Milk tank assembly and coffee machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of milk tank assemblies, and disclosed coffee machine with milk tank assembly, wherein milk tank assembly includes box and lid assembly, box is equipped with the containing cavity for containing milk, lid assembly is connected to box and cover is equipped in containing cavity, lid assembly is equipped with milk bubble generation flow channel and is used for the milk storage tank for storing milk bubble, milk bubble generation flow channel has steam inlet, milk inlet and air inlet, milk inlet communicates containing cavity, milk inlet is located between steam inlet and milk storage tank, milk storage tank has milk bubble outlet, so that milk bubble can be temporarily stored in milk storage tank after generation, rather than directly discharged, when user needs to use milk bubble again, it can be directly obtained from the milk bubble outlet of milk storage tank, effectively solve the waiting time problem caused by needing to re-generate milk bubble each time in prior art, to improve the convenience of use and user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of coffee machine technology, and in particular to a milk box assembly and a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] In coffee machines, the milk tank assembly uses a steam output device to deliver high-temperature steam, which mixes with air entering the assembly from the outside to create milk foam, resulting in a smoother, creamier texture. However, existing milk tank assemblies simply release the foam directly through the dispensing tube after it's generated. Users then have to wait for the milk tank to regenerate foam before the next dispensing, which is inconvenient. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a milk box assembly that is convenient for users.

[0004] This utility model also proposes a coffee machine having the above-mentioned milk box assembly.

[0005] The milk box assembly according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes: The box body has a receiving cavity for holding milk; A lid assembly is connected to the box body and covers the receiving cavity. The lid assembly has a milk foam generating channel and a milk storage tank for storing milk foam. The milk foam generating channel has a steam inlet, a milk inlet and an air inlet. The milk inlet communicates with the receiving cavity and is located between the steam inlet and the milk storage tank. The milk storage tank has a milk foam outlet.

[0006] The milk box assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: When milk foam is generated, high-temperature steam from the coffee machine's steam output device flows into the milk foam generation channel through the steam inlet, while external air flows into the milk foam generation channel through the air inlet. Milk in the container flows into the milk foam generation channel through the milk inlet. The milk, steam, and air mix in the milk foam generation channel to form milk foam. The milk foam in the milk foam generation channel first enters the milk storage tank and then flows out from the milk foam outlet for the user to obtain. By setting up the milk storage tank, the milk foam can be temporarily stored in the milk storage tank after it is generated, instead of being directly discharged. When the user needs to use the milk foam again, it can be directly obtained from the milk foam outlet of the milk storage tank. This effectively solves the waiting time problem caused by the need to regenerate milk foam every time in the existing technology, thereby improving the convenience and user experience.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the milk box assembly further includes a straw connected to the lid assembly, one end of the straw being connected to the milk inlet, and the other end of the straw extending into the receiving cavity.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the milk foam generating channel includes a first channel and a second channel connected to the first channel. The steam inlet and the milk inlet are both located in the first channel. The first channel is connected to the milk storage tank. The second channel is provided with the air inlet. The air outlet of the second channel is located between the steam inlet and the milk inlet.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first flow channel includes a first flow section, a second flow section, and a third flow section connected in sequence. The effective flow area of ​​the first flow section and the effective flow area of ​​the third flow section are both greater than the effective flow area of ​​the second flow section. The steam inlet is located in the first flow section, and the milk inlet is located in the third flow section.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in the direction from the first flow section to the third flow section, the effective flow area of ​​the second flow section first decreases and then increases.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the lid assembly includes a bottom cover, a top cover, and a sealing element. The bottom cover is provided with the milk foam generating channel, the sealing element is sealed within the milk foam generating channel, the sealing element is sandwiched between the bottom cover and the top cover, and the top cover and the bottom cover are detachably connected.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom cover is provided with a mounting hole, the mounting hole including a first through hole and a second through hole communicating with the first through hole, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first through hole being smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second through hole, the top cover is provided with a mounting part, the mounting part sliding into the first through hole through the second through hole, and the mounting part abutting against the periphery of the first through hole.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a sealing structure is provided between the sealing element and the bottom cover, and the sealing structure is used to seal the milk foam generation channel.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sealing structure includes a sealing groove provided on the bottom cover and a sealing protrusion provided on the sealing element. The sealing groove extends circumferentially along the milk foam generating channel, and the sealing protrusion is accommodated in the sealing groove and abuts against the side wall of the sealing groove.

[0015] The coffee machine according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the milk tank assembly described in the above embodiments.

[0016] The coffee machine according to the second aspect of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: In the milk tank assembly of the first aspect of this utility model, when milk foam is generated, high-temperature steam output from the steam output device of the coffee machine flows into the milk foam generation channel through the steam inlet, and external air flows into the milk foam generation channel through the air inlet. Milk in the receiving cavity flows into the milk foam generation channel through the milk inlet. After the milk, steam and air mix in the milk foam generation channel, milk foam is formed. The milk foam in the milk foam generation channel first enters the milk storage tank and then flows out from the milk foam outlet for the user to obtain. By setting the milk storage tank, the milk foam can be temporarily stored in the milk storage tank after it is generated, instead of being directly discharged. When the user needs to use the milk foam again, it can be directly obtained from the milk foam outlet of the milk storage tank, which effectively solves the waiting time problem caused by the need to regenerate milk foam every time in the prior art, thereby improving the convenience of use and user experience.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention 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 the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a milk box assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a milk box assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a top view of a milk box assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Sectional view of line AA in the middle; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bottom cover according to one embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 6 This is a top view of the bottom cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sealing element according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the top cover of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Icon labels: Box body 100, receiving cavity 110, box cover assembly 200, milk foam generating channel 210, first channel 211, first flow section 2111, second flow section 2112, third flow section 2113, second channel 212, steam inlet 220, air inlet 230, milk inlet 240, milk storage tank 250, milk foam outlet 251, bottom cover 260, mounting hole 261, first through hole 262, second through hole 263, sealing groove 264, top cover 270, mounting part 271, sealing element 280, sealing protrusion 281, straw 300. Detailed Implementation

[0020] 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.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the 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.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, "multiple" refers to two or more. The use of "first" and "second" is for distinguishing technical features only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of technical features or their sequential relationship.

[0023] 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.

[0024] In related technologies, the milk tank assembly in a coffee machine outputs high-temperature steam through the machine's steam output device during operation. This steam, combined with air entering the milk tank assembly from the outside, mixes with the milk to form milk foam, making the milk smoother and creamier. However, in existing milk tank assemblies, after generating milk foam, it flows directly out through the milk outlet. Users then have to wait for the milk tank assembly to regenerate milk foam before the next dispensing, which is inconvenient.

[0025] Reference Figures 1 to 5The first aspect of the present invention provides a milk box assembly, including a box body 100 and a lid assembly 200. The box body 100 has a receiving cavity 110 for receiving milk. The lid assembly 200 is connected to the box body 100 and covers the receiving cavity 110. The lid assembly 200 has a milk foam generating channel 210 and a milk storage tank 250 for storing milk foam. The milk foam generating channel 210 has a steam inlet 220, a milk inlet 240, and an air inlet 230. The milk inlet 240 communicates with the receiving cavity 110 and is located between the steam inlet 220 and the milk storage tank 250. The milk storage tank 250 has a milk foam outlet 251, which allows milk foam to be temporarily stored in the milk storage tank 250 after it is generated, instead of being directly discharged. When the user needs to use the milk foam again, it can be directly obtained from the milk foam outlet 251 of the milk storage tank 250. This effectively solves the problem of waiting time caused by the need to regenerate milk foam every time in the prior art, thereby improving the convenience of use and user experience.

[0026] For example, when generating milk foam, the high-temperature steam output from the coffee machine's steam output device flows into the milk foam generation channel 210 through the steam inlet 220, and the air inlet 230 from the external air vent flows into the milk foam generation channel 210. The milk in the receiving cavity 110 flows into the milk foam generation channel 210 through the milk inlet 240. After the milk, steam, and air mix in the milk foam generation channel 210, milk foam is formed. The milk foam in the milk foam generation channel 210 first enters the milk storage tank 250 and then flows out from the milk foam outlet 251 so that it can be obtained by the user. By setting the milk storage tank 250, the milk foam can be temporarily stored in the milk storage tank 250 after it is generated, instead of being directly discharged. When the user needs to use the milk foam again, it can be directly obtained from the milk foam outlet 251 of the milk storage tank 250. This effectively solves the waiting time problem caused by the need to regenerate milk foam every time in the prior art, thereby improving the convenience of use and user experience.

[0027] Reference Figure 2 In this embodiment, the milk box assembly also includes a straw 300 connected to the lid assembly 200. One end of the straw 300 is connected to the milk inlet 240, and the other end of the straw 300 extends into the receiving cavity 110. Due to the high flow rate of the high-temperature steam, when the high-temperature and high-speed steam passes through the milk inlet 240, the air pressure at the milk inlet 240 is lower than the air pressure in the receiving cavity 110 under the siphon effect. That is, a negative pressure zone is formed at the milk inlet 240. The milk in the receiving cavity 110 can flow from the milk inlet 240 into the milk foam generating channel 210 through the straw 300, which is beneficial for mixing milk, steam and external air, and can facilitate the generation of milk foam.

[0028] For example, the upper end of the straw 300 is connected to the lid assembly 200, and the lower end of the straw 300 extends downward into the receiving cavity 110. When the milk inlet 240 is under negative pressure, the milk in the receiving cavity 110 can flow from the milk inlet 240 into the milk foam generating channel 210 through the straw 300, which is beneficial for mixing milk, steam and external air, and can facilitate the generation of milk foam.

[0029] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 In this embodiment, the milk foam generating channel 210 includes a first channel 211 and a second channel 212 connected to the first channel 211. The steam inlet 220 and the milk inlet 240 are both located in the first channel 211, which is connected to the milk storage tank 250. The second channel 212 is provided with an air inlet 230, and the air outlet of the second channel 212 is located between the steam inlet 220 and the milk inlet 240. High-speed steam enters the first channel 211 from the steam inlet 220. When it flows through the air outlet of the second channel 212, it will draw air from the air inlet 230 using the Venturi effect. The steam and air mix first to form a gas-liquid two-phase flow. Then, this mixed airflow impacts the milk drawn in from the milk inlet 240, which can better cut and disperse the air in the milk, thereby generating finer and denser milk foam.

[0030] For example, by setting up an independent second flow channel 212 and arranging the air outlet of the second flow channel 212 between the steam inlet 220 and the milk inlet 240, the high-temperature steam mixes with the air first and then acts on the milk. The steam kinetic energy can be used to entice the air, which improves the air mixing efficiency and makes the mixing of milk, steam and air more thorough and uniform, thereby helping to generate milk foam with a finer and denser texture.

[0031] Reference Figure 6 In this embodiment, the first flow channel 211 includes a first flow section 2111, a second flow section 2112, and a third flow section 2113 connected in sequence. The effective flow area of ​​the first flow section 2111 and the effective flow area of ​​the third flow section 2113 are both larger than the effective flow area of ​​the second flow section 2112. The steam inlet 220 is located in the first flow section 2111, and the milk inlet 240 is located in the third flow section 2113. According to fluid mechanics, when the fluid passes through a narrow channel, the flow velocity increases and the pressure decreases. When the steam enters the second flow section 2112 with a small cross-section from the first flow section 2111 with a large cross-section, the flow velocity increases sharply and the pressure drops sharply. This low-pressure zone can more effectively draw milk from the milk inlet 240. After that, the fluid enters the third flow section 2113 with a large cross-section, and the flow velocity decreases, which is conducive to more complete energy exchange and mixing and emulsification of steam, air, and milk.

[0032] For example, by designing the first flow channel 211 as a three-section structure, the narrow channel formed by the second flow section 2112 can accelerate the steam flow rate and generate negative pressure, which can enhance the suction capacity of milk. Subsequently, in the third flow section 2113 where the effective flow area is expanded, the fluid velocity is reduced, providing more space and time for milk, steam and air to mix. This not only improves the efficiency of milk foam generation, but also further optimizes the density and quality of milk foam.

[0033] In this embodiment, from the first flow section 2111 to the third flow section 2113, the effective flow area of ​​the second flow section 2112 first decreases and then increases, which can optimize the fluid dynamic characteristics in the first flow channel 211, reduce the resistance, eddies and energy loss in the steam flow process, and make the acceleration and deceleration process of the steam flow more stable and efficient. Thus, while improving the suction force and mixing effect, it reduces working noise and energy consumption.

[0034] For example, the second flow section 2112 includes a smooth converging section and a smooth expanding section, which can reduce the flow resistance of the fluid, avoid the generation of eddies and energy loss, and make the fluid accelerate more smoothly and efficiently. The smooth expanding section can reduce the energy loss of the fluid during diffusion, make the pressure recovery more gradual, and make the mixing process more stable. It can reduce flow loss, thereby improving energy utilization efficiency and the stability of the mixing process.

[0035] Reference Figure 4 In this embodiment, the box cover assembly 200 includes a bottom cover 260, a top cover 270, and a sealing member 280. The bottom cover 260 is provided with a milk foam generating channel 210, and the sealing member 280 is sealed to the milk foam generating channel 210. The sealing member 280 is sandwiched between the bottom cover 260 and the top cover 270. The top cover 270 and the bottom cover 260 are detachably connected. On the one hand, this facilitates the production and assembly of the box cover assembly 200, and on the other hand, it facilitates the cleaning and maintenance of the milk foam generating channel 210 and the milk storage tank 250.

[0036] Understandably, by employing a detachable lid assembly 200 consisting of a bottom cover 260, a top cover 270, and a seal 280, the components forming the milk foam generation channel 210 and the milk storage tank 250 can be easily opened and separated. This structure greatly facilitates thorough cleaning and maintenance of the inside of the milk box assembly by users or maintenance personnel, effectively solving hygiene and clogging problems caused by milk residue, and improving the maintainability and service life of the product.

[0037] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 8In this embodiment, the bottom cover 260 is provided with a mounting hole 261, which includes a first through hole 262 and a second through hole 263 communicating with the first through hole 262. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first through hole 262 is smaller than that of the second through hole 263. The top cover 270 is provided with a mounting part 271, which slides into the first through hole 262 through the second through hole 263 and abuts against the periphery of the first through hole 262. The bottom cover 260 and the top cover 270 do not need to be assembled by using bolts, which can realize the quick disassembly or installation of the top cover 270, thereby facilitating user use.

[0038] For example, multiple mounting holes 261 are provided, and the multiple mounting holes 261 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the bottom cover 260. Multiple mounting parts 271 are correspondingly provided, and the number of mounting parts 271 is relative to the number of mounting holes 261. The mounting parts 271 slide into the corresponding first through hole 262 through the corresponding second through hole 263. The bottom cover 260 and the top cover 270 are assembled without the need to use bolts, which can realize the quick disassembly or installation of the top cover 270, thus making it convenient for users.

[0039] It should be noted that the bottom cover 260 and the top cover 270 can be detachably connected by a snap-fit ​​structure or by bolts, and no restrictions are imposed here.

[0040] Reference Figures 5 to 7 In this embodiment, a sealing structure is provided between the seal 280 and the bottom cover 260. The sealing structure is used to seal the milk foam generation channel 210, which can prevent high-pressure steam and milk from leaking from the milk foam generation channel 210. On the one hand, it can ensure the working pressure and suction force required for the milk foam generation process, and on the other hand, it can maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the inside of the coffee machine.

[0041] Reference Figures 5 to 7 In this embodiment, the sealing structure includes a sealing groove 264 provided on the bottom cover 260 and a sealing protrusion 281 provided on the sealing member 280. The sealing groove 264 extends circumferentially along the milk foam generating channel 210, and the sealing protrusion 281 is accommodated in the sealing groove 264 and abuts against the side wall of the sealing groove 264. This can prevent high-pressure steam and milk from leaking from the milk foam generating channel 210. On the one hand, it can ensure the working pressure and suction force required for the milk foam generating process. On the other hand, it can maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the inside of the coffee machine.

[0042] For example, by adopting a sealing structure in which the sealing groove 264 and the sealing protrusion 281 interlock, the sealing contact area between the bottom cover 260 and the seal 280 can be increased to provide better radial sealing force. This can withstand the high steam pressure inside the milk foam generation channel 210 and prevent high-pressure steam and milk from leaking from the milk foam generation channel 210. On the one hand, this ensures the working pressure and suction required for the milk foam generation process, and on the other hand, it maintains the cleanliness and hygiene inside the coffee machine.

[0043] It should be noted that the positions of the sealing groove 264 and the sealing protrusion 281 can be interchanged, that is, the sealing groove 264 is located on the sealing element 280 and the sealing protrusion 281 is located on the bottom cover 260, without any restrictions.

[0044] As another implementation, the sealing structure is a sealing ring, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the milk foam generating channel 210 and sandwiched between the bottom cover 260 and the sealing element 280. It can also seal the milk foam generating channel 210, which will not be described in detail here.

[0045] The coffee machine of the second aspect of this utility model includes the milk tank assembly of the first aspect of this utility model, so that the milk foam can be temporarily stored in the milk storage tank 250 after it is generated, instead of being directly discharged. When the user needs to use the milk foam again, it can be directly obtained from the milk foam outlet 251 of the milk storage tank 250, which effectively solves the problem of waiting time caused by the need to regenerate milk foam every time in the prior art, thereby improving the convenience of use and user experience.

[0046] For example, when generating milk foam, the high-temperature steam output from the coffee machine's steam output device flows into the milk foam generation channel 210 through the steam inlet 220, and the air inlet 230 from the external air vent flows into the milk foam generation channel 210. The milk in the receiving cavity 110 flows into the milk foam generation channel 210 through the milk inlet 240. After the milk, steam, and air mix in the milk foam generation channel 210, milk foam is formed. The milk foam in the milk foam generation channel 210 first enters the milk storage tank 250 and then flows out from the milk foam outlet 251 so that it can be obtained by the user. By setting the milk storage tank 250, the milk foam can be temporarily stored in the milk storage tank 250 after it is generated, instead of being directly discharged. When the user needs to use the milk foam again, it can be directly obtained from the milk foam outlet 251 of the milk storage tank 250. This effectively solves the waiting time problem caused by the need to regenerate milk foam every time in the prior art, thereby improving the convenience of use and user experience.

[0047] Since the coffee machine adopts all the technical solutions of the milk tank assembly of the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0048] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A milk box assembly, characterized in that, include: The box body (100) is provided with a receiving cavity (110) for holding milk. A lid assembly (200) is connected to the box body (100) and covers the receiving cavity (110). The lid assembly (200) is provided with a milk foam generating channel (210) and a milk storage tank (250) for storing milk foam. The milk foam generating channel (210) has a steam inlet (220), a milk inlet (240) and an air inlet (230). The milk inlet (240) is connected to the receiving cavity (110). The milk inlet (240) is located between the steam inlet (220) and the milk storage tank (250). The milk storage tank (250) has a milk foam outlet (251).

2. The milk box assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The milk box assembly also includes a straw (300) connected to the lid assembly (200), one end of the straw (300) being connected to the milk inlet (240), and the other end of the straw (300) extending into the receiving cavity (110).

3. The milk box assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The milk foam generating channel (210) includes a first channel (211) and a second channel (212) connected to the first channel (211). The steam inlet (220) and the milk inlet (240) are both located in the first channel (211). The first channel (211) is connected to the milk storage tank (250). The second channel (212) is provided with the air inlet (230). The air outlet of the second channel (212) is located between the steam inlet (220) and the milk inlet (240).

4. The milk box assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first flow channel (211) includes a first flow section (2111), a second flow section (2112), and a third flow section (2113) connected in sequence. The effective flow area of ​​the first flow section (2111) and the effective flow area of ​​the third flow section (2113) are both greater than the effective flow area of ​​the second flow section (2112). The steam inlet (220) is located in the first flow section (2111), and the milk inlet (240) is located in the third flow section (2113).

5. The milk box assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: In the direction from the first flow segment (2111) to the third flow segment (2113), the effective flow area of ​​the second flow segment (2112) first decreases and then increases.

6. The milk box assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lid assembly (200) includes a bottom cover (260), a top cover (270), and a sealing element (280). The bottom cover (260) is provided with the milk foam generating channel (210). The sealing element (280) covers the milk foam generating channel (210). The sealing element (280) is sandwiched between the bottom cover (260) and the top cover (270). The top cover (270) and the bottom cover (260) are detachably connected.

7. The milk box assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The bottom cover (260) is provided with a mounting hole (261), the mounting hole (261) includes a first through hole (262) and a second through hole (263) communicating with the first through hole (262). The cross-sectional area of ​​the first through hole (262) is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second through hole (263). The top cover (270) is provided with a mounting part (271). The mounting part (271) slides into the first through hole (262) through the second through hole (263), and the mounting part (271) abuts against the periphery of the first through hole (262).

8. The milk box assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: A sealing structure is provided between the sealing element (280) and the bottom cover (260), and the sealing structure is used to seal the milk foam generation channel (210).

9. The milk box assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The sealing structure includes a sealing groove (264) provided on the bottom cover (260) and a sealing protrusion (281) provided on the sealing member (280). The sealing groove (264) extends circumferentially along the milk foam generating channel (210). The sealing protrusion (281) is accommodated in the sealing groove (264) and abuts against the side wall of the sealing groove (264).

10. A coffee machine, characterized in that, include: The milk box assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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