Milk frothing device, milk frothing system and coffee machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a milk foam generating device, milk foam generating system and coffee machine, wherein, the milk foam generating device includes pump body, mixing pipeline and foaming structure, and the outlet end of pump body is connected with the inlet end of foaming structure, and the mixing pipeline is arranged between pump body and foaming structure or arranged at the inlet end of pump body, and the mixing pipeline is equipped with several flow cavities and several flow holes, and the flow cavity and flow hole are arranged along the length direction of mixing pipeline and are communicated with each other. The utility model can obtain the milk foam with rich and delicate foam, and the taste is smooth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of milk foam production equipment, and in particular to milk foam generating devices, milk foam generating systems, and coffee machines. Background Technology

[0002] There are two main methods for frothing milk: high-pressure steam frothing and high-speed stirring. High-pressure steam frothing involves continuously impacting milk with high-temperature, high-pressure steam. This method requires skilled and experienced operators, and the process is relatively dangerous, posing a risk of burns. It also requires high-temperature, high-pressure equipment, placing high demands on the equipment and posing significant operational risks. High-speed stirring, on the other hand, uses a high-speed motor to drive a stirring device to produce foam. However, this method often results in less dense and creamy foam, leading to a less smooth texture and failing to meet customers' high standards for milk foam quality. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a milk frothing device, a milk frothing system, and a coffee machine.

[0004] The solution to the technical problem of this utility model is:

[0005] In a first aspect, a milk foam generating device is proposed, comprising a pump body, a mixing pipe, and a foaming structure. The outlet end of the pump body is connected to the inlet end of the foaming structure. The mixing pipe is disposed between the pump body and the foaming structure or at the inlet end of the pump body. The mixing pipe is provided with a plurality of flow chambers and a plurality of flow holes. The flow chambers and flow holes are spaced apart along the length direction of the mixing pipe, and adjacent flow chambers and flow holes are interconnected.

[0006] This invention has at least the following beneficial effects: after fresh milk and air are mixed, they enter the mixing pipe under the driving action of the pump body. The gas-liquid mixture flows in the mixing pipe and passes through the pressure-changing flow channel formed by the alternating flow chamber and flow holes to achieve multiple pressure-changing impacts. The micro bubbles are fully mixed with the milk and then flow to the foaming structure for foaming treatment. The resulting milk foam is rich and delicate, and has a smoother and denser taste.

[0007] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, two mixing pipes are provided, one of which is located between the pump body and the foaming structure, and the other is located at the inlet end of the pump body.

[0008] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the foaming structure includes a shell and a foaming sheet. The shell is hollow to form a foaming cavity. The foaming sheet is connected to the foaming cavity and divides the foaming cavity into an upper cavity and a lower cavity. The foaming sheet is provided with a plurality of micropores, which connect the upper cavity and the lower cavity.

[0009] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the mixing pipeline is detachably connected to the pump body.

[0010] In a second aspect, a milk foam generating system is proposed, the milk foam generating system comprising a liquid inlet component, a gas inlet component, and a milk foam generating device as described in any one of the technical solutions in the first aspect, wherein the outlet end of the liquid inlet component and the outlet end of the gas inlet component are respectively connected to the inlet end of the milk foam generating device.

[0011] Because the milk foam generating system is equipped with a milk foam generating device, it can produce rich, delicate, and silky milk foam, thereby improving the quality of milk foam products made by the milk foam generating system and meeting customer needs.

[0012] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the liquid inlet component includes a storage component, a first channel and a second channel. The second channel is equipped with a heating element for heating the liquid in the second channel. The inlet end of the first channel and the inlet end of the second channel are respectively connected to the storage component, and the outlet end of the first channel and the outlet end of the second channel are respectively connected to the inlet end of the milk foam generator.

[0013] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the milk foam generating system also includes a cleaning component, which includes a water tank and a water outlet pipe. The inlet end of the water outlet pipe is connected to the water tank, and the outlet end of the water outlet pipe is connected to the outlet end of the storage component.

[0014] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the milk foam generating system further includes a hot water inlet component, the outlet end of which is connected to the inlet end of the milk foam generating device.

[0015] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the milk foam generating system also includes a control panel, and the pump body of the milk foam generating device, the liquid inlet component, and the gas inlet component are electrically connected to the control panel.

[0016] Thirdly, a coffee machine is proposed, including a milk frothing device as described in any of the technical solutions of the first aspect. Because the coffee machine is equipped with a milk frothing device, it can obtain rich, delicate, and silky milk foam, thereby improving the quality of the milk foam products produced by the coffee machine and meeting customer needs.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly explained below. Obviously, the described drawings are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Those skilled in the art can obtain other design schemes and drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a connection diagram of the milk foam generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hybrid pipeline according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of the foaming structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a connection diagram of the milk foam generating system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the material flow in the milk foaming system of this utility model embodiment for making cold milk foam;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the material flow in the milk foam generating system of this utility model embodiment for generating heated milk foam;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the material flow in the milk foam generating system of another embodiment of the present invention for generating heated milk foam;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the material flow during cleaning of the milk foam generating system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Reference numerals: 100, milk foam generator; 110, pump body; 120, mixing pipe; 121, flow chamber; 122, flow hole; 130, foaming structure; 131, shell; 132, foaming sheet; 140, discharge pipe; 200, liquid inlet assembly; 210, material storage component; 220, first channel; 230, second channel; 231, heating element; 240, peristaltic pump; 300, gas inlet assembly; 400, hot water inlet assembly; 500, cleaning assembly; 510, water tank; 520, water outlet pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. If "first" or "second" is used in the description, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0032] Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are all within the scope of protection of this utility model. The various technical features of this utility model can be combined interactively without contradicting each other.

[0033] Reference Figures 1 to 4 In the first aspect, this utility model embodiment proposes a milk foam generating device 100, including a pump body 110, a mixing pipe 120 and a foaming structure 130, which can easily, simply and quickly produce milk foam with rich and delicate foam and a silky texture, improve the quality of milk foam and meet customers' demand for high-quality milk foam.

[0034] In this embodiment, the outlet end of the pump body 110 is connected to the inlet end of the foaming structure 130. The mixing pipe 120 is disposed between the pump body 110 and the foaming structure 130 or at the inlet end of the pump body 110. Fresh milk and air are mixed and pressurized under the drive of the pump body 110 and enter the milk foam generating device 100. After being fully mixed in the mixing pipe 120, the milk enters the foaming structure 130 for foaming to obtain rich, delicate foam with a silky and dense texture.

[0035] It is worth noting that the mixing pipe 120 is provided with a number of flow chambers 121 and a number of flow holes 122. The flow chambers 121 and flow holes 122 are spaced apart along the length of the mixing pipe 120, and adjacent flow chambers 121 and flow holes 122 are interconnected. Figure 1 The middle arrow indicates the direction of material flow. After fresh milk and air are mixed and enter the milk foam generator 100, the mixture enters the mixing pipe 120. The gas-liquid mixture flows in the mixing pipe 120. After multiple pressure changes and impacts through the pressure change channel formed by the flow chamber 121 and the flow hole 122, the micro bubbles and milk are fully mixed, which is more conducive to obtaining a silky milk foam in the future.

[0036] In some embodiments, two mixing pipes 120 are provided, namely a first mixing pipe 120 and a second mixing pipe 120. The first mixing pipe 120 is located at the inlet end of the pump body 110, where fresh milk and air are mixed before entering the pump body 110. The second mixing pipe 120 is located between the pump body 110 and the foaming structure 130, with its inlet end connected to the outlet end of the pump body 110 and its outlet end connected to the inlet end of the foaming structure 130. The gas-liquid mixture formed by fresh milk and air is mixed through the second mixing pipe 120 before entering the foaming structure 130.

[0037] This setup ensures thorough mixing of fresh milk and air, with multi-stage compression of air and milk, further improving the quality of the resulting milk foam to meet customer needs.

[0038] In some embodiments, both the flow cavity 121 and the flow orifice 122 in the mixing pipe 120 are cylindrical channels, and the diameter of the flow orifice 122 is smaller than the diameter of the flow cavity 121. The variation in the diameters of the flow orifice 122 and the flow cavity 121 enables multiple pressure fluctuations in the gas-liquid mixture, thereby producing a creamy milk foam. Furthermore, since the inner walls of both the flow cavity 121 and the flow orifice 122 are arc-shaped surfaces, after use, operators can easily clean the flow cavity 121 and the flow orifice 122 by introducing clean water into the mixing pipe 120, preventing bacterial growth.

[0039] In some embodiments, the mixing pipe 120 is further provided with a plurality of transition cavities, which are located between the flow holes 122 and the flow cavities 121 and are respectively connected to the adjacent flow holes 122 and the flow cavities 121. The diameter of the transition cavity gradually decreases from the side connected to the flow cavity 121 to the side connected to the flow hole 122.

[0040] This design allows for a smooth transition between the flow chamber 121 and the flow orifice 122, preventing right angles or acute angles at the connection point and facilitating subsequent cleaning. Furthermore, the inner wall of the transition chamber is inclined relative to the flow direction of the gas-liquid mixture, enabling collisions and resulting in denser and finer milk foam.

[0041] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3 The foaming structure 130 includes a shell 131 and a foaming sheet 132. The shell 131 is hollow, forming a foaming cavity. The foaming sheet 132 is connected to the foaming cavity and divides the foaming cavity into an upper cavity and a lower cavity. The foaming sheet 132 is provided with multiple micropores, which connect the upper cavity and the lower cavity. In this embodiment, foaming is achieved through micropore foaming. The volume of the milk foam is limited by the micropores, eliminating excessively large bubbles and resulting in a silky smooth texture.

[0042] In some embodiments, the mixing pipe 120 is detachably connected to the pump body 110, which facilitates subsequent cleaning or maintenance of the mixing pipe 120 and the pump body 110 respectively.

[0043] Secondly, this utility model provides a milk frothing system, including a liquid inlet component 200, a gas inlet component 300, and a milk frothing device 100 as described in any embodiment of the first aspect. The outlet end of the liquid inlet component 200 and the outlet end of the gas inlet component 300 are respectively connected to the inlet end of the milk frothing device 100. (Refer to...) Figure 1 , Figures 4 to 8 , Figure 1 , Figures 4 to 8 The middle arrow indicates the direction of material flow.

[0044] Specifically, a first valve body is provided at the outlet end of the liquid inlet component 200, the outlet end of the gas inlet component 300, and the inlet end of the milk frothing device 100. The first valve body is a three-way valve, and the three are connected through the first valve body. In use, the liquid inlet component 200 supplies fresh milk to the milk frothing device 100, and the gas inlet component 300 supplies air to the milk frothing device 100. The fresh milk and air are simply mixed at the inlet end of the milk frothing device 100, and then enter the milk frothing device 100 under the driving action of the pump body 110. After passing through the multi-stage crushing of the mixing pipe 120, the mixture is fully mixed, and then foamed by the foaming structure 130 to obtain a milk foam product with a dense texture.

[0045] In some embodiments, the liquid inlet assembly 200 includes a storage component 210, a first channel 220, and a second channel 230. The second channel 230 is provided with a heating element 231, which is used to raise the temperature of the liquid in the second channel 230. The inlet end of the first channel 220 and the inlet end of the second channel 230 are respectively connected to the storage component 210, and the outlet end of the first channel 220 and the outlet end of the second channel 230 are respectively connected to the inlet end of the milk frothing device 100.

[0046] Specifically, a second valve body is provided between the inlet end of the first channel 220, the inlet end of the second channel 230, and the connection point of the storage component 210, and the three are connected through the second valve body. A third valve body is provided between the outlet end of the first channel 220, the outlet end of the second channel 230, and the connection point of the first valve body, and the three are connected through the third valve body. Both the second and third valve bodies are three-way valves.

[0047] When the first channel 220 connects the storage component 210 and the milk foam generator 100, refer to Figure 5 Fresh milk, at room temperature or refrigerated low temperature, enters the milk frothing device 100, which then produces cold milk foam. When the second channel 230 connects the storage component 210 and the milk frothing device 100, refer to... Figure 6 After the fresh milk enters the second channel 230, it is heated by the heating element 231. After the fresh milk is heated, it enters the milk foam generating device 100, which produces hot milk foam.

[0048] It is understood that the heating element 231 can be a heating aluminum block, heating wire, etc., and no specific limitation is made here.

[0049] In some embodiments, peristaltic pumps 240 are respectively provided in the first channel 220 and the second channel 230, which can control the flow rate of fresh milk in the first channel 220 and the second channel 230, and realize the regulation of the temperature of fresh milk entering the milk foam generating device 100.

[0050] In some embodiments, the milk frothing system further includes a cleaning assembly 500, which includes a water tank 510 and a water outlet pipe 520. The inlet end of the water outlet pipe 520 is connected to the water tank 510, and the outlet end of the water outlet pipe 520 is connected to the outlet end of the storage component 210. Specifically, control valves are respectively provided at the outlet ends of the water outlet pipe 520 and the storage component 210.

[0051] Understandably, referring to Figure 8 The water tank 510 can hold hot water and cleaning agent. After using the milk foam generating system for a period of time, the control valve at the outlet of the storage component 210 is closed and the control valve of the water outlet pipe 520 is opened. The hot water and cleaning agent can enter the first channel 220, the second channel 230 and the milk foam generating device 100 to clean the inside of the first channel 220, the second channel 230 and the milk foam generating device 100, so as to prevent the milk from accumulating and fermenting inside the first channel 220, the second channel 230 and the milk foam generating device 100 for a long time.

[0052] In some embodiments, the cleaning assembly 500 further includes a return water pipe, the outlet end of which is connected to the water tank 510, and the inlet end of which is connected to the outlet end of the foaming device. The cleaning water after cleaning the first channel 220, the second channel 230, and the milk foaming device 100 can be recycled in the water tank 510. After repeatedly cleaning the first channel 220, the second channel 230, and the milk foaming device 100, the problem of milk accumulation inside the first channel 220, the second channel 230, and the milk foaming device 100 is further avoided.

[0053] It is understandable that the connection between the return water pipe and the outlet of the milk foam generator 100 is detachable. During the milk foaming process, the return water pipe can be removed to avoid affecting the acquisition of milk foam.

[0054] In other embodiments, during cleaning, the outlet end of the milk foam generator 100 can be directly aligned with the water tank 510, achieving the water return effect without the need for a separate return pipe. Specifically, the outlet of the foaming structure 130 of the milk foam generator 100 is provided with a discharge pipe 140, through which milk foam flows out, facilitating its addition to the cup. During cleaning, the discharge pipe 140 can be directly aligned with or inserted into the water tank 510 to form a cleaning circuit.

[0055] It is understood that the outlet end of the storage component 210 is provided with a milk outlet pipe, through which milk can enter the first channel 220 or the second channel 230. In some embodiments, the milk outlet pipe is detachably connected to the outlet end of the storage component 210. During cleaning, the milk outlet pipe is detached from the storage component 210 and its inlet end is inserted into the water tank 510, which can then be used as a water outlet pipe 520.

[0056] In other embodiments, the storage component 210 can also be used directly as a water tank 510. After the milk in the storage component 210 is used up, the discharge pipe 140 of the milk frothing device 100 can be directly aimed at the storage component 210 or inserted into the storage component 210 to form a cleaning circuit. With this configuration, the milk frothing system can be cleaned without the need for a separate water tank 510 and water outlet pipe 520, and the storage component 210 can also be cleaned.

[0057] In some embodiments, the milk frothing system further includes a hot water inlet component 400, the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the milk frothing device 100.

[0058] Specifically, a fourth valve body is provided between the outlet end of the hot water inlet component 400, the outlet end of the gas inlet component 300, and the connection point of the first valve body. The three are connected through the fourth valve body, which is a two-position three-way valve.

[0059] Understandably, referring to Figure 7 The hot water inlet component 400 can provide cleaning hot water for the milk frothing device 100. Before cleaning, the cleaning hot water enters the milk frothing device 100 through the hot water inlet component 400 to remove the residual milk in the milk frothing device 100. Then, the cleaning hot water flows into the water tank 510 through the outlet end of the milk frothing device 100. When the hot water level in the water tank 510 reaches the preset height, the cleaning component 500 cleans the first channel 220 and the second channel 230.

[0060] In some embodiments, the milk frothing system further includes a control panel, and the pump body 110, liquid inlet component 200, and gas inlet component 300 of the milk frothing device 100 are electrically connected to the control panel. Specifically, the control panel includes a controller and an operation panel, the operation panel being electrically connected to the controller, and the pump body 110, liquid inlet component 200, and gas inlet component 300 of the milk frothing device 100 being electrically connected to the controller.

[0061] The controller activates the pump body 110, liquid inlet component 200, and gas inlet component 300 to ensure that fresh milk and air enter the pump body 110 in the correct proportions for foaming. This allows for the creation of customized products based on customer needs. Operators can adjust the parameters of the pump body 110 and the mixing ratio of liquid and gas via the control panel, further facilitating the production of customized products. The controller can be a microcontroller, PLC, or similar device.

[0062] Thirdly, this utility model embodiment also proposes a coffee machine, which includes the milk frothing device 100 proposed in any of the embodiments of the first aspect. It is understood that since the milk frothing device 100 can obtain milk foam with a silky texture and rich and delicate foam, its application in a coffee machine is beneficial for making coffee with a richer flavor.

[0063] In some embodiments, the milk frothing device 100 is installed in the coffee machine body in an embedded manner, and can be removed separately for replacement or repair.

[0064] Coffee machines equipped with a milk frother 100 can easily, simply, and quickly produce rich, delicate, and silky smooth milk foam. The milk frother 100 has a simple structure, is quick to install, and easy to clean, significantly reducing milk frothing time. It is also easy for anyone to operate and poses no safety hazards. Furthermore, the coffee machine allows users to adjust the gas-liquid mixing ratio and pressure parameters via the control panel, enabling the creation of customized coffee products to meet individual customer needs.

[0065] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A milk foam generating device, characterized in that, The device includes a pump body, a mixing pipe, and a foaming structure. The outlet end of the pump body is connected to the inlet end of the foaming structure. The mixing pipe is located between the pump body and the foaming structure or at the inlet end of the pump body. The mixing pipe has several flow chambers and several flow holes. The flow chambers and flow holes are spaced apart along the length of the mixing pipe, and adjacent flow chambers and flow holes are interconnected.

2. The milk foam generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mixing pipe is provided in two parts, one of which is located between the pump body and the foaming structure, and the other is located at the inlet end of the pump body.

3. The milk foam generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The foamed structure includes a shell and a foam sheet. The shell is hollow to form a foam cavity. The foam sheet is connected to the foam cavity and divides the foam cavity into an upper cavity and a lower cavity. The foam sheet is provided with a plurality of micropores, which connect the upper cavity and the lower cavity.

4. The milk foam generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mixing pipe is detachably connected to the pump body.

5. A milk foam generating system, characterized in that, The milk foam generating system includes a liquid inlet component, a gas inlet component, and a milk foam generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outlet end of the liquid inlet component and the outlet end of the gas inlet component are respectively connected to the inlet end of the milk foam generating device.

6. The milk foam generating system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The liquid inlet assembly includes a storage component, a first channel, and a second channel. The second channel is equipped with a heating element for heating the liquid in the second channel. The inlet ends of the first channel and the second channel are respectively connected to the storage component, and the outlet ends of the first channel and the second channel are respectively connected to the inlet end of the milk foam generator.

7. The milk foam generating system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The milk foam generating system also includes a cleaning component, which includes a water tank and a water outlet pipe. The inlet end of the water outlet pipe is connected to the water tank, and the outlet end of the water outlet pipe is connected to the outlet end of the storage component.

8. The milk foam generating system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The milk foam generating system also includes a hot water inlet component, the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the milk foam generating device.

9. The milk foam generating system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The milk frothing system also includes a control panel, and the pump body of the milk frothing device, the liquid inlet component, and the gas inlet component are electrically connected to the control panel.

10. A coffee machine, characterized in that, Includes the milk foam generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

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