Steam assembly and device, brewing device, and beverage machine and brewing operation method therefor

Abstract

A steam assembly and device, a brewing device, and a beverage machine and a brewing operation method therefor. The brewing device comprises a base (1100) and a steam module, wherein the steam module comprises a steam wand (1210), the steam wand (1210) has a first end (1211) and a second end (1212), and the first end (1211) is rotatably mounted on the base (1100), so as to drive, during rotation driven by an external force, the second end (1212) to form an angle relative to the base (1100); one of the steam wand (1210) and the base (1100) is provided with an interference protrusion, and the other is correspondingly provided with an interference surface; during the rotation of the steam wand (1210), the interference protrusion is driven to move on the interference surface, and an interference force used for hindering the rotation of the steam wand (1210) is generated between the interference protrusion and the interference surface, wherein the interference force is set to vary. When the steam wand (1210) rotates, the varying interference force is generated between the interference protrusion and the interference surface, so that by sensing the interference force, it can be determined based on correlation that the interference protrusion has currently moved to a certain area of the interference surface. In this way, the rotation process of the steam wand (1210) relative to a machine body is controllable and can be stopped at any time, thereby improving flexibility.

Description

Steam components and devices, mixing devices, beverage machines and their mixing operation methods Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of beverage preparation equipment technology, specifically to a steam component and device, a preparation device, a beverage machine and its preparation operation method. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards continue to improve, their taste in beverages is also constantly evolving. Many people are no longer satisfied with a single type of drink and prefer to customize their beverages according to their own preferences. Take coffee machines as an example. Coffee machines can dispense coffee or milk. Existing coffee machines generally have an externally mounted steam wand that receives steam to heat or froth the coffee or milk dispensed by the machine, creating a customized beverage. However, the mounting position of the steam wand on the coffee machine is either fixed, resulting in a limited operating method, or it can be rotated and adjusted, but the rotation cannot be stopped at a specific position as needed, leading to limited applicability. Technical issues

[0003] The main purpose of this application is to propose a steam component and device, a mixing device, a beverage machine and its mixing operation method, which aims to solve the problem of low operational flexibility of the traditional steam rod due to unreasonable installation on the machine body. Technical solutions

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application proposes a modulation apparatus comprising:

[0005] Base, for securing to the beverage mixing machine; and,

[0006] A steam module includes a steam rod having a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other along its axial direction. The steam rod is used to receive external steam and output it outward via the second end. The first end is rotatably mounted on the base so that when rotated by an external force, the second end is driven to form an angle relative to the base.

[0007] The steam rod and the base are provided with an interference protrusion and an interference surface, respectively. During the rotation of the steam rod, the interference protrusion is driven to move on the interference surface and an interference force is generated between them to hinder the rotation of the steam rod. The interference force is set to vary.

[0008] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, this application also provides a beverage mixing machine, comprising:

[0009] The body; and,

[0010] The modulation device described above is externally mounted on the body.

[0011] Furthermore, to achieve the above objectives, this application also provides a beverage mixing operation method for a beverage mixing machine, comprising:

[0012] When confirming the operation of the manual modulation mode, rotate the steam rod until the interference protrusion engages with the second groove;

[0013] The steam rod is operated so that at least the second end is inserted into the external container;

[0014] After the steam rod and the external container are rotated synchronously to the target angle, the steam rod is then connected to external steam.

[0015] Optionally, the beverage mixing machine's mixing operation method further includes:

[0016] When confirming the operation of the automatic modulation mode, rotate the steam rod until the interference protrusion engages with the second groove.

[0017] The steam rod is operated so that at least the second end is inserted into the external container;

[0018] After the steam rod and the external container are rotated synchronously until the external container is placed on the tray and the interference protrusion engages with the first groove, the temperature sensor is activated.

[0019] Operate the steam rod to connect to external steam, and when the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor reaches a preset threshold, operate the steam rod to stop connecting to external steam. Beneficial effects

[0020] In the technical solution provided in this application, the base is fixedly installed on the body of the beverage mixing machine, keeping the base fixed relative to the body. When an external force drives the steam rod to rotate, it causes the interference protrusion to move on the interference surface, thereby achieving the purpose of arbitrarily adjusting the orientation of the steam rod. During the rotation, the interference force generated between the interference protrusion and the interference surface is set to change, and this change is known in advance. Therefore, by sensing the change in interference force, it is possible to determine that the interference protrusion has now moved to a certain area of ​​the interference surface. This makes the rotation process of the steam rod relative to the body controllable and can be stopped at any time, providing greater flexibility. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] First application example:

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the modulation device provided in this application;

[0024] Figure 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of the main structure of the modulation device in Figure 1;

[0025] Figure 3 is a longitudinal section of the assembly point of the steam rod and the base in Figure 1;

[0026] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the base in Figure 2 from another perspective;

[0027] Figure 5 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the mounting base in Figure 2 from another perspective;

[0028] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure when the steam rod in Figure 1 is rotated to the two extreme positions respectively;

[0029] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the modulation device in Figure 1 at the junction of the interference protrusion and the first groove;

[0030] Figure 8 is an enlarged structural diagram of point A in Figure 7;

[0031] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the beverage mixing operation method of the beverage mixing machine provided in this application;

[0032] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the beverage mixing operation method of the beverage mixing machine provided in this application.

[0033] Second application example:

[0034] Figure 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the steam output module provided in this application;

[0035] Figure 12 is an exploded view of the main structure of the steam output module in Figure 11;

[0036] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the steam output module in Figure 11 along the rotation axis of the mounting base;

[0037] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the steam output module in Figure 11 along the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the mounting base.

[0038] Third application example:

[0039] Figure 15 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the steam extraction device provided in this application;

[0040] Figure 16 is an exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the steam extraction device in Figure 15;

[0041] Figure 17 is an exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the main body, the first mounting component, and the second mounting component in Figure 16.

[0042] Figure 18 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first mounting component in Figure 17;

[0043] Figure 19 is an exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the first mounting component in Figure 18;

[0044] Figure 20 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the second mounting component in Figure 17;

[0045] Figure 21 is an exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the second mounting component in Figure 20;

[0046] Figure 22 is a front view of the steam extraction device in Figure 15;

[0047] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view at point AA in Figure 22;

[0048] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view at point BB in Figure 22.

[0049] Fourth application example:

[0050] Figure 25 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the steam guide provided in this application;

[0051] Figure 26 is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 25;

[0052] Figure 27 is a top view of the steam guide in Figure 25;

[0053] Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view at point AA in Figure 27;

[0054] Figure 29 is an enlarged view of point B in Figure 28;

[0055] Figure 30 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the temperature sensing component in Figure 25;

[0056] Figure 31 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the temperature sensing component in Figure 21;

[0057] Figure 32 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the main body in Figure 26;

[0058] Figure 33 is another three-dimensional exploded view of the steam guide in Figure 25;

[0059] Figure 34 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the cover in Figure 24;

[0060] Figure 35 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the support in Figure 25.

[0061] Fifth application example:

[0062] Figure 36 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the steam extraction component provided in this application;

[0063] Figure 37 is a top view of the steam extraction assembly in Figure 36;

[0064] Figure 38 is a cross-sectional view of section AA in Figure 37;

[0065] Figure 39 is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 38;

[0066] Figure 40 is an enlarged view of point B in Figure 38;

[0067] Figure 41 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the steam extraction component in Figure 36;

[0068] Figure 42 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the body and catheter assembly in Figure 36;

[0069] Figure 43 is an exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the body and catheter assembly in Figure 42;

[0070] Figure 44 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first connector in Figure 42;

[0071] Figure 45 is an exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the first connector in Figure 44;

[0072] Figure 46 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the second connector in Figure 42;

[0073] Figure 47 is an exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the second connector in Figure 46;

[0074] Figure 48 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the main body in Figure 42;

[0075] Figure 49 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the main body in Figure 48.

[0076] Sixth application example:

[0077] Figure 50 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the steam extraction structure provided in this application;

[0078] Figure 51 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the steam extraction structure in Figure 50;

[0079] Figure 52 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the steam outlet structure in Figure 50, where the outer pipe is not shown;

[0080] Figure 53 is an exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the lead-out component, cover and temperature sensing component in Figure 50.

[0081] Figure 54 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the main body in Figure 53;

[0082] Figure 55 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the temperature sensing component in Figure 53;

[0083] Figure 56 is an exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the temperature sensing component in Figure 55.

[0084] Figure 57 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the cover in Figure 53;

[0085] Figure 58 is a top view of the steam extraction structure in Figure 50;

[0086] Figure 59 is a cross-sectional view at point AA in Figure 58;

[0087] Figure 60 is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 59;

[0088] Figure 61 is an enlarged schematic diagram of point B in Figure 59.

[0089] Seventh application example:

[0090] Figure 62 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the steam rod provided in this application from a first perspective;

[0091] Figure 63 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the steam rod in Figure 62 from a second perspective;

[0092] Figure 64 is a bottom view of the steam rod in Figure 62;

[0093] Figure 65 is a schematic diagram of the axial cross-section of the steam rod in Figure 62;

[0094] Figure 66 is an enlarged structural diagram of point A in Figure 65.

[0095] Eighth application example:

[0096] Figure 67 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the steam circulation device provided in this application;

[0097] Figure 68 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of the steam flow device in Figure 67;

[0098] Figure 69 is an enlarged structural diagram of point A in Figure 68;

[0099] Figure 70 is an enlarged structural diagram of point B in Figure 68;

[0100] Figure 71 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the base in Figure 67 from the first perspective;

[0101] Figure 72 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the base in Figure 67 from a second perspective;

[0102] Figure 73 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of the rod in Figure 67;

[0103] Figure 74 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the base in Figure 67 from a first-view perspective;

[0104] Figure 75 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the base in Figure 67 from a second perspective.

[0105] Ninth application example:

[0106] Figure 76 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the steam rod assembly provided in this application;

[0107] Figure 77 is an exploded schematic diagram of the main structure of the steam rod assembly in Figure 76;

[0108] Figure 78 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the steam rod assembly in Figure 76 from another perspective;

[0109] Figure 79 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of the steam rod assembly in Figure 76;

[0110] Figure 80 is a schematic radial cross-section of the steam rod assembly in Figure 76.

[0111] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0112] First application example: 1100 Base; 1110 First side plate; 1111 First connecting lug; 1112 First connecting hole; 1120 Second side plate; 1121 Second connecting lug; 1122 Second connecting hole; 1130 Base plate; 1131 Clearance hole; 1132 Stop surface; 1210 Steam rod; 1211 First end; 1212 Second end; 1220 Mounting base; 1221 Bend; 1221a Stop protrusion; 1222 First mounting... Hole; 1223 Second mounting hole; 1224 Third mounting hole; 1225 Fourth mounting hole; 1226 Assembly hole; 1310 Ball bearing; 1321 First groove; 1322 Second groove; 1330 Elastic element; 1400 Inlet pipe body; 1410 First pipe section; 1420 Second pipe section; 1430 First bracket; 1500 Sealing element; 1600 Temperature sensor; 1610 Measuring section; 1700 Sealing connector; 1800 Transition connecting sleeve.

[0113] Second application example: 2100 Mounting bracket; 2110 Side plate; 2111 Limiting hole; 2120 Base plate; 2121 Clearance hole; 2130 Connecting ear plate; 2200 Steam rod; 2210 First end; 2220 Second end; 2230 Flow channel; 2300 Mounting base; 2310 Shaft hole; 2320 First mounting hole; 2321 First hole section; 2322 Second hole section; 2323 Transition hole section; 2330 Second mounting hole; 2400 Rotary damper; 2500 Temperature sensor; 2510 Connecting section; 2520 Measuring section; 2530 Extension section; 2600 Protective sleeve; 2700 Connector.

[0114] Third application example: 3-100 Steam outlet device; 3-10 Body; 3-11 Cavity; 3-12 Opening; 3-13 Mounting side; 3-14 Arc-shaped protrusion; 3-20 First mounting component; 3-21 Inlet channel; 3-22 Pipe; 3-221 Inlet end; 3-222 Outlet end; 3-223 Annular boss; 3-224 First annular groove; 3-23 First pipe section; 3-24 Second pipe section; 3-25 Mounting plate; 3-26 Quick connector; 3-30 Second mounting component; 3-31 Insertion part; 3-311 Second annular groove; 3-32 Rotating part; 3-321 Pivot; 3-322 Flange; 3-40 Bracket; 3-41 Mounting wall; 3-42 Through hole; 3-43 Arc-shaped groove; 3-50 Conduit; 3-60 Sealing ring.

[0115] Fourth Application Example: 4-100 Steam Guide Component; 4-10 Conduit Assembly; 4-11 Outlet Channel; 4-12 Inlet; 4-13 Outlet; 4-14 Fixed End; 4-15 Free End; 4-20 Temperature Sensing Component; 4-21 Temperature Detection Rod; 4-211 Pipe Wall; 4-212 Temperature Probe; 4-213 Transmission Line; 4-214 Connector; 4-22 Positioning Component; 4-23 Sealing Ring; 4-24 Pressure Component; 4-241 First Through Hole; 4-242 Notch; 4-30 Mounting Slot; 4-31 Mounting Hole; 4-32 Screw Hole; 4-40 Body; 4-41 Sleeve; 4-42 Cover; 4-421 Second Through Hole; 4-50 Bracket; 4-51 Mounting Side Wall; 4-52 Fixed Wall; 4-521 Mounting Bolt; 4-53 Mounting Bottom Wall; 4-531 Mounting Channel.

[0116] Fifth Application Example: 5-100 Steam Outlet Assembly; 5-10 Body; 5-101 First Housing; 5-102 Second Housing; 5-103 Second Through Hole; 5-104 Limiting Block; 5-11 Cavity; 5-12 Stepped Surface; 5-20 Cover; 5-21 Outlet Hole; 5-30 Conduit Assembly; 5-31 Outer Tube; 5-32 Inner Tube; 5-40 Gap; 5-50 First Connector; 5-501 First Inner Groove; 5-502 First Outer Groove; 5-503 Second Outer Groove; 5-51 First Through Hole 5-52 First inner sealing ring; 5-53 First upper thread; 5-54 First upper sealing ring; 5-55 First lower thread; 5-56 First lower sealing ring; 5-60 Second connecting piece; 5-61 Second channel; 5-601 Second inner groove; 5-602 Third outer groove; 5-603 Fourth outer groove; 5-62 Second inner sealing ring; 5-63 Second lower thread; 5-64 Second lower sealing ring; 5-65 First upper thread; 5-66 Second upper sealing ring; 5-70 Covering piece; 5-80 Bracket.

[0117] Sixth Application Example: 6-100 Steam Outlet Structure; 6-10 Outlet Component; 6-11 Inner Pipe; 6-12 Outer Pipe; 6-13 Body; 6-131 Boss; 6-132 Inlet; 6-14 First Connector; 6-15 Second Connector; 6-101 Outlet Channel; 6-102 Mounting Slot; 6-103 Screw Hole; 6-104 First Cavity; 6-105 Second Cavity; 6-20 Cover; 6-21 Outlet; 6-22 Through Hole; 6-30 Temperature Sensing Component; 6-31 Temperature Detector; 6-32 Positioning Block; 6-33 Pressure Ring; 6-331 Notch; 6-34 Sealing Ring; 6-301 Temperature Probe; 6-302 Transmission Line; 6-303 Connector; 6-40 Bolt.

[0118] Seventh Application Example: 7100 rod; 7111 air inlet; 7112 air outlet; 7113 flow channel; 7120 first end wall; 7130 second end wall; 7131 bottom wall; 7131a mounting hole; 7132 connecting wall; 7140 peripheral side wall; 7200 temperature sensing device; 7210 main body section; 7220 detection section; 7230 connecting section; T1 first central axis; T2 second central axis; C reference circumference.

[0119] Eighth Application Example: 8100 Base; 8110 Air Inlet; 8120 First Mounting Hole; 8130 Second Mounting Hole; 8140 Air Inlet Transition Channel Section; 8200 Rod Body; 8210 Through Hole; 8211 Main Channel Section; 8300 First Sealing Joint; 8400 Base; 8410 Air Outlet; 8420 Third Mounting Hole; 8430 Fourth Mounting Hole; 8440 Air Outlet Transition Channel Section; 8500 Second Sealing Joint; 8600 Temperature Detection Device; 8610 Main Body Section; 8620 Detection Section; 8630 Connecting Section; 8700 Thermal Insulation Sleeve.

[0120] Ninth Application Example: 8100 Outer tube; 8110 First annular gap; 8200 Inner tube; 8210 Second annular gap; 8220 Inlet end; 8230 Outlet end; 8300 Temperature sensor; 8310 Connecting section; 8320 Extension section; 8330 Measuring section; 8400 Connector; 8410 Inlet channel; 8500 Cover; 8510 Outlet channel; 8520 Mounting channel.

[0121] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the present invention

[0122] 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. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0123] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this application involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0124] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this application involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0125] First application example:

[0126] Please refer to Figures 1 to 8. This application provides a beverage preparation device and a beverage preparation machine applied thereto. The specific form of the beverage preparation machine is not limited; it can be a product that prepares ready-made beverages, or a product that prepares a beverage first from powder and / or liquid materials, and then prepares the prepared beverage. The preparation methods achievable based on the preparation device can include, but are not limited to, heating the beverage with steam, or foaming the beverage with steam and air.

[0127] A beverage mixing machine, in addition to its mixing device, also includes a main body, which typically has a front panel facing the user and a rear surface. Taking a coffee machine as an example, the main body also has a tray protruding forward from the front panel. The tray includes a base recessed to form a water collection trough, and a grid bracket covering the opening of the water collection trough. The grid bracket can hold external containers and uses its grid to filter out larger particles of residue. The main body also typically has a downward-facing beverage outlet on the front panel, above the tray, which can supply beverages such as milk or coffee to external containers placed on the tray.

[0128] Therefore, the modulation device is generally located externally on the machine body, and preferably on the front panel of the machine body. The modulation device is generally located at least adjacent to the tray, so that the modulation device can supply steam to the external container placed on the tray.

[0129] In addition, the preparation device is generally used to circulate steam. In this case, the beverage preparation machine has a built-in steam source, or other products independent of the beverage preparation machine serve as the steam source. The steam source generates steam and connects the steam to the preparation device.

[0130] In view of the above, please refer to Figures 1 to 8 for details. The mixing device provided in this application includes a base 1100 and a steam module. The base 1100 is used to fix to the body of the beverage mixing machine, for example, the front panel. The steam module includes a steam rod 1210, which has a first end 1211 and a second end 1212 arranged opposite to each other along its axial direction. The steam rod 1210 is used to receive external steam and output it outward through the second end 1212. The first end 1211 is rotatably mounted on the base 1100 so that when rotated by an external force, the second end 1212 forms an angle with the base 1100. One of the steam rod 1210 and the base 1100 is provided with an interference protrusion, and the other is provided with an interference surface. During the rotation of the steam rod 1210, the interference protrusion is moved on the interference surface, and an interference force is generated between the two to hinder the rotation of the steam rod 1210. The interference force is set to vary.

[0131] In the technical solution provided in this application, the base 1100 is fixedly installed on the body of the beverage mixing machine, keeping the base 1100 fixed relative to the body; when an external force drives the steam rod 1210 to rotate, it causes the interference protrusion to move on the interference surface, so that the orientation of the steam rod 1210 can be arbitrarily adjusted; during the rotation, the interference force generated between the interference protrusion and the interference surface is set to change, and this change is known in advance. Therefore, by sensing the change of the interference force, it is possible to determine that the interference protrusion has now moved to a certain area of ​​the interference surface. This makes the rotation process of the steam rod 1210 relative to the body controllable and can be stopped at any time, which is more flexible.

[0132] In this design, the base 1100 serves to fix the modulation device to the body. As described above, when the body has a front panel and a tray protruding laterally below the front panel for placing an external container, the base 1100 is detachably mounted to the front panel. When an external force drives the steam rod 1210 to rotate, it causes the second end 1212 to swing towards and away from the tray. Thus, the steam rod 1210 can modulate the liquid in the external container when it is placed on the tray, or it can modulate the liquid in the external container when it is detached from the tray, and the modulation process does not interfere with the tray.

[0133] To achieve the desired angle between the steam rod 1210 and the base 1100, in this design, the rotation axis of the first end 1211 of the steam rod 1210 must at least intersect with the central axis of the steam rod 1210. Furthermore, the rotation axis of the first end 1211 can intersect perpendicularly with the central axis of the steam rod 1210, that is, the rotation axis of the first end 1211 extends along a certain radial direction of the steam rod 1210.

[0134] The first end 1211 of the steam rod 1210 can be directly mounted to the base 1100. Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment in the attached drawings, the steam module also includes a mounting base 1220, through which the first end 1211 of the steam rod 1210 can be indirectly rotatably mounted to the base 1100. In this case, to increase the convenience and stability of the rotatable connection between the mounting base 1220 and the base 1100, the mounting base 1220 can be configured to be at least partially enlarged compared to the first end 1211 of the steam rod 1210, for example, the dimensions of one or more radial directions of the steam rod 1210 are respectively larger than the diameter of the first end 1211.

[0135] Since the mounting base 1220 is rotatably mounted on the base 1100 along the radial direction of the steam rod 1210, in a feasible embodiment, the base 1100 can be located at one end of the rotation axis of the mounting base 1220, allowing the mounting base 1220 to be rotatably mounted at one end. Therefore, in a feasible embodiment, the base 1100 includes at least one side plate, specifically, for example, a first side plate 1110 or a second side plate 1120, and the mounting base 1220 can be rotatably connected to the first side plate 1110 or the second side plate 1120 through a rotating structure.

[0136] However, to further increase the stability of the mounting base 1220 and the steam rod 1210 during rotation, in another feasible solution, the base 1100 is disposed at both ends of the rotation axis of the mounting base 1220. Specifically, the base 1100 may include two side plates (specifically, the first side plate 1110 and the second side plate 1120) respectively disposed at both ends of the rotation axis of the mounting base 1220 (i.e., the radial ends of the steam rod 1210). The two side plates have connecting holes (specifically, the first connecting hole 1112 and the second connecting hole 1122) at corresponding positions along the radial direction of the steam rod 1210; the mounting base 1220 may have shaft holes at the corresponding connecting holes. Based on this, the modulation device may also include a rotating structure, one of which, the shaft hole and the limiting hole, is fixedly connected to the rotating structure, and the other is rotatably connected to the rotating structure, so as to achieve the purpose of rotatably mounting the mounting base 1220 on the side plates.

[0137] The specific form of the mounting base 1220 is not limited, and the rotation axis of the mounting base 1220, that is, the installation position of the rotating structure on the mounting base 1220, is not limited. It can be, but is not limited to, located at the center of the mounting base 1220, or off-center. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, at least in the rotation direction of the steam rod 1210, the mounting base 1220 is bent to form two bends 1221. The connection between the two bends 1221 is for mounting the rotating structure, such as the one described above, so that the mounting base 1220 is rotatably mounted on the first side plate 1110 and the second side plate 1120.

[0138] In addition, the base 1100 also includes a bottom plate 1130 connected between the two side plates. The bottom plate 1130 connects the two side plates into a whole and provides sufficient strength support for the two side plates. The bottom plate 1130 can be located on the side of the mounting base 1220 where the steam rod 1210 is connected, and the bottom plate 1130 is provided with a clearance hole 1131. The clearance hole 1131 allows at least the steam rod 1210 to pass through.

[0139] In practical applications, one of the steam rod 1210 and the base 1100 is provided with a stop protrusion 1221a, and the other is provided with a corresponding stop surface 1132. When the interference protrusion rotates to any extreme position, the stop protrusion 1221a stops and abuts against the stop surface 1132. Specifically, when the stop protrusion 1221a or the stop surface 1132 is provided between the base plate 1130 and the mounting base 1220, the orthographic projection of the bent portion 1221 on the base plate 1130 can at least partially fall outside the clearance hole 1131, forming the stop protrusion 1221a, and the base plate 1130 forms a corresponding stop surface 1132 on the outer periphery of the clearance hole 1131. When the mounting base 1220 drives the steam rod 1210 to rotate to the set position, the stop protrusion 1221a can abut against the stop surface 1132 on the periphery of the clearance hole 1131 of the base plate 1130, thereby stopping and limiting the continued rotation of the mounting base 1220. Of course, the stop protrusion 1221a and the stop surface 1132 can also be set in other positions without limitation.

[0140] When the base 1100 is installed on the front panel of the beverage mixing machine, it can be directly fixed to the front panel of the machine through the side plate; or in a further embodiment, the base 1100 also includes connecting ear plates (the two connecting ear plates can be specifically set as the first connecting ear plate 1111 and the second connecting ear plate 1121 respectively), the connecting ear plates extend radially from the end edge of the corresponding side plate along the steam rod 1210, and are fixedly connected to the front panel of the machine.

[0141] Based on one or more of the above embodiments, the mounting base 1220 and the steam rod 1210 are connected and fixed, meaning that under external force, the mounting base 1220 and the steam rod 1210 can rotate synchronously. The rotation angle range of the steam rod 1210 is not limited. When the base 1100 is fixed to the front panel of the machine body, the rotation axis of the steam rod 1210 and the mounting base 1220 extends laterally, meaning the steam rod 1210 can swing in the vertical direction. Therefore, the steam rod 1210 can be specifically configured to rotate between 0° and 180°, meaning the second end 1212 of the steam rod 1210 can rotate from a vertically downward opening to a vertically upward opening. Of course, to make the rotation of the steam rod 1210 more practical, the steam rod 1210 can also be specifically configured to rotate between 0° and 90°, meaning the second end 1212 of the steam rod 1210 can rotate from a vertically downward opening to a forward opening.

[0142] When the steam rod 1210 does not rotate a full circle as described above, it has two extreme positions in its rotational stroke. At this time, the aforementioned interference protrusion and interference surface can be correspondingly set at these two extreme positions. When the interference protrusion rotates to either extreme position, the stop protrusion 1221a abuts against the stop surface 1132.

[0143] Interference protrusions and interference surfaces are generally arranged in pairs, and can be one pair or at least two pairs. For each pair of interference protrusions and interference surfaces, the interference protrusions can be disposed on the side plate, and the corresponding interference surfaces are disposed on the steam rod 1210 and / or the mounting base 1220. Alternatively, as shown in the attached figure, the interference protrusions can be disposed on the steam rod 1210 and / or the mounting base 1220, and the corresponding interference surfaces are disposed on, for example, the side plate of the base 1100. When there are two side plates as shown in the figure, namely a first side plate 1110 and a second side plate 1120, then at least one pair of interference protrusions and interference surfaces can be respectively disposed between the first side plate 1110 and the mounting base 1220, and between the second side plate 1120 and the mounting base 1220.

[0144] When multiple pairs are configured, each interference protrusion and each interference surface can be configured in a one-to-one correspondence. For example, the steam rod 1210 and / or the mounting base 1220 can have all interference protrusions or all interference surfaces uniformly configured; the side plate of the base 1100 can correspondingly have all matching interference surfaces or all interference protrusions uniformly configured. Alternatively, the steam rod 1210 and / or the mounting base 1220 can simultaneously have some interference protrusions (e.g., a first interference protrusion) and some interference surfaces (e.g., a first interference surface); the side plate of the base 1100 can correspondingly have all matching first interference surfaces or uniformly have all second interference protrusions configured. The interference protrusions and interference surfaces of each pair can be on the same plane or on different planes. Of course, when multiple pairs are configured, at least two interference protrusions can also be correspondingly configured with the same interference surface.

[0145] In view of the above, the steam rod 1210 has multiple preset positions on its rotational stroke. Correspondingly, the interference surface has multiple interference regions on the movement trajectory of the corresponding interference protrusions. When the interference protrusions come into contact with each interference region, they will generate different interference forces, so that the degree of resistance produced by different interference forces on the steam rod 1210 is not exactly the same, and the state of the steam rod 1210 at each corresponding position is not exactly the same.

[0146] Specifically, for example, each interference region includes at least one first interference region and the remaining second interference regions. When the interference protrusion moves to the first interference region, it generates a first interference force; when it moves to the second interference region, it generates a second interference force, wherein the first interference force is greater than the second interference force. That is, if the interference protrusion moves to the first interference region, the second end 1212 of the steam rod 1210 rotates to a first position; if the interference protrusion moves to the second interference region, the second end 1212 of the steam rod 1210 rotates to a second position. Under the action of the first and second interference forces, the anti-rotation strength of the steam rod 1210 at the first position is greater than that at the second position. For example:

[0147] When the user manually or automatically applies an external force, and the external force drives the interference protrusion to move to the first interference region and the second end 1212 of the steam rod 1210 to rotate to the first position, if the current external force remains unchanged, or the external force weakens, or the external force increases but does not increase to a preset threshold, the first interference force keeps the steam rod 1210 fixed relative to the base 1100. The preset threshold can be determined by the user in any suitable manner, or it can be preset by the system. The preset threshold is at least greater than the current external force value. Thus, when the second end 1212 of the steam rod 1210 rotates to the first position, it will be stably limited to the current position, allowing the user to more intuitively determine the current position of the steam rod 1210 and perform related operations on it.

[0148] Similarly, when the user manually or automatically applies an external force, and the external force drives the interference protrusion to move to the second interference region and the second end 1212 of the steam rod 1210 to rotate to the second position, if the current external force remains unchanged or continues to increase, the second interference force is insufficient to resist the external force, and the second end 1212 of the steam rod 1210 will continue to rotate in the same direction. However, if the current external force is appropriately reduced until it is removed, the second interference force is sufficient to resist the external force, and the second end 1212 of the steam rod 1210 will not continue to rotate in the same direction. In particular, when the external force is removed, the second interference force is balanced with other external forces (such as the gravity of the steam module) at the current position, maintaining the steam rod 1210 fixed relative to the base 1100. Thus, when the second end 1212 of the steam rod 1210 rotates to the second position, the user can completely or temporarily disengage from further operation of the steam rod 1210 and / or the mounting base 1220, for example, to perform other operations.

[0149] It should be noted that the aforementioned first interference region and / or second interference region can be provided in one or more forms according to actual needs, and can be arranged in any form according to actual needs. For example, as shown in Figure 6, when the second end 1212 of the steam rod 1210 has two extreme positions in its rotation stroke, the first interference region is provided with at least two corresponding to the two extreme positions, so that when the steam rod 1210 rotates to either extreme position, it stops rotating and the steam rod 1210 remains fixed relative to the base 1100. When the modulation device is assembled to the front panel of the body, the first extreme position can be when the steam rod 1210 extends in the vertical direction and the second end 1212 faces downward (i.e., when the central axis is T1). At this time, the second end 1212 is located above the tray, so that when the external container is placed on the tray, at least the second end 1212 is inserted into the external container and the current state is maintained to modulate the liquid in the external container (i.e., when the central axis is T2). The second extreme position can be when the steam rod 1210 is tilted relative to the front panel and the second end 1212 faces forward. At this time, the second end 1212 is offset from the tray, so that when the outer container is outside the tray, for example when the user is holding it, at least the second end 1212 can be inserted into the outer container and maintain the current state to modulate the liquid in the outer container.

[0150] The specific form of the first interference region is not limited, and it generally matches the specific form of the interference protrusion. For example, when the interference protrusion is a magnetic structure, the first interference region can be another magnetic structure that can be magnetically attracted to it, or a layer containing iron-cobalt-nickel material. Or, for example, when the interference protrusion is an adhesive structure, the first interference region can be another adhesive structure that can be adhered to it. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the interference surface has at least one groove on the movement trajectory of the corresponding interference protrusion, and the location of the groove constitutes the first interference region. When the interference protrusion moves to the first interference region, it can be adapted to and engaged with the groove, and under the limitation of the groove, it cannot continue to rotate relative to the interference surface under the original external force, thus achieving the purpose of stopping.

[0151] Next, in order to ensure that the interference forces generated by the interference protrusion at the groove (i.e., the first interference region) and at the non-groove (i.e., the second interference region) are different, in a further design, the protrusion height of the interference protrusion relative to the base 1100 or the steam rod 1210 on which it is mounted is adjustable. This allows the interference protrusion to be pushed and shortened when it moves to the second interference region, and to extend and engage with the groove when it moves to the first interference region. In this way, through the extension and retraction of the interference protrusion, it can achieve both the generation of a second interference force by moving and abutting against the surface of the second interference region when it moves to the second interference region, and the generation of a first interference force by engaging with the groove when it moves to the first interference region.

[0152] There are several ways to achieve the goal of adjusting the protrusion height of the interference protrusion relative to the base 1100 or the steam rod 1210 on which it is mounted. These methods include, but are not limited to: making the interference protrusion itself, either entirely or partially, from an elastic material; or elastically extending and retracting the interference protrusion to the base 1100 or the steam rod 1210 via an elastic element 1330. The elastic element 1330 is made of an elastic material, and its specific form is not limited; it can be configured as, for example, a spring, a rubber block, or a metal spring sheet, depending on actual needs.

[0153] When the mixing device is used in a beverage mixing machine, specifically when the base 1100 is fixed to the front panel of the machine body, and the beverage mixing machine has a tray protruding laterally below the front panel, please refer to Figures 6 to 8. In view of the specific limitations on the two extreme positions mentioned above, two grooves can be provided, namely the first groove 1321 and the second groove 1322. When the interference protrusion engages with the first groove 1321, the steam rod 1210 extends in the vertical direction (that is, when the central axis is T1), and the second end 1212 faces the tray. When the interference protrusion engages with the second groove 1322, the steam rod 1210 extends at an angle relative to the vertical direction (that is, when the central axis is T2), and the second end 1212 is offset from the tray. It can be understood that the rotation angle of the steam rod 1210 from the central axis T1 to the central axis T2 is a, and the angle between the first groove 1321 and the second groove 1322 and the rotation axis of the steam rod 1210 is b. Generally, a and b are equal.

[0154] As described above, when the interference protrusion engages with the second groove 1322, its purpose is to tilt the steam rod 1210 away from the front panel of the machine body, and to offset the second end 1212 from the tray as much as possible. Therefore, the tilt angle of the steam rod 1210 is not limited. Depending on actual needs, the tilt angle of the steam rod 1210 can be specifically set to be greater than 0° and not greater than 90°. That is, when the interference protrusion engages with the second groove 1322, the second end 1212 is offset from the tray, but not completely away from it. Thus, when the interference protrusion engages with the second groove 1322, the user can, for example, manually insert at least the second end 1212 of the steam rod 1210 outside the tray into the external container to achieve manual modulation of the liquid in the external container at the current position; or after the second end 1212 is inserted into the external container, the user can then operate the steam rod 1210 and the external container to rotate and reset together toward the front panel of the machine until the interference protrusion engages with the first groove 1321, the external container is placed on the tray, the steam rod 1210 maintains its vertical extension, and the second end 1212 remains inserted into the external container to achieve automatic modulation of the liquid in the external container at the current position.

[0155] Based on any of the above embodiments, during the rotation of the steam rod 1210, the movement between the interference protrusion and the interference surface can be either a sliding fit or a rolling fit.

[0156] In one embodiment, when the interference protrusion and the interference surface are in a rolling fit, the base 1100 or the steam rod 1210 / mounting base 1220 with the interference protrusion has a mounting hole 1226. The interference protrusion is a ball bearing 1310, which is rotatably mounted in the mounting hole 1226 and at least partially protrudes from the opening of the mounting hole 1226. During the rotation of the steam rod 1210, the interference protrusion is driven to roll on the interference surface. The ball bearing 1310 can be directly rotatably mounted in the mounting hole 1226 as needed, or indirectly mounted in the mounting hole 1226 through a mounting structure. The ball bearing 1310 can rotate in all directions relative to the mounting hole 1226 to achieve the rolling purpose.

[0157] Specifically, for example, when the interference protrusion is mounted on the base 1100 or the steam rod 1210 / mounting seat 1220 via the elastic member 1330 as described above, taking the mounting seat 1220 as an example, the mounting seat 1220 is provided with a mounting hole 1226. The elastic member 1330 is block-shaped and has a ball groove, and the ball 1310 is rotatably mounted in the ball groove; the elastic member 1330 is elastically and extensibly mounted in the mounting hole 1226.

[0158] Furthermore, based on one or more of the above embodiments, in a further embodiment, the steam module also includes an inlet pipe 1400, which is used to connect an external steam source and a steam rod 1210. The inlet pipe 1400 protrudes from the radial side of the steam rod 1210 so that external steam can be laterally inlet into the steam rod 1210, thereby achieving a smooth and slow steam flow when it flows radially and changes direction to the axial direction.

[0159] It should be noted that the inlet pipe 1400 can be directly connected to the steam rod 1210, for example, directly connected to the first end 1211. Alternatively, as shown in the figure, the inlet pipe 1400 can be indirectly connected to the steam rod 1210 by connecting to the mounting base 1220. The mounting base 1220 may have a third mounting hole 1224 along, for example, the axial direction of the steam rod 1210, and at least the first end 1211 of the steam rod 1210 is connected to the third mounting hole 1224. Furthermore, the mounting base 1220 may also have a first mounting hole 1222 along, for example, the radial direction of the steam rod 1210, and a portion of the inlet pipe 1400 is connected to the first mounting hole 1222. The first mounting hole 1222 and the third mounting hole 1224 are connected.

[0160] Next, in one embodiment, the access pipe 1400 includes a first pipe segment 1410 extending radially along the steam rod 1210, and a second pipe segment 1420 intersecting the first pipe segment 1410. The first pipe segment 1410 is connected to the steam rod 1210, and the second pipe segment 1420 is bent to connect to the first pipe segment 1410 and is used to connect to an external steam source. The first pipe segment 1410 can be adapted to be connected to the first mounting hole 1222 of the mounting base 1220. The second pipe segment 1420 is configured to intersect the first pipe segment 1410, and specifically can extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first pipe segment 1410. When the inlet pipe 1400 is directly installed on the side wall of the mounting base 1220, the second pipe section 1420 can be specifically configured to extend along the side wall of the mounting base 1220. By adjusting the lateral height value of its protrusion from the mounting base 1220, the second pipe section 1420 and the side wall of the mounting base 1220 can be appropriately spaced apart, so that the second pipe section 1420 and the mounting base 1220 have a certain degree of independence while ensuring a compact structure as much as possible.

[0161] Of course, when a side plate is provided as described above, taking the first side plate 1110 as an example, the first pipe section 1410 can be specifically configured to penetrate the first side plate 1110 radially along the steam rod 1210 and communicate with the steam rod 1210. The second pipe section 1420 is located on the side of the first side plate 1110 opposite to the steam rod 1210 and is fixedly connected to the first side plate 1110 through the first bracket 1430. In this way, it can be ensured that the installation of the inlet pipe 1400 between the first bracket 1430 and the first side plate 1110, and the installation between the mounting base 1220 and the first side plate 1110, do not interfere with each other. The first bracket 1430 can limit the second pipe section 1420 to the side of the first side plate 1110 opposite to the steam rod 1210 / mounting base 1220, preventing the second pipe section 1420 from detaching from the first side plate 1110. At this time, the second pipe section 1420 can extend as far as possible along the side wall of the first side plate 1110 away from the steam rod 1210 / mount 1220. When the preparation device is specifically used in a beverage preparation machine and is specifically installed on the front panel of the machine body, the second pipe section 1420 can extend backward close to the front panel of the machine body to facilitate communication and connection with the steam source provided on the machine body.

[0162] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the first pipe segment 1410 of the inlet pipe 1400 extends radially along the steam rod 1210, and the steam rod 1210 / mount 1220 is rotatably mounted on the base 1100 around the axis extending radially along the steam rod 1210 via the above-mentioned rotating structure.

[0163] In one design, the rotating structure can be set up independently from the access pipe body 1400:

[0164] Specifically, the aforementioned rotating structure can be a rotating shaft, with its central axis collinear with the rotation axis of the steam rod 1210. One section of the rotating shaft is fixedly connected to one of the steam rod 1210 and the base 1100, while the other section is rotatably connected to the other of the steam rod 1210 and the base 1100. In this case, the inlet pipe 1400 and the rotating shaft are set independently of each other, and the first pipe section 1410 of the inlet pipe 1400 and the rotating shaft are spaced apart and approximately parallel.

[0165] The aforementioned rotating shaft is disposed between the base 1100 and the steam rod 1210. Specifically, it can be located on one radial side of the steam rod 1210 or disposed on both radial sides of the steam rod 1210. Specifically, when the base 1100 includes a first side plate 1110 and a second side plate 1120 disposed on both radial sides of the steam rod 1210, the rotating shaft passes radially through the steam rod 1210 and / or the mounting base 1220, and connects the first side plate 1110 and the second side plate 1120 respectively, which helps to stabilize the rotational installation of the steam rod 1210 / mounting base 1220 on the base 1100.

[0166] The connection between the inlet pipe 1400 and the steam rod 1210 provides a steam flow path from the inlet pipe 1400 to the second end 1212 of the steam rod 1210. Since the rotating shaft and the inlet pipe 1400 are separate components, it is necessary to minimize the adverse effects of the rotating shaft on the steam flowing through the aforementioned steam flow path. For example, the rotating shaft can be placed outside the aforementioned steam flow path; or, when it is necessary to place the rotating shaft within the aforementioned steam flow path, efforts should be made to ensure that the rotating shaft does not obstruct the flow of steam within the steam flow path.

[0167] In another design, the rotating structure can be shared at least partially with the access pipe 1400:

[0168] Specifically, the central axis of at least a partial section of the access pipe 1400 is collinear with the rotation axis of the steam rod 1210, and one of the steam rod 1210 and the base 1100 is fixedly connected to the access pipe 1400, while the other is rotatably connected to the access pipe 1400. For example, when the access pipe 1400 includes the first pipe section 1410 and the second pipe section 1420 as described above, the first pipe section 1410 directly constitutes the aforementioned rotation axis and is rotatably connected to the first mounting hole 1222 opened on the mounting base 1220.

[0169] Similarly, the inlet pipe 1400 is disposed between the base 1100 and the steam rod 1210. Specifically, it can be located on one radial side of the steam rod 1210, or it can be disposed on both radial sides of the steam rod 1210. When disposed on both radial sides of the steam rod 1210, for example, two inlet pipes 1400 can be disposed on both radial sides of the steam rod 1210.

[0170] When the base is located on the radial side of the steam rod 1210, specifically, the base 1100 includes a first side plate 1110 and a second side plate 1120 respectively disposed on the radial sides of the steam rod 1210. The steam rod 1210 is provided with a first mounting hole 1222 and a second mounting hole 1223 respectively corresponding to the first side plate 1110 and the second side plate 1120. The first side plate 1110 is provided with a first connecting hole 1112 corresponding to the first mounting hole 1222, and the second side plate 1120 is provided with a second connecting hole 1122 corresponding to the second mounting hole 1223. The inlet pipe 1400 includes a first pipe section 1410 extending radially along the steam rod 1210. The first pipe section 1410 passes through the first connecting hole 1112 and is rotatably mounted in the first connecting hole 1112.

[0171] In addition, the steam module also includes a sealing element 1500, which is sealed and inserted into the second mounting hole 1223. One of the second mounting hole 1223 of the steam rod 1210 and the second connecting hole 1122 of the second side plate 1120 is fixedly connected to the sealing element 1500, and the other is rotatably connected to the sealing element 1500. The sealing element 1500 thus constitutes the aforementioned rotating shaft independently. Alternatively, the sealing element 1500 can be directly and sealed into the second mounting hole 1223, without contacting the second side plate 1120, or it can slide against the second side plate 1120. In this case, the second side plate 1120 is not located in the aforementioned second connecting hole 1122.

[0172] It should be noted that the structures of the aforementioned sealing element 1500 and the first pipe segment 1410 can be designed to be compatible. That is, at least the shapes and dimensions of the parts where the sealing element 1500 is installed with the second mounting hole 1223 and the parts where the first pipe segment 1410 is installed with the first mounting hole 1222 are approximately the same, allowing the first pipe segment 1410 and the sealing element 1500 to be interchangeably installed. For example, the first pipe segment 1410 can be installed at the first mounting hole 1222 or at the second mounting hole 1223. The second mounting hole 1223 can also be connected to the third mounting hole 1224.

[0173] And / or, the installation state of the plugging member 1500 relative to the steam rod 1210 and the base 1100 is the same as the installation state of the first pipe segment 1410 relative to the steam rod 1210 and the base 1100. That is, for example, when the plugging member 1500 is configured to be rotatably connected to the steam rod 1210 / mounting seat 1220 and fixedly connected to the base 1100, the first pipe segment 1410 is correspondingly configured to be rotatably connected to the steam rod 1210 / mounting seat 1220 and fixedly connected to the base 1100. Conversely, when the plugging member 1500 is configured to be fixedly connected to the steam rod 1210 / mounting seat 1220 and rotatably connected to the base 1100, the first pipe segment 1410 is correspondingly configured to be fixedly connected to the steam rod 1210 / mounting seat 1220 and rotatably connected to the base 1100.

[0174] Based on one or more of the above embodiments, the modulation device further includes a temperature sensor 1600, which is axially inserted through the steam rod 1210 and has a measuring section 1610 extending from the second end 1212. The measuring section 1610 is used to detect the temperature of the liquid inside the external container when the second end 1212 is inserted into the external container. Specifically, the temperature sensor 1600 can be axially inserted through the steam rod 1210. The mounting base 1220 can have a fourth mounting hole 1225 extending through the steam rod 1210 along the axial direction, and the fourth mounting hole 1225 communicates with the inside of the steam rod 1210.

[0175] In a further embodiment, the extension section passes through at least the fourth mounting hole 1225 and the hollow structure of the steam rod 1210. In this way, the extension section does not occupy additional space outside the steam rod 1210, resulting in a smaller overall radial dimension and a more compact structure for the modulation device.

[0176] When the extension section is entirely inserted through the hollow structure of the steam rod 1210, there is at least a partial gap between the outer peripheral sidewall of the extension section and the inner peripheral sidewall of the steam rod 1210, allowing steam to flow through. Generally, the hollow structure of the steam rod 1210 is a regular cylinder along the first direction, and the extension section is also generally a regular cylinder along the first direction. When the extension section is entirely inserted through the hollow structure of the steam rod 1210, the extension section can be eccentrically positioned, that is, the central axis of the steam rod 1210 and the central axis of the extension section are approximately parallel but not collinear. In this case, if the outer peripheral sidewall of the extension section and the inner peripheral sidewall of the steam rod 1210 are partially in contact and partially separated, the gap formed between them is generally a circumferentially non-connected chamber; if neither the outer peripheral sidewall of the extension section nor the inner peripheral sidewall of the steam rod 1210 is in contact, the gap formed between them is generally a circumferentially connected, eccentric annular chamber. In this embodiment, the steam rod 1210 and the extension section are coaxially positioned. That is, the central axis of the steam rod 1210 is basically collinear with the central axis of the extension section. At this time, the outer peripheral wall of the extension section and the inner peripheral wall of the steam rod 1210 do not abut against each other, and the gap formed between them is circumferentially connected, forming a concentric annular cavity, i.e., an annular flow channel. The setting of the annular flow channel ensures that the flow velocity and flow rate in all directions between the extension section and the steam rod 1210 are consistent, which helps to further improve the stability of steam flow.

[0177] Furthermore, in view of any of the above embodiments, a sealing connector 1700 may also be provided between each hole structure and pipe section structure. The sealing connector 1700 may be, but is not limited to, a sealing ring, a sealing sleeve, etc. A transition connecting sleeve 1800 may also be fitted around the outer periphery of the connection between the steam rod 1210 and the mounting base 1220, so as to provide a smooth transition in appearance for the size and shape differences between the mounting base 1220 and the steam rod 1210, and to help protect the connection between the mounting base 1220 and the steam rod 1210 to a certain extent.

[0178] In addition, this application also provides a beverage mixing operation method, which can be, but is not limited to, the beverage mixing machine / mixing device described in any of the above embodiments.

[0179] Specifically, referring to Figure 9, the first embodiment of the beverage mixing operation method includes:

[0180] Step A100: When confirming the operation of the manual modulation mode, rotate the steam rod 1210 until the interference protrusion engages with the second groove 1322;

[0181] Step A200: Insert at least the second end 1212 of the operating steam rod 1210 into the outer container;

[0182] Step A300: After the steam rod 1210 and the external container are rotated synchronously to the target angle, the steam rod 1210 is connected to external steam.

[0183] In this embodiment, when it is confirmed that the manual modulation mode needs to be operated, the steam rod 1210 can be manually rotated until the interference protrusion engages with the second groove 1322. It should be noted that the second groove 1322 may correspond to an extreme position of the steam rod 1210, or it may not have reached the extreme position of the steam rod 1210. When the interference protrusion engages with the second groove 1322, the steam rod 1210 can be limited and maintained at the current position. The user can hold the external container and keep it away from the tray. Then, the user continues to operate the steam rod 1210 until at least the second end 1212 is inserted into the external container, and then the steam rod 1210 and the external container are rotated synchronously to the target angle. Finally, at the position corresponding to the target angle, the steam rod 1210 is operated to connect to external steam to begin manual modulation of the liquid in the external container. It should be noted that the position corresponding to the target angle may be directly the position corresponding to the second groove 1322, that is, in step A300 above, no further force is applied to drive the steam rod 1210 to rotate. Alternatively, the position corresponding to the target angle could be the position between the second groove 1322 and the first groove 1321, or the position on the side of the second groove 1322 away from the first groove 1321, etc.

[0184] Referring to Figure 10, the second embodiment of the beverage mixing operation method of the beverage mixing machine includes:

[0185] Step B100: When confirming the operation of the automatic modulation mode, rotate the steam rod 1210 until the interference protrusion engages with the second groove 1322;

[0186] Step B200: Insert at least the second end 1212 of the operating steam rod 1210 into the outer container;

[0187] Step B300: Operate the steam rod 1210 and the external container to rotate synchronously until the external container is placed on the tray and the interference protrusion is engaged with the first groove 1321, then start the temperature sensor 1600 to run;

[0188] Step B400: Operate the steam rod 1210 to connect to external steam, and when the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor 1600 reaches a preset threshold, operate the steam rod 1210 to stop connecting to external steam.

[0189] In this embodiment, when it is confirmed that the automatic modulation mode needs to be run, the steam rod 1210 can be manually rotated until the interference protrusion engages with the second groove 1322. It should be noted that the second groove 1322 may correspond to an extreme position of the steam rod 1210, or it may not have reached that extreme position. When the interference protrusion engages with the second groove 1322, the steam rod 1210 can be limited and maintained in its current position. The user can hold the external container and position it away from the tray. Then, the user continues to insert at least the second end 1212 of the steam rod 1210 into the external container, and then rotates the steam rod 1210 and the external container synchronously until the external container is placed on the tray and the interference protrusion engages with the first groove 1321. The steam rod 1210 is then connected to external steam to begin automatic modulation of the liquid in the external container. Before, during, or after this step, the temperature sensor 1600 can be started to measure the temperature of the liquid in the external container. When the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor 1600 reaches the preset threshold, it indicates that the modulation operation of the modulation device on the liquid in the external container has reached the required level and no further adjustment is needed. At this time, the steam rod 1210 can be operated automatically or manually to stop the connection of external steam and end the modulation. Second application example:

[0190] This application provides a steam output module and a beverage preparation machine using it. The specific form of the beverage preparation machine is not limited; it can be a product that prepares ready-made beverages, or a product that first prepares a beverage from powder and / or liquid ingredients and then prepares the beverage. The preparation methods achievable based on the steam output module can include, but are not limited to, heating the beverage with steam, or foaming the beverage using steam and air.

[0191] In addition to the steam output module, a beverage blending machine also includes a main body, which typically has a front surface and a rear surface facing the user. Taking a coffee machine as an example, the main body also has a tray protruding forward on the front surface. The tray includes a base recessed to form a water collection tank, and a grid bracket covering the opening of the water collection tank. The grid bracket can hold external containers and uses its grid to filter out larger particles of residue. The main body also typically has a downward-facing beverage outlet on the front surface of the main body, above the tray. The beverage outlet can supply beverages such as milk or coffee to external containers placed on the tray.

[0192] Therefore, the steam output module is generally externally mounted on the body, and preferably located on the front surface of the body. The steam output module is generally positioned at least adjacent to the tray, so that it can supply steam to an external container placed on the tray.

[0193] In addition, the steam output module is generally only used for circulating steam. In this case, the beverage preparation machine has a built-in steam source, or it is a separate product from the beverage preparation machine that serves as the steam source. The steam source generates steam and connects it to the steam output module.

[0194] Specifically, referring to Figures 11 to 14, the steam output module provided in this application includes a mounting bracket 2100, a steam rod 2200, a mounting base 2300, and a rotation damper 2400. The mounting bracket 2100 is fixed to the beverage preparation machine; the steam rod 2200 has a first end 2210 and a second end 2220 arranged opposite each other along its axial direction. The steam rod 2200 is used to connect to an external steam source and discharge steam outward through the second end 2220; the mounting base 2300 is detachably connected to the first end 2210 and is rotatably mounted on the mounting bracket 2100 about an axis extending radially along the steam rod 2200, so that the second end 2220 rotates synchronously when the steam rod is rotated by an external force; the rotation damper 2400 is provided at the rotational connection between the mounting base 2300 and the mounting bracket 2100. When the external force is removed, the rotation damper 2400 generates resistance between the mounting base 2300 and the mounting bracket 2100 to prevent the steam rod 2200 from rotating back to its original position.

[0195] In the technical solution provided in this application, the mounting base 2300 enables the steam rod 2200 to be installed more quickly and securely at the mounting bracket 2100; when the external force drives the steam rod 2200 to rotate to a certain position and then retracts, under the resistance of the rotation damper 2400, the steam rod 2200 is limited to that position or slowly reversed back to the initial position or another position, preventing the steam rod 2200 from resetting at the original speed or quickly, which would damage the structure of the steam rod 2200 or affect the user's continued operation of the steam rod 2200, thereby increasing the flexibility of the steam output module and helping to improve the user's experience of using the steam output module.

[0196] In this design, the mounting bracket 2100 serves to fix the steam output module to the machine body. Since the mounting base 2300 is rotatably mounted on the mounting bracket 2100 along the radial direction of the steam rod 2200, in a feasible embodiment, the mounting bracket 2100 can be positioned at one end of the rotation axis of the mounting base 2300, allowing for single-end rotational mounting of the mounting base 2300. However, to further increase the stability of the mounting base 2300 and the steam rod 2200 during rotation, in another feasible embodiment, the mounting bracket 2100 is positioned at both ends of the rotation axis of the mounting base 2300. Specifically, the mounting bracket 2100 may include two side plates 2110 respectively located at both ends of the rotation axis of the mounting base 2300 (i.e., the radial ends of the steam rod 2200). The two side plates 2110 have limiting holes 2111 at corresponding positions along the radial direction of the steam rod 2200; the mounting base 2300 has shaft holes 2310 corresponding to the limiting holes 2111. Based on this, the steam output module may also include a rotating shaft, one of which, the shaft hole 2310 and the limiting hole 2111, is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft, and the other is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft, so as to achieve the purpose of rotatably mounting the mounting base 2300 on the side plate 2110.

[0197] Therefore, the rotation damper 2400 is disposed at the rotational connection between the mounting base 2300 and the mounting bracket 2100. Thus, in one feasible solution, the rotation damper 2400 can be directly configured as a shaft, i.e., forming a rotational damping shaft. In this case, the rotational damping shaft directly constitutes the aforementioned rotating shaft, enabling both the rotational connection between the mounting base 2300 and the side plate 2110 and applying damping during rotation. Alternatively, in another feasible solution, the rotation damper 2400 and the aforementioned rotating shaft are separately configured as two independent components. Specifically, the rotation damper 2400 can be disposed on the rotating shaft and at the shaft hole 2310 or limiting hole 2111 rotatably connected to the rotating shaft, generating sufficient damping to impede the rotation of the rotating shaft between the outer peripheral sidewall of the rotating shaft and the hole wall of the shaft hole 2310 or limiting hole 2111 rotatably connected to the rotating shaft.

[0198] In addition, the mounting bracket 2100 also includes a base plate 2120 connected between the two side plates 2110. The base plate 2120 can connect the two side plates 2110 into a whole and provide sufficient strength support for the two side plates 2110. The base plate 2120 can be located on the side of the mounting base 2300 where the steam rod 2200 is connected, and furthermore, the base plate 2120 is provided with a clearance hole 2121. The clearance hole 2121 allows at least the steam rod 2200 to pass through, and when the mounting base 2300 drives the steam rod 2200 to rotate to a set position, the mounting base 2300 can abut against the surface of the base plate 2120 on the peripheral side plate 2110 of the clearance hole 2121, thereby stopping and limiting the continued rotation of the mounting base 2300.

[0199] Of course, when the mounting bracket 2100 is installed on the front surface of the beverage mixing machine, it can be directly fixed to the front surface of the machine through the side plate 2110; or in a further embodiment, the mounting bracket 2100 also includes a connecting ear plate 2130, which extends radially from the end edge of the side plate 2110 along the steam rod 2200 and is fixedly connected to the front surface of the machine.

[0200] Based on one or more of the above embodiments, the mounting base 2300 and the steam rod 2200 are connected and fixed, meaning that under external force, the mounting base 2300 and the steam rod 2200 can rotate synchronously. The rotation angle range of the steam rod 2200 is not limited. When the mounting bracket 2100 is fixed to the front surface of the machine body, the rotation axis of the steam rod 2200 and the mounting base 2300 extends laterally, meaning the steam rod 2200 can swing in the vertical direction. Therefore, the steam rod 2200 can be specifically configured to rotate between 0° and 180°, meaning the second end 2220 of the steam rod 2200 can rotate from a vertically downward opening to a vertically upward opening. Of course, to make the rotation of the steam rod 2200 more practical, the steam rod 2200 can also be specifically configured to rotate between 0° and 90°, meaning the second end 2220 of the steam rod 2200 can rotate from a vertically downward opening to a forward opening.

[0201] Specifically, a first position and a second position, spaced apart from each other, can be defined along the entire rotational stroke of the steam rod 2200. It is understood that the first and second positions can be any position along the entire rotational stroke of the steam rod 2200; for example, at least one of the first and second positions is any extreme position along the entire rotational stroke of the steam rod 2200; or, for example, at least one of the first and second positions is any midpoint between two extreme positions along the entire rotational stroke of the steam rod 2200. Furthermore, the first and second positions can be two positions pre-marked in any suitable manner; or the first and second positions can be any two positions occupied by the user during the rotation of the steam rod 2200.

[0202] When the first and second positions are defined as described above, and the steam rod 2200 is driven to rotate from the first position to the second position when, for example, an external force is applied manually by the user or automatically by a preset power component, the external force is removed. Then, according to actual needs, the resistance generated by the rotation damper 2400 can be preset and limited to prevent the obstruction effect.

[0203] For example, in one embodiment, the resistance generated by the rotary damper 2400 can be defined to rotate the steam rod 2200 from its current second position back to the first position. The difference lies in that if the speed at which the external force drives the steam rod 2200 to rotate from the first position to the second position is defined as the first speed, and the speed at which the resistance generated by the rotary damper 2400 drives the steam rod 2200 to rotate back to the first position from the second position is defined as the second speed, then the second speed is set to be less than the first speed. That is, when the resistance generated by the rotary damper 2400 drives the steam rod 2200 to rotate back to the first position, the rotation is slow, and the specific second speed can be adjusted according to actual needs. Slow reset, on the one hand, eliminates the need for manual operation by the user or repeated application of reverse driving force by the aforementioned power components during the reset process, making it simpler, more efficient, and energy-saving; on the other hand, it ensures a smooth and safe reverse reset of the steam rod 2200.

[0204] Alternatively, in another embodiment, a third position may be further defined between the first and third positions. This third position, similarly to the one described above, can be any position between the first and second positions. The third position can be a fixed position marked in any suitable manner; or it can be any position between the first and second positions that is naturally associated with the second speed described above. In this case, when the external force drives the steam rod 2200 to rotate from the first position to the second position and then retracts, the resistance generated by the rotation damper 2400 fixes the steam rod 2200 in the third position. It should be noted that during the reverse rotation to the third position, the speed is the third speed. This third speed can be a speed equivalent to the first speed, a speed equivalent to the second speed, or a speed other than the first and second speeds, without limitation.

[0205] Alternatively, in another embodiment, when the external force drives the steam rod 2200 to rotate from the first position to the second position and then retracts, the resistance generated by the rotary damper 2400 fixes the steam rod 2200 in the second position. That is, in its natural state after the external force is removed, the resistance generated by the rotary damper 2400 is sufficient to balance other external forces at the current position (such as the gravity of related components), ensuring that the steam rod 2200 is stably balanced in the second position, neither continuing to rotate forward nor reverting to its original position. This makes it more convenient for the user to rotate the steam rod 2200 to the second position to perform other operations; the steam rod 2200 is locked and fixed in the current second position, allowing the user to continue operations upon returning.

[0206] It should be noted that in any of the above embodiments, the first position and / or the second position are provided in multiple ways during the rotation stroke of the steam rod 2200. When the entire rotation stroke of the steam rod 2200 is stepped, the first position and / or the second position can be any position within the entire rotation stroke of the steam rod 2200. When the entire rotation stroke of the steam rod 2200 is stepless, the first position and / or the second position can be any position within the entire rotation stroke of the steam rod 2200.

[0207] Furthermore, based on one or more of the above embodiments, regarding the installation of the steam rod 2200 on the mounting base 2300:

[0208] In one embodiment, the mounting base 2300 has a first mounting hole 2320 extending along the axial direction of the steam rod 2200. The first mounting hole 2320 includes a first hole segment 2321 and a second hole segment 2322 connected in sequence. The first end 2210 of the steam rod 2200 is sealed and installed in the second hole segment 2322. Specifically, the rod segment connecting the first end 2210 of the steam rod 2200 (hereinafter referred to as the plug-in rod segment for ease of understanding) can be sealed and installed in the second hole segment 2322. The plug-in rod segment can be directly plugged into and fixed to the second hole segment 2322; or the plug-in rod segment can be plugged into and fixed to the second hole segment 2322 through other components, such as a connector 2700. Furthermore, the sealing connection method between the plug-in rod segment (and / or, for example, the connector 2700) and the second hole segment 2322 is not limited; it can be achieved directly through an interference fit, or through a structure such as a sealing ring.

[0209] The steam output module also includes a temperature sensor 2500, which includes a connecting section 2510, an extension section 2530, and a measuring section 2520 connected in sequence. The extension section 2530 passes through the first mounting hole 2320 and the steam rod 2200 in sequence. The connecting section 2510 extends outward from the first hole section 2321 to be electrically connected to an external electronic control device. The measuring section 2520 extends outward from the second end 2220 to measure the temperature of the liquid in the external container when the steam rod 2200 is inserted into the external container.

[0210] When the extension section 2530 is entirely inserted through the hollow structure of the steam rod 2200, there is at least a partial gap between the outer peripheral sidewall of the extension section 2530 and the inner peripheral sidewall of the steam rod 2200, forming a flow channel 2230, within which steam can circulate. Generally, the hollow structure of the steam rod 2200 is a regular cylinder, and the extension section 2530 is also generally a regular cylinder. When the extension section 2530 is entirely inserted through the hollow structure of the steam rod 2200, the extension section 2530 can be eccentrically positioned, that is, the central axis of the steam rod 2200 and the central axis of the extension section 2530 are approximately parallel but not collinear. At this point, if the outer peripheral sidewall of the extension section 2530 and the inner peripheral sidewall of the steam rod 2200 are partially in contact and partially separated, the flow channel 2230 formed between them is generally a circumferentially non-connected chamber; if neither the outer peripheral sidewall of the extension section 2530 nor the inner peripheral sidewall of the steam rod 2200 is in contact, the flow channel 2230 formed between them is generally a circumferentially connected, eccentric annular chamber. In this embodiment, the steam rod 2200 and the extension section 2530 are arranged coaxially. That is, the central axis of the steam rod 2200 and the central axis of the extension section 2530 are basically collinear. At this point, neither the outer peripheral sidewall of the extension section 2530 nor the inner peripheral sidewall of the steam rod 2200 is in contact, and the flow channel 2230 formed between them is a circumferentially connected, concentric annular chamber, i.e., an annular flow channel 2230. The annular flow channel 2230 ensures that the flow velocity and flow rate in all directions between the extension section 2530 and the steam rod 2200 remain consistent, which helps to further improve the stability of steam flow.

[0211] Next, the mounting base 2300 is also provided with a second mounting hole 2330, which communicates with the first mounting hole 2320, and the extension direction of the second mounting hole 2330 is intersected with the extension direction of the first mounting hole 2320; the second mounting hole 2330 is used to connect with an external steam source through a pipeline structure. By intersecting the second mounting hole 2330 with the first mounting hole 2320, the second mounting hole 2330 is inclined relative to the first mounting hole 2320, allowing external steam to enter the steam rod 2200 at an angle, which helps to prevent airflow from rushing into the channel inside the steam rod 2200.

[0212] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the first mounting hole 2320 further includes a transition hole section 2323 located between the first hole section 2321 and the second hole section 2322, and the second mounting hole 2330 is connected to the transition hole section 2323; at least in the direction from the connection between the second mounting hole 2330 and the transition hole section 2323 to the second hole section 2322, the diameter of the transition hole section 2323 is increased. The transition hole section 2323 provides a larger buffer space for steam to enter the steam rod 2200, which helps to make the airflow entering the steam rod 2200 more stable. The increase in the diameter of the transition hole section 2323 can be a multi-step increase or a gradual increase in a conical shape.

[0213] Furthermore, as described above, when the temperature sensor 2500 also includes an extension section 2530 passing through the steam rod 2200, and the outer wall of the extension section 2530 and the inner wall of the steam rod 2200 are spaced apart to form a flow channel 2230, the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel 2230 is smaller than the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the transition hole section 2323. This allows the steam entering the flow channel 2230 at the transition hole section 2323 to flow at a faster and more stable rate, enabling it to flow more quickly to the second end 2220, facilitating rapid steam discharge.

[0214] In addition, the steam output module may also include a protective sleeve 2600, which can be fitted onto the connection between the mounting base 2300 and the steam rod 2200 to provide a smooth transition in appearance between the size and shape differences between the mounting base 2300 and the steam rod 2200, and to help protect the connection between the mounting base 2300 and the steam rod 2200 to a certain extent.

[0215] Third application example:

[0216] In existing coffee machines, the steam extraction device is typically designed to be installed close to one side of the machine body. However, depending on the placement of the coffee machine and / or the user's habits, the installation position of the steam extraction device may not meet actual usage needs, leading to inconvenience in machine placement and / or user operation. Existing steam extraction devices have limitations in adjusting their installation position, making it difficult to flexibly adjust them according to actual installation conditions.

[0217] Therefore, this application provides a beverage preparation device for preparing hot beverages. Specifically, the beverage preparation device can be a fully automatic coffee machine, a soy milk maker, etc., with grinding and brewing functions, or a capsule coffee machine, a soy milk maker, etc., that prepares beverages by mixing pre-prepared raw material powders. In this embodiment, a coffee machine is used as an example for illustration.

[0218] Please refer to Figures 1 to 10. This application also provides a steam export device 3-100, which can be installed on the body of a beverage preparation equipment and can be connected to a steam generator in the body, so as to export high-temperature steam according to the beverage preparation requirements, so that the high-temperature steam heats the milk while mixing with the milk and air to form milk foam.

[0219] Specifically, referring to Figures 15 to 17, the steam extraction device 3-100 includes a body 3-10, a first mounting member 3-20, and a second mounting member 3-30. A cavity 3-11 is formed within the body 3-10, and an outlet communicating with the cavity 3-11 and two openings 3-12 are provided, respectively located on opposite sides of the body 3-10 in the lateral direction. Specifically, the body 3-10 has two mounting sides 3-13 arranged opposite each other in the lateral direction, and the two openings 3-12 are respectively provided on the two mounting sides 3-13. In this embodiment, the specific structure of the body 3-10 is not limited, as long as steam can be introduced into the cavity 3-11 through one of the openings 3-12 and allowed to flow out through the outlet. It is understood that a conduit 3-50 is connected to the outside of the body 3-10, the conduit 3-50 communicating with the outlet and preferably located below the body 3-10, to introduce steam into the beverage.

[0220] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the lateral direction is roughly parallel to the horizontal direction. The outlet can be opened on the periphery of the body 3-10 or on the lower side of the body 3-10. It is preferred that the outlet be opened on the lower side of the body 3-10 to reduce the possibility of liquid residue in the cavity 3-11.

[0221] Furthermore, the first mounting member 3-20 has an inlet channel 3-21 formed therein, which is used to connect to the steam generator and can be selectively installed on one side of the transverse direction of the main body 3-10, so that the inlet channel 3-21 connects to one of the two openings 3-12. The second mounting member 3-30 can be selectively installed on the other side of the main body 3-10 in the transverse direction to block the opening 3-12 on the other side of the main body 3-10. In this embodiment, the two openings 3-12 can be arranged to be through in the transverse direction, and depending on the installation position of the first mounting member 3-20 and the second mounting member 3-30 relative to the main body 3-10, one opening 3-12 is used to introduce steam into the cavity 3-11, and the other opening 3-12 is correspondingly blocked. That is to say, in this embodiment, the installation positions of the first mounting member 3-20 and the second mounting member 3-30 relative to the main body 3-10 can be interchanged.

[0222] In this embodiment, the steam export device 3-100 can more flexibly select the installation position of the steam export device 3-100 relative to the machine body according to the actual installation conditions, and adjust the connection position of the inlet channel 3-21 and the main body 3-10 according to the arrangement of the internal functional components and the internal space of the machine body, that is, change the installation position of the first mounting part 3-20 and the second mounting part 3-30, so as to adapt to different placement positions of the beverage preparation equipment and the habits of the operator, and improve the inconvenience caused by the fixed installation position of the existing steam export device 3-100.

[0223] Further, referring to Figures 15 and 16, the steam extraction device 3-100 also includes a bracket 3-40, which is used to fix the device to the body of the beverage preparation equipment. The main body 3-10 is detachably mounted on the bracket 3-40. In this embodiment, the bracket 3-40 can be installed inside or outside the body, but it is preferably detachably mounted to facilitate adjustment of the installation position of the steam extraction device 3-100 and maintenance and replacement of the steam extraction device 3-100.

[0224] The specific structure of the bracket 3-40 is not limited; please refer to Figure 16 for further details. The bracket 3-40 has two mounting walls 3-41 arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The body 3-10 is detachably clamped between the two mounting walls 3-41. Each mounting wall 3-41 corresponds to one of the two mounting sides 3-13 of the body 3-10 and is provided with a through hole 3-42 aligned with the opening 3-12 on the body 3-10. The first mounting member 3-20 is sequentially inserted through one of the two through holes 3-42 and the opening 3-12 corresponding to the through hole 3-42, so that the inlet channel 3-21 connects to one of the two openings 3-12. In a preferred embodiment, the two mounting walls 3-41 are connected only on the rear and bottom sides to maintain their rigidity. This design makes the steam export device 3-100 more convenient to maintain and install, improves the convenience of maintaining the beverage preparation equipment, and enhances the overall stability of the beverage export device.

[0225] Further, the first mounting component 3-20 includes a pipe 3-22 having an inlet end 3-221 and an outlet end 3-222. An inlet channel 3-21 is formed within the pipe 3-22, connecting the inlet end 3-221 and the outlet end 3-222. The first mounting component 3-20 can be selectively installed close to one of the two mounting walls 3-41, and the pipe 3-22 passes sequentially through the through hole 3-42 and the corresponding opening 3-12 on the adjacent mounting wall 3-41 from its outer side, so that the outlet end 3-222 is inserted into the cavity 3-11. In this installation, the body 3-10 can be inserted between the two mounting walls 3-41 from the front and / or above the bracket 3-40, and then the first mounting component 3-20 can be inserted into the opening 3-12 through the through hole 3-42, thus achieving the connection between the first mounting component 3-20 and the body 3-10. The operation is simple and reliable. At the same time, the bracket 3-40 also serves as a limit guide, so that the first mounting part 3-20 can accurately match the body 3-10.

[0226] Referring to Figures 17 to 19 and Figure 23, the outer periphery of the pipe 3-22 is provided with an annular boss 3-223. The end face of the annular boss 3-223 near the outlet end 3-222 abuts against the body 3-10 and rests against the outer side of the corresponding opening 3-12. The outer peripheral surface of the annular boss 3-223 abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the corresponding through hole 3-42. In this embodiment, the annular boss 3-223 serves to limit and engage with the through hole 3-42.

[0227] Preferably, a first annular groove 3-224 is formed on the outer periphery of the pipe 3-22. The first annular groove 3-224 is disposed between the annular boss 3-223 and the outlet end 3-222. The first mounting member 3-20 also includes a sealing ring 3-60 sleeved on the outer periphery of the pipe 3-22, and the sealing ring 3-60 is engaged in the first annular groove 3-224. It can be understood that multiple first annular grooves 3-224 and sealing rings 3-60 can be provided, and multiple sealing rings 3-60 are spaced apart along the length of the pipe 3-22 to improve the sealing performance of the opening 3-12 of the pipe 3-22. This design enhances the sealing effect and effectively prevents steam leakage.

[0228] Further, the pipe 3-22 includes a first pipe section 3-23 and a second pipe section 3-24 connected sequentially from the inlet end 3-221 to the outlet end 3-222. The second pipe section 3-24 is provided with the annular boss 3-223. The first pipe section 3-23 bends and extends rearward from the end of the second pipe section 3-24 away from the outlet end 3-222. In this embodiment, the rearward extension of the second pipe section 3-24 is arranged to facilitate connection to a steam delivery pipeline (generally a flexible hose) located behind the steam outlet device 3-100.

[0229] Preferably, as shown in Figures 15 to 19, each of the mounting walls 3-41 is provided with screw holes, and the second pipe section 3-24 is integrally provided with a mounting plate 3-25. Bolts are provided on the mounting plate 3-25, and the bolts engage with the corresponding screw holes, so that the first mounting member 3-20 is screwed and fixed to the adjacent mounting wall 3-41. In this way, the first mounting member 3-20 is screwed and fixed to the bracket 3-40, thereby being limited to prevent the first pipe section 3-23 from rotating and loosening due to high pressure during steam transportation, which would affect its sealing performance.

[0230] Furthermore, the first mounting component 3-20 also includes a quick connector 3-26 connected to the inlet end 3-221. The quick connector 3-26 is used to connect a steam delivery pipeline, which is used to connect to the steam generating device. This quick connector 3-26 design makes the installation and disassembly between the first mounting component 3-20 and the steam delivery pipeline more convenient, and improves the compatibility and adaptability of the device.

[0231] Based on the above embodiments, and referring to Figures 16 to 21 and 23, the second mounting member 3-30 is positioned close to the other of the two mounting walls 3-41 and rotatably engages with the through hole 3-42 on that mounting wall 3-41, allowing the body 3-10 to rotate relative to the bracket 3-40 during installation. This facilitates adjustment of the posture of the body 3-10 relative to the bracket 3-40 during assembly, simplifying the installation process.

[0232] Specifically, the rotational engagement between the second mounting member 3-30 and the bracket 3-40 is achieved through the following structure: the second mounting member 3-30 includes an insertion portion 3-31 inserted into the cavity 3-11 and a rotating portion 3-32 extending from the corresponding opening 3-12. The rotating portion 3-32 is at least partially inserted into the through hole 3-42 on the mounting wall 3-41 near the second mounting member 3-30. In this embodiment, during the installation of the steam export device 3-100, the second mounting member 3-30 can be first installed onto the body 3-10, and then both can be inserted together between the two mounting walls 3-41 of the bracket 3-40. Then, the rotating portion 3-32 is inserted into the through hole 3-42, and the position of the body 3-10 is adjusted by rotation until it is in place. Finally, the first mounting member 3-20 is inserted into the through hole 3-42 and the opening 3-12 on the other side. In this embodiment, the structural cooperation between the second mounting component 3-30 and the first mounting component 3-20 and the main body 3-10 makes the installation operation of the main body 3-10 simple, reliable, and easy to implement. It also makes it easy to disassemble the first mounting component 3-20 and the second mounting component 3-30, and the installation positions of the first mounting component 3-20 and the second mounting component 3-30 can be interchanged through simple operations.

[0233] Optionally, the diameter of the first mounting member 3-20 located inside the corresponding through hole 3-42 is larger than its diameter located outside the corresponding mounting wall 3-41, the diameter of the second mounting member 3-30 located inside the corresponding through hole 3-42 is smaller than its diameter located inside the corresponding mounting wall 3-41, and the rotating part 3-32 is housed inside the through hole 3-42 and flush with the outer side of the corresponding mounting wall 3-41.

[0234] Thus, the steam extraction device can be assembled sequentially in the following order: the main body 3-10, the second mounting component 3-30, the bracket 3-40, and the first mounting component 3-20. Specifically, the second mounting component 3-30 can be first installed on the main body 3-10, and then the assembled main body 3-10 can be rotated and installed on the bracket 3-40 from the inside of the mounting wall 3-41 via the second mounting component 3-30, after which the first mounting component 3-20 can be assembled. This method is simple to operate and has a reliable structure.

[0235] Optionally, the outer periphery of the insertion portion 3-31 is provided with a second annular groove 3-311, and the second mounting member 3-30 further includes a sealing ring 3-60 sleeved on the outer periphery of the insertion portion 3-31, the sealing ring 3-60 being engaged in the second annular groove 3-311. Preferably, multiple second annular grooves 3-311 and sealing rings 3-60 can be provided correspondingly to enhance the sealing performance of the second mounting member 3-30 to the opening 3-12.

[0236] Optionally, referring to Figure 23, the rotating part 3-32 includes a pivot 3-321 rotatably mounted in the corresponding through hole 3-42, and a flange 3-322 disposed between the pivot 3-321 and the insertion part 3-31. The outer diameter of the flange 3-322 is larger than that of the insertion part 3-31 and the pivot 3-321. The end face of the flange 3-322 near the insertion part 3-31 abuts against the body 3-10 and rests against the outside of the opening 3-12. The end face of the flange 3-322 near the pivot 3-321 abuts against the inside of the corresponding mounting wall 3-41. In this embodiment, the relative position between the body 3-10 and the bracket 3-40 can be flexibly adjusted during the installation process by rotating the rotating part 3-32 and the bracket 3-40, ensuring that the first mounting part 3-20 can be smoothly fitted with the body 3-10. The flange 3-322 is clamped between the body 3-10 and the inner side of the mounting wall 3-41, which plays a role in radially limiting the body 3-10.

[0237] Optionally, referring to Figure 24, the body 3-10 is provided with a limiting part, and the bracket 3-40 is provided with a limiting mating part. The limiting part and the limiting mating part cooperate to limit the rotational stroke of the body 3-10 relative to the bracket 3-40. Specifically, the limiting part consists of two arc-shaped protrusions 3-14 protruding from the body 3-10, which are respectively located on two mounting sides 3-13 and positioned behind the second mounting member 3-30. The limiting mating part consists of arc-shaped grooves 3-43 recessed into each mounting wall 3-41, with each arc-shaped protrusion 3-14 correspondingly embedded in each arc-shaped groove 3-43. In this embodiment, the bracket 3-40 is preferably made of a material with a certain degree of elasticity. When the body 3-10 is embedded between the two mounting walls 3-41 and the second mounting member 3-30 is rotatably engaged with the bracket 3-40, the body 3-10 can be rotated according to installation needs to adjust the posture of the body 3-10 relative to the bracket 3-40. During rotation, when the arc-shaped protrusion 3-14 engages with the corresponding arc-shaped groove 3-43, it indicates that the main body 3-10 has rotated into position, and the first mounting component 3-20 can be installed. In this embodiment, the cooperation of the limiting part and the limiting mating part effectively restricts the rotation of the main body 3-10, ensuring that the main body 3-10 rotates until the opening 3-12 on the other side is completely aligned with the through hole 3-42 on its outer side, allowing the first mounting component 3-20 to be installed. This makes the structure of the main body 3-10 mounted on the bracket 3-40 simpler and more reliable, and also improves the installation efficiency of the steam exhaust device 3-100.

[0238] Optionally, the two openings 3-12 on the main body 3-10 are coaxially arranged. When the main body 3-10 is fixed on the bracket 3-40, the main body 3-10 is rotatably arranged around the axis of the two openings 3-12. In this embodiment, through the respective installation and cooperation of the first mounting member 3-20 and the second mounting member 3-30 with the bracket 3-40, the main body 20 is rotatably mounted on the bracket 3-40 in an adjustable manner around the axis of the two openings 3-12. This allows the rotation angle of the main body 3-10 to be controlled according to the operational requirements during beverage preparation, thereby introducing steam into the beverage at the optimal angle according to the preparation requirements.

[0239] Furthermore, the limiting portion consists of a pair of protrusions on the main body, and at least one pair of grooves are provided on the two mounting walls. The protrusions cooperate with the corresponding grooves to limit the rotation angle of the main body 3-10 relative to the bracket 3-40. In this embodiment, the shapes of the protrusions and grooves are adapted to limit the rotation path of the main body 3-10 relative to the bracket 3-40, thereby more accurately limiting the rotation position of the main body 3-10. Furthermore, the protrusions can retract and abut against the inner side of the mounting wall 3-41 to achieve suspension of the main body 3-10 relative to the bracket 3-40 at any angle. Thus, the suspension of the main body's rotation position is achieved through the elastic contact between the protrusions and the mounting wall 3-41, resulting in a simple and reliable structure.

[0240] Fourth application example:

[0241] In existing coffee machines, steam guides typically control the heating effect by adjusting the amount and / or duration of steam injected into the beverage. However, due to various factors such as the type of beverage, initial temperature, and ambient temperature, current temperature control methods cannot precisely control the final beverage temperature and foaming effect, thus failing to achieve optimal taste. This is particularly true in the commercial coffee machine sector, where existing steam guides and beverage preparation machines cannot guarantee consistent beverage output.

[0242] Therefore, this application also provides a beverage preparation machine for preparing hot beverages. Specifically, the beverage preparation machine can be a fully automatic coffee machine, a soy milk maker, etc., with grinding and brewing functions, or a capsule coffee machine, a soy milk brewing machine, etc., that prepares beverages by mixing pre-made raw material powders. In this embodiment, a coffee machine is used as an example for illustration.

[0243] Please refer to Figures 25 to 35. This application also provides a steam guide 4-100, which can be installed on the body of a beverage preparation machine and can be connected to a steam supply device in the machine body, so as to export high-temperature steam according to the beverage preparation requirements, so that the high-temperature steam heats the milk liquid while mixing with the milk liquid and air to form milk foam.

[0244] Specifically, please refer to Figures 25 to 27. The steam guide component 4-100 includes a conduit assembly 4-10 and a temperature sensing assembly 4-20. The conduit assembly 4-10 extends axially and has an internally through outlet channel 4-11. Preferably, the conduit assembly 4-10 forms an outlet channel 4-11 extending vertically. The upper end of the conduit assembly 4-10 has an inlet 4-12 that connects to the outlet channel 4-11. The inlet 4-12 is used to connect to a steam supply device. The lower end of the conduit assembly 4-10 has an outlet 4-13 that connects to the outlet channel 4-11.

[0245] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the axial direction refers to the length extension direction of the conduit assembly 4-10, while the circumferential and radial directions are descriptive directions adapted to the axial direction. Preferably, the axial direction extends in the vertical direction. The vertical direction refers to a direction parallel to the direction of gravity extension, or a direction with an angle of less than 45 degrees to the direction of gravity extension. The description of orientation in this embodiment applies to the state when the beverage preparation machine is installed and operating normally, but not to the state when the beverage preparation machine is being produced, assembled, or transported.

[0246] When the steam guide component 4-100 is working, the steam supplied by the steam supply device is driven to flow through the internal pipes to the outlet channel 4-11. Specifically, after flowing into the outlet channel 4-11 through the inlet 4-12, it flows out into the beverage from the outlet 4-13. It is understood that the operator needs to insert the lower end of the conduit assembly 4-10 into the beverage so that the outlet 4-13 is submerged in the beverage, ensuring thorough mixing of the steam and beverage for uniform heating and the preparation of rich milk foam.

[0247] In this embodiment, the steam guide component 4-100 also integrates a temperature sensing component 4-20, which is mounted on the conduit assembly 4-10. Specifically, the temperature sensing component 4-20 includes a temperature sensing rod 4-21. The temperature sensing rod 4-21 is axially inserted into the outlet channel 4-11 and abuts against the conduit assembly 4-10 in the insertion direction, thereby limiting the temperature sensing rod 4-21 relative to the conduit assembly 4-10 in the insertion direction.

[0248] Optionally, the steam guide 4-100 further includes a pressure member 4-24, which is mounted on the conduit assembly 4-10 and presses against the temperature sensing rod 4-21 to limit the movement of the temperature sensing rod 4-21 relative to the conduit assembly 4-10 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0249] Please refer to Figure 25. Preferably, the conduit assembly 4-10 has a fixed end 4-14 and a free end 4-15 that can rotate around the fixed end 4-14. Thus, during beverage preparation, the conduit assembly 4-10 can be rotated to a suitable angle as needed to facilitate beverage heating. The temperature sensing rod 4-21 is inserted into the conduit assembly 4-10 along the insertion direction from the fixed end 4-14 toward the free end 4-15.

[0250] Further, referring to Figures 31 and 32, the conduit assembly 4-10 has a mounting groove 4-30, and the temperature sensing rod 4-21 is provided with a radially protruding positioning element 4-22, which is at least partially received within the mounting groove 4-30. Thus, the radial positioning of the temperature sensing rod 4-21 can be achieved by utilizing the position between the positioning element 4-22 and the mounting groove 4-30. Preferably, the mounting groove 4-30 and the positioning element 4-22 have a compatible shape, such as an irregular ellipse or polygon, to achieve circumferential positioning between the temperature sensing rod 4-21 and the conduit assembly 4-10.

[0251] Based on the above embodiment, referring to Figure 29, an inlet 4-12 for connecting to a steam supply device is formed on the conduit assembly 4-10. The angle between the extending direction of the inlet 4-12 and the outlet channel 4-11 is greater than or equal to 30 degrees and less than or equal to 150 degrees. This allows steam to smoothly enter the outlet channel 4-11. Preferably, the mounting groove 4-30 is located above the inlet 4-12 to reduce leakage of steam or condensate from the mounting groove 4-30.

[0252] Preferably, the pressure member 4-24 covers the mounting groove 4-30 and has a first through hole 4-241 through which the temperature detection rod 4-21 passes upward, so that the transmission line 4-213 can be led out from the top of the first through hole. In this way, the transmission line 4-213 and the conveying pipeline for guiding steam are connected to the conduit assembly 4-10 from different directions, the structural arrangement is more reasonable, and the two are avoided from interfering with each other.

[0253] Temperature sensing rod 4-21 passes through outlet channel 4-11, with its lower end extending to the lower end of conduit assembly 4-10. The upper end of temperature sensing rod 4-21 is used to connect to a wiring harness. Thus, the lower end of temperature sensing rod 4-21 is submerged in the beverage to accurately detect its real-time temperature, while the wiring harness enables signal transmission between temperature sensing assembly 4-20 and the machine's control device.

[0254] In this embodiment, when the operator prepares a beverage, the lower end of the conduit assembly 4-10 can be inserted into the beverage to inject high-temperature steam. Simultaneously, the lower end of the temperature detection rod 4-21 is also submerged in the beverage to obtain its real-time temperature. This allows for real-time temperature monitoring during steam injection, enabling precise control of the beverage's heating temperature and achieving optimal taste. This is particularly beneficial in the commercial coffee machine sector, improving the consistency of finished beverage products.

[0255] The specific structure of the temperature detection rod 4-21 can be configured as needed, primarily utilizing its lower end to detect the temperature of the beverage. In an optional embodiment, referring to Figures 30 and 31, the temperature detection rod 4-21 includes a tube wall 4-211 with a wire channel extending vertically, a temperature sensing probe 4-212 installed at the lower end of the tube wall 4-211, and a transmission line 4-213 passing through the wire channel and connected to the temperature sensing probe 4-212. The upper end of the transmission line 4-213 extends out of the wire channel and is provided with a connector 4-214 for connecting the wire harness. In this embodiment, the tube wall 4-211 can be made of metal, providing a wire channel with sufficient rigidity and resistance to deformation. The temperature sensor 4-212 is installed at the lower end of the pipe wall 4-211. It is connected to the connector 4-214 above the pipe wall 4-211 via a transmission line 4-213 that passes through the wire channel. The connector 4-214 then connects to the power supply and control device wiring located inside the machine body. The connector 4-214 allows the temperature sensor 4-21 to be easily assembled onto the steam guide 4-100 and then installed together on the machine body. The connector 4-214 also facilitates quick wiring harness connection, improving installation efficiency.

[0256] Preferably, the lower end of the temperature sensing rod 4-21 extends downward beyond the conduit assembly 4-10. This ensures, on the one hand, that the temperature sensing probe 4-212 is completely immersed in the beverage, allowing the temperature sensing rod 4-21 to more accurately detect the beverage temperature. On the other hand, it increases the distance between the temperature sensing probe 4-212 and the steam outlet 4-13, preventing the steam from affecting the detection accuracy.

[0257] There are various ways to install the temperature detection rod 4-21. In a preferred embodiment, please refer to Figures 25, 26 and 32. In order to minimize the bending of the transmission line 4-213, a mounting hole 4-31 is provided on the upper side of the conduit assembly 4-10. The upper end of the temperature detection rod 4-21 extends out of the conduit assembly 4-10 from the mounting hole 4-31.

[0258] In a preferred embodiment, to fix the temperature sensing rod 4-21, the upper end of the conduit assembly 4-10 is formed with an open mounting groove 4-30. A mounting hole 4-31 is formed on the bottom wall of the mounting groove 4-30. The temperature sensing assembly 4-20 also includes a positioning member 4-22 sleeved on the upper end of the temperature sensing rod 4-21. This positioning member 4-22 can be integrally formed with the tube wall 4-211 of the temperature sensing rod 4-21, or it can be connected and fixed to the tube wall 4-211 by fixing or welding. The positioning member 4-22 is housed in the mounting groove 4-30 and is assembled in a manner that prevents relative rotation. Thus, once the temperature sensing rod 4-21 is assembled in place by the cooperation of the positioning member 4-22 and the mounting groove 4-30, the temperature sensing rod 4-21 will no longer rotate, preventing the temperature sensing rod 4-21 from twisting the transmission line 4-213 under external force, which could lead to torsional damage to the transmission line 4-213.

[0259] Please refer to Figures 29 to 31. To achieve a seal on the mounting hole 4-31, the temperature sensing assembly 4-20 also includes a sealing ring 4-23. The sealing ring 4-23 is fitted onto the temperature sensing rod 4-21 and sandwiched between the positioning member 4-22 and the bottom wall of the mounting groove 4-30. After the positioning member 4-22 is installed and fixed, it limits the sealing ring 4-23, achieving a reliable seal on the mounting hole 4-31.

[0260] Preferably, referring to Figure 32, the upper end of the conduit assembly 4-10 is also formed with a screw hole 4-32, which is located on the radial side of the mounting groove 4-30. The temperature sensing assembly 4-20 also includes a pressing member 4-24, one end of which presses against the upper side of the positioning member 4-22, and the other end of which is screwed to the conduit assembly 4-10 through the screw hole 4-32. In this embodiment, the pressing member 4-24 presses the positioning member 4-22 downwards to fit tightly against the sealing ring 4-23, achieving a more reliable sealing effect. In this embodiment, when installing the temperature detection rod 4-21, the positioning member 4-22 is placed into the mounting groove 4-30 to limit the radial and circumferential movement of the temperature detection rod 4-21. Then, the pressing member 4-24 is used to press the positioning member 4-22 downward to fit tightly against the sealing ring 4-23, thereby limiting the vertical movement of the temperature detection rod 4-21. In this way, the temperature detection rod 4-21 is limited in all directions, ensuring that it is firmly and reliably installed on the conduit assembly 4-10. At the same time, it can also prevent the temperature detection rod 4-21 itself from rotating or twisting during the installation process, thus protecting the transmission line 4-213 in the temperature detection rod 4-21 from being damaged by twisting.

[0261] Furthermore, the end of the clamping component 4-24 that presses against the positioning component 4-22 is provided with a first through hole 4-241. The upper end of the temperature sensing rod 4-21 passes through the first through hole 4-241. The clamping component 4-24 is also provided with a notch 4-242, which connects to the first through hole 4-241. In this way, there is no need to sleeve the clamping component 4-24 on the transmission line 4-213 and the connector 4-214 of the temperature sensing rod 4-21. The wire harness can be inserted into the first through hole 4-241 through the notch 4-242, and the clamping component 4-24 can be assembled. The operation is simple, the wire harness is not easily damaged, and the assembly efficiency is improved.

[0262] It is understood that in this embodiment, since the upper side of the conduit assembly 4-10 is occupied by the upper end of the temperature sensing rod 4-21, the positioning member 4-22, the pressing member 4-24, etc., the remaining space is not much. If the inlet 4-12 is also located on the upper side of the conduit assembly 4-10, it will cause the radial dimension of the conduit assembly 4-10 to be too large. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 29 and 32, the inlet 4-12 is located on the periphery of the outlet channel 4-11. Thus, in this embodiment, the inlet 4-12 and the upper end of the temperature sensing rod 4-21 are set on the side of the guide channel in different directions, making the overall structure of the conduit assembly 4-10 more compact and allowing it to be designed to a smaller size.

[0263] The specific structure of the conduit assembly 4-10 can be designed as needed. Preferably, as shown in Figures 25 and 28, the conduit assembly 4-10 includes a body 4-40, a sleeve 4-41, and a cover 4-42 arranged sequentially from top to bottom. An inlet 4-12 and a mounting hole 4-31 are provided on the body 4-40. The sleeve 4-41 extends vertically. The cover 4-42 is detachably installed at the lower end of the sleeve 4-41 and has an outlet 4-13. A second through hole 4-421 is also provided on the cover 4-42. A temperature sensing rod 4-21 passes through the sleeve 4-41, and its lower end extends downward from the second through hole 4-421 to the lower side of the cover 4-42. In this embodiment, the cover 4-42 and the sleeve 4-41 are separate and detachably installed, so that they can be frequently disassembled and cleaned, and the steam guide 4-100 can be kept clean even when frequently immersed in beverages.

[0264] Preferably, as shown in Figures 28 and 34, the outlet 4-13 is oriented downwards and away from the second through-hole 4-421. This allows for a wider range of steam introduction into the beverage, resulting in more uniform heating. Furthermore, it minimizes the impact of steam on the temperature sensing probe 4-212 at the lower end of the temperature sensing rod 4-21, improving the accuracy of temperature detection.

[0265] There are various ways to install the steam guide component 4-100 onto the machine body. In this embodiment, the steam guide component 4-100 further includes a bracket 4-50. The bracket 4-50 includes two mounting sidewalls 4-51 arranged opposite each other in the transverse direction, and two fixing walls 4-52 extending laterally from the rear edge of each mounting sidewall 4-51. The two sides of the main body 4-40 are correspondingly connected and fixed to the two mounting sidewalls 4-51. Each fixing wall 4-52 is provided with a mounting bolt 4-521 for connecting to the body of the beverage preparation machine. In this embodiment, the steam guide component 4-100 is installed on the machine body using the bracket 4-50. Specifically, the main body 4-40 is clamped in the two mounting sidewalls 4-51, and the connection and fixation between the steam guide component 4-100 and the machine body are achieved using the two fixing walls 4-52. The assembly is simple and the structure is reliable.

[0266] To facilitate vertical positioning of the steam guide component 4-100 during assembly, the bracket 4-50 preferably includes a mounting base wall 4-53 extending between the bottom edges of the two mounting side walls 4-51. The mounting base wall 4-53 has a mounting channel 4-531 through which the body 4-40 or the sleeve 4-41 passes. This allows for convenient positioning and installation during assembly by utilizing the abutment between the mounting base wall 4-53 and the machine body. Furthermore, the mounting base wall 4-53 increases the strength and rigidity of the bracket 4-50, making the overall structure of the steam guide component 4-100 more stable and reliable.

[0267] Fifth application example:

[0268] In existing beverage machines, taking coffee machines as an example, steam extraction components are widely used for making milk foam and heating beverages to provide users with flavorful drinks. These typically use downward-extending conduits to inject steam into the milk. However, to ensure cleanliness during beverage preparation, existing technologies usually use stainless steel or other metal materials for the conduits. This results in significant temperature loss during steam delivery, leading to less than ideal steam temperatures and affecting the taste and quality of the beverage. Furthermore, due to the high steam temperature, even with insulation material around the conduits, the temperature remains high, making existing steam extraction components prone to causing burns to the operator during operation.

[0269] Therefore, this application provides a beverage machine for preparing hot drinks. Specifically, the beverage machine can be a fully automatic coffee machine, a soy milk maker, etc., with grinding and brewing functions, or a capsule coffee machine, a soy milk maker, etc., that prepares beverages by mixing pre-made raw material powders. In this embodiment, a coffee machine is used as an example for illustration.

[0270] Please refer to Figures 36 to 49. This application also provides a steam export component 5-100, which can be installed on the body of a beverage machine and can be connected to a steam generator in the body, so as to export high-temperature steam according to the beverage preparation requirements, so that the high-temperature steam heats the milk while mixing with the milk and air to form milk foam.

[0271] Please refer to Figures 36 to 38. The steam export assembly 5-100 includes a body 5-10 and a conduit assembly 5-30. The body 5-10 is used to connect to a steam generator through a steam delivery pipeline to introduce steam into the steam export assembly 5-100. The conduit assembly 5-30 is connected and fixed below the body 5-10 and is used to insert into the beverage to inject steam into the beverage and prepare milk foam. Further, a cavity 5-11 is formed inside the body 5-10, and an inlet and an outlet are provided to communicate with the cavity 5-11. The inlet is used to connect to the steam generator and can be located on the periphery or upper side of the body 5-10, while the outlet is generally located on the lower side of the body 5-10. Preferably, the body 5-10 can be installed and fixed in the body of the beverage machine by means of a bracket 5-80.

[0272] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the vertical direction is generally close to the direction of gravity, preferably parallel to the direction of gravity. In other embodiments, the vertical direction may also have an angle of no more than 80 degrees with gravity. Thus, the conduit assembly 5-30 generally extends in the vertical direction to facilitate insertion into the beverage.

[0273] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 36 to 38, the steam extraction assembly 5-100 includes a body 5-10, an outer tube 5-31, and a cover 5-20. In an optional embodiment, the steam extraction assembly 5-100 further includes a first connector 5-50, wherein one end of the outer tube 5-31 is fixed to the body 5-10 via the first connector 5-50. In another optional embodiment, the steam extraction assembly 5-100 further includes a second connector 5-60, wherein the other end of the outer tube 5-31 is fixed to the cover via the second connector 50. The above two embodiments can be implemented individually or in combination.

[0274] Preferably, the steam outlet assembly further includes an inner tube 5-32, which is inserted inside the outer tube 5-31 and spaced apart from the outer tube 5-31 to provide heat insulation and anti-scalding function.

[0275] Furthermore, one end of the inner tube 5-32 is fixedly inserted into the first connector 5-50, and a first inner sealing ring 5-52 is provided between the outer periphery of the inner tube 5-32 and the inner periphery of the first connector 5-50; and / or, the other end of the inner tube 5-32 is fixedly inserted into the second connector 5-60, and a second inner sealing ring 5-62 is provided between the outer periphery of the inner tube 5-32 and the inner periphery of the second connector 5-60. This allows the inner tube 5-32 to maintain a detachable connection with the outer tube 5-31 and the necessary gap for heat insulation and anti-scalding through the first connector 5-50 and / or the second connector 5-60. In addition, the inner tube 5-32 can be easily disassembled for cleaning.

[0276] In one embodiment, the conduit assembly 5-30 includes a cap 5-20, an outer tube 5-31, and an inner tube 5-32. The cap 5-20 is detachably mounted below the body 5-10 and can be positioned at the lower end of the outer tube 5-31 and the inner tube 5-32 for inserting a beverage. It requires frequent disassembly and cleaning. The cap 5-20 has a discharge hole 5-21 for injecting steam into the beverage through the discharge hole 5-21. The outer tube 5-31 connects the body 5-10 and the cap 5-20, and is preferably made of a heat-insulating, clean, and durable plastic material. The inner tube 5-32 is fitted inside the outer tube 5-31, with its upper end communicating with the cavity 5-11 and its lower end communicating with the discharge hole 5-21. It is preferably made of a flexible hose. A gap 5-40 exists between the outer periphery of the inner tube 5-32 and the outer tube 5-31. Preferably, the cross-section of this gap 5-40 is annular.

[0277] In this embodiment, the gap 5-40 between the inner tube 5-32 and the outer tube 5-31 forms an air insulation layer, which not only effectively reduces the temperature loss of steam during the transportation of steam in the inner tube 5-32, improving the utilization efficiency of steam and ensuring the taste and quality of the beverage, but also has a good heat insulation effect, effectively reducing the surface temperature of the outer tube 5-31 and preventing users from being burned during operation.

[0278] Based on the previous embodiment, referring to Figures 38 to 45, the steam export assembly 5-100 further includes a first connector 5-50. The upper end of the outer tube 5-31 is connected to the body 5-10 via the first connector 5-50. The first connector 5-50 has a first channel 5-51 extending vertically. The upper end of the first connector 5-50 is inserted into the outlet, and the lower end of the first connector 5-50 is inserted into the outer tube 5-31. The upper end of the inner tube 5-32 is inserted into the first channel 5-51. In this embodiment, the first connector 5-50 mechanically connects the body 5-10 and the outer tube 5-31, and simultaneously connects the cavity 5-11 and the inner circumference of the inner tube 5-32 to form a gas guide channel. Through the cooperation of the first connector 5-50 and the inner tube 5-32, the communication between the cavity and the gas guide channel, as well as the isolation between the gas guide channel and the gap 5-40, can be effectively realized. This design not only ensures smooth steam output, but also enhances the stability and sealing of the steam output assembly 5-100, preventing steam leakage and improving safety during use.

[0279] Preferably, the inner tube 5-32 and the first connector 5-50 are interference-fitted. This interference fit design, through a tight connection, further ensures the sealing of the steam outlet path, preventing steam leakage at the connection point. At the same time, while ensuring the connection strength between the inner tube 5-32 and the first connector 5-50, the inner tube 5-32 can be disassembled and installed by simply plugging and unplugging, which facilitates the installation, removal, cleaning and maintenance of the inner tube 5-32.

[0280] Specifically, please refer to Figures 44 and 45. The inner circumferential wall of the first channel 5-51 is formed with an annular first inner groove 5-501, and a first inner sealing ring 5-52 is embedded in the first inner groove 5-501. The inner circumference of the first inner sealing ring 5-52 protrudes from the inner circumferential wall of the first channel 5-51 and presses against the outer circumference of the inner tube 5-32. This design utilizes the first inner sealing ring 5-52 with good elasticity and plasticity to achieve an interference fit between the inner tube 5-32 and the first connector 5-50, further improving the sealing effect, preventing steam leakage along the outer circumference of the inner tube 5-32, and ensuring the safety and anti-scalding performance of the steam outlet assembly 5-100.

[0281] It is understandable that during the steam transmission process, a large air pressure is generated inside the inner pipe 5-32, requiring a secure and reliable connection between the first connector 5-50, the body 5-10, and the outer pipe 5-31. Therefore, preferably, the first connector 5-50 is screwed to the body 5-10 and / or the outer pipe 5-31. This screwed connection design provides a stable mechanical connection between the first connector 5-50, the body 5-10, and the outer pipe 5-31, facilitating the disassembly and maintenance of the steam outlet assembly 5-100 and improving the overall ease of use and stability.

[0282] Please refer to Figures 44 and 45. The outer periphery of the first connecting member 5-50 is provided with a first upper thread 5-53, which is screwed onto the body 5-10. The outer periphery of the first connecting member 5-50 is formed with an annular first outer groove 5-502, located between the first upper thread 5-53 and the upper end of the first connecting member 5-50, and inlaid with a first upper sealing ring 5-54. This design not only ensures the firmness of the threaded connection but also further enhances the sealing performance between the cavity and the gap through the sealing ring.

[0283] Further, please refer to Figures 38 and 39. The body 5-10 has a downward-facing stepped surface 5-12 formed within it, and the upper ends of the first connector 5-50 and the inner tube 5-32 abut against this stepped surface 5-12. This design utilizes the integrally formed stepped surface 5-12 within the body 5-10 to axially limit the first connector 5-50 and the inner tube 5-32 assembled within the body 5-10. This ensures the stability of the first connector 5-50 and the inner tube 5-32, prevents loosening and displacement, and improves the reliability of the steam outlet assembly 5-100 when outleting high-pressure steam.

[0284] Please refer to Figures 48 and 49. The main body 5-10 includes a first shell 5-101 and a second shell 5-102 arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The first shell 5-101 has an inlet and a first through hole on its lower side. The second shell 5-102 has a second through hole 5-103 extending vertically, with the lower end of the second through hole 5-103 forming an outlet. The upper end of the second shell 5-102 is inserted into the first through hole. A limiting block 5-104 protrudes from the outer periphery of the second shell 5-102, with the upper side of the limiting block 5-104 abutting against the lower side of the first shell 5-101. The inner peripheral wall of the second through hole 5-103 is formed with a stepped surface 5-12. In this embodiment, the main body 5-10 is assembled from the first shell 5-101 and the second shell 5-102. This makes the complex structure of the main body 5-10 easier to form and allows for disassembly and assembly of the two components of the main body 5-10, facilitating thorough cleaning and avoiding cleaning dead spots.

[0285] Furthermore, referring to Figures 39, 42, and 43, the steam export assembly 5-100 also includes a covering 5-70. The covering 5-70 is installed on the lower side of the first housing 5-101 and sleeved on the upper end of the outer tube 5-31 and the outer side of the second housing 5-102, making the steam export assembly 5-100 appear flatter and more aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, the lower side of the limiting block 5-104 abuts against the covering 5-70, thus the second housing 5-102 is clamped between the first housing 5-101 and the covering 5-70, resulting in a more stable and reliable structure. Moreover, the covering 5-70 provides additional protection and insulation, further reducing the temperature drop of the steam and improving the anti-scalding effect.

[0286] Please refer to Figures 39, 44, and 45. The outer periphery of the first connector 5-50 is also provided with a first lower thread 5-55, which is screwed onto the outer tube 5-31. The outer periphery of the first connector 5-50 is formed with an annular second outer groove 5-503, which is located between the first upper thread 5-53 and the first lower thread 5-55, and is fitted with a first lower sealing ring 5-56. This embodiment, through the design of double threads and a sealing ring, not only enhances the stability of the connection but also further improves the sealing effect, preventing steam leakage.

[0287] In an optional embodiment, referring to Figures 43, 46, and 47, the steam outlet assembly 5-100 further includes a second connector 5-60. The lower end of the outer tube 5-31 is connected to the cover 5-20 via the second connector 5-60. The second connector 5-60 has a second channel 5-61 extending vertically. The upper end of the second connector 5-60 is inserted into the outer tube 5-31, and the lower end is inserted into the cover 5-20. The lower end of the inner tube 5-32 is inserted into the second channel 5-61. In this embodiment, the second connector 5-60 mechanically connects the cover 5-20 and the outer tube 5-31, and simultaneously connects the cavity 5-11 and the inner circumference of the inner tube 5-32 to form a gas guiding channel. Through the cooperation of the second connector 5-60 and the inner tube 5-32, the connection between the outlet hole 5-21 and the gas guiding channel can be effectively realized, as well as the isolation between the gas guiding channel and the gap 5-40. This design not only ensures smooth steam output, but also enhances the stability and sealing of the steam output assembly 5-100, preventing steam leakage and improving safety during use.

[0288] Preferably, the inner tube 5-32 and the second connector 5-60 are interference-fitted. The interference fit ensures a tight connection between the inner tube 5-32 and the second connector 5-60, further ensuring the sealing of the steam outlet path and preventing steam leakage at the connection. At the same time, while ensuring the connection strength between the inner tube 5-32 and the second connector 5-60, the inner tube 5-32 can be disassembled and installed by simply plugging and unplugging, which facilitates the installation, removal, cleaning and maintenance of the inner tube 5-32.

[0289] Optionally, referring to Figures 40, 46, and 47, the inner peripheral wall of the second channel 5-61 is formed with an annular second inner groove 5-601, and a second inner sealing ring 5-62 is embedded in the second inner groove 5-601. The inner periphery of the second inner sealing ring 5-62 protrudes from the inner peripheral wall of the second channel 5-61 and presses against the outer periphery of the inner tube 5-32. This design utilizes the second inner sealing ring 5-62 with good elasticity and plasticity to achieve an interference fit between the inner tube 5-32 and the second connector 5-60, further improving the sealing effect, preventing steam leakage along the outer periphery of the inner tube 5-32, and ensuring the safety and anti-scalding performance of the steam outlet assembly 5-100.

[0290] It is understood that during the steam transmission process, a large air pressure is generated inside the inner tube 5-32, and the first connector 5-50 needs to be securely and reliably connected to the cover 5-20 and the outer tube 5-31. Therefore, preferably, the second connector 5-60 is screwed to the cover 5-20 and / or the outer tube 5-31. In this embodiment, the screwed connection design provides a stable mechanical connection between the second connector 5-60 and the cover 5-20 and the outer tube 5-31, facilitating the disassembly and maintenance of the steam outlet assembly 5-100, and improving the overall ease of use and stability.

[0291] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the second connector 5-60 is provided with a second lower thread 5-63, which is screwed onto the cover 5-20. The outer periphery of the second connector 5-60 is formed with an annular third outer groove 5-602, which is located between the second lower thread 5-63 and the lower end of the second connector 5-60, and a second lower sealing ring 5-64 is embedded therein. This design not only ensures the firmness of the threaded connection, but also further enhances the sealing performance between the cavity and the gap through the sealing ring, preventing steam leakage.

[0292] Optionally, the outer periphery of the second connector 5-60 is further provided with a second upper thread, which is screwed onto the outer tube 5-31. The outer periphery of the second connector 5-60 is formed with an annular fourth outer groove 5-603, which is located between the second upper thread and the second lower thread 5-63, and a second upper sealing ring 5-66 is embedded therein. This embodiment, through the design of double-layer threads and sealing rings, not only enhances the stability of the connection but also further improves the sealing effect, preventing steam leakage.

[0293] Sixth application example:

[0294] In existing beverage making machines, taking coffee machines as an example, steam extraction structures are widely used for making milk foam and heating beverages, thus providing users with drinks with rich flavors. A steam extraction structure generally includes an extraction component that guides steam and a cover located at the lower end of the extraction component. This cover typically has a steam outlet and is detachably connected to the extraction component for easy cleaning.

[0295] To precisely control beverage temperature and improve consistency, a temperature sensor can be integrated into the steam outlet structure. Specifically, the sensor's detection end extends out of the cap and is submerged in the beverage, enabling real-time temperature monitoring. However, disassembling and cleaning the cap can easily disturb the temperature sensor, affecting the stability of its connecting wires. Especially when the cap is screwed onto the outlet, disassembling the cap can easily cause the sensor to rotate, potentially breaking the connecting wires.

[0296] Therefore, this application provides a beverage making machine for preparing hot beverages. Specifically, the beverage making machine can be a fully automatic coffee machine, a soy milk maker, etc., with grinding and brewing functions, or a capsule coffee machine, a soy milk brewing machine, etc., that prepares beverages by mixing pre-made raw material powders. In this embodiment, a coffee machine is used as an example for illustration.

[0297] Please refer to Figures 50 to 61. This application also provides a steam export structure 6-100, which can be installed on the body of a beverage making machine and can be connected to a steam supply device in the machine body, so as to export high-temperature steam according to the beverage preparation requirements, so that the high-temperature steam heats the milk liquid while mixing with the milk liquid and air to form milk foam.

[0298] In this embodiment, referring to Figures 50 to 53, the steam outlet structure 6-100 includes an outlet member 6-10 and a temperature detection member 6-31. The outlet member 6-10 extends axially, and the temperature detection member 6-31 is inserted into the outlet member 6-10. At least one axial end of the temperature detection member 6-31 extends beyond the outlet member 6-10. A limiting structure is provided between the outlet member 6-10 and the temperature detection member 6-31 to restrict the relative rotation of the temperature detection member 6-31 relative to the outlet member 6-10 in the circumferential direction and its relative movement in the axial direction toward at least one axial end. The limiting structure includes a positioning block 6-32 protruding from the outer periphery of the temperature detection member 6-31 and a mounting groove 6-102 provided on the outlet member 6-10. The outer contour of the positioning block 6-32 matches the shape of the mounting groove 6-102 and is accommodated within the mounting groove 6-102. Thus, the temperature sensing element 6-31 is installed and fixed to the guide piece 6-10 through the cooperation of the positioning block 6-32 and the mounting slot 6-102.

[0299] Specifically, referring to Figures 50 to 53, the steam export structure 6-100 includes an export member 6-10 and a temperature sensing component 6-30. The export member 6-10 includes an elongated export member 6-10 and a cover 6-20 installed at the lower end of the export member 6-10. An export channel 6-101 extending vertically is formed in the export member 6-10. The upper end of the export member 6-10 has an inlet 6-132 communicating with the export channel 6-101 to connect to a steam supply device. The cover 6-20 is installed at the lower end of the export member 6-10, covering the lower end of the export channel 6-101, and the cover 6-20 has an outlet 6-21 communicating with the export channel 6-101. In this embodiment, the cover 6-20 is detachably installed at the lower end of the export member 6-10 to facilitate frequent disassembly and cleaning, thereby maintaining the hygiene of the steam export structure 6-100 and improving the quality of the finished beverage. The cover 6-20 can be connected to the lead part 6-10 by means of snap-fit, interference fit, screw connection, etc.

[0300] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the axial direction refers to the length extension direction of the lead-out component, while the circumferential and radial directions are descriptive directions that match the axial direction. In a preferred embodiment, the axial direction is parallel to the vertical direction. The vertical direction refers to a direction parallel to the direction of gravity extension, or a direction with an angle of less than 45 degrees to the direction of gravity extension. The description of orientation in this embodiment applies to the state when the beverage preparation equipment is installed and operating normally, and not to the state when the beverage preparation equipment is being produced, assembled, or transported.

[0301] When the steam outlet structure 6-100 is working, the steam supplied by the steam supply device is driven to flow through the internal pipes to the outlet channel 6-101. Specifically, after flowing into the outlet channel 6-101 through the inlet 6-132, it flows out into the beverage from the outlet 6-21. It is understood that the operator needs to insert the lower end of the outlet component 6-10 into the beverage so that the outlet 6-21 is submerged in the beverage, ensuring thorough mixing of the steam and beverage for uniform heating and the preparation of rich milk foam.

[0302] In this embodiment, the steam outlet structure 6-100 also integrates a temperature sensing component 6-30. This temperature sensing component 6-30 is mounted on the outlet member 6-10. Specifically, the temperature sensing component 6-30 includes a temperature detection element 6-31, which passes through the outlet channel 6-101, with its lower end extending beyond the lower end of the outlet member 6-10. Specifically, a through hole 6-22 is also provided on the cover 6-20, and the lower end of the temperature detection element 6-31 extends downwards from the through hole 6-22 into the cover 6-20, thus protruding from the lower side of the cover 6-20. The upper end of the temperature detection element 6-31 is used for connecting a wiring harness. Thus, the lower end of the temperature detection element 6-31 is submerged in the beverage to accurately detect the real-time temperature of the beverage, while the wiring harness enables signal transmission between the temperature sensing component 6-30 and the control device of the machine.

[0303] The specific structure of the temperature sensing element 6-31 can be configured as needed. In one embodiment, a temperature probe 6-301 is provided at one end of the temperature sensing element 6-31 extending outside the guide member 6-10. The positioning block 6-32 and the temperature probe 6-301 are arranged opposite to each other at both ends of the temperature sensing element 6-31 along the axial direction. Further, a through hole 6-22 is provided on the cover 6-20 for the temperature probe 6-301 of the temperature sensing element 31 to extend out, so that the temperature probe 6-301 can be immersed in the beverage to accurately detect the temperature change of the beverage. Specifically, the connection and fixing positions of the cover 20 and the guide member 6-10, and the connection and fixing positions of the temperature sensor 31 and the guide member 20 are respectively located at both ends of the guide member 6-10 along the axial direction. Preferably, the temperature probe 6-301 and the cover 6-20 are clearance-fitted, so that the temperature sensor 31 will not be disturbed when the cover 6-20 is disassembled or installed, and its internal wiring harness will not be interfered with, twisted or pulled.

[0304] Optionally, the outlet 6-10 has an inlet 6-132 for connecting to a steam supply device, and a sealing ring 6-34 is provided between the positioning block 6-32 and the mounting groove 6-102, with the sealing ring 6-34 located above the inlet 6-132.

[0305] In an optional embodiment, the temperature sensing element 6-31 primarily uses its lower end to detect the beverage temperature. Preferably, referring to Figures 55 and 56, the temperature sensing element 6-31 has a wire channel extending vertically. A temperature sensing probe 6-301 is installed at the lower end of the temperature sensing element 6-31. A transmission line 6-302 passes through the wire channel and connects to the temperature sensing probe 6-301. The upper end of the transmission line 6-302 extends out of the wire channel and is provided with a connector 6-303 for connecting the wire harness. In this embodiment, the temperature sensing element 6-31 can be made of metal, which provides a wire channel with sufficient rigidity and is not easily deformed. The temperature sensing probe 6-301 is connected to the upper connector 6-303 through the transmission line 6-302 passing through the wire channel, thereby using the connector 6-303 to connect the power supply and control device wires located inside the machine. The design of connector 6-303 allows the temperature sensing element 6-31 to be easily assembled onto the steam outlet structure 6-100 and then installed together on the machine body. The wiring harness can be quickly connected via connector 6-303, improving installation efficiency.

[0306] In this embodiment, when the operator prepares a beverage, the lower end of the outlet 6-10 can be inserted into the beverage to inject high-temperature steam. Simultaneously, the lower end of the temperature detection component 6-31 is also submerged in the beverage to obtain its real-time temperature. This allows for real-time temperature monitoring during steam injection, enabling precise control of the beverage's heating temperature and achieving optimal taste. This is particularly beneficial in the commercial coffee machine sector, improving the consistency of finished beverage products.

[0307] In this embodiment, please refer to Figures 53 and 57. To ensure the secure installation of the cover 6-20 and prevent it from being blown away by excessive steam pressure during steam passage, the cover 6-20 is screwed to the lower end of the guide member 6-10. Thus, during the installation and removal of the cover 6-20, it can easily cause the temperature sensing element 6-31 to rotate, thereby disturbing the internal components of the temperature sensing element 6-31, causing the transmission line 6-302 to twist or even be damaged, reducing the service life of the temperature sensing component 6-30. Therefore, in this embodiment, the temperature sensing element 6-31 is fixed to the guide member 6-10 without relative rotation. When the operator disassembles the cover 6-20 for cleaning, the temperature sensing element 6-31, being non-rotatable, can basically eliminate the disturbance effect of the cover 6-20's movement on the temperature sensing element 6-31, avoiding adverse effects on the electrical connection stability of the temperature sensing element 6-31. Especially when the cover 6-20 is fixed to the guide member 6-10 by screwing, it can effectively prevent the temperature sensing element 6-31 from rotating with the assembly of the cover 6-20, or even causing the connecting wire to break.

[0308] Preferably, as shown in Figure 57, multiple outlets 6-21 are provided, and the multiple outlets 6-21 are distributed at intervals around the outer periphery of the through hole 6-22. In this way, the multiple outlets 6-21 increase the steam outlet area and prevent the beverage from splashing and scattering due to excessive pressure of the steam gushing out from the outlet channel 6-101.

[0309] Furthermore, each outlet 6-21 is oriented downwards and away from the through-hole 6-22. This not only allows for a wider range of steam introduction into the beverage, resulting in more uniform heating, but also reduces the impact of steam on the temperature sensing probe 6-301 at the lower end of the temperature sensing element 6-31, thus improving the accuracy of temperature detection.

[0310] There are several ways to install the temperature sensing element 6-31. In an optional embodiment, referring to Figures 50, 51, and 54, to minimize bending of the transmission line 6-302, the upper end of the guide member 6-10 is formed with a vertically extending mounting groove 6-102. The upper end of the temperature sensing element 6-31 extends upward from the mounting groove 6-102. The temperature sensing assembly 6-30 also includes a positioning block 6-32 fitted onto the upper end of the temperature sensing element 6-31. The positioning block 6-32 can be integrally formed on the outer periphery of the temperature sensing element 6-31, or it can be connected and fixed to the temperature sensing element 6-31 by fixing or welding. The positioning block 6-32 is accommodated in the mounting groove 6-102 and matches the shape of the mounting groove 6-102 to limit the relative movement of the temperature sensing element 6-31 and the guide member 6-10 in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the mounting groove 6-102 can be designed with a polygonal cross-section in the vertical direction, and the positioning block 6-32 can have a non-circular cross-section in the vertical direction, preferably a regular or irregular polygonal or elliptical structure. When the positioning block 6-32 is engaged with the mounting groove 6-102, the assembly and fixation between the positioning block 6-32 and the mounting groove 6-102 is achieved.

[0311] In other embodiments, the mounting slot 6-102 for the positioning block 6-32 to hold can also be provided on other components that can be fixed to the body 6-13, only requiring the temperature sensing component 6-30 to be fixed relative to the body 6-13.

[0312] In this embodiment, the positioning block 6-32 and the mounting groove 6-102 are designed to be compatible and easy to install, thereby limiting the temperature detection element 6-31 in the radial and circumferential directions. After the temperature detection element 6-31 is assembled into place by the cooperation of the positioning block 6-32 and the mounting groove 6-102, the temperature detection element 6-31 will no longer rotate, thus preventing the temperature detection element 6-31 from twisting the transmission line 6-302 under the action of external force, which would cause the transmission line 6-302 to be torn and damaged.

[0313] Please refer to Figures 55, 56, and 61. To achieve a seal on the mounting hole, the temperature sensing assembly 6-30 also includes a sealing ring 6-34. The sealing ring 6-34 is fitted onto the temperature sensing element 6-31 and sandwiched between the positioning block 6-32 and the bottom wall of the mounting groove 6-102. After the positioning block 6-32 is installed and fixed, it limits the sealing ring 6-34, achieving a reliable seal on the mounting hole.

[0314] The temperature sensing component 6-30 also includes a pressure ring 6-33, which is fitted onto the upper end of the temperature sensing element 6-31, allowing the transmission line 6-302 to extend upwards and connect to the internal wiring of the machine body. The pressure ring 6-33 presses against the upper side of the positioning block 6-32 to limit the vertical movement of the temperature sensing element 6-31. The pressure ring 6-33 is detachably mounted on the guide member 6-10 so that the positioning block 6-32 is pressed against the mounting groove 6-102.

[0315] There are multiple ways to connect and fix the pressure ring 6-33 and the guide piece 6-10. In this embodiment, the upper side of the guide piece 6-10 is integrally formed with an upwardly protruding boss 6-131. The boss 6-131 is recessed to form an intermittently distributed mounting groove 6-102 and screw hole 6-103. The pressure ring 6-33 is screwed to the screw hole 6-103 by bolts 6-40.

[0316] In this embodiment, the positioning block 6-32 is pressed downwards against the sealing ring 6-34 by the pressure ring 6-33, achieving a more reliable sealing effect. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when installing the temperature sensing element 6-31, the positioning block 6-32 is placed into the mounting groove 6-102 to limit the radial and circumferential movement of the temperature sensing element 6-31. Then, the pressure ring 6-33 presses the positioning block 6-32 downwards against the sealing ring 6-34, limiting the vertical movement of the temperature sensing element 6-31. This achieves comprehensive limiting of the temperature sensing element 6-31, ensuring its secure and reliable installation on the guide piece 6-10, while also preventing rotation or torsion of the temperature sensing element 6-31 during installation. This protects the transmission line 6-302 within the temperature sensing element 6-31 from torsion damage.

[0317] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 56, the pressure ring 6-33 also has a notch 6-331 on one side in the radial direction. Thus, there is no need to fit the pressure ring 6-33 onto the temperature sensing element 6-31, transmission line 6-302, and connector 6-303. The wire harness can be inserted into the pressure ring 6-33 through the notch 6-331, and then the pressure ring 6-33 can be tightened using bolts 6-40. This operation is simple, less likely to damage the wire harness, and improves assembly efficiency.

[0318] The specific structure of the outlet component 6-10 can be designed as needed. Preferably, as shown in Figures 52 and 53, the outlet component 6-10 includes an inner tube 6-11 and an outer tube 6-12 sequentially arranged along the inner and outer rings. The temperature sensing element 6-31 is partially inserted into the inner tube 6-11, and there are gaps between the temperature sensing element 6-31 and the inner tube 6-11, and between the inner tube 6-11 and the outer tube 6-12. In this way, an annular outlet channel 6-101 is formed between the temperature sensing element 6-31 and the inner tube 6-11, while the gap between the inner tube 6-11 and the outer tube 6-12 serves to reduce steam temperature loss and provide insulation.

[0319] Furthermore, the outlet component 6-10 also includes a body 6-13, a first connector 6-14, and a second connector 6-15. The upper end of the outer tube 6-12 is connected to the body 6-13 via the first connector 6-14, and the lower end of the outer tube 6-12 is connected to the cover 6-20 via the second connector 6-15. The upper end of the inner tube 6-11 is inserted into the first connector 6-14, and the lower end of the inner tube 6-11 is inserted into the second connector 6-15. In this way, the first connector 6-14 and the second connector 6-15 are used to connect the inner tube 6-11, the outer tube 6-12, the body 6-13, and the cover 6-20 respectively, achieving a seal between the outlet channel 6-101 and the heat insulation gap. These features also allow the inner tube 6-11, the outer tube 6-12, and the cover 6-20 to be easily disassembled and cleaned.

[0320] Preferably, referring to Figures 59 and 61, a first cavity 6-104 is formed in the body 6-13 above the inner tube 6-11. An inlet 6-132 communicating with the first cavity 6-104 is provided on the body 6-13. The inlet 6-132 is located on the periphery of the temperature sensing element 6-31 and is used to communicate with the steam supply device. In this embodiment, since the upper side of the body 6-13 is occupied by the upper end of the temperature sensing element 6-31, the positioning block 6-32, the pressure ring 6-33, etc., there is not much remaining space. If the inlet 6-132 is also provided on the upper side of the body 6-13, it will cause the radial dimension of the body 6-13 to be too large. Therefore, in this embodiment, the inlet 6-132 and the upper end of the temperature sensing element 6-31 are set on the side of the guide channel in different directions, making the overall structure of the guide 6-10 more compact and allowing it to be designed to be smaller.

[0321] Further, referring to Figure 60, a gap exists between the lower end of the inner tube 6-11 and the cover 6-20 to form a second cavity 6-105 located below the inner tube 6-11. The outlet 6-21 connects to the second cavity 6-105. The cross-sectional dimensions of the first cavity 6-104 and / or the second cavity 6-105 in the vertical direction are larger than the inner dimensions of the inner tube 6-11. In this embodiment, the first cavity 6-104 forms a gas storage space, allowing steam to be pressurized and pumped into the outlet channel 6-101, while the second cavity 6-105 acts as a buffer, slowing down the speed of the steam rushing out from the outlet 6-21 and preventing uneven steam jetting that could cause beverages to splash and scatter.

[0322] Seventh application example:

[0323] As people's living standards continue to improve, their taste in beverages is also evolving. Many are no longer satisfied with a single type of drink and prefer to customize their beverages to their liking. Take coffee machines as an example. Coffee machines can dispense coffee or milk. Current coffee machines generally have an external steam wand that receives steam to heat or froth the coffee or milk dispensed by the machine, creating a customized drink. However, existing steam wands typically spray steam directly into an external container, which can easily splash the milk inside and cause uneven frothing, reducing the quality and reliability of the drink.

[0324] Therefore, this application provides a steam wand and a beverage preparation machine using it. The specific form of the beverage preparation machine is not limited; it can be a product that prepares ready-made beverages, or a product that prepares a beverage first from powder and / or liquid materials, and then prepares the prepared beverage. The preparation methods achievable based on the steam wand can include, but are not limited to, heating the beverage with steam, or foaming the beverage using steam and air.

[0325] In addition to the steam wand, a beverage blender also includes a body, which typically has a front surface and a rear surface facing the user. Taking a coffee machine as an example, the body also has a tray protruding forward on the front surface. The tray includes a base recessed to form a water collection trough, and a grid bracket covering the opening of the water collection trough. The grid bracket can hold external containers and filters out larger particles of residue using its grid. The body also typically has a downward-facing beverage outlet on the front surface, above the tray, which can dispense beverages such as milk or coffee into external containers placed on the tray.

[0326] Therefore, the steam rod is generally externally mounted on the machine body, and preferably located on the front surface of the machine body. The steam rod is generally positioned at least adjacent to the tray so that it can supply steam to an external container placed on the tray.

[0327] In addition, steam wands are generally only used for circulating steam. In this case, the beverage preparation machine has a built-in steam source, or it is a separate product from the beverage preparation machine that serves as the steam source. The steam source generates steam and connects the steam to the steam wand.

[0328] Specifically, please refer to Figures 62 to 66. The steam rod provided in this application includes a rod 7100. The rod 7100 is provided with an air inlet 7111, an air outlet 7112, and a flow channel 7113 connecting the air inlet 7111 and the air outlet 7112, so that external steam can be introduced from the air inlet 7111, flow through the flow channel 7113, and be discharged outward through the air outlet 7112. The rod 7100 has a first central axis T1, and the rod 7100 forms a reference circumference line C with the first central axis T1 as the center. The air outlet 7112 is opened at the reference circumference line C, and in the air outlet direction, the air outlet 7112 extends tangentially towards its location.

[0329] In the technical solution provided in this application, since the vent 7112 extends tangentially, when the steam rod discharges external steam through the vent 7112, the steam will enter the external container tangentially and contact the liquid surface in the external container at a small angle, making it less likely to splash too much water. In addition, the steam can drive the milk in the external container to rotate during the continued flow, making the steam foam the milk in the external container more even and fine, which helps to improve the product's quality and reliability.

[0330] In this design, member 7100 can be composed of a single monolithic structure, such as a tube. Alternatively, member 7100 can be composed of at least two monolithic structures.

[0331] Specifically, when the rod 7100 is composed of at least two individual structures, each individual structure can be arranged sequentially along the radial direction of the flow channel 7113, so that the individual structures together enclose the flow channel 7113 after assembly. Alternatively, each individual structure can be arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the flow channel 7113, so that each individual structure independently constitutes a different flow channel segment of the flow channel 7113.

[0332] As shown in Figures 62 to 66, the rod 7100 is generally cylindrical and has a first central axis T1. The rod 7100 includes a first end wall 7120 and a second end wall 7130 that are arranged opposite to each other on the first central axis T1, and a peripheral side wall 7140 connecting the first end wall 7120 and the second end wall 7130.

[0333] Based on this, the air inlet 7111 can be directly formed at the first end wall 7120; or the air inlet 7111 can be formed at the peripheral side wall 7140. When the air inlet 7111 is formed at the peripheral side wall 7140, the air inlet 7111 is set closer to the first end wall 7120 than the second end wall 7130, so that sufficient space can be reserved between the air inlet 7111 and the air outlet 7112 for forming the flow channel 7113.

[0334] The flow channel 7113 can remain straight along the direction of the first central axis T1 of the rod 7100, forming a straight channel structure. Furthermore, the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel 7113 remains substantially uniform along its axial direction, thus ensuring a relatively constant flow velocity and direction when steam flows along the flow channel 7113. Alternatively, the flow channel 7113 can be configured such that the radial cross-sectional area of ​​a local section is larger than that of the remaining sections, depending on actual needs. This creates a sufficiently large containment space within the section with the larger radial cross-sectional area, allowing for stable gas velocity and direction within that space. Moreover, pressurization and acceleration can be applied to the section with the smaller radial cross-sectional area, facilitating rapid steam flow. Of course, depending on actual needs, the flow channel 7113 can also be partially or entirely bent towards one radial side, forming a curved channel structure, without limitation.

[0335] It is understood that the rod 7100 has a first central axis T1, and the rod 7100 constructs a reference circumference C based on the first central axis T1. The first central axis T1 and the reference circumference C are not actually reflected in the steam rod product; they are only used to help understand the orientation of structures such as the vent 7112 relative to the rod 7100. Therefore, in practical applications, if the rod 7100 is roughly cylindrical, its first central axis T1 can be directly and uniquely defined. Its reference circumference C is determined in conjunction with the specific shape of the rod 7100 and the target location of the vent 7112. The following will specifically illustrate some embodiments:

[0336] In practical applications, a portion of the rod 7100 (hereinafter referred to as the extension rod section for ease of understanding) is typically inserted into the outer container. This extension rod section includes a second end wall 7130 and a peripheral side wall 7140 adjacent to the second end wall 7130. Based on this, the vent 7112 can be located at the second end wall 7130 and / or at the peripheral side wall 7140 adjacent to the second end wall 7130, depending on actual needs.

[0337] When the vent 7112 is located at the peripheral sidewall 7140: at least the extending section of the rod 7100 can be specifically shaped as a straight cylinder or nearly a straight cylinder, such that the circumference of the peripheral sidewall 7140 forms a unique reference circumference line C. In this case, a certain wall thickness can be formed at the peripheral sidewall 7140 where the extending section is located, and a point on the inner surface of the peripheral sidewall 7140 forms a tangent point. The vent 7112 extends tangentially from this tangent point and penetrates to the outer surface of the peripheral sidewall 7140. Alternatively, at least the extending section of the rod 7100 can be specifically shaped as a frustum or nearly a frustum, and the peripheral sidewall 7140 is inclined towards the side where the second end wall 7130 is located. In this case, multiple reference circumference lines C can be constructed at the peripheral sidewall 7140 for selection, and each reference circumference line C maintains the first central axis T1 as its center.

[0338] When the vent 7112 is located at the second end wall 7130:

[0339] In one application, the second end wall 7130 can extend directly along a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first central axis T1. In this case, multiple reference circumferential lines C can be constructed at the second end wall 7130 for selection, and each reference circumferential line C maintains the first central axis T1 as its center. Alternatively, the second end wall 7130 can be configured as a non-flat surface. Specifically, at least a portion of the second end wall 7130 (e.g., the connecting wall 7132 described below) is conical or convex, and multiple reference circumferential lines C can be constructed on this portion of the wall for selection, with each reference circumferential line C maintaining the first central axis T1 as its center.

[0340] In view of the above, when only one reference circumference C is set for the same steam rod:

[0341] There may be only one vent 7112, and the vent 7112 extends gradually tangentially towards its location in the venting direction. When the extension rod is inserted into the outer container, the inclined extension of the single vent 7112 ensures that the steam discharged is sufficient to rotate, for example, milk in the outer container, thus achieving the purpose of this design.

[0342] Alternatively, at least two vents 7112 can be provided, and all vents 7112 can be configured as inclined extensions as described above, so that when the extension rod is inserted into the outer container, the steam discharged from each vent 7112 can individually rotate the milk at its location. Furthermore, the tangential direction corresponding to each vent 7112 can all be inclined along the same side of the circumferential direction of the reference circumference line C. Specifically, for example, when the reference circumference line C has clockwise and counterclockwise directions, the tangential direction corresponding to each vent 7112 extends clockwise towards the reference circumference line C, or the tangential direction corresponding to each vent 7112 extends counterclockwise towards the reference circumference line C. In this way, the steam discharged through all vents 7112 can rotate the milk at its location along the same circumference and in the same circumferential direction, making the rotation of the milk more orderly and efficient, preventing the milk from colliding and splashing.

[0343] Alternatively, at least two vent holes 7112 may be provided, and some of the vent holes 7112 may be configured as inclined extensions as described above, while the remaining vent holes 7112 may extend straight along the axial direction at their location. In this case, the design quantity and arrangement of both the inclined vent holes 7112 and the straight vent holes 7112 are not limited. Specifically, for example, the inclined vent holes 7112 may be configured as described in any of the above embodiments, while the straight vent holes 7112 may be alternately arranged between the inclined vent holes 7112. The alternation may be a sequential alternation between a single inclined vent hole 7112 and a single straight vent hole 7112; or at least two straight vent holes 7112 may be provided between every two adjacent inclined vent holes 7112; or conversely, at least two inclined vent holes 7112 may be provided between every two adjacent straight vent holes 7112. In this way, the steam discharged from the inclined vent 7112 can drive the milk to rotate, as described above, achieving thorough mixing and agitation of the milk in the circumferential and radial directions; while the steam discharged from the straight vent 7112 can penetrate deeper into the milk, achieving thorough mixing and agitation of the milk in the axial direction. Furthermore, because the milk rotates in the circumferential direction, it can help to prevent milk splashing caused by the steam discharged from the straight vent 7112.

[0344] When at least two vents 7112 are provided as described above, taking the inclined configuration of all vents 7112 as described above as an example: the vents 7112 are arranged at equal intervals. That is, when there are N vents 7112, the reference circumference line C can be divided into N equal parts, and each vent 7112 is correspondingly located at one of the N dividing lines. The steam discharged from the equally spaced vents 7112 can apply a more uniform and balanced rotational tangential force to the milk on the same rotational circumference, thereby driving the milk to rotate smoothly on the same rotational circumference. And / or the diameter of each vent 7112 is the same. This ensures that the flow rate and velocity of the steam discharged from each vent 7112 remain basically uniform. This also helps to drive the milk to rotate at a uniform speed on the same rotational circumference. And / or the slope of each vent 7112 is the same. In this way, it can be ensured that the tangential force exerted on the milk by the steam discharged outward through each vent 7112 can drive the milk to rotate along the same rotation circumference.

[0345] According to actual needs, when the same steam rod is provided with at least two reference circumferential lines C, each reference circumferential line C is set with the first central axis T1 as the center. At this time, at least two air outlets 7112 are provided for each reference circumferential line C in sequence, that is, each reference circumferential line C can be provided with at least one air outlet 7112. The at least one air outlet 7112 on each reference circumferential line C can be specifically set with reference to the above embodiment. For the multiple reference circumferential lines C, the steam discharged from the air outlets 7112 at each reference circumferential line C can drive the milk to rotate along multiple rotating circumferential lines respectively. By adjusting the aperture, slope, etc. of the air outlets 7112 opened on each reference circumferential line C, the rotation of the milk along multiple rotating circumferential lines can be different, for example, the rotation speed from the center to the outer edge is faster.

[0346] It is understandable that when each reference circumference line C has at least one air outlet 7112, the air outlets 7112 on different reference circumference lines C can be arranged along the same radial direction, so that the air outlets 7112 are arranged in a roughly radial pattern. Alternatively, among the air outlets 7112 on different reference circumference lines C, at least two air outlets 7112 on at least two reference circumference lines C can be arranged in two different radial directions, thus applying more diverse disturbances to the milk.

[0347] Based on one or more of the above embodiments, the steam rod also includes a temperature detection device 7200. The temperature detection device 7200 includes a main body section 7210 inserted into the flow channel 7113 and a detection section 7220 extending outward from the flow channel 7113. The detection section 7220 is located adjacent to the vent 7112. When the aforementioned extension section is inserted into the external container, the temperature detection device 7200 can detect the temperature of the milk in the external container through the detection section 7220 after startup, thereby enabling intelligent and automated monitoring of the milk heating process and the milk foaming process. By inserting the main body section 7210 into the flow channel 7113, the main body section 7210 does not occupy additional external space of the rod 7100, resulting in a smaller overall radial dimension and a more compact structure for the steam rod. The temperature sensing device 7200 generally also includes a connecting section 7230, which is located at the end of the main body section 7210 away from the sensing section 7220, and also extends outward from the flow channel 7113. The connecting section 7230 is generally positioned away from the vent 7112, for example, it can be located at or near the first end wall 7120. The connecting section 7230 is used for electrical connection with external electronic control devices.

[0348] When the main body segment 7210 passes through the flow channel 7113, there is at least a partial gap between the outer peripheral sidewall 7140 of the main body segment 7210 and the inner peripheral sidewall 7140 of the rod 7100, allowing steam to flow through. Generally, the rod 7100, the flow channel 7113 defined therein, and the main body segment 7210 can all be designed to be roughly cylindrical. When the main body segment 7210 is entirely inserted into the flow channel 7113 of the rod 7100, the main body segment 7210 can be eccentrically positioned, that is, the first central axis T1 of the rod 7100 is roughly parallel to but not collinear with the central axis of the main body segment 7210. In this case, if the outer peripheral sidewall 7140 of the main body segment 7210 and the inner peripheral sidewall 7140 of the rod 7100 are partially abutted and partially separated, the gap formed between them is generally a circumferentially non-communicating chamber, which allows steam to flow through. If the outer peripheral sidewall 7140 of the main body section 7210 and the inner peripheral sidewall 7140 of the rod 7100 do not abut against each other, the gap formed between them is generally a circumferentially connected, eccentric annular cavity that allows steam to circulate.

[0349] In this embodiment, the rod 7100 and the main body 7210 are coaxially arranged. That is, when the temperature sensing device 7200 has a second central axis T2, the first central axis T1 of the rod 7100 and the second central axis T2 of the main body 7210 are substantially collinear. Alternatively, when complete collinearity cannot be achieved, the first central axis T1 and the second central axis T2 are made as close as possible and nearly parallel. In this case, the outer peripheral sidewall 7140 of the main body 7210 and the inner peripheral sidewall 7140 of the rod 7100 do not abut against each other, and the gap formed between them is circumferentially connected, forming a concentric annular cavity. This ensures that the flow velocity, flow rate, etc., in all directions of the flow channel 7113 between the main body 7210 and the rod 7100 remain consistent, which helps to further improve the stability of steam flow.

[0350] As shown in Figures 62 to 66, when the rod 7100 as described above includes a first end wall 7120 and a second end wall 7130 arranged opposite to each other on the first central axis T1, and a peripheral side wall 7140 connecting the first end wall 7120 and the second end wall 7130, the air inlet 7111 is opened at the first end wall 7120 and / or the peripheral side wall 7140; the second end wall 7130 includes a bottom wall 7131 and a connecting wall 7132, the bottom wall 7131 extends along a direction perpendicular to the first central axis T1 and is provided with a mounting hole 7131a, the connecting wall 7132 connects the bottom wall 7131 and the peripheral side wall 7140, and the connecting wall 7132 is provided in a conical shape or a convex arc shape; wherein, the rod 7100 forms a reference circumference line C at the connecting wall 7132, and the detection section 7220 extends outward from the mounting hole 7131a. Since the bottom wall 7131 extends approximately perpendicular to the first central axis T1, the opening direction of the mounting hole 7131a is more likely to be close to the first central axis T1. This makes the second central axis T2 of the temperature sensing device 7200 installed at the mounting hole 7131a more likely to be collinear with, or adjacent to and parallel to, the first central axis T1. Furthermore, the inclined or arc-shaped arrangement of the connecting wall 7132 allows for the formation of more reference circumference lines C within the limited space between the peripheral side wall 7140 and the bottom wall 7131, or allows for the opening of larger diameter vent holes 7112.

[0351] When the vents 7112 are configured to be multiple at intervals around the first central axis T1, it is equivalent to the vents 7112 being arranged circumferentially around the detection section 7220. In this way, the steam discharged from the vents 7112 will flow around the outer periphery of the detection section 7220 and drive the milk to rotate, without directly impacting the detection section 7220, which helps to improve the accuracy of the detection section 7220 in detecting the temperature of the milk.

[0352] Eighth application example:

[0353] As people's living standards continue to improve, their taste in beverages is also evolving. Many are no longer satisfied with a single type of drink and prefer to customize their beverages to their liking. Take coffee machines as an example. Coffee machines can dispense coffee or milk. Current coffee machines generally have an external steam wand that receives steam to heat or froth the coffee or milk dispensed by the machine, creating a customized drink. However, existing steam wands typically spray steam directly into an external container, which can easily splash the milk inside and cause uneven frothing, reducing the quality and reliability of the drink.

[0354] Therefore, this application provides a steam circulation device and a beverage machine using it. The specific form of the beverage machine is not limited; it can be a product that prepares ready-made beverages, or a product that prepares a beverage first from powder and / or liquid ingredients, and then prepares the beverage accordingly. The preparation methods achievable based on the steam circulation device can include, but are not limited to, heating the beverage with steam, or foaming the beverage with steam and air.

[0355] In addition to the steam circulation device, a beverage machine also includes a body, which generally has a front surface and a rear surface facing the user. Taking a coffee machine as an example, the body will also have a tray protruding forward on the front surface. The tray includes a base that is recessed downward to form a water collection tank, and a grid bracket covering the opening of the water collection tank. The grid bracket can hold external containers and uses its grid to filter out larger particles of residue. The body will also generally have a downward-facing beverage outlet on the front surface of the body, above the tray, which can supply beverages such as milk or coffee to external containers placed on the tray.

[0356] Therefore, steam flow devices are generally externally located on the machine body, and preferably on the front surface of the machine body. The steam flow devices are generally located at least adjacent to the tray, allowing them to supply steam to external containers placed on the tray.

[0357] In addition, steam circulation devices are generally only used for circulating steam. In this case, the beverage machine has a built-in steam source, or it is a separate product from the beverage machine that serves as the steam source. The steam source generates steam and connects it to the steam circulation device.

[0358] Specifically, please refer to Figures 67 to 75. The steam flow device provided in this application has two air holes and a gas delivery channel connecting the two air holes, so that steam enters from one air hole, flows through the gas delivery channel, and is discharged outward through the other air hole. The gas delivery channel includes a main channel section 8211 and a transition channel section connecting the main channel section 8211 and at least one air hole. The radial cross-sectional area of ​​the transition channel section is larger than the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the main channel section 8211.

[0359] In the technical solution provided in this application, one of the two air holes is an air inlet 8110, and the other is an air outlet 8410. When the transition channel section is located between the air inlet 8110 and the main channel section 8211, the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the transition channel section is relatively large, which helps to accommodate a certain capacity of steam and facilitates the pressurization of steam into the main channel section 8211. The radial cross-sectional area of ​​the main channel section 8211 is set to be relatively small, so that the steam forms a relatively fast flow velocity at the main channel section 8211. When the transition channel section is located between the air outlet 8410 and the main channel section 8211, the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the transition channel section is relatively large, which helps to buffer the flow velocity and direction of the incoming steam, so that the steam can be discharged outward through the air outlet 8410 in a relatively stable state, avoiding splashing of milk in the external container due to excessively fast discharge speed and turbulent flow direction, which is not conducive to making high-quality milk foam. This application helps to improve the product's quality and reliability.

[0360] It is understood that when the two air holes are an inlet 8110 and an outlet 8410, the transition channel section can be located between the inlet 8110 and the main channel section 8211, and / or between the outlet 8410 and the main channel section 8211. For ease of understanding, in the following embodiments, the transition channel section located between the inlet 8110 and the main channel section 8211 is defined as the inlet transition channel section 8140, and the transition channel section located between the outlet 8410 and the main channel section 8211 is defined as the outlet transition channel section 8440.

[0361] As described above, the main channel section 8211 is primarily used for steam flow, achieving a sufficient flow velocity. Therefore, the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the main channel section 8211 can be uniform along its axial direction. That is, the main channel section 8211 is approximately cylindrical, and the steam velocity and flow rate are essentially the same throughout the main channel section 8211. Of course, in other embodiments, depending on actual needs, the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the main channel section 8211 can also be at least partially different along its axial direction; that is, the main channel section 8211 may contain channel sections with smaller radial cross-sectional areas and channel sections with larger radial cross-sectional areas.

[0362] The radial cross-sectional area of ​​the intake transition passage section 8140 is set to be larger than that of the main passage section 8211. Specifically, at least at the connection between the intake transition passage section 8140 and the main passage section 8211, the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the intake transition passage section 8140 is larger, thus allowing more steam to accumulate. When entering the main passage section 8211, which has a smaller radial cross-sectional area, this is equivalent to pressurization, thereby achieving acceleration.

[0363] Similarly, the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the gas outlet transition channel section 8440 is set to be larger than that of the main channel section 8211. Specifically, at least at the connection between the gas outlet transition channel section 8440 and the main channel section 8211, the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the gas outlet transition channel section 8440 is larger, so that when steam flows into the gas outlet transition channel section 8440 through the main channel section 8211, the flow rate is slowed down due to the increased containment space, thereby avoiding the milk from being discharged out through the gas outlet at a high flow rate and causing splashing.

[0364] It should be noted that the aforementioned radial cross-sectional area can specifically refer to the radial direction of the gas transmission channel, that is, the direction roughly perpendicular to the steam flow direction when steam is flowing through the gas transmission channel. Since the shape of the gas transmission channel is not restricted, the corresponding steam flow direction may be different at different sections of the gas transmission channel, and the corresponding radial cross-sectional area will also have different orientations.

[0365] In this design, the steam flow device can be composed of a single unit structure, such as a pipe body. Alternatively, the steam flow device can be composed of at least two unit structures.

[0366] Specifically, when the steam flow device consists of at least two individual structures, each individual structure can be arranged sequentially along the radial direction of the gas delivery channel, so that the individual structures together enclose the gas delivery channel after assembly. Alternatively, each individual structure can be arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the gas delivery channel, so that each individual structure independently constitutes a different channel segment of the gas delivery channel.

[0367] Specifically, take the structures shown in Figures 67 to 75 as examples:

[0368] The steam flow device may include a rod 8200. The rod 8200 is generally cylindrical and has a through hole 8210 extending along its axial direction. The through hole 8210 may be a straight hole extending along the axial direction of the rod 8200, or a curved hole structure with at least one bend. The through hole 8210 defines a main channel section 8211. Therefore, in order to make the steam flow in the main channel section 8211 faster and more stable, and also to make the rod 8200 easier to process, in this embodiment, the through hole 8210 is preferably a straight hole structure. The through hole 8210 has a first opening and a second opening that are arranged opposite to each other in its axial direction, wherein the first opening is located near the air inlet 8110 and the second opening is located near the air outlet 8410.

[0369] The through-hole 8210 directly or indirectly defines the main channel section 8211. Furthermore, the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the main channel section 8211 is set in the same direction along its axial direction, so that the flow velocity and flow rate of the steam flowing in each section of the main channel section 8211 are relatively balanced and consistent, making it more stable and less prone to disturbance.

[0370] Next, the steam flow device may include a base 8100. The base 8100 facilitates the overall installation and fixation of the steam flow device to the machine body. The base 8100 is generally block-shaped. An air inlet 8110 is formed on the base 8100. Furthermore, the base 8100 also has a first mounting hole 8120 spaced apart from the air inlet 8110. The first mounting hole 8120 and the air inlet 8110 are connected via a first chamber. A rod segment with a first orifice on the rod body 8200 is detachably installed at the first mounting hole 8120, such that the first orifice communicates with the first chamber. At this time, the air inlet 8110 and the first orifice are connected via the first chamber, which constitutes the aforementioned air intake transition channel segment 8140. It is understandable that, since the base 8100 is block-shaped, compared to the rod-shaped rod 8200, it has enough space in the radial direction for the first chamber, namely the air intake transition channel section 8140, to be formed, ensuring that the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the air intake transition channel section 8140 is greater than the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the main channel section 8211.

[0371] Furthermore, since the rod 8200 is inserted into the first mounting hole 8120, in one embodiment, the insertion depth of the rod 8200 relative to the first mounting hole 8120 can be adjusted. Specifically, for example, the rod 8200 has an external thread, and the first mounting hole 8120 has an internal thread. By adjusting the threading depth of both, the aforementioned purpose of adjusting the insertion depth of the rod 8200 relative to the first mounting hole 8120 can be achieved. When the insertion depth of the rod 8200 relative to the first mounting hole 8120 is adjustable, the space occupied by the rod segment inserted into the first mounting hole 8120 in the first chamber can be adjusted, thereby making the space constituting the air intake transition channel section 8140 in the first chamber adjustable, and thus making the air capacity of the air intake transition channel section 8140 adjustable.

[0372] The installation orientation of the air inlet 8110 and the first mounting hole 8120 on the base 8100 is not restricted. For example, they can be arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the rod 8200, or the air inlet 8110 can be opened at the position of the corresponding side wall of the rod 8200.

[0373] The rod segment with the first opening in the rod body 8200 and the first mounting hole 8120 can be directly inserted; or the steam circulation device may also include a first sealing connector 8300, which is sealed between the rod body 8200 and the first mounting hole 8120 to achieve a sealed connection between the first opening and the first chamber.

[0374] The steam flow device may include a base 8400. When the base 8100 is mounted on the machine body, the rod 8200 and the base 8400 are generally suspended relative to the machine body; therefore, the base 8400 can be designed to be as small in size or lightweight as possible. In the structure shown in Figures 66 to 75, the base 8400 is generally shell-shaped, and it has an exhaust port 8410 and a third mounting hole 8420. The third mounting hole 8420 and the exhaust port 8410 are connected by a second chamber. A rod segment with a second opening on the rod 8200 is detachably mounted at the third mounting hole 8420, so that the second opening communicates with the second chamber. At this time, the exhaust port 8410 and the second opening are connected by the second chamber, which constitutes the aforementioned exhaust transition channel segment 8440. It is understandable that, due to the shell-like design of the base 8400, compared to the rod-like design of the rod body 8200, it can also reserve enough space in the radial direction for the second chamber, namely the air outlet transition channel section 8440, to be formed, ensuring that the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the air outlet transition channel section 8440 is greater than the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the main channel section 8211.

[0375] The rod segment with the second opening in the rod body 8200 and the third mounting hole 8420 can be directly inserted; or the steam flow device may also include a second sealing connector 8500, which is sealed between the rod body 8200 and the third mounting hole 8420 to achieve a sealed connection between the second opening and the second chamber.

[0376] Furthermore, based on one or more of the above embodiments, in a further embodiment, the steam circulation device further includes a temperature detection device 8600. The temperature detection device 8600 includes a main body section 8610 that passes through the gas transmission channel, and a detection section 8620 and a connecting section 8630 that extend outward from the gas transmission channel, respectively. The detection section 8620 is disposed near the gas outlet 8410, and the connecting section 8630 is disposed near the gas inlet 8110.

[0377] It is understandable that in practical applications, the base 8400 and a portion of the rod 8200 (hereinafter referred to as the "insertion part" for ease of understanding) extend into the outer container to release steam into the milk in the outer container. When the aforementioned insertion part is inserted into the outer container, the temperature detection device 8600 can detect the temperature of the milk in the outer container through the detection section 8620 after startup, thereby enabling intelligent and automated monitoring of the milk's heating process and foaming process. By inserting the main body section 8610 into the air delivery channel, the main body section 8610 does not occupy additional external space of the rod 8200, resulting in a smaller overall radial dimension and a more compact structure for the steam flow device.

[0378] The temperature sensing device 8600 generally also includes a connecting section 8630, which is located at the end of the main body section 8610 away from the sensing section 8620, and also extends outward from the gas supply channel. The connecting section 8630 is generally positioned away from the gas outlet 8410. The connecting section 8630 is used for electrical connection with external electronic control devices.

[0379] Specifically, when the steam flow device as described above includes at least a rod 8200, a base 8100, and a base 8400, the base 8100 also has a second mounting hole 8130 spaced between the air inlet 8110 and the first mounting hole 8120. The second mounting hole 8130 communicates with the first chamber. The base 8400 also has a fourth mounting hole 8430 spaced between the air outlet 8410 and the third mounting hole 8420, and the fourth mounting hole 8430 communicates with the second chamber. Specifically, the first mounting hole 8120, the second mounting hole 8130, the third mounting hole 8420, and the fourth mounting hole 8430 are arranged sequentially approximately along the central axis of the rod 8200. The main body section 8610 passes sequentially through the first chamber, the through hole 8210, and the second chamber. The connecting section 8630 extends outward from the second mounting hole 8130, and the detection section 8620 extends outward from the fourth mounting hole 8430.

[0380] When the main body segment 8610 passes through the through hole 8210, the outer peripheral sidewall of the main body segment 8610 and the inner peripheral sidewall of the rod 8200 are at least partially separated, forming the aforementioned main channel segment 8211. Generally, the rod 8200, the through hole 8210 defined therein, and the main body segment 8610 can all be designed to be roughly cylindrical. When the main body segment 8610 is entirely inserted through the through hole 8210 of the rod 8200, the main body segment 8610 can be eccentrically positioned, that is, the central axis of the rod 8200 is roughly parallel to but not collinear with the central axis of the main body segment 8610. In this case, if the outer peripheral sidewall of the main body segment 8610 and the inner peripheral sidewall of the rod 8200 are partially abutted and partially separated, the main channel segment 8211 formed between them is generally a circumferentially non-connected chamber. If the outer peripheral sidewall of the main body segment 8610 and the inner peripheral sidewall of the rod 8200 do not abut against each other, the main channel segment 8211 formed between the two is generally a circumferentially connected, eccentric annular chamber.

[0381] In this embodiment, the rod 8200 and the main body 8610 are coaxially arranged. That is, when the rod 8200 has a first central axis and the temperature sensing device 8600 has a second central axis, the first central axis of the rod 8200 and the second central axis of the main body 8610 are substantially collinear. Alternatively, when complete collinearity cannot be achieved, the first and second central axes are made as close as possible and nearly parallel. In this case, the outer peripheral sidewall of the main body 8610 and the inner peripheral sidewall of the rod 8200 do not abut against each other, and the gap formed between them is circumferentially connected, forming a concentric annular cavity. This ensures that the flow velocity and flow rate in each direction of the gas delivery channel between the main body 8610 and the rod 8200 remain consistent, which helps to further improve the stability of steam flow.

[0382] In view of the above, in a further embodiment, at least two vents 8410 are arranged at intervals around the outer periphery of the detection section 8620. When each vent 8410 is arranged around the periphery of the detection section 8620, the steam discharged from the vents 8410 will flow around the outer periphery of the detection section 8620 and drive the movement of the milk, without directly impacting the detection section 8620, which helps to improve the accuracy of the detection section 8620 in detecting the temperature of the milk.

[0383] Furthermore, based on one or more of the above embodiments, the steam circulation device may also include a heat-insulating sleeve 8700, which is fitted around the outer periphery of the rod 8200. The thermal conductivity of the heat-insulating sleeve 8700 is set to be lower than that of the rod 8200. For example, when the rod 8200 is entirely made of metal, the heat-insulating sleeve 8700 may be made of a material such as rubber, thereby preventing excessive heat dissipation of the steam flowing inside the rod 8200, which would be detrimental to beverage preparation and could potentially burn the user. Of course, the heat-insulating sleeve 8700 may also be provided with a structure that facilitates user grip, such as an anti-slip structure or an ergonomically designed groove for easy gripping.

[0384] Ninth application example:

[0385] As people's living standards continue to improve, their taste in beverages is also constantly evolving. Many people are no longer satisfied with a single type of drink and prefer to customize their beverages according to their own preferences. Take coffee machines as an example. Coffee machines can dispense coffee or milk. Existing coffee machines generally have an external steam wand that receives steam and heats or foams the coffee or milk dispensed by the machine to create a customized beverage. However, existing steam wands typically only have a rubber layer covering the outer part of the wand through which steam flows, corresponding to the area where the user holds the hand. This rubber layer easily conducts heat radiating outwards from the wand, resulting in the user still feeling hot while holding it and easily gripping the unrubber-covered part of the wand, causing burns.

[0386] Therefore, this application provides a steam wand assembly and a beverage preparation machine using it. The specific form of the beverage preparation machine is not limited; it can be a product that prepares ready-made beverages, or a product that prepares a beverage first from powder and / or liquid materials, and then prepares the prepared beverage. The preparation methods achievable based on the steam wand assembly can include, but are not limited to, heating the beverage with steam, or foaming the beverage using steam and air.

[0387] In addition to the steam wand assembly, a beverage blender also includes a body, which typically has a front surface and a rear surface facing the user. Taking a coffee machine as an example, the body also has a tray protruding forward on the front surface. The tray includes a base recessed to form a water collection trough, and a grid bracket covering the opening of the water collection trough. The grid bracket can hold external containers and filters out larger particles of residue using its grid. The body also typically has a downward-facing beverage outlet on the front surface, above the tray, which can dispense beverages such as milk or coffee into external containers placed on the tray.

[0388] Therefore, the steam rod assembly is generally externally mounted on the machine body, and preferably located on the front surface of the machine body. The steam rod assembly is generally positioned at least adjacent to the tray, so that the steam rod assembly can supply steam to an external container placed on the tray.

[0389] In addition, steam rod assemblies are generally only used for circulating steam. In this case, the beverage preparation machine has a built-in steam source, or it is a separate product from the beverage preparation machine that serves as the steam source. The steam source generates steam and connects it to the steam rod assembly.

[0390] Specifically, referring to Figures 76 to 80, the steam rod assembly includes an outer tube 8100, an inner tube 8200, and a temperature sensor 8300. The inner tube 8200 is installed inside the outer tube 8100 in the same direction. The inner tube 8200 includes an inlet end 8220 and an outlet end 8230 arranged opposite each other in its length direction. The inlet end 8220 is used to connect to external steam, and the outlet end 8230 is used to discharge steam to the outside. The temperature sensor 8300 includes a connecting section 8310, an extension section 8320 and a measuring section 8330 connected in sequence along the steam flow direction of the inner tube 8200. The extension section 8320 is installed at least inside the outer tube 8100. The connecting section 8310 and the measuring section 8330 are exposed to the outside from the two openings of the outer tube 8100, respectively. The connecting section 8310 is used to connect to external electrical control devices, and the measuring section 8330 is used to measure the temperature of the liquid in the external container when the steam rod is inserted into the external container. The inner circumferential sidewall of the outer tube 8100 and the outer circumferential sidewall of the inner tube 8200 are spaced apart.

[0391] In the technical solution provided in this application, the inlet of the inner tube 8200 is used to connect to external steam. After flowing through the inner tube 8200, the steam is discharged outward through the outlet 8230 to, for example, an external container. During this process, the tube wall of the inner tube 8200 exchanges heat with the steam and continues to transfer heat outward. Since the outer tube 8100 and the inner tube 8200 are not in direct contact, but are separated by gas, the thermal conductivity of the gas is generally low, which helps to reduce the heat transferred from the inner tube 8200 to the outer tube 8100, making the outer surface temperature of the outer tube 8100 relatively lower, which helps to make the user feel comfortable when holding it. Moreover, the inner tube 8200 is entirely inserted inside the outer tube 8100, so that the temperature of any part of the outer tube 8100 held by the user is suitable, which facilitates user operation and improves the user experience.

[0392] It is understood that the steam rod assembly as a whole, the outer tube 8100, the inner tube 8200 and the temperature sensor 8300 all extend in an elongated shape along the first direction.

[0393] The inner tube 8200 is hollow and is generally made of a strong metal material. The hollow structure of the inner tube 8200 allows for the connection of external steam; therefore, the inner tube 8200 has an inlet and an outlet. It should be noted that the inlet and / or outlet are not limited to being defined by the opening of the inner tube 8200. In other embodiments, the inlet and / or outlet can also be located on the side wall of the inner tube 8200 as needed. Furthermore, there can be one or at least two inlets and outlets as needed. The shape and size of the inlet and / or outlet are not limited. In the embodiments shown in Figures 76 to 80, to simplify the structure and facilitate molding, the inlet and outlet are directly formed by the two openings of the inner tube 8200. Therefore, the end of the inner tube 8200 where the inlet is located constitutes the inlet end 8220, and the end of the inner tube 8200 where the outlet is located constitutes the outlet end 8230. In practical applications, at least the outlet end 8230 of the inner tube 8200 will be extended into the outer container to allow for smoother and safer access to steam into the outer container.

[0394] Similarly, the outer tube 8100 is hollow, and to achieve heat insulation, it is generally made of a material with a lower thermal conductivity than the inner tube 8200, i.e., a heat-insulating material. However, it should be noted that:

[0395] In one application, the outer tube 8100 can be entirely made of insulating material. However, depending on actual needs, the outer tube 8100 can be made entirely of the same insulating material, or it can be made of multiple insulating materials in different areas. When the outer tube 8100 is made of multiple insulating materials in different areas, the areas can be divided sequentially according to the radial, axial, and / or circumferential directions of the outer tube 8100.

[0396] In another application, the outer tube 8100 can be partially made of insulating material, i.e., it includes both insulating and non-insulating material layers. The non-insulating material layer generally refers to a material layer with a thermal conductivity not lower than that of the inner tube 8200, but with greater structural strength than the insulating material layer. In this way, the outer tube 8100 can achieve insulation based on the insulating material layer and structural reinforcement based on the non-insulating material layer. The insulating material layer is provided at least around the entire outer circumference of the inner tube 8200. However, similarly, the insulating material layer can be made of a single insulating material or made of multiple insulating materials in different areas. When the insulating material layer is made of multiple insulating materials in different areas, the areas can be divided sequentially according to the radial, axial, and / or circumferential directions of the outer tube 8100.

[0397] Furthermore, the outer peripheral sidewall of the outer tube 8100 may be provided with at least some structures to facilitate user hand grip, such as anti-slip rough protrusions, or fitting grooves that conform to the shape of the fingers.

[0398] When the inner tube 8200 is entirely inserted into the hollow structure of the outer tube 8100, there is at least a partial gap between the outer peripheral wall of the inner tube 8200 and the inner peripheral wall of the outer tube 8100. This gap is naturally filled with air, or specifically filled with other gases with lower thermal conductivity. In this way, the gap further reduces the heat conducted through the inner tube 8200 to the outside of the outer tube 8100, achieving a better thermal insulation effect.

[0399] Generally, the hollow structure of the outer tube 8100 is a regular cylinder along the first direction, and the inner tube 8200 is also generally a regular cylinder along the first direction. When the inner tube 8200 is inserted through the hollow structure of the outer tube 8100, the inner tube 8200 can be eccentrically positioned, that is, the central axis of the outer tube 8100 is approximately parallel to but not collinear with the central axis of the inner tube 8200. In this case, if the outer peripheral sidewall of the inner tube 8200 and the inner peripheral sidewall of the outer tube 8100 are partially in contact or partially separated, the gap formed between them is generally a circumferentially non-connected chamber; if neither the outer peripheral sidewall of the inner tube 8200 nor the inner peripheral sidewall of the outer tube 8100 is in contact, the gap formed between them is generally a circumferentially connected, eccentric annular chamber. In this embodiment, the outer tube 8100 and the inner tube 8200 are coaxially positioned. That is, the central axis of the outer tube 8100 is basically collinear with the central axis of the inner tube 8200. At this time, the outer peripheral sidewall of the inner tube 8200 and the inner peripheral sidewall of the outer tube 8100 do not abut against each other, and the gap formed between them is a circumferentially connected, concentric annular cavity, which is the first annular gap 8110. The setting of the first annular gap 8110 ensures that the heat conduction effect between the inner tube 8200 and the outer tube 8100 is consistent in all directions, which helps to further improve the user's hand-held comfort.

[0400] Based on one or more of the above embodiments, in a further embodiment, the extension section 8320 is at least inserted within the hollow structure of the outer tube 8100, specifically, for example, it can be inserted within the first annular gap 8110, located radially to the side of the inner tube 8200, and adjacent to the inner tube 8200. In this way, the placement of the temperature sensor 8300 does not interfere with the steam flowing within the inner tube 8200, but the width of the first annular gap 8110 must be at least equivalent to the corresponding dimension of the extension section 8320. However, ideally, the temperature sensor 8300 may not abut against the outer or inner peripheral sidewall of the inner tube 8200; that is, the width of the first annular gap 8110 must be greater than the corresponding dimension of the extension section 8320.

[0401] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the extension section 8320 is inserted within the inner tube 8200. In this way, the extension section 8320 does not additionally interfere with the dimensional design of the first annular gap 8110, resulting in a smaller overall radial dimension and a more compact structure for the steam rod assembly.

[0402] Similarly, when the extension section 8320 is entirely inserted into the hollow structure of the inner tube 8200, there is at least a partial gap between the outer peripheral sidewall of the extension section 8320 and the inner peripheral sidewall of the inner tube 8200, allowing steam to flow within the gap. Generally, the hollow structure of the inner tube 8200 is a regular cylinder along the first direction, and the extension section 8320 is also generally a regular cylinder along the first direction. When the extension section 8320 is entirely inserted into the hollow structure of the inner tube 8200, the extension section 8320 can be eccentrically positioned, that is, the central axis of the inner tube 8200 and the central axis of the extension section 8320 are approximately parallel but not collinear. At this point, if the outer peripheral sidewall of the extension section 8320 and the inner peripheral sidewall of the inner tube 8200 are partially in contact and partially separated, the gap formed between them is generally a circumferentially non-connected chamber. If neither the outer peripheral sidewall of the extension section 8320 nor the inner peripheral sidewall of the inner tube 8200 is in contact, the gap formed between them is generally a circumferentially connected, eccentric annular chamber. In this embodiment, the inner tube 8200 and the extension section 8320 are arranged coaxially. That is, the central axis of the inner tube 8200 and the central axis of the extension section 8320 are basically collinear. At this point, neither the outer peripheral sidewall of the extension section 8320 nor the inner peripheral sidewall of the inner tube 8200 is in contact, and the gap formed between them is a circumferentially connected, concentric annular chamber, which is the second annular gap 8210. The setting of the second annular gap 8210 ensures that the flow velocity and flow volume in all directions between the extension section 8320 and the inner tube body 8200 are consistent, which helps to further improve the stability of steam flow.

[0403] In a further embodiment, if the distance between the inner circumferential sidewall of the outer tube 8100 and the outer circumferential sidewall of the inner tube 8200 is R, and the distance between the inner circumferential sidewall of the inner tube 8200 and the outer circumferential sidewall of the extension section 8320 is r, then R is not less than r. It can be understood that when R is set larger, a longer heat exchange path and a larger heat exchange area can be formed between the outer tube 8100 and the inner tube 8200, thereby helping to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the outer tube 8100 to the inner tube 8200 and optimize the heat exchange effect. Conversely, under the premise of meeting the flow rate requirements, setting r to a smaller value helps to increase the steam velocity within the inner tube 8200.

[0404] Furthermore, the connecting section 8310 and / or the measuring section 8330 described above can be flush with and exposed at the opening of the inner tube 8200 / outer tube 8100. Alternatively, the connecting section 8310 and / or the measuring section 8330 can each extend axially to protrude a certain length outward from the opening of the inner tube 8200 / outer tube 8100, thereby reserving more length for the connecting section 8310 to be connected, and / or for the measuring section 8330 to extend into the liquid surface of the outer container for temperature measurement.

[0405] In one embodiment, the steam rod assembly further includes a connector 8400, which is disposed corresponding to the inlet end 8220 and seals over the outer tube body 8100 and the inner tube body 8200. That is, the connector 8400 can at least close the corresponding opening of the first annular gap 8110. The connector 8400 is provided with an air inlet channel 8410, which communicates with the inlet end 8220. The radial cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet channel 8410 is not less than the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet end 8220, which helps to increase the flow rate of steam transmitted to the inlet end 8220 via the air inlet channel 8410. After stabilizing the steam flow rate within the air inlet channel 8410, the steam flows into the second annular gap 8210. A connecting section 8310 extends outward from the air inlet channel 8410.

[0406] It should be noted that the connector 8400 can be configured as a single unit structure or at least two unit structures, depending on actual needs. When configured as at least two unit structures, one of the unit structures can be used to seal the first annular gap 8110 and / or achieve a better connection with the outer tube 8100 and the inner tube 8200. The remaining unit structures can be configured as needed, for example, to further seal the first annular gap 8110 and / or further achieve a better connection with the outer tube 8100 and the inner tube 8200; to provide outer protection for the aforementioned unit structures; and to facilitate the installation of the steam rod assembly with other components.

[0407] In another embodiment, the steam rod assembly further includes a cover 8500, which is disposed corresponding to the outlet end 8230 and seals over the outer tube 8100 and the inner tube 8200. That is, the cover 8500 at least closes the corresponding opening of the first annular gap 8110. The cover 8500 is provided with an outlet channel 8510 and an installation channel 8520, which are radially spaced apart. The outlet channel 8510 communicates with the outlet end 8230, and the measuring section 8330 extends outward from the installation channel 8520. By independently configuring the outlet channel 8510 and the installation channel 8520, the path of steam discharge is kept as far apart as possible from the measuring section 8330, preventing the discharged steam from affecting the measurement results of the measuring section 8330 on the liquid inside the external container.

[0408] Furthermore, at least two exhaust channels 8510 are spaced apart around the outer periphery of the mounting channel 8520. In this way, steam can be discharged in multiple directions around the outer periphery of the mounting channel 8520 through the exhaust channels 8510, which helps to increase the flow rate and volume of steam discharged outward.

[0409] Similarly, the cover 8500 can be configured as a single unit structure or at least two unit structures as needed. When configured as at least two unit structures, one of the unit structures can be used to seal the first annular gap 8110 and / or achieve a better connection with the outer tube 8100 and the inner tube 8200. The remaining unit structures can be configured as needed, for example, to further seal the first annular gap 8110 and / or to further achieve a better connection with the outer tube 8100 and the inner tube 8200; to provide outer protection for the aforementioned unit structures; and to facilitate the installation of the steam rod assembly with other components.

[0410] It should be noted that the extension length of the measuring section 8330 from the mounting channel 8520 is generally not limited, but it needs to be set within a suitable range. If the extension length of the measuring section 8330 is too long, it may lead to an overestimation of the accurate value for the liquid inside the external container; conversely, if the extension length of the measuring section 8330 is too short, it may lead to an underestimation of the accurate value for the liquid inside the external container. For example, for coffee machines, a length of 6 ± 0.5 mm is generally preferred.

[0411] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the content of this application's specification and drawings under the concept of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A modulation device, characterized in that, include: Base, for securing to the beverage mixing machine; and, A steam module includes a steam rod having a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other along its axial direction. The steam rod is used to receive steam and output it outward through the second end. The first end is rotatably mounted on the base so that when rotated by an external force, the second end is driven to form an angle with respect to the base. The steam rod and the base are provided with an interference protrusion and an interference surface, respectively. During the rotation of the steam rod, the interference protrusion is driven to move on the interference surface and an interference force is generated between them to hinder the rotation of the steam rod. The interference force is set to vary.

2. The modulation apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rotation axis of the first end intersects perpendicularly with the central axis of the steam rod.

3. The modulation apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The interference surface has at least one first interference region and a second interference region other than the first interference region on the movement trajectory corresponding to the interference protrusion; When the interference protrusion moves to the first interference region, it generates a first interference force, and when it moves to the second interference region, it generates a second interference force, wherein the first interference force is greater than the second interference force.

4. The modulation apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that, When the interference protrusion moves to the first interference region and the external force does not increase to a preset threshold, the first interference force maintains the steam rod fixed relative to the base; and / or, When the interference protrusion moves to the second interference region and the external force is removed, the second interference force maintains the steam rod fixed relative to the base.

5. The modulation apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second end of the steam rod has two extreme positions during its rotational stroke; The first interference region is provided in two places, corresponding one-to-one with the two extreme positions, so that when the steam rod rotates to any of the extreme positions, the first interference force keeps the steam rod fixed relative to the base.

6. The modulation apparatus as described in claim 5, characterized in that, One of the steam rod and the base is provided with a stop protrusion, and the other is provided with a corresponding stop surface. When the steam rod rotates to any of the said limit positions, the stop protrusion is driven to stop and abut against the stop surface to limit the rotation of the steam rod.

7. The modulation apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The interference surface has at least one groove on the movement trajectory corresponding to the interference protrusion, and the location of the groove constitutes the first interference region. The protrusion height of the interference protrusion relative to the base or the steam rod on which it is mounted is adjustable, such that when the interference protrusion moves to the second interference region, it is pushed and shortened; and when the interference protrusion moves to the first interference region, it extends and engages with the groove.

8. The modulation apparatus as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The interference protrusion is elastically and retractably mounted on the base or the steam rod via an elastic element.

9. The modulation apparatus as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The base is used to fix the beverage mixing machine to the front panel, and the beverage mixing machine has a tray that protrudes laterally below the front panel. The groove is provided in two parts, namely the first groove and the second groove; When the interference protrusion engages with the first groove, the steam rod extends vertically, with the second end facing the tray; When the interference protrusion engages with the second groove, the steam rod extends at an angle relative to the vertical direction, and the second end is offset from the tray.

10. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, When the interference protrusion engages with the second groove, the tilt angle of the steam rod is greater than 0° and not greater than 90°.

11. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, During the rotation of the steam rod, the interference protrusion is driven to slide on the interference surface; or, The base or the steam rod with the interference protrusion is provided with an assembly hole. The interference protrusion is a ball bearing, which is rotatably mounted in the assembly hole and at least partially protrudes from the opening of the assembly hole. During the rotation of the steam rod, the interference protrusion is driven to roll on the interference surface.

12. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The steam module also includes an inlet pipe for connecting an external steam source and the steam rod, and the inlet pipe protrudes from the radial side of the steam rod.

13. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, The access pipe includes a first pipe segment extending radially along the steam rod and a second pipe segment intersecting the first pipe segment. The first pipe segment is connected to the steam rod, and the second pipe segment is bent and connected to the first pipe segment for connecting to an external steam source.

14. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The base includes a first side plate, which is disposed on the radial side of the steam rod; The first pipe segment passes through the first side plate radially along the steam rod and is connected to the steam rod. The second pipe segment is located on the side of the first side plate opposite to the steam rod and is fixedly connected to the first side plate by a first bracket.

15. The modulation apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The steam module also includes a rotating shaft, the central axis of which is collinear with the rotation axis of the steam rod. One end of the rotating shaft is fixedly connected to one of the steam rod and the base, and the other end is rotatably connected to the other of the steam rod and the base. The access tube and the rotating shaft are set independently of each other.

16. The modulation apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The central axis of at least a partial section of the access pipe is collinear with the rotation axis of the steam rod, and one of the steam rod and the base is fixedly connected to the access pipe, while the other is rotatably connected to the access pipe.

17. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that, The base includes a first side plate and a second side plate respectively disposed on the radial sides of the steam rod, and the steam rod is provided with a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole respectively corresponding to the first side plate and the second side plate in a radial direction; The access pipe includes a first pipe segment extending radially along the steam rod, the first pipe segment passing through the first side plate and installed in the first mounting hole; The steam module also includes a sealing component, which is sealed and inserted into the second mounting hole. One of the steam rod and the second side plate is fixedly connected to the sealing component, and the other is rotatably connected to the sealing component.

18. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that, The sealing component is structurally compatible with the first pipe section; and / or, The installation state of the sealing component relative to the steam rod and the base is the same as the installation state of the first pipe section relative to the steam rod and the base.

19. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The modulation device further includes a temperature sensor that passes through the steam rod along its axial direction and has a measuring section extending out of the second end. The measuring section is used to detect the temperature of the liquid inside the external container when the second end is inserted into the external container.

20. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The steam module also includes a mounting base, which is detachably mounted to the first end and is enlarged relative to the first end. The first end is indirectly rotatably connected to the base via the mounting bracket; and / or, One of the mounting base and the base is provided with the interference protrusion, and the other is provided with the interference surface; and / or, The first end is indirectly connected to external steam via the mounting base.

21. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that, The base includes a first side plate and a second side plate respectively disposed on the radial sides of the steam rod. The interference protrusion and the interference surface are respectively provided between the first side plate and the mounting base, and between the second side plate and the mounting base. The base also includes a bottom plate connected between the first side plate and the second side plate. The bottom plate has a clearance hole through which the steam rod is movably inserted, and at least the second end extends outward from the clearance hole.

22. The modulation apparatus as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that, At least in the direction of rotation of the steam rod, the mounting base is bent to form two bends, and the connection between the two bends is rotatably mounted on the first side plate and the second side plate; The orthographic projection of the bent portion on the base plate partially falls outside the clearance hole, forming a stop protrusion, and the base plate forms a corresponding stop surface on the outer periphery of the clearance hole; The second end of the steam rod has two extreme positions in its rotational stroke, and when the interference protrusion rotates to either extreme position, the stop protrusion abuts against the stop surface.

23. A beverage mixing machine, characterized in that, include: The body; and, The modulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the modulation device is externally disposed in the body.

24. The beverage preparation machine as described in claim 23, characterized in that, The body has a front panel, and a tray is provided horizontally below the front panel for placing an external container. The base is detachably mounted on the front panel, and when the steam rod is driven to rotate by an external force, it causes the second end to swing in the direction of approaching and moving away from the tray.

25. A method for operating a beverage mixing machine, characterized in that, include: When confirming the operation of the manual modulation mode, rotate the steam rod until the interference protrusion engages with the second groove; The steam rod is operated so that at least the second end is inserted into the external container; After the steam rod and the external container are rotated synchronously to the target angle, the steam rod is connected to external steam.

26. The beverage preparation method of the beverage preparation machine as described in claim 25, characterized in that, Also includes: When confirming the operation of the automatic modulation mode, rotate the steam rod until the interference protrusion engages with the second groove. The steam rod is operated so that at least the second end is inserted into the external container; After the steam rod and the external container are rotated synchronously until the external container is placed on the tray and the interference protrusion engages with the first groove, the temperature sensor is activated. Operate the steam rod to connect to external steam, and when the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor reaches a preset threshold, operate the steam rod to stop connecting to external steam.

27. A steam output module, characterized in that, include: Mounting brackets are used to secure the beverage mixing machine; A steam rod having a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other along its axial direction, the steam rod being used to connect to an external steam source and discharge steam outward via the second end; A mounting base, detachably connected to the first end, is rotatably mounted on the mounting bracket about an axis extending radially along the steam rod, so that when rotated by an external force, it synchronously rotates the second end; and, A rotational damper is disposed at the rotational connection between the mounting base and the mounting bracket. When the external force is removed, the rotational damper generates resistance between the mounting base and the mounting bracket to prevent the steam rod from rotating back to its original position.

28. The steam output module as described in claim 27, characterized in that, The steam rod has a first position and a second position that are spaced apart from each other during its rotational stroke; When the external force drives the steam rod to rotate from the first position to the second position at a first speed and then retracts, the resistance generated by the rotation damper causes the steam rod to return to the first position from the second position at a second speed; The second speed is less than the first speed.

29. The steam output module as described in claim 27, characterized in that, The steam rod has a first position and a second position located at intervals during its rotation stroke, and a third position located between the first position and the second position; When the external force drives the steam rod to rotate from the first position to the second position and then retracts, the resistance generated by the rotation damper fixes the steam rod in the third position.

30. The steam output module as described in claim 27, characterized in that, The steam rod has a first position and a second position that are spaced apart at intervals during its rotational stroke; When the external force drives the steam rod to rotate from the first position to the second position and then retracts, the resistance generated by the rotation damper fixes the steam rod in the second position.

31. The steam output module as described in any one of claims 28 to 30, characterized in that, The first position and / or the second position are provided in multiple locations during the rotation stroke of the steam rod.

32. The steam output module as described in claim 27, characterized in that, The mounting base is provided with a first mounting hole along the axial direction of the steam rod, and the first mounting hole includes a first hole section and a second hole section. The first end is sealed and installed in the second hole section; The steam output module also includes a temperature sensor, which is sequentially inserted into the first mounting hole and the steam rod, and includes a connecting section extending outward from the first hole and a measuring section extending outward from the second end. The measuring section is used to measure the temperature of the liquid in the external container when the steam rod is inserted into the external container.

33. The steam output module as described in claim 32, characterized in that, The mounting base is further provided with a second mounting hole, which communicates with the first mounting hole, and the extension direction of the second mounting hole is intersected with the extension direction of the first mounting hole. The second mounting hole is used to connect with an external steam source through a piping structure.

34. The steam output module as described in claim 33, characterized in that, The first mounting hole further includes a transition hole section located between the first hole section and the second hole section, and the second mounting hole is connected to the transition hole section; At least in the direction from the connection between the second mounting hole and the transition hole section to the second hole section, the diameter of the transition hole section is increased.

35. The steam output module as described in claim 34, characterized in that, The temperature sensor also includes an extension section passing through the steam rod, the outer wall of the extension section and the inner wall of the steam rod being spaced apart to form a flow channel; The radial cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel is smaller than the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the transition hole section.

36. A beverage mixing machine, characterized in that, include: The body; and, The steam output module as described in any one of claims 27 to 35, wherein the steam output module is externally disposed in the body.

37. A steam extraction device, characterized in that, include: The body has a cavity formed inside it and has an outlet and two openings that communicate with the cavity. The body has two mounting sides that are arranged opposite each other in the lateral direction, and the two openings are respectively opened on the two mounting sides in a one-to-one correspondence. A first mounting component having an inlet channel formed therein for connecting to a steam generator, the first mounting component being selectively mounted on one side of the body in the lateral direction such that the inlet channel connects to one of the two openings; as well as, A second mounting element, which may be optionally mounted on the other side of the body in the lateral direction, to block the other of the two openings.

38. The steam extraction device as claimed in claim 37, characterized in that, The steam extraction device also includes a bracket for fixing to the body of the beverage preparation equipment, and the main body is detachably mounted on the bracket.

39. The steam extraction device as described in claim 38, characterized in that, The two openings on the main body are coaxially arranged, and when the main body is fixed on the bracket, the main body is rotatably arranged around the axis of the two openings.

40. The steam extraction device as described in claim 38 or 39, characterized in that, The bracket has two mounting walls arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The body is detachably clamped between the two mounting walls. Each mounting wall faces the respective mounting side and has a through hole aligned with the corresponding opening. The first mounting member is sequentially inserted into one of the two through holes and the opening corresponding to the through hole, so that the inlet channel connects to one of the two openings.

41. The steam extraction device as claimed in claim 40, characterized in that, The first mounting component includes a pipe having an inlet end and an outlet end, and an inlet channel is formed within the pipe connecting the inlet end and the outlet end. The first mounting component is selectively mounted close to one of the two mounting walls, and the pipe passes sequentially through the through hole and the corresponding opening on the mounting wall from the outside of the adjacent mounting wall, such that the outlet end is inserted into the cavity.

42. The steam extraction device as claimed in claim 41, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the pipe is provided with an annular protrusion. The end face of the annular protrusion near the outlet end abuts against the body and is attached to the outer side of the corresponding opening. The outer peripheral surface of the annular protrusion abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the corresponding through hole.

43. The steam extraction device as described in claim 42, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the pipe is also provided with a first annular groove, which is disposed between the annular boss and the outlet end. The first mounting component also includes a sealing ring sleeved on the outer periphery of the pipe, which is engaged in the first annular groove.

44. The steam extraction device as claimed in claim 42, characterized in that, The pipeline includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section connected sequentially from the inlet end to the outlet end. The second pipe section is provided with the annular boss. The first pipe section bends and extends backward from the end of the second pipe section away from the outlet end.

45. The steam extraction device as claimed in claim 44, characterized in that, Each of the mounting walls is provided with a screw hole, and the second pipe section is integrally provided with a mounting plate. The mounting plate is provided with a bolt, and the bolt engages with the corresponding screw hole so that the first mounting component is screwed and fixed to the adjacent mounting wall.

46. ​​The steam extraction device as claimed in claim 41, characterized in that, The first mounting component also includes a quick connector connected to the inlet end, the quick connector being used to connect a steam delivery pipeline, the steam delivery pipeline being used to connect to the steam generator.

47. The steam extraction device according to any one of claims 40 to 46, characterized in that, The second mounting member is located near the other of the two mounting walls and rotates with the through hole on the mounting wall so that the body can rotate relative to the bracket during installation.

48. The steam extraction device as claimed in claim 47, characterized in that, The second mounting member includes an insertion portion that inserts into the cavity and a rotating portion that extends from the corresponding opening, the rotating portion being inserted at least partially into the through hole on the mounting wall near which the second mounting member is located.

49. The steam extraction device as claimed in claim 48, characterized in that, The diameter of the first mounting member located inside the corresponding through hole is greater than its diameter located outside the corresponding mounting wall, the diameter of the second mounting member located inside the corresponding through hole is smaller than its diameter located inside the corresponding mounting wall, and the rotating part is housed inside the through hole and flush with the outer side of the corresponding mounting wall.

50. The steam extraction device as claimed in claim 49, characterized in that, The steam extraction device is assembled in the following order: the main body, the second mounting component, the bracket, and the first mounting component.

51. The steam extraction device as described in claim 48, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the insertion part is provided with a second annular groove, and the second mounting component also includes a sealing ring sleeved on the outer periphery of the insertion part, the sealing ring being engaged in the second annular groove.

52. The steam extraction device as described in claim 48, characterized in that, The rotating part includes a pivot rotatably mounted in the corresponding through hole and a flange disposed between the pivot and the insertion part. The outer diameter of the flange is larger than that of the insertion part and the pivot. The end face of the flange near the insertion part abuts against the body and is attached to the outer side of the corresponding opening. The end face of the flange near the pivot abuts against the inner side of the corresponding mounting wall.

53. The steam extraction device as described in claim 40, characterized in that, The main body is provided with a limiting part, and the bracket is provided with a limiting mating part. The limiting part and the limiting mating part cooperate to limit the rotational stroke of the main body relative to the bracket.

54. The steam extraction device according to any one of claims 53, characterized in that, The limiting part consists of two arc-shaped protrusions protruding from the main body. The two arc-shaped protrusions are respectively located on the two mounting sides and are located behind the second mounting member. The limiting mating part consists of arc-shaped grooves recessed on each mounting wall. Each arc-shaped protrusion is correspondingly embedded in the corresponding arc-shaped groove.

55. The steam extraction device as claimed in claim 53, characterized in that, The limiting part is a pair of protrusions protruding from the body, and at least a pair of grooves are provided on the two mounting walls. The protrusions cooperate with the corresponding grooves to limit the rotation angle of the body relative to the bracket.

56. The steam extraction device as claimed in claim 55, characterized in that, The protrusion can retract and abut against the inside of the mounting wall to allow the body to hover relative to the bracket at any angle.

57. A beverage preparation device, characterized in that, include: Organism; A steam generating device is installed in the machine body; and, The steam extraction device as described in any one of claims 37 to 56.

58. A steam guide component, characterized in that, include: A conduit assembly having a vertically extending outlet channel, an inlet at the upper end of the conduit assembly communicating with the outlet channel and the inlet being used to communicate with a steam supply device, and an outlet at the lower end of the conduit assembly communicating with the outlet channel; and, A temperature sensing assembly includes a temperature sensing rod that passes through the outlet channel and whose lower end extends to the lower end of the conduit assembly, and whose upper end is used to connect a wire harness.

59. The steam guide element as described in claim 58, characterized in that, The lower end of the temperature sensing rod extends downwards from the conduit assembly.

60. The steam guide element as described in claim 59, characterized in that, The upper side of the conduit assembly has a mounting hole, and the upper end of the temperature sensing rod extends out of the conduit assembly from the mounting hole.

61. The steam guide element as described in claim 60, characterized in that, The upper end of the conduit assembly is formed with an open mounting groove, and the mounting hole is formed on the bottom wall of the mounting groove. The temperature sensing assembly also includes a positioning member sleeved on the upper end of the temperature sensing rod. The positioning member is housed in the mounting groove and is assembled in the mounting groove in a manner that prevents relative rotation.

62. The steam guide element as described in claim 61, characterized in that, The temperature sensing component also includes a sealing ring, which is sleeved on the temperature detection rod and sandwiched between the positioning member and the bottom wall of the mounting groove.

63. The steam guide element as described in claim 61, characterized in that, The upper end of the conduit assembly is also formed with a screw hole, which is located on the radial side of the mounting groove. The temperature sensing assembly also includes a pressure member, one end of which presses against the upper side of the positioning member, and the other end of which is screwed to the conduit assembly through the screw hole.

64. The steam guide element as described in claim 63, characterized in that, The pressing member has a first through hole at one end that presses against the positioning member. The upper end of the temperature detection rod passes through the first through hole. The pressing member also has a notch that connects to the first through hole.

65. The steam guide element as described in claim 59, characterized in that, The inlet is located on the periphery of the outlet channel.

66. The steam guide element as described in any one of claims 58 to 65, characterized in that, The temperature detection rod includes a tube wall with a wire channel running through it in the vertical direction, a temperature sensing probe installed at the lower end of the tube wall, and a transmission line passing through the wire channel and connected to the temperature sensing probe. The upper end of the transmission line extends out of the wire channel and is provided with a connector for connecting a wire harness.

67. The steam guide element according to any one of claims 59 to 65, characterized in that, The conduit assembly includes a body, a sleeve, and a cap arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The inlet and the mounting hole are disposed on the body. The sleeve extends in the vertical direction. The cap is detachably installed at the lower end of the sleeve and has the outlet. The cap also has a second through hole. The temperature sensing rod passes through the sleeve, and its lower end extends downward from the second through hole to the lower side of the cap.

68. The steam guide element as described in claim 67, characterized in that, The outlet is opened downwards and away from the second through hole.

69. The steam guide element as described in claim 67, characterized in that, The steam guide also includes a bracket, which includes two mounting sidewalls arranged opposite each other in the transverse direction, and two fixing walls that bend and extend transversely from the rear edge of each of the mounting sidewalls. The two sides of the main body are connected and fixed to the two mounting sidewalls in a corresponding manner, and each of the fixing walls is provided with a mounting bolt for connecting to the body of the beverage preparation machine.

70. The steam guide element as described in claim 69, characterized in that, The bracket also includes a mounting base wall extending between the bottom edges of the two mounting side walls, the mounting base wall having a mounting channel through which the body or the sleeve passes.

71. A steam guide component, characterized in that, include: The catheter assembly extends axially and has an internally through-hole outlet channel; A temperature sensing rod is axially inserted into the outlet channel, and the temperature sensing rod abuts against the conduit assembly in the insertion direction, such that the temperature sensing rod is limited relative to the conduit assembly in the insertion direction; and, A pressure member is mounted on the conduit assembly and presses against the temperature sensing rod to restrict the temperature sensing rod from moving relative to the conduit assembly in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

72. The steam guide element as described in claim 71, characterized in that, The catheter assembly has a fixed end and a free end that can rotate around the fixed end, and the temperature sensing rod is inserted into the catheter assembly in an insertion direction from the fixed end toward the free end.

73. The steam guide element as described in claim 71, characterized in that, The conduit assembly has an installation groove, and the temperature detection rod has a radially protruding positioning element, which is at least partially housed within the installation groove.

74. The steam guide element as described in claim 73, characterized in that, An inlet for connecting to a steam supply device is formed on the conduit assembly, and the angle between the extension direction of the inlet and the outlet channel is greater than or equal to 30 degrees and less than or equal to 150 degrees.

75. The steam guide element as described in claim 74, characterized in that, The mounting slot is located above the inlet.

76. The steam guide element as described in claim 73, characterized in that, The pressure member covers the mounting groove and has a first through hole through which the temperature detection rod passes upward.

77. A beverage preparation machine, characterized in that, include: Organism; A steam supply device is provided in the machine body; and, The steam guide element as described in any one of claims 58 to 76.

78. A steam extraction assembly, characterized in that, include: The main body has a cavity formed therein, and has an inlet and an outlet that connect to the cavity. The inlet is used to connect to a steam generator. A cover is disposed below the main body, and an outlet hole is provided on the cover; An outer tube, connected between the body and the cover; and, An inner tube is fitted inside the outer tube. The upper end of the inner tube is connected to the cavity, and the lower end of the inner tube is connected to the outlet hole. There is a gap between the outer periphery of the inner tube and the outer tube.

79. The steam extraction assembly as claimed in claim 78, characterized in that, The steam output assembly further includes a first connector, the upper end of the outer tube is connected to the body through the first connector, the first connector has a first channel extending vertically, the upper end of the first connector is inserted into the outlet, the lower end of the first connector is inserted into the outer tube, and the upper end of the inner tube is inserted into the first channel.

80. The steam extraction assembly as claimed in claim 79, characterized in that, The inner tube is interference-fitted with the first connector.

81. The steam extraction assembly as claimed in claim 80, characterized in that, The inner peripheral wall of the first channel is formed with an annular first inner groove, and a first inner sealing ring is embedded in the first inner groove. The inner periphery of the first inner sealing ring protrudes from the inner peripheral wall of the first channel and presses against the outer periphery of the inner tube.

82. The steam extraction assembly as claimed in claim 79, characterized in that, The first connector is screwed to the body and / or the outer tube.

83. The steam extraction assembly as claimed in claim 82, characterized in that, The first connector has a first upper thread on its outer periphery, and the first connector is screwed to the body through the first upper thread. The first connector has an annular first outer groove formed on its outer periphery. The first outer groove is disposed between the first upper thread and the upper end of the first connector, and a first upper sealing ring is embedded in the first outer groove.

84. The steam extraction assembly as claimed in claim 83, characterized in that, The body has a downward stepped surface formed inside, and the upper ends of the first connector and the inner tube both abut against the stepped surface.

85. The steam extraction assembly as claimed in claim 84, characterized in that, The main body includes a first shell and a second shell arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The first shell has an inlet and a first through hole on its lower side. The second shell has a second through hole extending vertically, and the lower end of the second through hole forms the outlet. The upper end of the second shell is inserted into the first through hole. A limiting block protrudes from the outer periphery of the second shell, and the upper side of the limiting block abuts against the lower side of the first shell. The inner peripheral wall of the second through hole is formed with the stepped surface.

86. The steam extraction assembly as claimed in claim 85, characterized in that, The steam output assembly further includes a cover, which is installed on the lower side of the first housing and sleeved on the upper end of the outer tube and the outer side of the second housing. The lower side of the limiting block abuts against the cover.

87. The steam extraction assembly as claimed in claim 83, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the first connector is also provided with a first lower thread, and the first connector is screwed to the outer tube through the first lower thread. The outer periphery of the first connector is formed with an annular second outer groove, which is disposed between the first upper thread and the first lower thread. A first lower sealing ring is embedded in the second outer groove.

88. The steam extraction assembly as claimed in claim 78, characterized in that, The steam outlet assembly further includes a second connector, the lower end of the outer tube is connected to the cover through the second connector, the second connector has a second channel extending vertically, the upper end of the second connector is inserted into the outer tube, the lower end of the second connector is inserted into the cover, and the lower end of the inner tube is inserted into the second channel.

89. The steam extraction assembly as claimed in claim 88, characterized in that, The inner tube is interference-fitted with the second connector.

90. The steam extraction assembly as claimed in claim 89, characterized in that, The inner peripheral wall of the second channel is formed with an annular second inner groove, and a second inner sealing ring is embedded in the second inner groove. The inner periphery of the second inner sealing ring protrudes from the inner peripheral wall of the second channel and presses against the outer periphery of the inner tube.

91. The steam extraction assembly as claimed in claim 88, characterized in that, The second connector is screwed to the cover and / or the outer tube.

92. The steam extraction assembly as claimed in claim 91, characterized in that, The second connector has a second lower thread on its outer periphery, and the second connector is screwed to the cover body through the second lower thread. The second connector has an annular third outer groove formed on its outer periphery. The third outer groove is located between the second lower thread and the lower end of the second connector, and a second lower sealing ring is embedded in the third outer groove.

93. The steam extraction assembly as claimed in claim 92, characterized in that, The second connector is also provided with a second upper thread on its outer periphery. The second connector is screwed to the outer tube by the second upper thread. The outer periphery of the second connector is formed with an annular fourth outer groove. The fourth outer groove is disposed between the second upper thread and the second lower thread. A second upper sealing ring is embedded in the fourth outer groove.

94. A beverage machine, characterized in that, include: Organism; A steam generating device is installed in the machine body; and, The vapor extraction component as described in any one of claims 78 to 93.

95. A steam extraction assembly, characterized in that, include: Body, outer tube, and cover; The steam extraction assembly further includes a first connector, wherein one end of the outer tube is fixed to the body via the first connector; and / or, The steam exhaust assembly also includes a second connector, wherein the other end of the outer tube is fixed to the cover via the second connector.

96. The steam extraction assembly as claimed in claim 95, characterized in that, The steam outlet assembly also includes an inner tube, which passes through the outer tube and is spaced apart from the outer tube.

97. The steam extraction assembly as claimed in claim 96, characterized in that, One end of the inner tube is fixedly inserted into the first connector, and a first inner sealing ring is provided between the outer circumference of the inner tube and the inner circumference of the first connector; and / or, The other end of the inner tube is fixedly inserted into the second connector, and a second inner sealing ring is provided between the outer circumference of the inner tube and the inner circumference of the second connector.

98. A steam extraction structure, characterized in that, include: The outlet component has an outlet channel extending in the vertical direction, and the upper end of the outlet channel is used to connect to a steam supply device. A cover, detachably mounted on the lower end of the outlet member, having an outlet and a through hole; and, A temperature sensing component includes a temperature sensing element that passes through the outlet channel and has its lower end extending downward from the through hole into the cover. The temperature sensing element is fixedly connected to the outlet component in a non-rotatable manner.

99. The steam extraction structure as described in claim 98, characterized in that, The cover is screwed to the lower end of the guide piece.

100. The steam extraction structure as described in claim 99, characterized in that, The outlet is provided in multiple ways, and the multiple outlets are distributed at intervals on the outer periphery of the through hole. Each outlet is opened in a direction that faces downward and away from the through hole.

101. The steam extraction structure as described in claim 98, characterized in that, The upper end of the outlet component is formed with a mounting groove extending in the vertical direction. The upper end of the temperature sensing component extends upward from the mounting groove of the outlet component. The temperature sensing component also includes a positioning block sleeved on the upper end of the temperature sensing component. The positioning block is at least partially accommodated in the mounting groove and matches the shape of the mounting groove to restrict the relative movement of the temperature sensing component and the outlet component in the circumferential direction.

102. The steam extraction structure as described in claim 101, characterized in that, The mounting groove has a non-circular cross-section in the vertical direction.

103. The steam extraction structure as described in claim 101, characterized in that, The temperature sensing component further includes a pressure ring, which is sleeved on the upper end of the temperature sensing element and presses against the upper side of the positioning block. The pressure ring is detachably installed on the guide member so that the positioning block is pressed against the mounting groove.

104. The steam extraction structure as described in claim 103, characterized in that, The pressure ring has a notch on one side in the radial direction.

105. The steam extraction structure as described in claim 104, characterized in that, The temperature sensing component also includes a sealing ring, which is sleeved on the temperature detection element and sandwiched between the positioning block and the bottom wall of the mounting groove.

106. The steam extraction structure as described in claim 103, characterized in that, The upper side of the guide piece is integrally formed with an upwardly protruding boss, and the boss has recessed mounting grooves and screw holes distributed at intervals. The pressure ring is screwed to the screw holes by bolts.

107. The steam extraction structure as described in any one of claims 98 to 106, characterized in that, The outlet component includes an inner tube and an outer tube that are sequentially sleeved along the inner and outer rings. The temperature sensing element is partially inserted into the inner tube, and there are gaps between the temperature sensing element and the inner tube, as well as between the inner tube and the outer tube.

108. The steam extraction structure as described in claim 107, characterized in that, The export component also includes a body, a first connector, and a second connector. The upper end of the outer tube is connected to the body through the first connector, and the lower end of the outer tube is connected to the cover through the second connector. The upper end of the inner tube is inserted into the first connector, and the lower end of the inner tube is inserted into the second connector.

109. The steam extraction structure as described in claim 108, characterized in that, The body forms a first cavity above the inner tube, and the body has an inlet that connects to the first cavity. The inlet is located around the temperature sensing element and is used to connect to the steam supply device.

110. The steam extraction structure as described in claim 109, characterized in that, There is a gap between the lower end of the inner tube and the cover to form a second cavity located below the inner tube. The outlet communicates with the second cavity. The cross-sectional dimension of the first cavity and / or the second cavity in the vertical direction is larger than the inner dimension of the inner tube.

111. A steam extraction structure, characterized in that, include: The lead-out component extends axially. as well as, A temperature sensing element is inserted into the outlet member, with at least one end of the temperature sensing element extending axially to the outside of the outlet member. A limiting structure is provided between the outlet member and the temperature sensing element to restrict the relative rotation of the temperature sensing element relative to the outlet member in the circumferential direction and the relative movement of the temperature sensing element relative to the outlet member in the axial direction toward at least one end.

112. The steam extraction structure as described in claim 111, characterized in that, The limiting structure includes a positioning block protruding from the outer periphery of the temperature sensing element and a mounting groove disposed on the guide element. The outer contour of the positioning block matches the shape of the mounting groove and is accommodated in the mounting groove.

113. The steam extraction structure as described in claim 112, characterized in that, A temperature sensing probe is provided at one end of the temperature sensing element that extends outside the outlet element, and the positioning block and the temperature sensing probe are arranged opposite each other at both ends of the temperature sensing element along the axial direction.

114. The steam extraction structure as described in claim 113, characterized in that, The steam discharge structure also includes a cover installed on the discharge member, and the cover has a through hole for the temperature probe of the temperature sensing element to extend outward.

115. The steam extraction structure as described in claim 114, characterized in that, The connection and fixing positions of the cover and the outlet component, and the connection and fixing positions of the temperature sensor and the outlet component are respectively located at both ends of the outlet component in the axial direction.

116. The steam extraction structure as described in any one of claims 112 to 115, characterized in that, The outlet component has an inlet for connecting to a steam supply device, and a sealing ring is provided between the positioning block and the mounting groove, with the sealing ring located above the inlet.

117. A beverage making machine, characterized in that, include: Organism; A steam supply device is provided in the machine body; and, The steam extraction structure as described in any one of claims 98 to 116.

118. A steam rod, characterized in that, The device includes a rod, which has an air inlet, an air outlet, and a flow channel connecting the air inlet and the air outlet, so that external steam can enter through the air inlet, flow through the flow channel, and be discharged outward through the air outlet. The rod has a first central axis, and the rod forms a reference circumference with the first central axis as the center; The air outlet is located at the reference circumference and extends gradually tangentially towards its location in the air outlet direction.

119. The steam rod as claimed in claim 118, characterized in that, At least two air outlets are spaced apart circumferentially along the reference circumference. The tangential direction corresponding to each of the aforementioned air outlets extends clockwise toward the reference circumference; or, The tangential direction corresponding to each of the air outlets extends counterclockwise towards the reference circumference.

120. The steam rod as claimed in claim 119, characterized in that, The air outlets are arranged at equal intervals; and / or, All the described air outlets have the same diameter; and / or, The slopes of all the described air outlets are the same.

121. The steam rod as claimed in claim 118, characterized in that, At least two reference circumferential lines are sequentially provided in a direction away from the first central axis; At least two air vents are provided sequentially for each of the reference circumference lines.

122. The steam rod as claimed in claim 121, characterized in that, The air outlets located at different reference circumferences are arranged in the same radial direction; or... In each of the air outlets located at different reference circumferences, at least two of the air outlets are arranged in different radial directions.

123. The steam rod as claimed in claim 118, characterized in that, The rod includes a first end wall and a second end wall that are arranged opposite to each other on the first central axis, and a peripheral side wall connecting the first end wall and the second end wall; The air inlet is located on the first end wall and / or the peripheral side wall; The reference circumference is formed at the second end wall of the rod.

124. The steam rod as claimed in claim 123, characterized in that, The second end wall at least forms a conical or convex arc surface on the wall surface that outlines the reference circumference.

125. The steam rod as claimed in claim 118, characterized in that, The rod includes a first end wall and a second end wall that are arranged opposite to each other on the first central axis, and a peripheral side wall connecting the first end wall and the second end wall; The air inlet is located on the first end wall and / or the peripheral side wall; The rod forms the reference circumference line on the peripheral side wall near the second end wall.

126. The steam rod according to any one of claims 118 to 125, characterized in that, The steam rod also includes a temperature detection device, which includes a main body section passing through the flow channel and a detection section extending outward from the flow channel, the detection section being disposed adjacent to the air outlet.

127. The steam rod as claimed in claim 126, characterized in that, The temperature sensing device has a second central axis; The second central axis is collinear with the first central axis; or, The second central axis is adjacent to and parallel to the first central axis.

128. The steam rod as claimed in claim 126, characterized in that, The rod includes a first end wall and a second end wall arranged opposite to each other on the first central axis, and a peripheral side wall connecting the first end wall and the second end wall, and the air inlet is opened at the first end wall and / or the peripheral side wall. The second end wall includes a bottom wall and a connecting wall. The bottom wall extends in a direction perpendicular to the first central axis and has a mounting hole. The connecting wall connects the bottom wall and the peripheral side wall, and the connecting wall is conical or convex. The rod forms the reference circumference at the connecting wall, and the detection segment extends outward from the mounting hole.

129. A beverage preparation machine, characterized in that, include: The body; and, The steam rod as claimed in any one of claims 118 to 128, wherein the steam rod is externally disposed in the body.

130. A steam circulation device, characterized in that, The steam flow device is provided with two air holes and a gas delivery channel connecting the two air holes, so that steam enters from one of the air holes, flows through the gas delivery channel, and is discharged out through the other air hole. The gas delivery channel includes a main channel section and a transition channel section connecting the main channel section and at least one of the gas holes, wherein the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the transition channel section is larger than the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the main channel section.

131. The steam circulation device as described in claim 130, characterized in that, The two vents are respectively an air inlet and an air outlet; The transition channel section includes an intake transition channel section that connects the intake port and the main channel section.

132. The steam circulation device as described in claim 131, characterized in that, The steam flow device includes: The rod body has a through hole extending along its axial direction, and the through hole defines the main channel section. The base includes the air inlet and a first mounting hole, and a first chamber connecting the air inlet and the first mounting hole. A section of the rod is fixedly installed in the first mounting hole, and the first chamber constitutes the air intake transition channel section. The first sealing connector is sealed between the rod body and the first mounting hole.

133. The steam circulation device as described in claim 130, characterized in that, The two vents are respectively an air inlet and an air outlet; The transition channel section includes an exhaust transition channel section that connects the exhaust port and the main channel section.

134. The steam circulation device as described in claim 133, characterized in that, The steam flow device includes: The rod body has a through hole extending along its axial direction, and the through hole defines the main channel section. The base includes the air outlet and a third mounting hole, as well as a second chamber connecting the air outlet and the third mounting hole. A section of the rod is fixedly installed in the third mounting hole, and the second chamber constitutes the air outlet transition channel section. The second sealing connector is sealed between the rod body and the third mounting hole.

135. The steam circulation device as described in claim 130, characterized in that, The radial cross-sectional area of ​​the main channel section is set in the same manner along its axial direction.

136. The steam circulation device as described in claim 130, characterized in that, The two vents are respectively an air inlet and an air outlet; The steam circulation device further includes a temperature detection device, which includes a main body section passing through the gas transmission channel, and a detection section and a connecting section extending outward from the gas transmission channel, respectively. The detection section is located near the gas outlet, and the connecting section is located near the gas inlet.

137. The steam circulation device as described in claim 136, characterized in that, The steam flow device includes: The rod body has a through hole extending along its axial direction; The base includes a first chamber and an air inlet, a first mounting hole, and a second mounting hole communicating with the first chamber. A section of the rod is fixedly installed in the first mounting hole, and the first chamber forms a transition channel section. The base has a second chamber and an air outlet, a third mounting hole and a fourth mounting hole that connect the second chamber. One section of the rod is fixedly installed in the third mounting hole. The second chamber forms another transition channel section. The second mounting hole and the fourth mounting hole are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the rod. The temperature detection device passes through the second mounting hole sequentially into the first chamber, the through hole, and the second chamber, and then extends outward through the fourth mounting hole. The section of the temperature detection device extending out of the second mounting hole constitutes the connecting section, and the section extending out of the fourth mounting hole constitutes the detection section. The outer wall of the main body section is spaced apart from the wall of the through hole to define the main channel section at the interval.

138. The steam circulation device as claimed in claim 136, characterized in that, At least two air vents are arranged at intervals around the outer periphery of the detection section.

139. A beverage machine, characterized in that, include: The body; and, The steam circulation device as claimed in any one of claims 130 to 138, wherein the steam circulation device is externally disposed in the body.

140. A steam rod assembly, characterized in that, include: Outer tube body; An inner tube, running in the same direction through the outer tube, includes an inlet end and an outlet end arranged opposite each other along its length. The inlet end is used to receive external steam, and the outlet end is used to discharge steam outwards. A temperature sensor includes a connecting section, an extension section, and a measuring section connected sequentially along the steam flow direction of the inner tube. The extension section passes through at least the outer tube. The connecting section and the measuring section are exposed outward from two openings of the outer tube. The connecting section is used to connect to an external electrical control device, and the measuring section is used to measure the temperature of the liquid in the outer container when the steam rod assembly extends into the outer container. The inner peripheral sidewall of the outer tube and the outer peripheral sidewall of the inner tube are spaced apart.

141. The steam rod assembly as claimed in claim 140, characterized in that, The outer tube and the inner tube are coaxially arranged.

142. The steam rod assembly as claimed in claim 140, characterized in that, The extension section is located on the radial side of the inner tube and is disposed adjacent to the inner tube.

143. The steam rod assembly as described in claim 140, characterized in that, The extension section is inserted into the inner tube.

144. The steam rod assembly as claimed in claim 143, characterized in that, The extension section is coaxially arranged with the inner tube.

145. The steam rod assembly as described in claim 143, characterized in that, The distance between the inner circumferential sidewall of the outer tube and the outer circumferential sidewall of the inner tube is R, and the distance between the inner circumferential sidewall of the inner tube and the outer circumferential sidewall of the extension section is r. Then R is not less than r.

146. The steam rod assembly as claimed in claim 140, characterized in that, The connecting section extends axially outward from the corresponding opening of the outer tube and / or the inner tube; and / or The measuring segment extends axially outward from the corresponding opening of the outer tube and / or the inner tube.

147. The steam rod assembly as claimed in claim 140, characterized in that, The outer tube is entirely made of heat-insulating material; or... The outer tube is provided with a heat insulation material layer, and the heat insulation material layer surrounds the entire outer periphery of the inner tube.

148. The steam rod assembly as claimed in claim 140, characterized in that, The steam rod assembly also includes a connector, which is provided corresponding to the inlet end and seals the outer tube and the inner tube. The connector is provided with an air inlet channel, which is connected to the inlet end. The radial cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet channel is not less than the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet end. The connecting section extends outward from the air inlet channel.

149. The steam rod assembly as claimed in claim 140, characterized in that, The steam rod assembly also includes a cover, which is provided corresponding to the outlet end and seals the outer tube and the inner tube. The cover is provided with an exhaust channel and an installation channel, which are radially spaced apart. The exhaust channel is connected to the outlet end, and the measuring section extends outward from the installation channel.

150. The steam rod assembly as claimed in claim 149, characterized in that, At least two air outlet channels are arranged at intervals around the outer periphery of the installation channel.

151. A beverage preparation machine, characterized in that, include: The body; and, The steam rod assembly as claimed in any one of claims 140 to 150, wherein the steam rod assembly is externally disposed in the body.

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