Automatic boiler drainage cleaning system and automatic cleaning method thereof

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of coffee machines, in particular to a boiler automatic water drainage and cleaning system and an automatic cleaning method thereof, which comprises a water storage container, a water pump, a heating container, a three-way electromagnetic valve, a coffee preparation component, an electromagnetic valve and a wastewater container; wherein the water storage container, the water pump and the heating container are sequentially communicated; the heating container is communicated with the coffee preparation component and the wastewater container via the three-way electromagnetic valve; and a pipeline connected between the heating container and the water pump is communicated with the wastewater container through a pipe fitting and the electromagnetic valve. The boiler automatic water drainage and cleaning system provided by the application can realize self-cleaning and water drainage of the heating container, for example, a boiler, is simple and convenient to operate, does not need to be manually disassembled and cleaned, thereby does not need to be handled by professionals, is more friendly and convenient to users, saves time and effort, and reduces the maintenance cost in the later period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of coffee machine technology, and in particular to an automatic boiler drainage and cleaning system and its automatic cleaning method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, coffee machines frequently heat water to extract coffee, making it difficult to avoid scale buildup in pipes and boilers. Once the scale accumulates over time, it can affect the normal operation of the coffee machine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide an automatic boiler drainage and cleaning system and its automatic cleaning method, which to a certain extent solves the technical problem in the prior art that scale easily forms in the pipes and boiler of coffee machines, and that scale accumulation will affect the normal use of coffee machines after a certain period of time.

[0004] This application provides an automatic boiler drainage and cleaning system, including: a water storage container, a water pump, a heating container, a three-way solenoid valve, a coffee preparation component, a solenoid valve, and a wastewater container;

[0005] The water storage container, the water pump, and the heating container are connected in sequence; the heating container is connected to the coffee preparation component and the wastewater container via the three-way solenoid valve.

[0006] The pipeline connecting the heating container and the water pump is connected to the wastewater container via fittings and the solenoid valve.

[0007] In the above technical solution, the heating container is further provided with a water inlet at the top along its height direction, and the solenoid valve is lower than the water inlet along the height direction of the heating container.

[0008] In any of the above technical solutions, a water inlet connector is further provided at the water inlet, the water inlet connector forming a water inlet pipe extending to the bottom of the heating container, and the water inlet pipe is offset from the centerline of the heating container along its height direction, so that the water outlet of the water inlet pipe is offset from the centerline.

[0009] In any of the above technical solutions, a virtual connection is formed between the outlet of the water inlet pipe and the midpoint of the virtual horizontal plane in the heating container that is flush with it, and the orientation of the virtual connection and the outlet of the water inlet pipe is at an acute angle or a right angle.

[0010] In any of the above technical solutions, the water inlet pipe is bent near the bottom of the heating container, and the outlet of the water inlet pipe is parallel to or at an acute angle to the bottom of the heating container.

[0011] In any of the above technical solutions, the water inlet pipe is further L-shaped near the bottom of the heating container.

[0012] In any of the above technical solutions, the heating container further includes a container body and a heating tube, wherein the heating tube is disposed within the container body.

[0013] In any of the above technical solutions, the wastewater container is further disposed below the heating container.

[0014] In any of the above technical solutions, the water storage container is further disposed below the heating container.

[0015] In any of the above technical solutions, a water outlet is further formed at the top of the heating container along its height direction.

[0016] In any of the above technical solutions, the coffee preparation component is further described as an extraction head or a steam nozzle.

[0017] This application also provides an automatic cleaning method for an automatic boiler drainage and cleaning system, including the automatic boiler drainage and cleaning system described in any of the above technical solutions. Therefore, it has all the beneficial technical effects of the automatic boiler drainage and cleaning system, which will not be repeated here.

[0018] In the above technical solution, the automatic cleaning method of the boiler automatic drainage and cleaning system further includes the following steps:

[0019] Step 1: Automatically empty the boiler:

[0020] Step 1-1: Use the three-way solenoid valve to close the water passages formed between the heating container, the coffee preparation component, and the wastewater container, and open the water passage between the coffee preparation component and the wastewater container, thereby draining the residual water in this water passage;

[0021] Step 1-2: Start the water pump to pump water from the water storage container into the heating container for pressurization, then turn off the water pump and open the solenoid valve. The pressure inside the heating container will cause the water in the heating container to flow out and enter the wastewater container through the solenoid valve.

[0022] Steps 1-3: With the pipeline connecting the solenoid valve and the heating container filled with water, use the three-way solenoid valve to open the water passage between the heating container and the coffee preparation component and / or the wastewater container, so that the heating container is connected to the outside atmosphere, and finally drain all the water in the heating container.

[0023] Step 2: Automatic rinsing or pressure soaking;

[0024] The automatic rinsing step is as follows: with the water in the heating container drained, the solenoid valve is closed, the water pump is started, and water is pumped from the water storage container into the heating container to rinse the inside of the heating container.

[0025] The pressure soaking step is as follows: with the water in the heating container drained, the solenoid valve is closed, and the water passage between the heating container, the coffee preparation component, and the wastewater container is closed using the three-way solenoid valve. Then, the descaling agent is placed in the water storage container, and the water pump is started to pump the water mixed with the descaling agent from the water storage container into the heating container.

[0026] Step 1 and step 2 can be repeated.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0028] The automatic boiler drainage and cleaning system provided in this application can realize the self-cleaning and drainage of heating containers such as boilers. It is simple and convenient to operate, does not require manual disassembly and cleaning, and does not require professional assistance. It is user-friendly and convenient, saves time and effort, and reduces the later maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic boiler drainage and cleaning system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the heating container provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 3 Another cross-sectional view of the heating container provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure label:

[0034] 1-Water storage container, 2-Water pump, 3-Heating container, 31-Container body, 32-Heating tube, 33-Water inlet connector, 34-Water inlet pipe, 35-Water outlet connector, 4-Three-way solenoid valve, 5-Coffee preparation component, 6-Solenoid valve, 7-Wastewater container. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of this application, but not all embodiments.

[0036] The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application.

[0037] Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0038] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0039] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0040] The following reference Figures 1 to 3 This application describes an automatic boiler drainage and cleaning system and its automatic cleaning method according to some embodiments.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] See Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of this application provides an automatic boiler drainage and cleaning system, including: a water storage container 1, a water pump 2, a heating container 3, a three-way solenoid valve 4, a coffee preparation component 5, a solenoid valve 6, and a wastewater container 7.

[0043] Among them, the water storage container 1, the water pump 2 and the heating container 3 are connected in sequence; the heating container 3 is connected to the coffee preparation component 5 and the wastewater container 7 respectively via the three-way solenoid valve 4.

[0044] The pipeline connecting the heating container 3 and the water pump 2 is connected to the wastewater container 7 via fittings and a solenoid valve 6. It should be noted that the connections between the above components are all formed by pipes to create a water circuit, which is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0045] Note: In this embodiment, the coffee preparation component 5 is an extraction head, which can be used for coffee extraction. Of course, it is not limited to this. The coffee preparation component 5 can also be a steam nozzle, which can be used for milk frothing. These are all accessories of existing coffee machines, and will not be described in detail here.

[0046] Based on the structure described above, the working process of the automatic boiler drainage and cleaning system provided in this application is as follows:

[0047] During normal extraction / steam production, water pump 2 starts, solenoid valve 6 closes, and three-way solenoid valve 4 opens the water passage between heating container 3 and coffee preparation component 5. Water is pumped from water storage container 1 into heating container 3, and the hot water or steam at the top of the original heating container 3 is discharged and reaches coffee preparation component 5 through three-way solenoid valve 4, thereby performing extraction or milk frothing (note: hot water is output during extraction, and steam is output during milk frothing).

[0048] When performing self-cleaning, the specific steps include the following:

[0049] Step 1: Automatically empty the boiler:

[0050] Step 1-1: Use the three-way solenoid valve 4 to close the water passages formed between the heating container 3, the coffee preparation component 5, and the wastewater container 7, and open the water passage between the coffee preparation component 5 and the wastewater container 7, thereby draining the residual water in this water passage.

[0051] Step 1-2: Start water pump 2 to pump water from water storage container 1 into heating container 3 for pressurization, then turn off water pump 2 and open solenoid valve 6. The pressure inside heating container 3 will cause the water inside heating container 3 to flow out and enter wastewater container 7 through solenoid valve 6.

[0052] Steps 1-3: With the pipeline connecting the solenoid valve 6 and the heating container 3 filled with water, use the three-way solenoid valve 4 to open the water passage between the heating container 3 and the coffee preparation component 5 and / or the wastewater container 7 (Note: Both the coffee preparation component 5 and the wastewater container 7 are connected to the outside atmosphere, so you can choose to open the water passage between the heating container 3 and one of them or both of them to make the heating container 3 connected to the outside atmosphere), so that the heating container 3 is connected to the outside atmosphere, and finally drain all the water in the heating container 3.

[0053] Step 2: Automatic rinsing or pressure soaking;

[0054] The automatic rinsing step is as follows: with the water in the heating container 3 drained, the solenoid valve 6 is closed, the water pump 2 is started, and water is pumped from the water storage container 1 into the heating container 3 to rinse the inside of the heating container 3.

[0055] The pressure soaking step is as follows: with the water in the heating container 3 drained, the solenoid valve 6 is closed, and the water passage between the heating container 3, the coffee preparation component 5, and the wastewater container 7 is closed using the three-way solenoid valve 4. Then, the descaling agent is placed in the water storage container 1, and the water pump 2 is started to pump the water mixed with the descaling agent from the water storage container 1 into the heating container 3.

[0056] Steps 1 and 2 can be repeated, meaning that this system can implement multiple working modes, for example:

[0057] Cleaning mode: Drain - Pressure soaking - Drain - Rinse - Drain - Refill;

[0058] Daily mode: Drain - Rinse - Drain - Refill;

[0059] Deep cleaning: drain - pressure soaking - drain - rinse - drain - rinse - drain - refill with water.

[0060] It should be noted that: to refill the water supply, start water pump 2 to inject clean water into the boiler, and then turn on the corresponding extraction or milk frothing water circuit. This process is quite routine and will not be described in detail here.

[0061] As can be seen, the automatic boiler drainage and cleaning system provided in this application can realize the self-cleaning and drainage of heating containers 3, such as boilers. It is simple and convenient to operate, does not require manual disassembly and cleaning, and does not require professional assistance. It is user-friendly and convenient, saves time and effort, and reduces the later maintenance costs.

[0062] In the embodiments, preferably, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the heating container 3 has a water inlet at its top along its height direction, and the solenoid valve 6 is lower than the water inlet along the height direction of the heating container 3.

[0063] As can be seen from the structure described above, the solenoid valve 6 is lower than the water inlet, creating a height difference, which helps to quickly drain the water from the heating container 3.

[0064] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figure 2 As shown, a water inlet connector 33 is installed at the water inlet. The water inlet connector 33 forms a water inlet pipe 34 extending to the bottom of the heating container 3. The water inlet pipe 34 is offset from the centerline of the heating container 3 along its height direction, so that the water outlet of the water inlet pipe 34 is offset from the centerline.

[0065] Further, preferably, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the heating container 3 includes a container body 31 and a heating tube 32. The heating tube 32 is disposed inside the container body 31 and is arranged in a spiral shape from bottom to top along the height direction of the container body 31. The outlet of the water inlet pipe 34 is disposed within the annular space enclosed by the heating tube 32. Of course, it is not limited to this. The outlet of the water inlet pipe 34 can also be disposed outside the annular space enclosed by the heating tube 32, depending on the actual needs.

[0066] Furthermore, preferably, the heating container 3 is a boiler; of course, it can be other heating devices with the above-described structure, not limited to boilers.

[0067] As can be seen from the structure described above, the outlet of the water inlet pipe 34 is offset from the center of the heating container 3, such as the boiler, and is set close to the inner wall of the heating container 3. When water enters the boiler, it will form a water vortex from the bottom. The water vortex can more effectively rub the inner wall of the boiler and the surface of the heating components, such as the heating tube, to achieve the purpose of removing scale.

[0068] Of course, the structure of the heating tube is not limited to the above. It can also be designed according to actual needs. For example, there can be multiple heating tubes, each of which is set on the inner wall of the container body 31 or inside the container body 31. The heating tubes can be set along the height of the inner wall of the container body 31, or they can be set at an angle, or they can be set in a ring shape, etc.

[0069] Further, preferably, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, a line is formed between the outlet of the water inlet pipe 34 and the midpoint of the virtual horizontal plane in the heating container 3 that is flush with it (and note that this virtual horizontal plane is perpendicular to the height direction of the heating container 3), and the orientation of this virtual line and the outlet of the water inlet pipe 34 is at an acute angle or a right angle. In other words, the outlet is prevented from facing the center of the heating container 3, which would prevent the generation of vortices.

[0070] Further, preferably, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the water inlet pipe 34 is bent near the bottom of the heating container 3, and the direction of the water outlet of the water inlet pipe 34, i.e., the water outlet direction, is parallel to the bottom of the heating container 3. It can be seen that changing the original vertically downward water outlet direction to an outlet direction parallel to the bottom of the heating container 3 allows the water sprayed from the outlet to quickly form a water vortex. Of course, this is not limited to this; the following structure can also be used: the water inlet pipe 34 is bent near the bottom of the heating container 3, and the direction of the water outlet of the water inlet pipe 34 is set at an acute angle to the bottom of the heating container 3. That is, the water outlet of the water inlet pipe 34 is either upturned or tilted downwards.

[0071] Further, preferably, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the water inlet pipe 34 is L-shaped near the bottom of the heating container 3, which has a simple structure and is easy to process and manufacture.

[0072] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the wastewater container 7 is located below the heating container 3.

[0073] As can be seen from the structure described above, by placing the wastewater container 7 below the heating container 3 according to the principle of gravity, it helps to drain water quickly and improve work efficiency.

[0074] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the water storage container 1 is located below the heating container 3, mainly for the sake of layout rationality. Of course, it is not limited to this. The water storage container 1 can be located on the side or even above the wastewater container 7, because it has a water pump 2, which can provide transportation power.

[0075] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a water outlet is formed at the top of the heating container 3 along its height direction.

[0076] As can be seen from the structure described above, the water inlet and outlet of the heating container 3 are both located at the top of the heating container 3, ensuring that there is enough space inside the entire heating container 3 to store water, and facilitating later maintenance.

[0077] Furthermore, preferably, the water outlet is provided with a water outlet connector 35.

[0078] Example 2

[0079] Embodiment 2 of this application also provides an automatic cleaning method for an automatic boiler drainage and cleaning system, which is applied to the automatic boiler drainage and cleaning system described in Embodiment 1 above. Therefore, it has all the beneficial technical effects of the automatic boiler drainage and cleaning system, and the same technical features and beneficial effects will not be repeated here.

[0080] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the automatic cleaning method of the boiler automatic drainage and cleaning system includes the following steps:

[0081] Step 1: Automatically empty the boiler:

[0082] Step 1-1: Use the three-way solenoid valve 4 to close the water passages formed between the heating container 3, the coffee preparation component 5, and the wastewater container 7, and open the water passage between the coffee preparation component 5 and the wastewater container 7, thereby draining the residual water in this water passage.

[0083] Step 1-2: Start water pump 2 to pump water from water storage container 1 into heating container 3 for pressurization, then turn off water pump 2 and open solenoid valve 6. The pressure inside heating container 3 will cause the water inside heating container 3 to flow out and enter wastewater container 7 through solenoid valve 6.

[0084] Steps 1-3: With the pipeline connecting the solenoid valve 6 and the heating container 3 filled with water, use the three-way solenoid valve 4 to open the water passage between the heating container 3 and the coffee preparation component 5 and / or the wastewater container 7, so that the heating container 3 is connected to the outside atmosphere, and finally all the water in the heating container 3 is drained.

[0085] Step 2: Automatic rinsing or pressure soaking;

[0086] The automatic rinsing step is as follows: with the water in the heating container 3 drained, the solenoid valve 6 is closed, the water pump 2 is started, and water is pumped from the water storage container 1 into the heating container 3 to rinse the inside of the heating container 3.

[0087] The pressure soaking step is as follows: with the water in the heating container 3 drained, the solenoid valve 6 is closed, and the water passage between the heating container 3, the coffee preparation component 5, and the wastewater container 7 is closed using the three-way solenoid valve 4. Then, the descaling agent is placed in the water storage container 1, and the water pump 2 is started to pump the water mixed with the descaling agent from the water storage container 1 into the heating container 3.

[0088] Steps 1 and 2 can be repeated. Therefore, this system can realize multiple working modes, such as: Cleaning mode: drain - pressure soaking - drain - rinse - drain - refill water; Daily mode: drain - rinse - drain - refill water; Deep cleaning: drain - pressure soaking - drain - rinse - drain - rinse - drain - refill water.

[0089] As can be seen from the above, the automatic boiler drainage and cleaning system provided in this application can realize the self-cleaning and drainage of heating containers 3, such as boilers. It is simple and convenient to operate, does not require manual disassembly and cleaning, and does not require professional assistance. It is user-friendly and convenient, saves time and effort, and reduces the later maintenance costs.

[0090] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An automatic cleaning method for an automatic boiler drainage and cleaning system, characterized in that, This is applied to an automatic boiler drainage and cleaning system, which includes: a water storage container, a water pump, a heating container, a three-way solenoid valve, a coffee preparation component, a solenoid valve, and a wastewater container. The water storage container, the water pump, and the heating container are connected in sequence; the heating container is connected to the coffee preparation component and the wastewater container via the three-way solenoid valve. The pipeline connecting the heating container and the water pump is connected to the wastewater container through pipe fittings and the solenoid valve. The automatic cleaning method of the boiler automatic drainage and cleaning system includes the following steps: Step 1: Automatically empty the boiler: Step 1-1: Use the three-way solenoid valve to close the water passages formed between the heating container, the coffee preparation component, and the wastewater container, and open the water passage between the coffee preparation component and the wastewater container, thereby draining the residual water in this water passage; Step 1-2: Start the water pump to pump water from the water storage container into the heating container for pressurization, then turn off the water pump and open the solenoid valve. The pressure inside the heating container will cause the water in the heating container to flow out and enter the wastewater container through the solenoid valve. Steps 1-3: With the pipeline connecting the solenoid valve and the heating container filled with water, use the three-way solenoid valve to open the water passage between the heating container and the coffee preparation component and / or the wastewater container, so that the heating container is connected to the outside atmosphere, and finally drain all the water in the heating container. Step 2: Automatic rinsing or pressure soaking; The automatic rinsing step is as follows: with the water in the heating container drained, the solenoid valve is closed, the water pump is started, and water is pumped from the water storage container into the heating container to rinse the inside of the heating container. The pressure soaking step is as follows: with the water in the heating container drained, the solenoid valve is closed, and the water passage between the heating container, the coffee preparation component, and the wastewater container is closed using the three-way solenoid valve. Then, the descaling agent is placed in the water storage container, and the water pump is started to pump the water mixed with the descaling agent from the water storage container into the heating container. Step 1 and step 2 can be repeated.

2. The automatic cleaning method for the boiler automatic drainage and cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating container has a water inlet at its top along its height direction, and the solenoid valve is lower than the water inlet along the height direction of the heating container.

3. The automatic cleaning method for the boiler automatic drainage and cleaning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, A water inlet connector is installed at the water inlet, and the water inlet connector forms a water inlet pipe extending to the bottom of the heating container. The water inlet pipe is offset from the centerline of the heating container along its height direction, so that the water outlet of the water inlet pipe is offset from the centerline.

4. The automatic cleaning method for the boiler automatic drainage and cleaning system according to claim 3, characterized in that, A virtual line is formed between the outlet of the water inlet pipe and the midpoint of the virtual horizontal plane in the heating container that is flush with it, and the orientation of the virtual line and the outlet of the water inlet pipe is at an acute angle or a right angle.

5. The automatic cleaning method for the boiler automatic drainage and cleaning system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The water inlet pipe is bent near the bottom of the heating container, and the outlet of the water inlet pipe is parallel to or at an acute angle to the bottom of the heating container.

6. The automatic cleaning method for the boiler automatic drainage and cleaning system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The water inlet pipe is L-shaped near the bottom of the heating container.

7. The automatic cleaning method for the boiler automatic drainage and cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating container includes a container body and a heating tube, with the heating tube disposed within the container body.

8. The automatic cleaning method for the boiler automatic drainage and cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wastewater container is positioned below the heating container; and / or The water storage container is positioned below the heating container; and / or The heating container has a water outlet formed at the top along its height direction.

9. The automatic cleaning method for the boiler automatic drainage and cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The coffee preparation component is an extraction head or a steam nozzle.

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