while also reducing the difficulty of equipment maintenance and cleaning, further optimizing the user experience.

[0025] In some embodiments, it further includes: a sensing device disposed at a predetermined position on the outside of the coffee machine for sensing whether a steam box or a milk box is installed on the coffee machine;

[0026] The sensor design can automatically detect and identify whether a steam box or a milk box is currently installed, thus enabling intelligent switching of the coffee machine's functions. This intelligent design not only simplifies the user's operation process and reduces the possibility of misoperation, but also improves the reliability of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a coffee machine for installing the anti-bend steam box of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the anti-bend steam box of this utility model installed on a coffee machine;

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction;

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of part A in the middle;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the anti-bend steam box of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the milk box of this utility model.

[0033] Figure label:

[0034] 1. Coffee machine casing; 101. Mounting slot; 102. Steam output head; 2. Steam box; 201. Box body; 2011. First insertion part; 202. Steam delivery pipe; 203. Steam ball head mounting base; 204. Steam ball head; 205. Steam rod; 206. First seal; 207. Second seal; 208. Third seal; 209. Spring; 210. Steam pipe cover; 211. Boss; 212. Steam output port; 3. Milk box; 301. Milk box casing; 3011. Second insertion part; 302. Milk box output pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of this utility model.

[0036] This utility model provides an anti-bend steam box, comprising a box body 201, a steam delivery pipe 202 disposed inside the box body 201, which is a rigid bending structure, one end of which extends out to the outside of the box body 201 and is detachably connected to the steam output head 102 of a coffee machine, and the other end extending to a steam output port 212 near the box body 201. A steam pipe cover 210 is fitted at the steam output port 212. A steam ball head mounting base 203 is connected to the other end of the steam delivery pipe 202. A steam ball head 204 is rotatably disposed inside the steam ball head mounting base 203 and is matched to the size of the steam ball head mounting base 203. The steam ball head 204 has a steam channel that communicates with the steam delivery pipe 202. A steam rod 205 is connected to the other end of the steam ball head 204 and extends out of the box body 201.

[0037] Specifically, the steam delivery pipe 202 is integrally molded from metal or plastic, forming a rigid pipe structure at a predetermined angle through a special bending process. One end extends out of the housing 201 and connects to the steam output head 102 of the coffee machine, while the other end extends to a position near the steam output port 212. Alternatively, the steam delivery pipe 202 can be designed in multiple sections. The first section is a right-angle structure that connects to the steam output head 102 of the coffee machine, while the other section is a straight structure, with one end interlocking with the first section of the steam delivery pipe 202 and the other end extending to the steam output port 212 of the housing 201. The end of the steam delivery pipe 202 is connected to a detachable steam ball head mounting base 203, with the two connected by a threaded fit. An annular groove is provided at the root of the thread for installing a first silicone seal 206 (primary sealing ring). When both are tightened, the first seal 206 undergoes radial deformation, effectively preventing steam leakage and preventing external dust intrusion.

[0038] Furthermore, this application provides a second sealing element 207 (secondary sealing assembly) with an arc-shaped contact surface in the internal cavity of the steam ball head mounting base 203, located between the end of the steam conveying pipe 202 and the steam ball head 204. This assembly is made of high-temperature resistant fluororubber, and its curved contour forms a dynamic sealing fit with the outer surface of the steam ball head 204, ensuring that the steam ball head 204 always remains airtight within a ±90° rotation range.

[0039] Specifically, an opening is provided in the steam ball head mounting base 203 for the output of the other end of the steam ball head 204 to connect with the steam rod 205. Preferably, this application provides a third seal 208 at the opening of the steam ball head mounting base 203, which serves as a terminal protective barrier. This seal is injection molded from high-temperature resistant fluororubber and embedded in the inner wall of the steam ball head mounting base 203 near the opening.

[0040] Specifically, steam is output from the steam generating component of the coffee machine, enters the rigid steam delivery pipe 202 inside the housing 201 through the steam output head 102, then enters the steam ball head mounting base 203, then enters the steam channel of the steam ball head 204, and finally enters the steam rod 205 and is evenly sprayed out from the multi-hole nozzle at the end of the steam rod 205.

[0041] Specifically, a steam pipe cover 210 is fitted onto the steam outlet 212 of the housing 201. Preferably, to improve operational safety, the system is specially equipped with a mechanical limiting device. A limiting boss 211 protrudes outward on the outer wall of the steam rod 205. The limiting boss 211 can strictly control the rotation angle of the steam rod 205 within an effective range, ensuring sufficient adjustment freedom while avoiding pipe twisting caused by excessive rotation.

[0042] Preferably, this application provides a spring 209 inside the steam ball head mounting base 203. The two ends of the spring 209 abut against the other end of the steam conveying pipe 202 and the second seal 207, respectively. The spring 209 always applies an axial preload to the steam ball head 204, so that the steam rod 205 is kept in a predetermined state when the equipment is not in operation.

[0043] Specifically, since the steam delivery pipe 202 and the steam ball head mounting base 203 adopt a quick-release connection design, users can separate the components for deep cleaning by simply turning them.

[0044] Specifically, an inspection window can be set on the housing 201 to facilitate the replacement of sealing elements, and all vulnerable parts adopt standardized specifications, which greatly reduces maintenance costs.

[0045] Another aspect of this application provides a coffee machine with the aforementioned anti-bend steam box. Specifically, the coffee machine further includes: a coffee machine housing 1, a brewing component and a steam generating component disposed within the coffee machine housing 1, wherein a steam output head 102 communicating with the steam generating component is disposed on the side wall of the coffee machine housing 1.

[0046] Specifically, the coffee machine also includes a milk container 3 that is detachably connected to the steam output head 102.

[0047] Specifically, the coffee machine casing 1 has a mounting groove 101 on its side for the installation of the steam output head 102. The side of the steam box 2 body 201 protrudes outward to form a first insertion part 2011 that is inserted into the mounting groove 101. The first insertion part 2011 has a hollow structure. One end of the steam delivery pipe 202 of the steam box 2 extends to the first insertion part 2011. When the first insertion part 2011 is inserted into the mounting groove 101, the steam delivery pipe 202 of the steam box 2 is connected to the steam output head 102.

[0048] Similarly, the milk box 3 also includes a milk box shell 3, a second plug-in part 3011 provided on the side of the milk box shell 3, and a pipe provided inside the milk box shell 3, one end of which extends to the second plug-in part 3011 and the other end is connected to the milk box output pipe 3 provided on the milk box 3.

[0049] The coffee machine is compatible with both the steam box 2 and milk frother modules through a universal interface.

[0050] Specifically, the working modes of Steam Box 2 and Milk Box 3 differ as follows:

[0051] The steam wand 205 uses an open operation mode. Users need to manually insert the steam wand 205 into the milk container, and steam will be sprayed directly through the single or multi-hole nozzle at the end of the wand. During this process, the angle and depth of the steam wand 205 need to be continuously adjusted manually to ensure even whipping, which requires a high level of operating skill.

[0052] The milk box 3 adopts a closed, automated design. After the milk is poured in, the system automatically controls the steam flow, temperature, and action time through a preset program, achieving "one-click" standardized milk foam making and significantly reducing the operational threshold.

[0053] Specifically, Milk Cartridge 3, as a replaceable functional module of the coffee machine, works by heating and frothing milk through directional steam injection. When Milk Cartridge 3 is connected to the steam output head 102 of the coffee machine via a quick-release interface, high-temperature steam (150-160℃) generated by the steam generator is introduced into Milk Cartridge 3 through a sealed pipe. Milk Cartridge 3 features a double-layer heat-insulating structure, with an inner layer of food-grade stainless steel steam chamber and a honeycomb microporous diffuser plate at its bottom. After entering the chamber, the steam first forms a uniformly distributed micro-airflow through the diffuser plate, then comes into direct contact with the fresh milk injected into Milk Cartridge 3. At this point, the steam's kinetic energy is converted into two effects: firstly, the high-speed steam flow generates shear force on the milk, breaking down large fat molecules into fine foam; secondly, the steam's thermal energy is conducted through the stainless steel chamber, causing the milk temperature to rise steadily to the optimal frothing temperature range of 60-65℃. After frothing is complete, the electromagnetic control valve at the bottom of Milk Cartridge 3 automatically opens, and the frothed milk is output to the receiving container through a guide tube.

[0054] Preferably, this application sets a sensor at a predetermined position on the outside of the coffee machine. The sensor can be a magnetic sensor. Since the steam box 2 and milk box 3 have different shapes and sizes, the larger steam box 2 can cover the sensor, while the smaller milk box 3 cannot. After the coffee machine is turned on, it can detect whether the sensor is blocked to determine whether the steam box 2 or the milk box 3 is installed, thereby automatically identifying the type of connected module and switching the corresponding working mode. The steam generating component adopts PID temperature control technology, which, together with a pressure sensor, adjusts the steam output parameters in real time. During operation, the user only needs to insert the selected module into the interface, and the system will automatically complete the sealing connection and activate the corresponding function. The entire process requires no tools.

[0055] In particular, when switching to the milk frother, the system's built-in self-cleaning program automatically flushes the steam pipes to ensure that there is no cross-contamination between different beverage preparation processes.

[0056] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative or explanatory of the principles of this utility model and do not constitute a limitation thereof. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model should be included within its protection scope. Furthermore, the appended claims are intended to cover all variations and modifications falling within the scope and boundaries of the appended claims, or equivalent forms of such scope and boundaries.

Claims

1. A steam box for preventing pipe bending, characterized in that, include: The box body (201) has a steam delivery pipe (202) installed inside the box body (201), one end of which extends out to the outside of the box body (201) and is detachably connected to the steam output head (102) of the coffee machine, and the other end extends to the steam output port (212) near the box body (201). A steam ball head mounting base (203) is connected to the other end of the steam delivery pipe (202). A steam ball head (204) is rotatably installed inside the steam ball head mounting base (203) and matches the size of the steam ball head mounting base (203). The steam ball head (204) has a steam channel that communicates with the steam delivery pipe (202) inside. A steam rod (205) is connected to the other end of the steam ball head (204) and extends out of the box body (201) through the steam output port (212).

2. The anti-bend steam box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam ball head mounting base (203) is threadedly connected to the other end of the steam conveying pipe (202).

3. The anti-bend steam box according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first seal (206) is disposed around the end of the steam conveying pipe (202) that is connected to the steam ball head mounting seat (203) and abuts against the inner sidewall of the steam ball head mounting seat (203).

4. The anti-bend steam box according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The second sealing element (207) is disposed in the steam ball head mounting base (203) and located between the steam conveying pipe (202) and the steam ball head (204). The side wall of the second sealing element (207) abuts against the inner side of the steam ball head mounting base (203), and the end face corresponding to the steam ball head (204) forms an arc-shaped structure that matches the shape of the steam ball head (204).

5. The anti-bend steam box according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: A spring (209) is disposed in the steam ball head mounting base (203) and its two ends respectively abut against the other end of the steam conveying pipe (202) and the second seal (207).

6. The anti-bend steam box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam ball head mounting base (203) has an opening for the steam rod (205) to extend out, and also includes a third sealing member (208) disposed inside the steam ball head mounting base (203) near the opening of the steam ball head mounting base (203). One end of the third sealing member (208) abuts against the steam ball head (204), and both sides abut against the inner sidewall of the steam ball head mounting base (203).

7. The anti-bend steam box according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A steam pipe cover (210) is fitted onto the steam outlet (212) of the box body (201). A limiting boss (211) is formed on the outer side wall of the steam rod (205) to abut against the inner edge of the steam pipe cover (210) and to limit the rotation angle of the steam rod (205).

8. A coffee machine having the anti-bend steam box according to any one of claims 1-7, further comprising: The coffee machine housing (1) includes a brewing component and a steam generating component disposed within the coffee machine housing (1), wherein a steam output head (102) communicating with the steam generating component is disposed on the outer side wall of the coffee machine housing (1).

9. The coffee machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The milk box (3) is detachably connected to the steam output head (102).

10. The coffee machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: A sensing device is provided at a predetermined position on the outer wall of the coffee machine for sensing the installation of the steam box (2) or milk box (3) onto the coffee machine.

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