Milk frothing mechanism and beverage machine

Abstract

The application provides a milk foam mechanism and a beverage machine. The milk foam mechanism comprises: a milk foam generator, which is provided with a steam inlet, an air inlet and a milk liquid inlet, and a mixing cavity is formed in the milk foam generator, the steam inlet, the air inlet and the milk liquid inlet are all communicated with the mixing cavity, the steam inlet is used for introducing steam into the mixing cavity, the air inlet is used for introducing air into the mixing cavity, and the milk liquid inlet is used for introducing milk liquid into the mixing cavity; a base, which is detachably connected with the milk foam generator; the base comprises a bottom plate and a connecting table, the connecting table is arranged on the bottom plate, the connecting table is combined to form a liquid inlet cavity, and the mixing cavity is communicated with the liquid inlet cavity; the base is provided with a liquid outlet channel, and the liquid outlet channel is communicated with the liquid inlet cavity; wherein the mixed milk foam in the mixing cavity is used for flowing out of the milk foam mechanism through the liquid inlet cavity and the liquid outlet channel. Through the milk foam mechanism and the beverage machine, the detachable milk foam generator and the base can reduce the difficulty of cleaning the inside of the milk foam mechanism and improve the convenience of cleaning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of electrical appliances, and in particular to a milk frothing mechanism and a beverage machine. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, some coffee machines are equipped with milk frothing mechanisms to create milk foam that can be mixed with coffee, improving the flavor and texture of the coffee. These mechanisms use high-temperature steam to heat the milk and mix it with air to form foam.

[0003] After the milk foaming mechanism completes the milk foaming process, some liquid remains inside the mechanism. Since the milk foaming mechanism is usually manufactured as a single piece or assembled, it makes it difficult for users to clean. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the above, it is necessary to provide a milk frothing mechanism and a beverage machine to solve the above-mentioned defects.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a milk frothing mechanism, comprising: a milk frothing generator having a steam inlet, an air inlet, and a milk inlet, and a mixing chamber within the milk frothing generator; the steam inlet, air inlet, and milk inlet all being connected to the mixing chamber; the steam inlet for introducing steam into the mixing chamber, the air inlet for introducing air into the mixing chamber, and the milk inlet for introducing milk into the mixing chamber; a base to which the milk frothing generator is detachably connected; the base including a base plate and a connecting platform, the connecting platform being disposed on the base plate and forming a liquid inlet chamber, the mixing chamber being connected to the liquid inlet chamber; and a liquid outlet channel on the base, the liquid outlet channel being connected to the liquid inlet chamber; wherein the mixed milk foam in the mixing chamber is used to flow out of the milk frothing mechanism through the liquid inlet chamber and the liquid outlet channel.

[0006] Optionally, the liquid inlet chamber includes a first liquid inlet area and a second liquid inlet area, the first liquid inlet area and the second liquid inlet area are connected, the liquid outlet channel is connected to the second liquid inlet area, and the bottom wall of the liquid inlet chamber is provided with an inclined guide surface, the guide surface transitions from the first liquid inlet area to the second liquid inlet area, so as to guide the milk foam from the first liquid inlet area to the second liquid inlet area.

[0007] Optionally, the base also includes a support platform, which is set on the base plate and located on the side of the second liquid inlet area away from the first liquid inlet area. A support groove is opened on the support platform, and the milk frother is at least partially housed in the support groove and supported by the support platform.

[0008] Optionally, the milk frother includes: a mixing section fitted onto a connecting platform, a mixing chamber located within the mixing section and communicating with a first liquid inlet area, the mixing section covering the first liquid inlet area, and an air inlet located on the mixing section; a sealing section connected to one side of the mixing section and inserted into and covering a second liquid inlet area; and an extension section connected to one side of the mixing section and spaced apart from the sealing section, an inlet channel located in the extension section communicating with the mixing chamber, and both an air inlet and a milk inlet located on the extension section and communicating with the inlet channel.

[0009] Optionally, the milk frother is made of a flexible material, and an opening is provided at the end of the extension that is away from the mixing section. The opening is fitted with a plug to seal it.

[0010] Optionally, in the length direction of the connecting platform, the length of the second liquid inlet area is greater than the length of the first liquid inlet area, and the liquid outlet channel is spaced apart from the first liquid inlet area; a guide is provided on the connecting platform, the guide is located in the second liquid inlet area, and avoids the first liquid inlet area in the length direction of the connecting platform, the guide is used to contact the milk foam and guide the milk foam to flow toward the liquid outlet channel.

[0011] Optionally, the milk frothing mechanism includes a locking component, which includes a first protruding rib on one side of the milk frothing generator and a second protruding rib on the base. The second protruding rib is used to interfere with the first protruding rib to achieve locking and disassembly connection between the milk frothing generator and the base.

[0012] Optionally, the milk frothing mechanism further includes a duckbill valve, which is inserted into the air inlet for introducing air into the mixing chamber when air is introduced, and for closing when no air is introduced.

[0013] Secondly, this application provides a beverage machine comprising: a body; and a milk frothing mechanism as described above, detachably connected to the body.

[0014] Optionally, a slot is provided on the body of the machine, and a fastener and an elastic element are provided on the side of the base of the milk frothing mechanism. The fastener is used to engage with the slot to realize a detachable connection between the milk frothing mechanism and the body of the machine. The elastic element is provided between the fastener and the base and is used to drive the fastener to approach and engage with the slot.

[0015] The milk frothing mechanism and beverage machine provided in this application allow users to detach the milk frothing mechanism from the machine body and remove the milk frother from the base. Users can then clean the inside of the milk frother and base, and observe the cleaning process. Thus, the detachable milk frother and base reduce the difficulty of cleaning the milk frothing mechanism and improve its convenience. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the beverage machine in an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the milk foaming mechanism in an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a structural disassembly diagram of the milk frothing mechanism in the embodiments of this application.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the milk frothing mechanism in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the base structure in an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a top view of the base in an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Explanation of key component symbols: 100. Beverage machine; 101. Body; 1011. Dispensing section; 102. Milk frothing mechanism; 10. Milk frothing generator; 11. Steam inlet; 12. Air inlet; 13. Milk inlet; 14. Mixing chamber; 141. First mixing zone; 142. Mixing channel; 143. Second mixing zone; 15. Mixing part; 151. Clearance notch; 16. Sealing part; 17. Extension part; 171. Connecting channel; 172. Opening; 173. Plug; 20. Base; 21. Base plate; 22. Connecting platform ; 221, Liquid inlet chamber; 2211, First liquid inlet area; 2212, Second liquid inlet area; 222, First liquid inlet section; 223, Second liquid inlet section; 224, Guide surface; 225, Flow guide; 23, Liquid outlet head; 231, Liquid outlet channel; 24, Receiving platform; 241, Receiving tank; 25, Support platform; 251, Support tank; 30, Snap-fit ​​assembly; 31, Snap-fit ​​component; 32, Elastic component; 40, Steam nozzle; 50, Duckbill valve; 60, Locking assembly; 61, First convex rib; 62, Second convex rib. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments.

[0024] The term "multiple" in this application refers to two or more. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the description of this application are used only for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, nor as indicating or implying order.

[0025] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that they are examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design options. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0026] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 A beverage machine 100 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0027] In embodiments of this application, the beverage machine 100 may have the function of grinding soybeans to produce powder and extracting the powder to produce a beverage liquid. The beverage machine 100 may include a grinding device (not shown) and an extraction device (not shown). The grinding device can grind soybeans to produce powder, and the extraction device can extract the powder to produce a beverage liquid.

[0028] In the embodiments of this application, the type of bean is not specifically limited. For example, the bean can be, but is not limited to, coffee beans, soybeans, etc.

[0029] For example, the raw material can be coffee beans, and the powder can be coffee powder obtained by grinding and processing coffee beans. The beverage machine 100 can be a coffee machine, and the extraction device of the beverage machine 100 can extract coffee powder to obtain coffee liquid.

[0030] It is understandable that the principle by which an extraction device extracts coffee powder to produce a beverage liquid is the same as or similar to the general principle of coffee machines in the relevant field, which extracts coffee powder to produce coffee liquid, and will not be elaborated here.

[0031] In one embodiment, the beverage machine 100 may further include a body 101 and a milk frothing mechanism 102. The grinding device and the extraction device may both be installed inside the body 101. A liquid outlet 1011 is provided on one side of the body 101, and the beverage liquid produced after the extraction device extracts the powder can flow out of the beverage machine 100 through the bottom (not shown) of the liquid outlet 1011.

[0032] The milk frothing mechanism 102 is detachably installed in the dispensing section 1011 and can be at least partially housed within it. The milk frothing mechanism 102 can be circulated with steam, milk, and air, allowing the milk to mix with the air within it and the steam to heat the milk, thereby producing milk foam. The milk foam in the milk frothing mechanism 102 can flow out from the bottom of the dispensing section 1011. The steam can be water vapor, and its temperature is higher than that of the air and milk; the steam can heat the milk foam using its own heat, making the temperature of the milk foam higher than that of the milk.

[0033] It is understandable that when using the beverage machine 100, the user can receive the beverage liquid extracted by the extraction device from the liquid outlet. Then, the user can operate the beverage machine 100 to generate milk foam liquid in the milk foaming mechanism 102. The user can continue to collect the milk foam liquid through the container that receives the beverage liquid, thereby obtaining a beverage liquid with added milk foam liquid.

[0034] For example, beverage machine 100 can be a coffee machine, and the beverage liquid can be coffee liquid. Users can make drinks such as lattes by adding milk foam to the coffee liquid.

[0035] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 An embodiment of this application provides a milk frothing mechanism 102.

[0036] In embodiments of this application, the length, width, and height directions of the beverage machine 100 can be defined as a first horizontal direction, a second horizontal direction, and a vertical direction, respectively. For example, the first horizontal direction can be... Figures 1 to 3 The X direction and its opposite direction are shown; the second horizontal direction can be... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The Y-direction and its opposite direction are shown; the vertical direction can be... Figures 1 to 3 The Z direction and its opposite direction are shown. The beverage machine 100 and its components have a top and a bottom that are oppositely arranged in the vertical direction.

[0037] In some embodiments, the milk frothing mechanism 102 may include a milk frothing generator 10 and a base 20.

[0038] The top of the milk frother 10 can have a steam inlet 11, an air inlet 12, and a milk inlet 13, which are spaced apart. A mixing chamber 14 is provided inside the milk frother 10. Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, the mixing chamber 14 can be connected to the bottom steam inlet 11, air inlet 12, and milk inlet 13 of the milk frother 10. Steam can be introduced into the mixing chamber 14 through the steam inlet 11, air can be introduced into the mixing chamber 14 through the air inlet 12, and milk can be introduced into the mixing chamber 14 through the milk inlet 13. The milk can mix with the air in the mixing chamber 14, and the steam can simultaneously heat the air and the milk, thereby producing hot milk froth.

[0039] The base 20 can support the milk frother 10, which is detachably connected to the base 20. The base 20 may include a base plate 21, a connecting platform 22, and a liquid outlet 23. The connecting platform 22 can be fixedly connected to the top of the base plate 21, and the liquid outlet 23 can be fixedly connected to the bottom of the base plate 21. The connecting platform 22 can enclose and form a liquid inlet chamber 221.

[0040] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 A liquid outlet channel 231 can be provided in the base 20. The liquid outlet channel 231 can pass through the liquid outlet head 23 and the base plate 21 in a vertical direction and extend to the bottom of the connecting platform 22. The liquid outlet channel 231 can communicate with the liquid inlet chamber 221. When the milk frother 10 is connected to the base 20, the milk frother 10 can cover the top of the liquid inlet chamber 221, and the mixing chamber 14 can communicate with the liquid inlet chamber 221.

[0041] It is understood that after the milk foam is mixed in the mixing chamber 14, it can flow into the inlet chamber 221 under the action of gravity. The milk foam in the inlet chamber 221 can then flow into the outlet channel 231 under the action of gravity. The outlet head 23 can extend out of the outlet section 1011, or the bottom of the outlet section 1011 has an outlet (not shown) aligned with the outlet head 23. The milk foam in the outlet channel 231 can flow out from the bottom of the outlet head 23 and from the bottom of the outlet section 1011. The user can place a container at the bottom of the outlet section 1011 to collect the milk foam.

[0042] The detachable connection between the milk frothing mechanism 102 and the body 101, and the detachable connection between the milk frothing generator 10 and the base 20, allow the user to detach the milk frothing mechanism 102 from the liquid outlet 1011 after finishing using the beverage machine 100, then detach the milk frothing generator 10 from the base 20, and clean the milk frothing generator 10 and the base 20 respectively, and clean the residual liquid in the mixing chamber 14, the liquid inlet chamber 221 and the liquid outlet channel 231. In this way, the probability that the milk foam produced by the milk foaming mechanism 102 will contain residual liquid from the mixing chamber 14, the inlet chamber 221, and / or the outlet channel 231 will be mixed with the milk foam produced by the user when using the beverage machine 100 to generate milk foam can be reduced, thus reducing the impact of residual liquid on the quality of milk foam. At the same time, the milk foaming mechanism 102, which can be disassembled from the machine body 101 and can be disassembled into a milk foam generator 10 and a base 20, allows staff to clean the milk foam generator 10 and the base 20 separately after disassembly. This makes it easier for users to clean the inside of the milk foaming mechanism 102 and observe its cleanliness, thus improving the convenience of cleaning the milk foaming mechanism 102 for users.

[0043] In the embodiments of this application, the number of liquid outlet channels 231 and liquid outlet heads 23 is not specifically limited. For example, there can be two liquid outlet heads 23, which can be spaced apart in the first horizontal direction, and each liquid outlet head 23 has a liquid outlet channel 231.

[0044] It is understood that steam can be injected into the mixing chamber 14, thereby creating a negative pressure in the mixing chamber 14. Under the effect of the negative pressure, air and milk can enter the mixing chamber 14 through the air inlet 12 and the milk inlet 13 respectively. Steam can mix with air and milk and heat the mixed milk foam.

[0045] In some embodiments, the base 20 may further include a receiving platform 24 and a support platform 25, which may be arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart in the second horizontal direction. The receiving platform 24 and the support platform 25 are located on both sides of the connecting platform 22 in the second horizontal direction and are spaced apart from the connecting platform 22.

[0046] The receiving platform 24, on the side opposite to the connecting platform 22, and the carrying platform 25, on the side opposite to the connecting platform 22, can have receiving slots 241. The milk frothing mechanism 102 may also include two snap-fit ​​components 30, each corresponding to one of the two receiving slots 241. Each snap-fit ​​component 30 may include a snap-fit ​​element 31 and an elastic element 32. The snap-fit ​​element 31 can be slidably connected to the corresponding receiving slot 241 in the second horizontal direction. The elastic element 32 can be housed in the corresponding receiving slot 241 and can be located between the corresponding snap-fit ​​element 31 and the side wall of the corresponding receiving slot 241 near the connecting platform 22; the elastic element 32 can be fixedly connected to or abut against the side wall of the snap-fit ​​element 31 and the receiving slot 241. The elastic element 32 can be pre-pressed between the snap-fit ​​element 31 and the side wall of the receiving slot 241. After compression, the elastic element 32 can generate elastic force, and the elastic force drives the snap-fit ​​element 31 away from the connecting platform 22 in the second horizontal direction.

[0047] Two slots (not shown in the figure) can be provided in the liquid outlet section 1011. The two slots can be arranged opposite each other and spaced apart in the second horizontal direction. The two slots can correspond one-to-one with two fasteners 31. The side of each fastener 31 facing away from the connecting table 22 can be engaged with the corresponding slot. Each elastic member 32 can use the elastic force generated by compression to keep the fastener 31 away from the connecting table 22 and closer to the corresponding slot, so that the fastener 31 can maintain engagement with the slot.

[0048] When the user needs to remove the milk frothing mechanism 102 from the liquid outlet 1011, the user can press the two latches 31 to move the latches 31 in the direction close to the connecting platform 22, thereby moving the latches 31 out of the corresponding slots and compressing the elastic element 32; after the latches 31 are moved out of the slots and released from the slots, the user can maintain the pressure on the latches 31 and move the milk frothing mechanism 102 out from the bottom of the liquid outlet 1011, and then the user can disassemble and clean the milk frothing mechanism 102.

[0049] It is understood that after cleaning, the user can assemble the milk frothing mechanism 102 and move it into the liquid outlet 1011 from the bottom. Each fastener 31, on the side facing away from the connecting platform 22, may have a slope on its top. When the fastener 31 extends vertically into the liquid outlet 1011 from the bottom, the slope can abut against the internal structure of the liquid outlet 1011. At this time, the fastener 31 can move towards the connecting platform 22 under the pressure of the internal structure of the liquid outlet 1011, compressing the elastic member 32. When the milk frothing mechanism 102 moves until the fastener 31 aligns with the slot, the fastener 31 can enter and engage with the slot under the elastic force of the elastic member 32, thereby achieving relative fixation between the milk frothing mechanism 102 and the liquid outlet 1011.

[0050] In the embodiments of this application, the type of elastic element 32 is not specifically limited. For example, elastic element 32 can be, but is not limited to, a spring.

[0051] In the embodiments of this application, the fixing method during fixed connection and fixed installation is not specifically limited. For example, the fixing method may include, but is not limited to, welding fixing, integral molding fixing, screw fixing, bolt fixing, and interference fixing.

[0052] In other embodiments, the support platform 25 and the receiving platform 24 may be located on both sides of the connecting platform 22 in the first horizontal direction, and the fastener 31 may be slidably connected to the corresponding receiving groove 241 in the first horizontal direction and engaged in the corresponding groove.

[0053] In some embodiments, the periphery of the base 20 may be provided with a rim that extends vertically and protrudes beyond the top of the base plate 21. The rim may extend around the base 20 to the base plate 21, the receiving platform 24, and the support platform 25, and be fixedly connected to them. The rim can improve the structural strength of the base 20 and increase its service life.

[0054] For example, the base plate 21, connecting platform 22, liquid outlet head 23, receiving platform 24, bearing platform 25 and edging can be integrally formed and fixed.

[0055] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the connecting platform 22 may include a first liquid inlet 222 and a second liquid inlet 223, the first liquid inlet 222 and the second liquid inlet 223 being arranged in a second horizontal direction and the first liquid inlet 222 and the second liquid inlet 223 being integrally fixed.

[0056] The liquid inlet chamber 221 may include a first liquid inlet area 2211 and a second liquid inlet area 2212. The first liquid inlet portion 222 can enclose the first liquid inlet area 2211, and the second liquid inlet portion 223 can enclose the second liquid inlet area 2212. The first liquid inlet area 2211 and the second liquid inlet area 2212 are connected. The mixing chamber 14 corresponds to and is connected to the first liquid inlet area 2211. The cross-section of the first liquid inlet area 2211 may be semi-circular, and the cross-section of the second liquid inlet area 2212 may be elongated. The length directions of the connecting platform 22, the second liquid inlet portion 223, and the second liquid inlet area 2212 are the same and coincide with the first horizontal direction. The width directions of the connecting platform 22, the first liquid inlet portion 222, and the first liquid inlet area 2211 are the same and coincide with the second horizontal direction.

[0057] In the first horizontal direction, the length of the second liquid inlet area 2212 is greater than the length of the first liquid inlet area 2211, and the two sides of the second liquid inlet area 2212 protrude beyond the two sides of the first liquid inlet area 2211. Each liquid inlet channel is connected to the second liquid inlet area 2212, and the position where each liquid inlet channel is connected to the second liquid inlet area 2212 allows the second liquid inlet area 2212 to protrude beyond the two sides of the first liquid inlet area 2211.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the bottom wall of the liquid inlet chamber 221 can be provided with an inclined guide surface 224. The guide surface 224 can transition from the first liquid inlet area 2211 to the second liquid inlet area 2212. The side of the guide surface 224 facing away from the second liquid inlet area 2212 in the second horizontal direction is the first side of the guide surface 224, and the side facing away from the first liquid inlet area 2211 is the second side of the guide surface 224. In the vertical direction, the height of the first side of the guide surface 224 is greater than the height of the second side of the guide surface 224.

[0059] It is understood that the milk foam obtained by mixing in the mixing chamber 14 can flow to the first inlet area 2211 under the action of gravity, and flow to the second inlet area 2212 under the guidance of the guide surface 224. Then it is discharged from the milk foaming mechanism 102 through the outlet channel 231. The inclined guide surface 224 can guide the milk foam to approach the outlet channel 231 in the second horizontal direction and finally flow out from the outlet channel 231. This can reduce the occurrence of turbulence in the inlet chamber 221 and improve the smoothness of the milk foam flow. At the same time, it can also reduce the occurrence of milk foam adhering to the bottom wall of the inlet chamber 221 and stopping the flow after flowing into the inlet chamber 221, thus reducing the possibility of the liquid remaining in the inlet chamber 221 affecting the quality of the milk foam produced by the beverage machine 100.

[0060] It is understood that each side of the second liquid inlet area 2212 protruding from the first liquid inlet area 2211 can be connected to at least one liquid outlet channel 231. For example, there can be two liquid outlet channels 231, and the positions where the two liquid outlet channels 231 are connected to the second liquid inlet cavity 221 can be located on the two sides of the second liquid inlet cavity 221 protruding from the first liquid inlet cavity 221, respectively.

[0061] In some embodiments, a guide member 225 is provided within the second liquid inlet area 2212. The guide member 225 can be fixedly connected to the side wall and / or bottom wall of the second liquid inlet area 2212. The guide member 225 is disposed abutting against the first liquid inlet area 2211 in a first horizontal direction. The guide member 225 can be an inclined sheet structure or an arc-shaped sheet structure, and the guide member 225 can extend along the direction of the first liquid inlet area 2211 toward the liquid outlet channel 231 or along the direction of the second liquid inlet area 2212 away from the side wall of the first liquid inlet area 2211 toward the liquid outlet channel 231. The guide member 225 can guide the milk foam liquid in the second liquid inlet area 2212 to flow toward the liquid outlet channel 231, thereby improving the smoothness of the milk foam liquid flowing out of the liquid outlet channel 231 and reducing the probability of milk foam liquid remaining in the liquid inlet cavity 221.

[0062] In the embodiments of this application, the number of guide members 225 is not specifically limited. For example, as shown in the figure, each liquid outlet channel 231 can be provided with two guide members 225. The two guide members 225 are symmetrically and spaced apart in the second horizontal direction. Both guide members 225 are spaced apart from the corresponding liquid outlet channel 231 in the first horizontal direction. The two guide members 225 can enclose each other to form a guide channel, and the two guide members 225 can form the two side walls of the guide channel in the second horizontal direction. The width of the guide channel can gradually decrease along the end of the guide channel away from the liquid outlet channel 231 towards the liquid outlet channel 231. The two side walls of the guide channel can be inclined or curved, and can guide the milk foam liquid to flow in the second horizontal direction and the first horizontal direction in the direction close to the liquid outlet channel 231.

[0063] In some embodiments, the milk frother 10 may be made of a flexible material. The milk frother 10 may include a mixing section 15, a sealing section 16, and an extension section 17. The mixing section 15 is cylindrical and extends vertically. The sealing section 16 corresponds to the first liquid inlet section 222 and may cover and fit over the first liquid inlet section 222. An avoidance notch 151 is provided at the bottom of the sealing section 16, and the avoidance notch 151 is located on the side of the sealing section 16 facing the second liquid inlet section 223 in the second horizontal direction.

[0064] The sealing portion 16 can be located at the clearance notch 151 and is fixedly connected to the mixing portion 15. The shape of the sealing portion 16 is adapted to the shape of the second liquid inlet area 2212. The sealing portion 16 can correspond to the second liquid inlet portion 223 and can cover and be inserted into the second liquid inlet area 2212.

[0065] The extension 17 can be located on top of the mixing section 15 and fixedly connected to the mixing section 15. The extension 17 and the closing section 16 are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The extension 17 can extend along a second horizontal direction. A support groove 251 can be formed on the top of the support platform 25, and the extension 17 can be at least partially housed in the support groove 251 and supported on the support platform 25.

[0066] The mixing chamber 14 may include a first mixing zone 141, a mixing channel 142, and a second mixing zone 143 arranged vertically. The first mixing zone 141 extends vertically from the closure portion 16 into the mixing section 15. The steam inlet 11 may be located at the top of the extension portion 17 and communicate with the first mixing zone 141. The second mixing zone 143 may be completely located within the mixing section 15 and extend through the bottom of the second mixing zone 143; or the second mixing zone 143 may be partially located within the mixing section 15 and the remaining portion within the closure portion 16, and the second mixing zone 143 may extend through the bottom of both the mixing section 15 and the closure portion 16. When the mixing section 15 is fitted onto the first liquid inlet portion 222, the second mixing zone 143 communicates with the first liquid inlet portion 2211. The mixing channel 142 communicates between the first mixing zone 141 and the second mixing zone 143, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the mixing channel 142 is smaller than the cross-sectional areas of the first mixing zone 141 and the second mixing zone 143.

[0067] A connecting channel 171 and an opening 172 can be provided in the extension 17. The connecting channel 171 can extend along the second horizontal direction and connect the first mixing zone 141 and the opening 172. A plug 173 can be provided in the opening 172, which can close and seal the opening 172 from the side away from the first mixing zone 141. The air inlet 12 and the milk inlet 13 can communicate with the connecting channel 171, thereby realizing communication with the mixing chamber 14; air and milk can flow into the connecting channel 171 first under the negative pressure generated by the injection of steam in the first mixing zone 141, and then flow into the first mixing zone 141 for mixing; the mixed milk foam can enter the second mixing zone 143 through the mixing channel 142, continue to mix in the second mixing zone 143, and then flow into the liquid inlet chamber 221. The milk foam liquid can first flow to the first liquid inlet area 2211, then flow from the first liquid inlet area 2211 to the second liquid inlet area 2212, and finally flow out of the milk foaming mechanism 102 from the liquid outlet channel 231.

[0068] In some cases, the second mixing zone 143 is completely located in the mixing section 15. In this case, the second mixing zone 143 and the second liquid inlet zone 2212 can avoid each other in the second horizontal direction. The milk foam can first flow from the second mixing zone 143 to the first liquid inlet zone 2211, and then flow to the second liquid inlet zone 2212. In other cases, the second mixing zone 143 may be partially located in the mixing section 15 and the remaining part may be located in the sealing section 16. In this case, part of the space of the second mixing zone 143 may correspond to and communicate with the first liquid inlet zone 2211, and the remaining space may correspond to and communicate with the second liquid inlet zone 2212. In this case, the second mixing chamber 14 is spaced apart from the liquid outlet channel 231 in the first horizontal direction. The milk foam liquid can flow from the second mixing zone 143 to the first liquid inlet zone 2211 and / or the second liquid inlet zone 2212. After the milk foam liquid flows from the second mixing zone 143 to the second liquid inlet zone 2212, the milk foam liquid can flow towards the liquid outlet channel 231 in the direction guided by the guide member 225, and thus flow out of the milk foaming mechanism 102 through the liquid outlet channel 231.

[0069] It is understood that the milk frother 10 is made of flexible material, and the mixing part 15, the sealing part 16, and the extension part 17 can be integrally molded. The flexible mixing part 15 and the sealing part 16 can be elastic. When the mixing part 15 is fitted onto the first liquid inlet 222, it can be stretched and deformed, and under the elastic force generated by the deformation, it adheres to the outer periphery of the first liquid inlet 222, thereby being fixed to the base 20 by the frictional force between it and the first liquid inlet 222. When the sealing part 16 is inserted into the second liquid inlet area 2212, it can be compressed and deformed, and under the elastic force generated by the deformation, it adheres to the inner wall of the second liquid inlet area 2212, thereby being fixed to the base 20 by the frictional force between it and the inner wall of the second liquid inlet area 2212. Meanwhile, the fitting of the mixing section 15 with the first liquid inlet section 222 and the fitting of the sealing section 16 with the inner wall of the second liquid inlet area 2212 can achieve a sealed connection between the milk frother 10 and the connecting platform 22, reducing the occurrence of milk frother leakage from the gap between the milk frother 10 and the connecting platform 22.

[0070] Similarly, when the plug 173 is inserted into the opening 172, the extension 17 can be stretched and deformed, and the inner wall of the opening 172 fits against the plug 173, thereby achieving a seal and fixation between the plug 173 and the milk frother 10.

[0071] In the embodiments of this application, the material of the milk frother 10 is not specifically limited. For example, the milk frother 10 may be, but is not limited to, silicone or rubber.

[0072] It is understandable that the opening 172 may be formed due to process limitations during the production process of the milk foam generator 10 through processes such as blow molding. The sealing of the opening 172 by the plug 173 can prevent foreign objects from entering the mixing chamber 14 or the connecting channel 171, thereby affecting the output quality of the milk foam liquid.

[0073] In some embodiments, the milk frothing mechanism 102 may further include a steam nozzle 40. The steam nozzle 40 may be inserted into the steam inlet 11 and extend into the first mixing zone 141. The steam nozzle 40 may be connected to a steam device (not shown) via a pipe, which may generate steam and drive the steam through the steam nozzle 40 into the mixing chamber 14. After the steam is injected into the mixing chamber 14, it may generate a negative pressure, thereby driving air and milk to enter the mixing chamber 14 from the air inlet 12 and the milk inlet 13, respectively, to achieve mixing of steam, air, and milk froth.

[0074] It is understood that the steam nozzle 40 can be fixed to the inner wall of the steam inlet 11 through interference, thereby achieving relative fixation between the steam nozzle 40 and the milk frother 10; simultaneously, the steam nozzle 40 and the steam inlet 11 can be sealed together. When it is necessary to disassemble and clean the milk frothing mechanism 102, the user can remove the milk frothing mechanism 102 for cleaning. Optionally, the steam nozzle 40 can be pulled out from the steam inlet 11, and the steam inlet 11 and the steam nozzle 40 can be cleaned; alternatively, the steam nozzle 40 is fixed to the body 101 and is not removed for cleaning along with other parts of the milk frothing mechanism 102.

[0075] In some embodiments, the milk frothing mechanism 102 may further include a duckbill valve 50. The duckbill valve 50 is made of an elastic material. The duckbill valve 50 can be inserted into the air inlet 12 and communicates with the mixing chamber 14. Air can enter through the top of the duckbill valve 50, and the valve port at the bottom of the duckbill valve 50 can be opened or closed by the deformation of the bottom of the duckbill valve 50.

[0076] When air enters the mixing chamber 14 through the duckbill valve 50 under the negative pressure or driven by an air pump or other air intake drive device, the flowing air impacts the bottom of the duckbill valve 50, causing the bottom of the valve to elastically deform, thereby opening the valve port at the bottom of the duckbill valve 50 and allowing air to enter the mixing chamber 14. When the air stops flowing into the mixing chamber 14, the bottom of the duckbill valve 50 can return to its original shape under its own elastic force, thereby closing the valve port at the bottom of the duckbill valve 50 and sealing the air inlet 12.

[0077] In the embodiments of this application, the material of the duckbill valve 50 is not specifically limited. For example, the material of the duckbill valve 50 can be, but is not limited to, silicone or rubber.

[0078] In some embodiments, the milk frothing mechanism 102 may further include a locking component 60. The locking component 60 may include a first rib 61 and a second rib 62. The first rib 61 may be fixedly connected to the side of the mixing section 15 facing the receiving platform 24. The second rib 62 may be fixedly connected to the side of the receiving platform 24 facing the connecting platform 22, i.e., the side facing the milk frother 10. When the mixing section 15 is sleeved on the first liquid inlet section 222 and the sealing section 16 is inserted into the second liquid inlet section 223, the bottom of the second rib 62 may abut against the top of the first rib 61 and block the first rib 61, thereby achieving interference fixation between the first rib 61 and the second rib 62. Thus, through the cooperation of the first rib 61 and the second rib 62, locking between the milk frother 10 and the base 20 can be achieved.

[0079] Meanwhile, the first protruding rib 61 can be integrally connected with the milk frother 10 and uses the same flexible material. When the user needs to remove the milk frother 10 from the base 20, the milk frother 10 can be moved vertically to move it away from the base plate 21; at this time, the second protruding rib 62 can compress the first protruding rib 61, and the first protruding rib 61 and the mixing part 15 can undergo elastic deformation. As the milk frother 10 moves, the first protruding rib 61 can separate from the second protruding rib 62, and the first protruding rib 61 and the mixing part 15 can return to their original shape under their own elastic force. In this way, the milk frother 10 can be disassembled from the base 20 through the cooperation of the first protruding rib 61 and the second protruding rib 62.

[0080] The beverage machine 100 and milk frothing mechanism 102 provided in the embodiments of this application allow users to remove the milk frothing mechanism 102 from the machine body 101 and pull the milk frother 10 from the base 20, thus enabling the cleaning of the milk frother 10 and the base 20. The flexible material of the milk frother 10 allows it to adapt to the shape of the base 20 through elastic deformation, and achieves relative fixation with the base 20 through friction and the locking component 60. Simultaneously, the flexible material of the milk frothing mechanism 102 allows it to elastically deform during detachment from the base 20 due to structural interference, ensuring that structural interference does not affect the movement of the milk frother 10. This reduces the difficulty of detaching the milk frother 10 from the base 20, lowers the difficulty of cleaning the milk frother 102 after disassembly, and improves the convenience of cleaning the milk frother 102.

[0081] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that this application can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this application. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this application is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this application.

Claims

1. A milk frothing mechanism, characterized in that, include: A milk frother is provided, which has a steam inlet, an air inlet and a milk inlet, and a mixing chamber is provided inside the milk frother. The steam inlet, the air inlet and the milk inlet are all connected to the mixing chamber. The steam inlet is used to introduce steam into the mixing chamber, the air inlet is used to introduce air into the mixing chamber, and the milk inlet is used to introduce milk into the mixing chamber. The base is detachably connected to the milk frother; the base includes a base plate and a connecting platform, the connecting platform being disposed on the base plate, the connecting platform forming a liquid inlet chamber, and the mixing chamber communicating with the liquid inlet chamber; the base has an outlet channel, the outlet channel communicating with the liquid inlet chamber; wherein, the mixed milk foam in the mixing chamber is used to flow out of the milk frother mechanism through the liquid inlet chamber and the outlet channel.

2. The milk frothing mechanism of claim 1, wherein The liquid inlet chamber includes a first liquid inlet area and a second liquid inlet area, the first liquid inlet area and the second liquid inlet area are connected, the liquid outlet channel is connected to the second liquid inlet area, and the bottom wall of the liquid inlet chamber is provided with an inclined guide surface, the guide surface transitions from the first liquid inlet area to the second liquid inlet area, so as to guide the milk foam from the first liquid inlet area to the second liquid inlet area.

3. The milk frothing mechanism of claim 2, wherein The base also includes a support platform, which is disposed on the base plate and located on the side of the second liquid inlet area away from the first liquid inlet area. A support groove is formed on the support platform, and the milk foam generator is at least partially housed in the support groove and supported by the support platform.

4. The milk frothing mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The milk frothing generator includes: A mixing section is sleeved on the connecting platform, a mixing chamber is opened inside the mixing section and the mixing chamber is connected to the first liquid inlet area, the mixing section covers the first liquid inlet area, and the air inlet is opened on the mixing section; A sealing section is connected to one side of the mixing section and is inserted into and covers the second liquid inlet area; An extension is connected to one side of the mixing section and spaced apart from the sealing section. A liquid inlet channel is provided in the extension and is connected to the mixing chamber. The air inlet and the milk inlet are both provided on the extension and are connected to the liquid inlet channel.

5. The milk frothing mechanism of claim 4, wherein The milk frother is made of a flexible material. The extension has an opening at the end opposite to the mixing part, and the opening is fitted with a plug to seal it.

6. The milk frothing mechanism of claim 3, wherein Along the length of the connecting platform, the length of the second liquid inlet area is greater than the length of the first liquid inlet area, and the liquid outlet channel is spaced apart from the first liquid inlet area; A flow guide is provided on the connecting platform. The flow guide is located in the second liquid inlet area and avoids the first liquid inlet area in the length direction of the connecting platform. The flow guide is used to contact the milk foam and guide the milk foam to flow toward the liquid outlet channel.

7. The milk frothing mechanism of claim 1, wherein The milk frothing mechanism includes a locking component, which includes a first protruding rib on one side of the milk frothing generator and a second protruding rib on the base. The second protruding rib is used to interfere with the first protruding rib to achieve locking and disassembly connection between the milk frothing generator and the base.

8. The milk frothing mechanism of claim 1, wherein Also includes: A duckbill valve is inserted into the air inlet to allow air to enter the mixing chamber when air is supplied, and to close the chamber when no air is supplied.

9. A beverage machine characterized by include: body; The milk frothing mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 is detachably connected to the body.

10. The beverage machine of claim 9, wherein, The machine body has a slot, and the base of the milk frothing mechanism is provided with a buckle and an elastic member. The buckle is used to engage with the slot to realize a detachable connection between the milk frothing mechanism and the machine body. The elastic member is disposed between the buckle and the base and is used to drive the buckle to approach and engage with the slot.

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