Milk frother and coffee machine

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of beverage making equipment, specifically provides a milk frother and coffee machine. The utility model aims at solving the problem that the milk outlet nozzle of the existing milk frother cannot be cleaned separately. For this purpose, the milk frother of the utility model includes a milk frothing tank and a milk outlet nozzle. One side of the milk frothing tank transversely is provided with a milk outlet seat, and one side of the milk outlet seat transversely is provided with a plug-in structure. The milk outlet nozzle includes a milk outlet pipe and a plug-in matching structure, and the plug-in matching structure is rotatably connected with the plug-in structure in a plug-in manner, so that the milk liquid in the milk frothing tank is discharged through the milk outlet nozzle. Among them, the included angle between the plug-in direction of the plug-in matching structure and the plug-in structure and the side of the milk frothing tank where the milk outlet seat is located is less than or equal to 30 DEG. The utility model makes the milk outlet nozzle rotatably connected with the plug-in structure of the milk frothing tank in a plug-in manner through the plug-in matching structure, so that the milk outlet nozzle can be separately disassembled and cleaned, which facilitates the cleaning of the milk outlet nozzle by the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of beverage preparation equipment, specifically providing a milk frother and a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] Some coffee machines are now equipped with milk frothers to transform milk into rich foam, which is then used to make Italian coffee drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.

[0003] In order to inject the milk foam into the coffee liquid, existing milk frothers are usually equipped with a milk spout, through which the milk in the milk frother is injected into the coffee liquid.

[0004] However, the nipple on existing milk frothers cannot be removed for separate cleaning; it can only be cleaned along with the frother. This not only increases the difficulty of cleaning the nipple but also makes it easier for it to be uncleaned, affecting the taste of the coffee beverage. Utility Model Content

[0005] One objective of this invention is to solve the problem that the nipple of existing milk frothers cannot be cleaned separately.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a milk frother in a first aspect, comprising: A milk frother has a milk outlet on one side in the horizontal direction, and a plug-in structure is provided on one side of the milk outlet in the horizontal direction. The nipple includes a milk outlet tube and a plug-in fitting structure, wherein the plug-in fitting structure is rotatably connected to the plug-in structure so that the milk in the milk frother is discharged through the nipple; Wherein, the angle between the insertion direction of the plug-in structure and the side of the milk frother located in the milk frother box is less than or equal to 30°.

[0007] Optionally, the insertion direction of the plug-in structure is parallel to the side of the milk frother located in the milk frother box.

[0008] Optionally, the plug-in structure includes an annular tube, and the plug-in mating structure includes an annular cap, with the annular tube inserted into the annular cap.

[0009] Optionally, the axis of the annular cap is perpendicular to the axis of the milk outlet tube, and the axis of the milk outlet tube, the side of the annular cap facing the milk outlet seat, and the side of the milk outlet seat facing the annular cap are aligned.

[0010] Optionally, the bottom of the annular tube is provided with a notch, which is aligned with the lumen of the milk outlet tube to guide the milk into the milk outlet tube.

[0011] Optionally, the annular tube has a C-shaped flange that is penetrated by the notch at one end facing the annular cap; the annular cap has an annular groove inside, and the C-shaped flange is fitted into the annular groove; the annular tube is a component made of an elastic material so that the C-shaped flange can contract radially, thereby disengaging from the annular groove and removing the nipple from the milk frother.

[0012] Optionally, a sealing groove is provided at the root of the annular tube near the milk outlet, and the plug-in structure further includes a sealing ring embedded in the sealing groove. The sealing ring slides in contact with the inner peripheral wall of the annular cap to seal the plug-in structure and the plug-in mating structure to prevent leakage.

[0013] Optionally, the nipple further includes a sleeve, which is sleeved on the outside of the milk outlet tube and slidably connected to the milk outlet tube so that the sleeve can extend and retract relative to the milk outlet tube.

[0014] Optionally, the sleeve is provided with a heat insulation structure to prevent the nipple from scalding the user.

[0015] The present invention provides a coffee machine in a second aspect, comprising a body and a milk frother as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0016] Based on the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will understand that in the aforementioned technical solution of this utility model, by making the nipple rotatably connected to the plug-in structure of the milk frother via a plug-in mating structure, the nipple can be disassembled separately for cleaning, which facilitates the user's cleaning of the nipple.

[0017] Meanwhile, by making the angle between the insertion direction of the plug-in structure and the side of the milk frothing box where the milk outlet is located less than or equal to 30°, the milk outlet can rotate its outlet towards or away from the milk frothing box, allowing users to adjust the position of the milk outlet according to the position and height of the coffee container, making it more convenient to use.

[0018] Furthermore, by making the annular tube of the plug-in structure perpendicular to the axis of the milk outlet tube, and aligning the axis of the milk outlet tube, the side of the annular cap facing the milk outlet seat, and the side of the milk outlet seat facing the annular cap, the overall aesthetics of the milk frother are improved.

[0019] Furthermore, by setting a notch at the bottom of the annular tube, not only can the solution in the milk frother smoothly enter the nipple, but the annular tube can also be squeezed to produce radial contraction.

[0020] Furthermore, by installing a retractable sleeve on the outside of the milk outlet tube, the length of the milk outlet is extended, making it easier for users to add milk foam into the coffee container.

[0021] Other beneficial effects of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can more clearly understand the improvement purpose, features and advantages of this utility model. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, some embodiments of this utility model will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that the same reference numerals may indicate the same or similar components or parts in different drawings; the drawings of this utility model are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the milk frother in some embodiments of this utility model (the nipple is in the assembled state). Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the milk frother in some embodiments of this utility model (the nipple is in a disassembled state). Figure 3 This is another perspective view of the milk frother in some embodiments of this utility model (the nipple is in a disassembled state). Figure 4 This is a front view of the milk frother in some embodiments of this utility model; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the nipple along the AA direction; Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the milk frother along the AA direction; Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a coffee machine in some embodiments of this utility model.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 001. Coffee machine; 010. Milk frother; 020. Main unit; 100. Milk frother; 101. Steam inlet; 110. Box body; 120. Box lid; 130. Milk outlet; 140. Plug-in structure; 141. Ring tube; 1411. Notch; 1412. C-shaped flange; 1413. Sealing groove; 142. Sealing ring; 200. Nipple; 210. Milk tube; 220. Plug-in fitting structure; 221. Ring cap; 222. Ring groove; 230. Sleeve; 231. Heat insulation structure. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments are intended to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Based on the embodiments provided by the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should still fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on the direction or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the corresponding device or element 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. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0026] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances. For example, unless otherwise specified, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" can specifically refer to any feasible connection form such as bolt connection, screw connection, welding, insertion, riveting, fusion welding, or snap-fit.

[0027] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the description of this utility model, mm represents millimeter, cm represents centimeter, and m represents meter.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the milk frother 010 includes a milk frother box 100 and a milk outlet 200.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a milk frother 100 has a milk outlet 130 on one side in the horizontal direction, and a plug-in structure 140 is provided on one side of the milk outlet 130 in the horizontal direction.

[0030] Furthermore, the plug-in structure 140 is located on the side of the milk outlet 130 adjacent to the milk frother 100.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the nipple 200 includes a milk outlet tube 210 and a plug-in fitting structure 220. The plug-in fitting structure 220 is rotatably connected to the plug-in structure 140 so that the milk in the milk frother 100 is discharged through the nipple 200.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, the angle between the insertion direction F of the insertion structure 220 and the insertion structure 140 and the side of the milk frother 100 where the milk outlet 130 is located is less than or equal to 30°. In other words, the angle between the plane on which the nipple 200 rotates and the side of the milk frother 100 where the milk outlet 130 is located is less than or equal to 30°. This angle can be any feasible value such as 0°, 5°, 8°, 12°, 15°, 20°, 23°, 28°, or 30°.

[0033] Those skilled in the art will understand that by making the nipple 200 rotatably connected to the plug-in structure 140 of the milk frother 100 via the plug-in mating structure 220, the nipple 200 can be detached for cleaning, facilitating cleaning for the user. Furthermore, the outlet end of the nipple 200 can be rotated towards and away from the milk frother 100.

[0034] Furthermore, the insertion direction F of the insertion structure 220 and the insertion structure 140 is parallel to the side of the milk frother 100 where the milk outlet 130 is located, so that the plane on which the nipple 200 rotates is perpendicular to the side of the milk frother 100 where the milk outlet 130 is located.

[0035] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the plug-in structure 140 includes an annular tube 141, and the plug-in mating structure 220 includes an annular cap 221. The annular tube 141 is plugged into the annular cap 221 to ensure that the nipple 200 can rotate freely relative to the milk frother 100.

[0036] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the axis of the annular cap 221 is perpendicular to the axis of the milk outlet tube 210, and the axis of the milk outlet tube 210, the side of the annular cap 221 facing the milk outlet seat 130, and the side of the milk outlet seat 130 facing the annular cap 221 are aligned.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will understand that by aligning the axis of the milk tube 210, the side of the annular cap 221 facing the milk outlet 130, and the side of the milk outlet 130 facing the annular cap 221, the overall aesthetics of the milk frother 010 can be improved.

[0038] It should be noted that the alignment between these three elements is not a strict mathematical alignment, but a physical alignment. Simply put, any two of the three elements can be located on the same plane or have a certain distance between them (e.g., 0.1mm, 0.5mm, 1mm, 2mm, etc.).

[0039] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the bottom of the annular tube 141 is provided with a notch 1411, which is aligned with the lumen of the milk outlet tube 210 to guide milk into the milk outlet tube 210.

[0040] Those skilled in the art will understand that by providing a notch 1411 at the bottom of the annular tube 141, not only can the solution in the milk frother 100 smoothly enter the nipple 200, but the annular tube 141 can also be compressed to produce radial contraction, which facilitates the installation of the milk outlet tube 210.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the end of the annular tube 141 facing the annular cap 221 is provided with a C-shaped flange 1412 that is penetrated by a notch 1411.

[0042] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the annular cap 221 has an annular groove 222 inside, and the C-shaped flange 1412 is fitted into the annular groove 222 to rotatably fix the milk outlet tube 210 to the milk frother 100.

[0043] The annular tube 141 is a component made of an elastic material (such as plastic, metal, etc.) so that the C-shaped flange 1412 can contract radially, thereby disengaging from the annular groove 222 and removing the nipple 200 from the milk frother 100.

[0044] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, a sealing groove 1413 is provided at the root of the annular tube 141 near the milk outlet 130. The plug-in structure 140 also includes a sealing ring 142 embedded in the sealing groove 1413. The sealing ring 142 slides in contact with the inner peripheral wall of the annular cap 221 to seal the plug-in structure 140 and the plug-in mating structure 220 and prevent leakage.

[0045] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the nipple 200 further includes a sleeve 230, which is sleeved on the outside of the milk outlet tube 210 and slidably connected to the milk outlet tube 210, so that the sleeve 230 can extend or retract relative to the milk outlet tube 210 (e.g., Figure 7 (As indicated by the double arrow near the nipple 200).

[0046] Those skilled in the art will understand that the sleeve 230 allows users to adjust the length of the nipple 200 and the height of the water outlet according to the position and height of the coffee container, ensuring that milk can enter the coffee container and improving the user experience.

[0047] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the sleeve 230 is provided with a heat insulation structure 231 to prevent the nipple 200 from scalding the user.

[0048] Furthermore, the heat insulation structure 231 can be a structure sleeved on the outside of the sleeve 230 (e.g., a rubber sleeve or a silicone sleeve), or it can be a thickened section formed on the sleeve 230.

[0049] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the milk frother 100 includes a body 110 and a lid 120, which is detachably connected to the body 110 so that the user can remove the lid 120 to add milk (such as cow's milk, goat's milk, etc.) into the body 110 and clean the body 110.

[0050] from Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen, the milk outlet 130 is located on the lid 120. The lid 120 is also equipped with a steam inlet 101, which is used to introduce external steam into the milk frother 100, mix it with the milk, and then flow out from the nipple 200.

[0051] Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the lid 120 may have a channel connecting the steam inlet 101 to the nipple 200, and the lid 120 may have a pipe extending downward into the box body 110. This channel and pipe are connected and equipped with a siphon structure to draw milk from the box body 110 to the nipple 200 using high-speed flowing steam.

[0052] Based on the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will understand that the milk frother 010 of this invention not only allows for the disassembly of the nipple 200 for easy cleaning, but also the retractable nipple 200 can accommodate more coffee containers, improving the user experience. Furthermore, by rotating the outlet end of the nipple 200 towards or away from the milk frothing tank 100, the milk frother 010 can be used in coffee machines 001 (such as...) Figure 7 When the nipple 200 is on the coffee machine 001, it can swing up and down along the left and right sides of the coffee machine 001, making the coffee machine 001 more aesthetically pleasing.

[0053] like Figure 7 As shown, the present invention also provides a coffee machine 001, which includes a body 020 and a milk frother 010 of any of the preceding embodiments.

[0054] Continue reading Figure 7 The milk frother 010 can be installed on the front side of the main body 020 of the coffee machine 001 and can be placed on the drip tray (not marked in the figure). Furthermore, the main body 020 can be provided with a steam generator (not shown in the figure) and a steam outlet (not shown in the figure), which is connected to the steam inlet 101 of the milk frother 010 to introduce the steam generated by the steam generator into the milk frother 010.

[0055] Continue reading Figure 7 The rotation range γ of the nipple 200 can be any feasible value such as 20°, 30°, 45°, 50°, 80°, or 90°.

[0056] The technical solution of this utility model has been described in conjunction with several embodiments above. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the protection scope of this utility model is not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the technical principles of this utility model, those skilled in the art can disassemble and combine the technical solutions in the above embodiments, and can also make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features. Any changes, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the technical concept and / or technical principles of this utility model will fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A milk frother, characterized in that, include: A milk frother has a milk outlet on one side in the horizontal direction, and a plug-in structure is provided on one side of the milk outlet in the horizontal direction. The nipple includes a milk outlet tube and a plug-in fitting structure, wherein the plug-in fitting structure is rotatably connected to the plug-in structure so that the milk in the milk frother is discharged through the nipple; Wherein, the angle between the insertion direction of the plug-in structure and the side of the milk frother located in the milk frother box is less than or equal to 30°.

2. The milk frother according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insertion direction of the plug-in structure is parallel to the side of the milk frother located in the milk frother box.

3. The milk frother according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insertion structure includes an annular tube, and the insertion mating structure includes an annular cap. The annular tube is inserted into the annular cap.

4. The milk frother according to claim 3, characterized in that, The axis of the annular cap is perpendicular to the axis of the milk outlet tube. The axis of the milk outlet tube, the side of the annular cap facing the milk outlet seat, and the side of the milk outlet seat facing the annular cap are aligned.

5. The milk frother according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom of the annular tube has a notch, which is aligned with the lumen of the milk outlet tube to guide the milk into the milk outlet tube.

6. The milk frother according to claim 5, characterized in that, The annular tube has a C-shaped flange that is penetrated by the notch at one end facing the annular cap; The annular cap has an annular groove inside, and the C-shaped flange is fitted into the annular groove; The annular tube is a component made of an elastic material, which allows the C-shaped flange to contract radially, thereby disengaging from the annular groove and removing the nipple from the milk frothing box.

7. The milk frother according to claim 6, characterized in that, A sealing groove is provided at the base of the annular tube near the milk outlet. The plug-in structure also includes a sealing ring embedded in the sealing groove. The sealing ring slides in contact with the inner peripheral wall of the annular cap to seal the plug-in structure and the plug-in mating structure and prevent leakage.

8. The milk frother according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The nipple also includes a sleeve, which is sleeved on the outside of the milk outlet tube and slidably connected to the milk outlet tube so that the sleeve can extend and retract relative to the milk outlet tube.

9. The milk frother according to claim 8, characterized in that, The sleeve is equipped with a heat insulation structure to prevent the nipple from scalding the user.

10. A coffee machine, characterized in that, Includes the body and the milk frother according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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