Coffee machine tube cleaning device, coffee machine and coffee machine tube cleaning method

Abstract

The embodiments of the present specification provide a coffee machine tube cleaning device, a coffee machine and a coffee machine tube cleaning method, which relate to the technical field of coffee machines. The device includes a tube and a tube cleaning cavity, the tube includes a first end for inputting a liquid to be mixed with coffee liquid and a second end for inputting a cleaning liquid for cleaning the tube; the tube cleaning cavity is used to accommodate the first end or the first end and at least part of the tube near the first end; the cleaning liquid flowing into the tube from the second end flows out of the first end from the inside of the tube and then flows into the tube cleaning cavity, cleaning the outer wall surface of the first end or the outer wall surface of the first end and at least part of the outer wall surface of the tube near the first end. The device can clean the inner wall surface of the tube and the outer wall surface of the first end of the tube or the outer wall surface of the first end and at least part of the outer wall surface of the tube near the first end, thereby achieving comprehensive cleaning of the tube, preventing the generation of odor and avoiding food safety issues when the tube is used.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present specification relate to the technical field of coffee machines, and in particular to a coffee machine tube cleaning device, a coffee machine, and a coffee machine tube cleaning method. Background Art

[0002] Existing coffee machines are usually equipped with a milk frother, which is used to heat and froth liquids such as milk and soy milk, and then mix the heated and frothed milk, soy milk and other liquids with the coffee liquid produced by the coffee machine, so as to meet the user's demand for rich taste. However, the existing coffee machine milk frother has the problem that the tube is difficult to clean. Residual milk stains, soy milk stains, etc. adhere to the inner wall of the tube, which easily produces odor and affects the user's use; in addition, it is easy to cause excessive bacteria, posing a food safety hazard.

[0003] In order to solve the above problems, the embodiments of this specification aim to provide a coffee machine tube cleaning device, a coffee machine and a coffee machine tube cleaning method. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the above problems in the prior art, the purpose of the embodiments of this specification is to provide a coffee machine tube cleaning device, a coffee machine and a coffee machine tube cleaning method to solve the problems in the prior art that the tube of the coffee machine milk frother is difficult to clean, easily produces odor and poses a food safety hazard.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the specific technical solutions of the embodiments of this specification are as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present specification provides a device for cleaning a pipe body of a coffee machine, the device comprising:

[0007] a tube body, the tube body comprising a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being used to input liquid to be mixed with coffee liquid produced by the coffee machine, and the second end portion being used to input cleaning liquid produced by the coffee machine to clean the tube body;

[0008] A tube cleaning chamber, the tube cleaning chamber is used to accommodate the first end of the tube, or the tube cleaning chamber is used to accommodate the first end of the tube and at least a portion of the tube near the first end of the tube;

[0009] The cleaning liquid flows into the interior of the tube body from the second end of the tube body, flows out of the first end from the inside of the tube body, and then flows into the tube body cleaning cavity to clean the outer wall surface of the first end of the tube body, or cleans the outer wall surface of the first end of the tube body and at least part of the outer wall surface of the tube body near the first end of the tube body.

[0010] In some preferred embodiments, a drain port is provided at the upper portion of the tube cleaning cavity, and the drain port is used to discharge the cleaning liquid in the tube cleaning cavity.

[0011] In some preferred embodiments, the device further comprises a liquid collecting box, which collects the cleaning liquid discharged from the drain port.

[0012] In some preferred embodiments, the height of the drain port is higher than the highest liquid level of the liquid collecting box.

[0013] In some preferred embodiments, a plurality of drain outlets are provided, and the plurality of drain outlets are evenly distributed at the same height of the pipe cleaning cavity.

[0014] In some preferred embodiments, the tube body is at least partially a metal tube.

[0015] In some preferred embodiments, the tube body includes two connected parts, wherein the first part of the tube body is a hose, and the second part of the tube body is a metal tube;

[0016] The hose is connected to the coffee machine via the second end;

[0017] The liquid mixed with the coffee produced by the coffee machine flows into the metal tube through the first end of the metal tube, and then flows into the hose after passing through the metal tube;

[0018] When cleaning the pipe body, the first end of the metal pipe is inserted into the pipe body cleaning cavity, or the metal pipe and at least a part of the hose close to the metal pipe are inserted into the pipe body cleaning cavity.

[0019] In some preferred embodiments, the tube cleaning chamber is made of stainless steel.

[0020] In some preferred embodiments, the device further comprises a sensor;

[0021] The sensor is used to detect the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity;

[0022] After the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity meets the requirements, the coffee machine supplies cleaning liquid into the tube body through the second end portion to clean the inside of the tube body and the outside of the tube body located in the tube body cleaning cavity.

[0023] In some preferred embodiments, the device further comprises a sensor;

[0024] The sensor is used to detect the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity;

[0025] After the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity meets the requirements, a cleaning instruction input by the user is obtained. According to the cleaning instruction, the coffee machine supplies cleaning liquid into the tube body through the second end portion, so as to clean the inside of the tube body and the outside of the tube body located in the tube body cleaning cavity.

[0026] In some preferred embodiments, the sensor is a photoelectric sensor or an electromagnetic sensor.

[0027] In some preferred embodiments, the sensor is a photoelectric sensor, and the photoelectric sensor is arranged on the tube cleaning cavity.

[0028] In some preferred embodiments, the sensor is an electromagnetic sensor, and the electromagnetic sensor includes a magnetic component and a Hall switch. The magnetic component is arranged on the tube body, and the Hall switch is arranged on the tube body cleaning chamber.

[0029] In some preferred embodiments, the device further comprises a sealing member, which is sleeved on the outer wall of the tube body; a flange is provided at the opening of the cleaning cavity of the tube body;

[0030] The magnetic component is arranged at the sealing member, and the Hall switch is arranged at the flange.

[0031] In some preferred embodiments, the sealing member comprises an inserting portion and a blocking portion connected to each other, and the diameter of the blocking portion is greater than the diameter of the inserting portion;

[0032] When the position where the tube is inserted into the tube cleaning cavity meets the requirements, the inserting portion is inserted into the tube cleaning cavity, and the blocking portion is located outside the flange of the tube cleaning cavity.

[0033] In some preferred embodiments, there is a first distance between the sealing element and the distal end of the first end portion of the tube body, and the first distance is smaller than the depth of the cleaning cavity of the tube body.

[0034] In some preferred embodiments, the device further comprises a sealing member, wherein the sealing member is connected to the opening of the tube cleaning cavity, and wherein an opening is provided in the sealing member for the tube to pass through, and wherein the opening is adapted to the diameter of the tube.

[0035] In some preferred embodiments, the sensor is an electromagnetic sensor, which includes a magnetic component and a Hall switch. The magnetic component is arranged on the tube body, and the Hall switch is arranged on the tube body cleaning cavity or the sealing member.

[0036] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present specification provides a coffee machine, wherein the coffee machine includes a coffee machine tube cleaning device as provided by the above technical solution.

[0037] In some preferred embodiments, the coffee machine comprises:

[0038] a water source connected to a water inlet pipe of the first electric heating plate and a water inlet pipe of the second electric heating plate, wherein the water outlet pipe of the first electric heating plate is used to form coffee liquid, and the water outlet pipe of the second electric heating plate is used to form foam;

[0039] The water inlet pipe and / or the water outlet pipe of the first electric heating plate and / or the water inlet pipe and / or the water outlet pipe of the second electric heating plate are connected to a pipe body valve, and the pipe body valve is connected to the second end of the pipe body.

[0040] In some preferred embodiments, the coffee machine further comprises:

[0041] An air pump is used to pump gas into the tube body through the tube body valve to discharge the cleaning liquid out of the tube body and the tube body cleaning cavity.

[0042] In some preferred embodiments, the coffee machine further comprises a controller.

[0043] The controller is connected to the sensor, and the controller controls the tube valve to discharge cleaning liquid into the tube.

[0044] In a third aspect, the embodiments of this specification further provide a method for cleaning a coffee machine tube, which is applied to the coffee machine tube cleaning device provided by the above technical solution, and the method comprises:

[0045] Detecting the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity;

[0046] After the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity meets the requirements, the coffee machine supplies cleaning liquid into the tube body through the second end to clean the inside of the tube body and the outside of the tube body located in the tube body cleaning cavity.

[0047] In some preferred embodiments, the coffee machine supplies cleaning liquid into the tube body through the second end portion to clean the inside and outside of the tube body, further comprising:

[0048] The coffee machine first discharges a cleaning liquid at room temperature into the tube body for a first period of time;

[0049] The coffee machine then discharges the heated cleaning liquid into the tube body for a second time.

[0050] In some preferred embodiments, after cleaning the inside and outside of the tube body, the method further comprises:

[0051] A control instruction is sent to the coffee machine so that the coffee machine pumps gas into the tube body through the tube body valve to discharge the cleaning liquid remaining in the tube body and the tube body cleaning cavity.

[0052] In a fourth aspect, the embodiments of the present specification further provide a method for cleaning a tube of a coffee machine, the method being applied to the device for cleaning a tube of a coffee machine provided by the above technical solution, the method comprising:

[0053] Detecting the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity;

[0054] After the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity meets the requirements, a cleaning instruction input by the user is obtained. According to the cleaning instruction, the coffee machine supplies cleaning liquid into the tube body through the second end portion, so as to clean the inside of the tube body and the outside of the tube body located in the tube body cleaning cavity.

[0055] In some preferred embodiments, cleaning the inside and outside of the tube further comprises:

[0056] The coffee machine first discharges a cleaning liquid at room temperature into the tube body for a first period of time;

[0057] The coffee machine then discharges the heated cleaning liquid into the tube body for a second time.

[0058] In some preferred embodiments, after cleaning the inside and outside of the tube body, the method further comprises:

[0059] A control instruction is sent to the coffee machine so that the coffee machine pumps gas into the tube body through the tube body valve to discharge the cleaning liquid remaining in the tube body and the tube body cleaning cavity.

[0060] By adopting the above technical scheme, the embodiments of the present specification provide a coffee machine tube cleaning device, a coffee machine and a coffee machine tube cleaning method, which realize cleaning of the inner wall surface of the tube body by arranging the cleaning liquid generated by the coffee machine to flow through the tube body; and by arranging a tube body cleaning cavity for accommodating the first end of the tube body or the first end of the tube body and at least a part of the tube body near the first end and collecting a part of the cleaning liquid, the outer wall surface of the first end or the outer wall surface of the first end and at least a part of the outer wall surface of the tube body near the first end are cleaned, thereby realizing comprehensive cleaning of the tube body, preventing the generation of odor and avoiding food safety problems when the tube body is used.

[0061] In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the embodiments of this specification more obvious and easy to understand, the following specifically cites preferred embodiments and describes them in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this specification or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this specification. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0063] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a coffee machine tube cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present specification is shown;

[0064] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the structure of the tube body when it is inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity;

[0065] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the structure of another coffee machine tube cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present specification is shown;

[0066] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the structure of the tube body, the tube body cleaning chamber and the liquid collecting box when assembled;

[0067] Figure 5 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a tube body in an embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0068] Figure 6 A cross-sectional schematic diagram is shown when the tube body is inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity;

[0069] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the structure of another coffee machine tube cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present specification is shown;

[0070] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a coffee machine provided in an embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0071] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the water circuit structure of a coffee machine provided in an embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0072] Fig.10 A schematic diagram showing the steps of a method for cleaning a pipe body of a coffee machine provided in an embodiment of the present specification is shown;

[0073] Fig.11 A schematic diagram showing the steps of cleaning the inside and outside of the tube body once in the embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0074] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the steps of another method for cleaning a pipe body of a coffee machine provided in an embodiment of the present specification is shown.

[0075] Description of the accompanying symbols:

[0076] 10. Pipe body;

[0077] 11. a first end portion;

[0078] 12. a second end portion;

[0079] 13. Part I;

[0080] 14. Part II;

[0081] 20. Tube cleaning chamber;

[0082] 21. Drainage outlet;

[0083] 22. Flanging;

[0084] 30. Liquid collection box;

[0085] 41. Magnetic components;

[0086] 42. Hall switch;

[0087] 50. Seals;

[0088] 51. Insertion part;

[0089] 52. blocking part;

[0090] 53. Opening;

[0091] 61. Water tank;

[0092] 62. Water inlet pipeline;

[0093] 63. The first electric heating plate;

[0094] 64. Second electric heating plate;

[0095] 65. Air pump. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this specification to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of this specification, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this specification, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0097] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in this specification and claims and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments of this specification described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, device, product or equipment that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or equipment.

[0098] The embodiments of the present specification provide a coffee machine tube cleaning device, a coffee machine and a coffee machine tube cleaning method, which can solve the problems in the prior art that the coffee machine tube is difficult to clean, easily produces odor and poses a food safety hazard. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a coffee machine tube cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present specification, such as Figure 1 As shown, the device comprises:

[0099] The tube body 10 includes a first end 11 and a second end 12. The first end 11 is used to input liquid mixed with the coffee liquid produced by the coffee machine, and the second end 12 is used to input cleaning liquid produced by the coffee machine to clean the tube body. That is, the first end 11 can be used to absorb liquid such as milk mixed with coffee; the cleaning liquid is produced by the coffee machine and flows from the second end 12 to the first end 11, and rinses and cleans the inner wall of the tube body 10 through which it flows.

[0100] The tube cleaning chamber 20 is used to accommodate the first end 11 of the tube 10, or the tube cleaning chamber 20 is used to accommodate the first end 11 of the tube 10 and at least a portion of the tube body near the first end 11 of the tube body 10. That is, when cleaning the tube body, a portion of the tube body 10, rather than the entire tube body 10, is placed in the tube cleaning chamber 20.

[0101] The cleaning liquid flows into the interior of the tube body 10 from the second end 12 of the tube body 10, flows out of the first end 11 from the interior of the tube body 10, and then flows into the tube body cleaning chamber 20, cleaning the outer wall surface of the first end of the tube body 10, or cleaning the outer wall surface of the first end 11 of the tube body 10 and at least a portion of the outer wall surface of the tube body near the first end 11 of the tube body 10. The cleaning liquid can be water used for brewing coffee liquid. The first end 11 of the tube body 10 contained in the tube body cleaning chamber 20, or the first end 11 of the tube body contained in the tube body cleaning chamber 20 and at least a portion of the tube body near the first end 11 of the tube body, can be immersed in the cleaning liquid collected by the tube body cleaning chamber 20, thereby cleaning the outer wall surface of the first end, or the outer wall surface of the first end 11 and at least a portion of the outer wall surface of the tube body near the first end 11 of the tube body.

[0102] The coffee machine tube cleaning device provided in the embodiment of the present specification cleans the inner wall surface of the tube body by arranging a cleaning liquid generated by the coffee machine to flow through the tube body, and cleans the outer wall surface of the first end portion or the outer wall surface of the first end portion and at least the outer wall surface of the tube body near the first end portion by arranging a tube body cleaning cavity for accommodating the first end portion of the tube body or the first end portion of the tube body and at least a portion of the tube body near the first end portion, and collecting a portion of the cleaning liquid, thereby achieving comprehensive cleaning of the tube body, preventing the generation of odor, and avoiding food safety issues when the tube body is used.

[0103] Then, when the fully cleaned tube body is inserted into the milk box to suck the liquid to be mixed with the coffee liquid, the milk in the milk box can be prevented from being contaminated.

[0104] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a drain port 21 is provided at the upper portion of the tube cleaning cavity 20 , and the drain port 21 is used to discharge the cleaning liquid in the tube cleaning cavity 20 .

[0105] In some feasible embodiments, after the cleaning of the tube body is completed, the cleaning liquid can be discharged from the drain port to avoid the cleaning liquid remaining in the cleaning cavity of the tube body and causing bacteria to grow, which is beneficial to improving the hygiene of the cleaning cavity of the tube body and ensuring the cleaning effect of the tube body.

[0106] In other feasible embodiments, during the cleaning process of the tube body, when the flow rate of the cleaning liquid used to clean the tube body is large, the cleaning liquid can be continuously overflowed from the drain port of the tube body cleaning cavity to achieve replacement of the cleaning liquid in the tube body cleaning cavity and improve the cleaning intensity of the tube body.

[0107] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the device further includes a liquid collecting box 30 , and the liquid collecting box 30 collects the cleaning liquid discharged from the drain port 21 .

[0108] That is, the liquid collecting box is connected to the drain port of the pipe body cleaning cavity. When cleaning the pipe body, when the flow rate of the cleaning liquid used to clean the pipe body is large, the cleaning liquid that continuously overflows from the drain port of the pipe body cleaning cavity can be collected by the liquid collecting box, thereby avoiding the inconvenience caused by the cleaning liquid spilling to the user.

[0109] In the embodiments of the present specification, a liquid collecting box adapted to the tube cleaning chamber may be designed separately; or the existing liquid collecting box of the coffee machine may be used, thereby reducing the number of parts of the coffee machine and improving the integration of the coffee machine.

[0110] Preferably, the height of the drain port 21 is higher than the highest liquid level of the liquid collecting box 30 .

[0111] That is, the height of the drain outlet should prevent the sewage collected in the liquid collection box from flowing back into the pipe cleaning cavity, thereby causing pollution to the pipe cleaning cavity and the pipe placed in the pipe cleaning cavity for cleaning.

[0112] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the tube cleaning chamber 20 can be at least partially inserted into the liquid collecting box 30 to reduce the overall space occupied by the coffee machine.

[0113] It should be noted that if Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the tube cleaning chamber 20 is at least partially inserted into the liquid collecting box 30, which is only a feasible assembly method of the liquid collecting box and the tube cleaning chamber. In some other embodiments, the liquid collecting box and the tube cleaning chamber can have other assembly methods, for example, the entire tube cleaning chamber can be located above the liquid collecting box, and a pipeline for the circulation of cleaning liquid can be provided between the drain port of the tube cleaning chamber and the liquid collecting box. Then the position of the drain port on the tube cleaning chamber can be adapted to the assembly method between the liquid collecting box and the tube cleaning chamber.

[0114] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the drain port 21 may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of drain ports 21 are evenly distributed at the same height of the pipe cleaning cavity 20 .

[0115] During the cleaning process of the pipe body, when the flow rate of the cleaning liquid for cleaning the pipe body is relatively large, a plurality of drain ports can facilitate rapid discharge of the cleaning liquid, thereby ensuring the fluidity of the cleaning liquid and the cleaning effect on the pipe body.

[0116] In some feasible embodiments, at least part of the tube body 10 is a metal tube. For example, the first end of the tube body, or the first end and at least part of the tube body near the first end of the tube body is a metal tube.

[0117] Furthermore, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the pipe body 10 includes a first portion 13 and a second portion 14 that are connected, wherein the first portion 13 of the pipe body 10 is a hose, and the second portion 14 of the pipe body 10 is a hard pipe;

[0118] The hose is connected to the coffee machine via the second end 12;

[0119] The liquid mixed with the coffee produced by the coffee machine flows into the hard tube through the first end 11 of the hard tube, and then flows into the soft tube after passing through the hard tube;

[0120] When cleaning the tube body 10, the first end portion 11 of the hard tube is inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity, or the hard tube and at least a portion of the soft tube close to the hard tube are inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity.

[0121] In the embodiments of the present specification, by making the second part of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity and the milk box a hard tube, the guiding property of the tube body during insertion can be ensured, the first end of the tube body or the first end of the tube body and at least part of the tube body near the first end of the tube body can be prevented from bending or deforming in the tube body cleaning cavity or the milk box, and stains can be prevented from remaining at the bending or deformation of the tube body, and the cleaning effect of the outer wall surface of the first end of the tube body or the outer wall surface of the first end of the tube body and at least part of the outer wall surface of the tube body near the first end of the tube body can be improved, and the suction effect of liquids such as milk in the milk box can also be ensured. In addition, by making the first part of the tube body connected to the coffee machine a hose, the flexibility of inserting the tube body into the tube body cleaning cavity or the milk box and taking the tube body out of the tube body cleaning cavity or the milk box can be improved.

[0122] In some preferred embodiments, the second portion 14 of the tube body may be made of metal material to improve the antibacterial property and service life of the tube body.

[0123] In some preferred embodiments, the tube cleaning chamber is made of stainless steel.

[0124] In the embodiment of this specification, the device further includes a sensor;

[0125] The sensor is used to detect the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity;

[0126] After the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity meets the requirements, the coffee machine supplies cleaning liquid into the tube body through the second end portion to clean the inside of the tube body and the outside of the tube body located in the tube body cleaning cavity.

[0127] That is, when the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity does not meet the requirements, the coffee machine does not supply cleaning liquid into the tube body, thereby avoiding the cleaning liquid from accidentally flowing out when the user does not need to clean the tube body, and avoiding the inconvenience caused to the user by the cleaning liquid spilling.

[0128] The coffee machine tube cleaning device provided in the embodiment of the present specification can realize automatic cleaning of the tube and automatic stopping of cleaning by detecting the position of the tube inserted into the tube cleaning cavity, thereby improving the convenience of tube cleaning.

[0129] In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a sensor;

[0130] The sensor is used to detect the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity;

[0131] After the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity meets the requirements, a cleaning instruction input by the user is obtained. According to the cleaning instruction, the coffee machine supplies cleaning liquid into the tube body through the second end portion, so as to clean the inside of the tube body and the outside of the tube body located in the tube body cleaning cavity.

[0132] The cleaning instruction can be input by the user through a mechanical button or a virtual touch screen button on the coffee machine, or can be input by voice. When the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity meets the requirements and the user inputs the cleaning instruction, the coffee machine supplies cleaning liquid into the tube body, thereby avoiding scalding the user when the cleaning liquid temperature is high, providing double protection for the safe use of the cleaning device.

[0133] Specifically, the sensor is a photoelectric sensor or an electromagnetic sensor.

[0134] In some feasible embodiments, the sensor is a photoelectric sensor, and the photoelectric sensor is disposed on the tube cleaning cavity.

[0135] The photoelectric sensor may include an infrared sensor and a laser sensor. Taking the infrared sensor as an example, it includes a transmitting end and a receiving end that are arranged opposite to each other. After the transmitting end (for example, an infrared light emitting diode) emits infrared rays, they are received by the receiving end (for example, a photosensitive transistor). Infrared rays are invisible light. When an object (i.e., the first end, or the first end and at least part of the tube body near the first end) blocks the infrared rays emitted by the transmitting end, the receiving end cannot receive the infrared rays and generates a corresponding instruction to send to the coffee machine so that the coffee machine supplies cleaning liquid into the tube body through the second end.

[0136] In another possible embodiment, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the sensor is an electromagnetic sensor, and the electromagnetic sensor includes a magnetic component and a Hall switch 42 . The magnetic component is arranged on the tube body, and the Hall switch 42 is arranged on the tube body cleaning chamber 20 .

[0137] When the relative position between the tube body and the tube cleaning cavity changes continuously, the magnetic field sensed by the Hall switch on the tube cleaning cavity will also change continuously. When the magnetic field sensed by the Hall switch on the tube cleaning cavity meets the preset magnetic field strength, it can be determined that the position of the tube body inserted into the tube cleaning cavity meets the requirements, and a corresponding instruction is generated and sent to the coffee machine so that the coffee machine supplies cleaning liquid into the tube body through the second end.

[0138] like Figure 1 As shown, the device further comprises a sealing member 50, and the sealing member 50 is sleeved on the outer wall of the tube body 10; a flange 22 is provided at the opening of the tube body cleaning cavity 20;

[0139] The magnetic component 41 is disposed at the sealing member 50 (eg Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown), the Hall switch 42 is arranged at the flange 22.

[0140] That is, the sealing member can be fixedly connected to the tube body. When the first end of the tube body or the first end of the tube body and at least a portion of the tube body near the first end of the tube body are inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity, the sealing member will block the opening of the tube body cleaning cavity for inserting the tube body, so that when the tube body is cleaned, the sealing member can prevent the cleaning liquid in the tube body cleaning cavity from flowing out from its opening.

[0141] At the same time, the user can also take the tube body through the sealing member to insert the tube body into the tube body cleaning cavity or the milk box and take the tube body out of the tube body cleaning cavity or the milk box, which is convenient for the user to operate and can avoid soiling the tube body. In addition, the sealing member can also prevent the user from being scalded by the high temperature tube body.

[0142] like Figure 5 As shown, the sealing member 50 includes an inserting portion 51 and a blocking portion 52 connected to each other, and the diameter of the blocking portion 52 is greater than the diameter of the inserting portion 51;

[0143] like Figure 6 As shown, when the position of the tube body 10 inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity 20 meets the requirements, the insertion portion 51 is inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity 20, and the blocking portion 52 is located outside the flange 22 of the tube body cleaning cavity 20.

[0144] By arranging the sealing member to include an insertion portion for inserting into the tube cleaning cavity, the sealing performance of the sealing member to the tube cleaning cavity can be further improved when the tube is cleaned; and by arranging the sealing member to include a blocking portion for blocking outside the flange of the tube cleaning cavity, and making the blocking portion cooperate with the flange of the tube cleaning cavity, the problem of excessive insertion of the sealing member into the tube cleaning cavity, which makes it difficult to remove the tube from the tube cleaning cavity, can be avoided.

[0145] Further, there is a first distance between the sealing member 50 and the distal end of the first end portion 11 of the tube body 10 , and the first distance is smaller than the depth of the tube body cleaning cavity 20 .

[0146] The first distance can ensure the length of the tube in the tube cleaning cavity, so as to effectively clean the outer wall of the tube with a certain length, so that when the tube is inserted into a liquid such as milk to be mixed with coffee liquid, the outer wall of the tube with a certain length will not be contaminated by the liquid such as milk. The first distance also ensures that the tube in the tube cleaning cavity is not too long, thereby avoiding damage to the bottom of the tube cleaning cavity when the tube is inserted into the tube cleaning cavity.

[0147] In other feasible embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the device further comprises a sealing member 50 , which is connected to the opening of the tube cleaning chamber 20 . An opening 53 for the tube 10 to pass through is arranged in the sealing member 50 , and the opening 53 is adapted to the diameter of the tube 10 .

[0148] That is, the sealing member can also be fixedly connected to the tube cleaning cavity. Therefore, when the tube is inserted into the tube cleaning cavity to clean the tube, the tube needs to be inserted from the opening of the sealing member. At this time, the sealing member can be used to limit the angle of the tube when it is inserted into the tube cleaning cavity, that is, to ensure the verticality of the tube when it is inserted into the tube cleaning cavity, thereby preventing the tube from scratching against the inner wall of the tube cleaning cavity during the insertion process, thereby improving the service life of the tube and the tube cleaning cavity.

[0149] If Figure 7 As shown, the sensor is adapted to the sealing member 50 disposed at the opening of the pipe cleaning chamber 20. The sensor may be an electromagnetic sensor, and the electromagnetic sensor includes a magnetic component and a Hall switch 42. The magnetic component is disposed on the pipe ( Figure 7 The Hall switch 42 is arranged on the tube cleaning chamber 20 or the sealing member 50 .

[0150] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this specification, the sensor may also be other types of sensors besides photoelectric sensors and electromagnetic sensors, such as pressure sensors. Taking the pressure sensor as an example, the sensor may be arranged inside the side wall of the tube cleaning cavity. When the first end of the tube or the first end of the tube and at least part of the tube near the first end of the tube are inserted into the tube cleaning cavity, the pressure sensor will be squeezed. After the pressure sensor senses the pressure, the coffee machine supplies cleaning liquid into the tube through the second end to perform the cleaning operation.

[0151] like Figure 8 As shown, the embodiment of this specification also provides a coffee machine, including the coffee machine tube cleaning device provided by the above technical solution.

[0152] like Fig. 9 The water circuit diagram of the coffee machine is shown, and the coffee machine comprises:

[0153] A water source connected to a water inlet pipe of the first electric heating plate 63 and a water inlet pipe of the second electric heating plate 64, wherein the water outlet pipe of the first electric heating plate 63 is used to form coffee liquid, and the water outlet pipe of the second electric heating plate 64 is used to form foam;

[0154] The water inlet pipe and / or the water outlet pipe of the first electric heating plate 63 and / or the water inlet pipe and / or the water outlet pipe of the second electric heating plate 64 are connected to a pipe body valve, and the pipe body valve is connected to the second end of the pipe body 10 .

[0155] The water source may be water pre-stored in the water tank 61 , or may be water output from the water inlet pipe 62 .

[0156] That is, the cleaning liquid for cleaning the tube body generated by the coffee machine can be water for forming coffee liquid and / or water for forming foam. And the water for forming coffee liquid can be directly output from the water inlet pipeline of the first electric heating plate, or it can be output from the water outlet pipeline of the first electric heating plate after being heated by the first electric heating plate to clean the tube body. Similarly, the water for forming foam can be directly output from the water inlet pipeline of the second electric heating plate, or it can be output from the water outlet pipeline of the second electric heating plate after being heated by the second electric heating plate to clean the tube body. Therefore, the cleaning liquid heated by the first electric heating plate and / or the second electric heating plate can improve the solubility of the residual stains on the inside of the tube body and the outside of the tube body located in the cleaning cavity of the tube body, and improve the cleaning effect of the tube body. In addition, after the cleaning liquid is heated to a certain temperature, it can also sterilize and disinfect the tube body and the cleaning cavity of the tube body.

[0157] Furthermore, if Fig. 9 As shown, the coffee machine also includes:

[0158] The air pump 65 is used to pump gas into the tube body 10 through the tube body valve to discharge the cleaning liquid out of the tube body 10 and the tube body cleaning cavity 20 .

[0159] The coffee machine provided in the embodiment of the present specification is provided with an air pump, which can dry the residual cleaning liquid in the tube body and the tube body cleaning cavity, thereby preventing the residual cleaning liquid from breeding bacteria and ensuring the hygiene of the tube body and the tube body cleaning cavity.

[0160] Furthermore, the coffee machine further comprises a controller (not shown in the figure), the controller is connected to the sensor, and the controller controls the tube valve to discharge the cleaning liquid into the tube.

[0161] Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram of the steps of a coffee machine tube cleaning method provided in an embodiment of this specification. This specification provides method operation steps as described in the embodiment or flow chart, but may include more or fewer operation steps based on conventional or non-creative labor. The sequence of steps listed in the embodiment is only one way of executing the steps among many sequences, and does not represent the only execution sequence. When the actual system or device product is executed, it can be executed in the sequence or in parallel according to the method shown in the embodiment or the accompanying drawings. The method is applied to the coffee machine tube cleaning device provided by the above technical solution. Specifically, Fig.10 As shown, the method may include:

[0162] S1010: Detecting the position where the tube is inserted into the tube cleaning cavity;

[0163] S1020: After the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity meets the requirements, the coffee machine supplies cleaning liquid into the tube body through the second end to clean the inside of the tube body and the outside of the tube body located in the tube body cleaning cavity.

[0164] In the embodiments of this specification, one cleaning means that when the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity meets the requirements, the cleaning liquid is continuously supplied to the tube body; when the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity does not meet the requirements, the supply of cleaning liquid to the tube body is interrupted. Only when the tube body is inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity again and its insertion position meets the requirements again, the supply of cleaning liquid is resumed to achieve another cleaning. The coffee machine tube cleaning method provided in the embodiments of this specification can achieve multiple cleaning of the tube body by plugging and unplugging the tube body multiple times to achieve the desired cleaning effect.

[0165] A method for cleaning the tube of a coffee machine provided in an embodiment of the present specification realizes automatic supply of cleaning liquid to the tube by detecting the position of the tube inserted into the tube cleaning cavity, thereby improving the convenience of cleaning the tube; at the same time, when the position of the tube inserted into the tube cleaning cavity does not meet the requirements, cleaning liquid is not supplied, which can avoid the cleaning liquid from mistakenly flowing out when the user does not need to clean the tube, thereby avoiding the inconvenience caused to the user by the spillage of the cleaning liquid.

[0166] Furthermore, if Fig.11 As shown, in step S1020: the coffee machine supplies cleaning liquid into the tube body through the second end portion to clean the inside of the tube body and the outside of the tube body located in the cleaning chamber of the tube body, further comprising:

[0167] S1110: The coffee machine first discharges cleaning liquid at room temperature into the tube body and continues for a first period of time.

[0168] By continuously discharging the cleaning liquid into the tube body for the first time, the cleaning effect on the inside of the tube body and the outside of the tube body located in the tube body cleaning cavity is improved.

[0169] S1120: The coffee machine discharges the heated cleaning liquid into the tube again for a second time.

[0170] By continuously discharging the heated cleaning liquid into the coffee machine for a second time, the strength of dissolving and cleaning the stubborn stains remaining inside the tube body and outside the tube body in the tube body cleaning cavity can be improved; at the same time, when the cleaning liquid is heated and has a certain temperature, it can sterilize and disinfect the tube body and the tube body cleaning cavity. Therefore, it is helpful to ensure the hygiene of the tube body, avoid the breeding of bacteria and the generation of odor in the tube body, and improve the user experience and safety of use.

[0171] In some preferred embodiments, after cleaning the interior of the tube body and the exterior of the tube body located in the tube body cleaning cavity in step S1020, the method further includes:

[0172] A control instruction is sent to the coffee machine so that the coffee machine pumps gas into the tube body through the tube body valve to discharge the cleaning liquid remaining in the tube body and the tube body cleaning cavity.

[0173] The cleaning liquid remaining in the tube body and the tube body cleaning cavity is blown dry by an air pump, thereby preventing the cleaning liquid from remaining for a long time and causing bacteria to grow, thereby ensuring the hygiene of the tube body and the tube body cleaning cavity.

[0174] The present specification also provides another method for cleaning the pipe body of a coffee machine, such as Fig.121 is a schematic diagram of the steps of another coffee machine tube cleaning method provided in an embodiment of this specification, and the method is applied to the coffee machine tube cleaning device provided by the above technical solution. Fig.12 As shown, the method may include:

[0175] S1210: Detect the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity.

[0176] S1220: After the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity meets the requirements, the coffee machine supplies cleaning liquid into the tube body through the second end to clean the inside of the tube body and the outside of the tube body located in the tube body cleaning cavity.

[0177] Another method for cleaning the tube of a coffee machine provided in an embodiment of the present specification enables the coffee machine to supply cleaning liquid into the tube only when the tube is inserted into the tube cleaning chamber in a position that meets the requirements and the user inputs a cleaning instruction, thereby avoiding scalding the user when the cleaning liquid temperature is high, and providing double protection for the safe use of the cleaning device.

[0178] Furthermore, in step S1220, the coffee machine supplies cleaning liquid into the tube body through the second end portion to clean the inside of the tube body and the outside of the tube body located in the tube body cleaning cavity, further comprising:

[0179] The coffee machine first discharges a cleaning liquid at room temperature into the tube body for a first period of time;

[0180] The coffee machine then discharges the heated cleaning liquid into the tube body for a second time.

[0181] By continuously discharging the cleaning liquid into the tube body for the first time, the cleaning effect of the inside of the tube body and the outside of the tube body located in the tube body cleaning cavity is improved. Also, by continuously discharging the heated cleaning liquid into the coffee machine for the second time, the dissolution and cleaning strength of the stubborn stains remaining inside the tube body and the outside of the tube body located in the tube body cleaning cavity can be improved; at the same time, when the cleaning liquid is heated and has a certain temperature, it can sterilize and disinfect the tube body and the tube body cleaning cavity. Therefore, it is helpful to ensure the hygiene of the tube body and the tube body cleaning cavity, avoid the breeding of bacteria and the generation of odor in the tube body, and improve the user experience and safety of use.

[0182] In some preferred embodiments, after cleaning the interior of the tube body and the exterior of the tube body located in the tube body cleaning cavity in step S1020, the method further includes:

[0183] A control instruction is sent to the coffee machine so that the coffee machine pumps gas into the tube body through the tube body valve to discharge the cleaning liquid remaining in the tube body and the tube body cleaning cavity.

[0184] That is, the cleaning liquid remaining in the tube body and the tube body cleaning cavity is blown dry by the air pump, thereby preventing the cleaning liquid from remaining for a long time to cause bacteria to grow, and ensuring the hygiene of the tube body and the tube body cleaning cavity.

[0185] The term "consisting essentially of ... " describing a combination should include determined elements, ingredients, parts or steps and other elements, ingredients, parts or steps that do not substantially affect the basic novel features of the combination. The use of the terms "comprising" or "including" to describe the combination of elements, ingredients, parts or steps here also contemplates an embodiment consisting essentially of these elements, ingredients, parts or steps. Here, by using the term "may", it is intended to illustrate that any attribute described that "may" include is optional. Multiple elements, ingredients, parts or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, part or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, part or step can be divided into separate multiple elements, ingredients, parts or steps. The disclosure "one" or "an" used to describe an element, ingredient, part or step is not said to exclude other elements, ingredients, parts or steps.

[0186] Each embodiment in this specification is described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same and similar parts between the various embodiments can refer to each other. The above-mentioned embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention. The purpose is to enable people familiar with this technology to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly, and it cannot be used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent changes or modifications made according to the spirit of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A coffee machine tube cleaning device, characterized in that: include: a tube body, the tube body comprising a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being used to input liquid to be mixed with coffee liquid produced by the coffee machine, and the second end portion being used to input cleaning liquid produced by the coffee machine to clean the tube body; A tube cleaning chamber, the tube cleaning chamber is used to accommodate the first end of the tube, or the tube cleaning chamber is used to accommodate the first end of the tube and at least a portion of the tube near the first end of the tube; The cleaning liquid flows into the interior of the tube body from the second end of the tube body, flows out of the first end from the inside of the tube body, and then flows into the tube body cleaning cavity to clean the outer wall surface of the first end of the tube body, or cleans the outer wall surface of the first end of the tube body and at least part of the outer wall surface of the tube body near the first end of the tube body.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that A drain port is provided at the upper portion of the tube cleaning cavity, and the drain port is used to discharge the cleaning liquid in the tube cleaning cavity.

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The device further comprises a liquid collecting box, which collects the cleaning liquid discharged from the drain port.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The height of the drain port is higher than the highest liquid level of the liquid collecting box.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that There are multiple drainage ports, and the multiple drainage ports are evenly distributed at the same height of the pipe cleaning cavity.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that At least part of the tube is a metal tube.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that The pipe body comprises two connected parts, wherein the first part of the pipe body is a hose, and the second part of the pipe body is a metal pipe; The hose is connected to the coffee machine via the second end; The liquid mixed with the coffee produced by the coffee machine flows into the metal tube through the first end of the metal tube, and then flows into the hose after passing through the metal tube; When cleaning the pipe body, the first end of the metal pipe is inserted into the pipe body cleaning cavity, or the metal pipe and at least a part of the hose close to the metal pipe are inserted into the pipe body cleaning cavity.

8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The pipe cleaning chamber is made of stainless steel.

9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The device also includes a sensor; The sensor is used to detect the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity; After the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity meets the requirements, the coffee machine supplies cleaning liquid into the tube body through the second end portion to clean the inside of the tube body and the outside of the tube body located in the tube body cleaning cavity.

10. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The device also includes a sensor; The sensor is used to detect the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity; After the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity meets the requirements, a cleaning instruction input by the user is obtained. According to the cleaning instruction, the coffee machine supplies cleaning liquid into the tube body through the second end portion, so as to clean the inside of the tube body and the outside of the tube body located in the tube body cleaning cavity.

11. The device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The sensor is a photoelectric sensor or an electromagnetic sensor.

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that The sensor is a photoelectric sensor, and the photoelectric sensor is arranged on the pipe cleaning cavity.

13. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that The sensor is an electromagnetic sensor, which includes a magnetic component and a Hall switch. The magnetic component is arranged on the tube body, and the Hall switch is arranged on the tube body cleaning cavity.

14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that The device further comprises a sealing member, which is sleeved on the outer wall of the tube body; a flange is arranged at the opening of the cleaning cavity of the tube body; The magnetic component is arranged at the sealing member, and the Hall switch is arranged at the flange.

15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that The sealing member comprises an inserting portion and a blocking portion connected to each other, wherein the diameter of the blocking portion is greater than the diameter of the inserting portion; When the position where the tube is inserted into the tube cleaning cavity meets the requirements, the inserting portion is inserted into the tube cleaning cavity, and the blocking portion is located outside the flange of the tube cleaning cavity.

16. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that There is a first distance between the sealing element and the distal end of the first end portion of the tube body, and the first distance is smaller than the depth of the cleaning cavity of the tube body.

17. The device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The device further comprises a sealing member, which is connected to the opening of the cleaning cavity of the tube body. An opening for the tube body to pass through is arranged in the sealing member, and the opening is adapted to the diameter of the tube body.

18. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that The sensor is an electromagnetic sensor, which includes a magnetic component and a Hall switch. The magnetic component is arranged on the tube body, and the Hall switch is arranged on the tube body cleaning cavity or the sealing component.

19. A coffee machine, characterized in that: It comprises a coffee machine tube cleaning device as described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. The coffee machine according to claim 19, characterized in that The coffee machine comprises: a water source connected to a water inlet pipe of the first electric heating plate and a water inlet pipe of the second electric heating plate, wherein the water outlet pipe of the first electric heating plate is used to form coffee liquid, and the water outlet pipe of the second electric heating plate is used to form foam; The water inlet pipe and / or the water outlet pipe of the first electric heating plate and / or the water inlet pipe and / or the water outlet pipe of the second electric heating plate are connected to a pipe body valve, and the pipe body valve is connected to the second end of the pipe body.

21. The coffee machine according to claim 19, characterized in that The coffee machine also includes: An air pump is used to pump gas into the tube body through the tube body valve to discharge the cleaning liquid out of the tube body and the tube body cleaning cavity.

22. The coffee machine according to claim 19, characterized in that The coffee machine also includes a controller. The controller is connected to the sensor, and the controller controls the tube valve to discharge cleaning liquid into the tube.

23. A method for cleaning a pipe of a coffee machine, characterized in that: Applied to the coffee machine tube cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, the method comprising: Detecting the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity; After the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity meets the requirements, the coffee machine supplies cleaning liquid into the tube body through the second end to clean the inside of the tube body and the outside of the tube body located in the tube body cleaning cavity.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that The coffee machine supplies cleaning liquid into the tube body through the second end portion to clean the inside and outside of the tube body, further comprising: The coffee machine first discharges a cleaning liquid at room temperature into the tube body for a first period of time; The coffee machine then discharges the heated cleaning liquid into the tube body for a second time.

25. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that After cleaning the inside and outside of the tube body, the method further comprises: A control instruction is sent to the coffee machine so that the coffee machine pumps gas into the tube body through the tube body valve to discharge the cleaning liquid remaining in the tube body and the tube body cleaning cavity.

26. A method for cleaning a coffee machine tube, characterized in that: Applied to the coffee machine tube cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, the method comprising: Detecting the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity; After the position of the tube body inserted into the tube body cleaning cavity meets the requirements, a cleaning instruction input by the user is obtained. According to the cleaning instruction, the coffee machine supplies cleaning liquid into the tube body through the second end portion, so as to clean the inside of the tube body and the outside of the tube body located in the tube body cleaning cavity.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that Cleaning the inside and outside of the tube further includes: The coffee machine first discharges a cleaning liquid at room temperature into the tube body for a first period of time; The coffee machine then discharges the heated cleaning liquid into the tube body for a second time.

28. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that After cleaning the inside and outside of the tube body, the method further comprises: A control instruction is sent to the coffee machine so that the coffee machine pumps gas into the tube body through the tube body valve to discharge the cleaning liquid remaining in the tube body and the tube body cleaning cavity.

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