Steam generating system for professional coffee machines

Abstract

This invention relates to a steam generation system (1) for a professional coffee machine, comprising: a dispensing nozzle (2); and a water boiler (4) for generating steam, which is in flow communication with at least one water supply source (100) and the nozzle. The water boiler is equipped with at least one independent heating device for initial steam generation. The system also includes at least one heating assembly (5) for instantaneous steam generation, which is in flow communication with the water boiler and / or the nozzle. The heating assembly includes: an electric heating element (5a); a heat exchanger associated with the electric heating element; and a water passage circuit associated with the heat exchanger having an inlet that can be connected to the water supply source or to a pipe from the water supply source, and an outlet that is connected to the generated steam of the water boiler and / or the nozzle. The system also includes a programmable electronic unit (7) operatively connected to the water boiler and the heating assembly to ensure steam supply to the nozzle. The unit is configured to operate the heating device of the water boiler and subsequently operate the electric heating element of the heating assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a steam generation system for professional coffee machines. Background Technology

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of industrial technology for machines for dispensing coffee, and particularly to specialized machines for dispensing coffee.

[0003] As is well known, the technology of specialized machines for dispensing coffee is increasingly aligned with the general need to reduce energy consumption and improve the overall performance of the machines produced and sold.

[0004] With this in mind, various solutions have been implemented to improve the insulation performance of specialized machines and minimize heat loss to the outside, as well as optimize the size and power of internal components of specialized machines.

[0005] However, it should be noted that today's professional coffee dispensers have rather large and energy-intensive steam generation and dispensing systems.

[0006] Specifically, in order to ensure instantaneous steam generation to meet the immediate instructions given by the operators and / or users involved, current professional coffee machines are equipped with large water heaters that consume a considerable amount of energy. For example, the water heater for a machine with two components is about 14 liters, and the water heater for a machine with three components is about 21 liters.

[0007] In addition to significantly impacting the overall energy consumption of the corresponding professional coffee machine, large water boilers also have a significant impact on the overall size of the machine and the space and internal layout of related components. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The main objective of this invention is to solve the problems encountered in the prior art.

[0009] One object of the present invention is to reduce the energy consumption of professional coffee machines that have large water boilers that generate instantaneous steam by ensuring and improving the performance of these machines in relation to the generation of instantaneous steam.

[0010] Another objective of this invention is to reduce the overall size of a professional coffee machine while ensuring more internal space and better arrangement among various components.

[0011] The above and other objectives are essentially achieved by the steam generation system for professional coffee machines described and required below.

[0012] The description of preferred, not exclusive, embodiments of the steam generation system for a professional coffee machine according to the present invention is now disclosed by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0013] This will refer to the only one Figure 1 The description is for illustrative purposes only and is not restrictive. The figure shows a steam generation system for a professional coffee machine according to the present invention.

[0014] refer to Figure 1 The number 1 generally indicates the steam generation system used in professional coffee machines. Detailed Implementation

[0015] from Figure 1 As can be seen from the schematic diagram, the steam distribution system 1 includes at least one distribution nozzle 2, which is designed to discharge steam under manual or electrical / electronic control.

[0016] The distribution nozzle 2 is equipped with a discharge nozzle 2a, which is movably connected to a connecting fitting 2b, which in turn is connected to the steam supply circuit 3, such as... Figure 1 As shown schematically.

[0017] Still referencing Figure 1 The steam distribution system 1 includes at least one water heater 4 for generating steam, which is in flow communication with at least one water supply source 100 (e.g., public water supply or any other water supply source) and distribution nozzle 2.

[0018] In detail, the water heater 4 for generating steam is connected to the steam supply circuit 3 between the water supply source 100 and the steam distribution nozzle 2.

[0019] The water heater 4 for generating steam is provided with at least one independent heating device 4a, preferably an electric heating device, such as an electric heating element, the task of which is to at least ensure the initial generation of steam.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown in the illustration, the steam-distributing water heater 4 also includes at least one water level detector 4b and at least one pressure detector 4c for monitoring the water level and pressure inside the water heater 4, respectively.

[0021] Advantageously, the total volume of the water heater 4 used to generate steam does not exceed 1 liter, preferably not more than 0.8 liters.

[0022] Preferably, the water heater 4 used to generate steam has a maximum power of no more than 1000 watts.

[0023] Still referencing Figure 1 The schematic diagram shows that the steam generation system 1 includes at least one heating component 5 for instantaneous steam generation, which is in flow communication with the water heater 4.

[0024] Specifically, the heating component 5 for instantaneous steam generation is connected to the steam supply circuit 3 located between the water boiler 4 for steam generation and the water supply source 100.

[0025] At least one supply pump 6 (preferably a gear pump) is operably positioned between the water supply source 100 and the heating assembly 5 to guide water from the water supply source 100 to the heating assembly.

[0026] The speed of the gear pump can be changed to alter the water and steam flow rates in the steam distribution system 1.

[0027] Advantageously, the heating assembly 5 includes at least one electric heating element 5a, at least one heat exchanger associated with the electric heating element 5a (not shown in the figures), and at least one water supply circuit associated with the heat exchanger (also not shown in the figures) for generating instantaneous steam.

[0028] The water supply circuit of the heating assembly 5 for instantaneous steam generation has an inlet (not shown in the figures) and an outlet (also not shown) for the instantaneous steam generated. The inlet can be connected to a water supply source 100 or a conduit from the water supply source. The outlet can be connected to a water boiler 4 for steam generation via at least one branch of the steam supply circuit 3.

[0029] At least one check valve ( Figure 1 (Not shown) can be operably arranged between the heating element 5 for instantaneous steam generation and the water boiler 4 for steam generation, which prevents pressurized steam from returning to the heating element 5.

[0030] The steam generation system 1 also includes at least one programmable electronic unit 7, which is operatively connected to the water heater 4 for generating steam and the heating component 5 for instantaneous steam generation, thereby ensuring the supply of steam to the distribution nozzle 2.

[0031] The programmable electronic unit 7 is configured to operate the heating device 4a of the water boiler 4 to generate steam, and then operate the electric heating element 5a of the heating assembly 5 to generate steam instantaneously, thus distinguishing the generation of steam. Therefore, the generation of steam is first performed by the water boiler 4 and then by the heating assembly 5 after a predetermined time period.

[0032] The water boiler 4, used to generate steam, acts as a container for the first few seconds of steam distribution.

[0033] Steam from the water heater 4 for generating steam and the heating assembly 5 for instantaneous steam generation flows outward through the solenoid valve 8 located upstream of the corresponding distribution nozzle 2.

[0034] According to not in Figure 1In the preferred embodiment shown in the figure, the water heater 4 for generating steam and the heating assembly 5 for instantaneous steam generation are arranged in parallel and connected by at least one three-way connector 9 (preferably a "T" or "Y" shaped fitting), or by at least one three-way mixing valve that adjusts the flow rate in the two inlet channels according to different pressures or flow rates.

[0035] According to this embodiment, the water boiler 4 for generating steam and the heating component 5 for instantaneous steam generation can be independently supplied by the same water supply source 100 or different water supply sources 100.

[0036] The water heater 4, which generates steam, and the heating assembly 5, which generates steam instantaneously, both deliver the generated steam to the solenoid valve 8 associated with the dispensing nozzle 2 via the connector 9 or a three-way mixing valve.

[0037] Three-way mixing valves can be passive, such as shape memory valves, or active, such as proportional solenoid valves or electric solenoid valves.

[0038] The programmable electronic unit 7 is also configured to deactivate the heating device 4a of the water boiler 4 for generating steam when the heating assembly 5 for instantaneous steam generation begins to generate steam or when the solenoid valve 8 associated with the dispensing nozzle 2 is activated.

[0039] The programmable electronic unit 7 is also configured to keep the heating device 4a of the water heater 4 for generating steam and the electric heating element 5a of the heating assembly 5 for instantaneous steam generation operating simultaneously to improve steam generation.

[0040] This steam generation system solves the problems encountered in existing technologies and achieves significant advantages.

[0041] First, the interaction between the water heater for generating steam and the heating element for instantaneous steam generation ensures instantaneous steam generation in response to any steam distribution request while reducing the overall energy consumption of the system and thus the energy consumption of the associated professional coffee machine.

[0042] Furthermore, this system design allows for a significant reduction in the size of the water boiler used to generate steam, thereby reducing the overall size of the professional coffee machine.

[0043] It should also be noted that the reduction in the overall size of the water boiler used to generate steam allows for improved internal space in the coffee machine, making it easier for manufacturers to arrange components inside the machine.

Claims

1. A steam generation system (1) for a professional coffee machine, characterized in that, The steam generation system includes: Distribute nozzle (2); A water boiler (4) for generating steam, the water boiler being in flow communication with at least one water supply source (100) and a dispensing nozzle (2), the water supply source being not part of the steam generating system (1), the water boiler (4) for generating steam being provided with at least one autonomous heating device (4a) for initial steam generation. A heating assembly (5) for instantaneous steam generation, the heating assembly being in flow communication with a steam-generating water heater (4) and / or a dispensing nozzle (2), the heating assembly (5) comprising at least one electric heating element (5a), at least one heat exchanger associated with the electric heating element (5a), and at least one water channel circuit associated with the heat exchanger for generating steam, the water channel circuit having an inlet capable of being connected to a water supply source (100) or to a pipe from the water supply source, and an outlet for the generated steam, the outlet being connected to the steam-generating water heater (4) and / or the dispensing nozzle (2); A programmable electronic unit (7), operably connected to a water heater (4) for generating steam and to a heating assembly (5) to ensure the supply of steam to the dispensing nozzle (2), is configured to operate the heating element (4a) of the water heater (4) to generate steam, and then operate the electric heating element (5a) of the heating assembly (5). The steam generated by the water boiler (4) and the steam generated by the heating assembly (5) are both configured to be distributed through the distribution nozzle (2).

2. The steam generation system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water heater (4) used to generate steam has a maximum power of no more than 1000 watts.

3. The steam generation system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The total volume of the water boiler (4) does not exceed 1 liter.

4. The steam generation system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The programmable electronic unit (7) is configured to deactivate the heating device (4a) of the water boiler (4) for generating steam when the heating assembly (5) generates steam.

5. The steam generation system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The programmable electronic unit (7) is configured to keep the heating device (4a) of the water heater (4) for generating steam and the electric heating element (5a) of the heating assembly (5) working simultaneously.

6. The steam generation system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The water heater (4) and heating assembly (5) for generating steam are arranged in parallel and connected by at least one three-way connector (9) or at least one three-way mixing valve.

7. The steam generation system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The three-way mixing valve includes a passive mixing valve or an active mixing valve.

8. The steam generation system (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The total volume of the water boiler (4) does not exceed 0.8 liters.

9. The steam generation system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The tee connector (9) is a "T" shaped or "Y" shaped connector.

10. The steam generation system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The passive mixing valve is a shape memory valve.

11. The steam generation system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The active mixing valve is a proportional solenoid valve or an electric solenoid valve.

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