Fluid conduit for dispensing hot water, dispensing assembly, coffee machine, recirculation method and method for dispensing hot water
By designing a fluid water pipeline with recirculation branches and heat transfer functions, the existing hot water distribution system is solved inefficient when distributing hot water and steam at the same time, and efficient and low-cost hot water and steam distribution are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380072514.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-10-18
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-27
AI Technical Summary
The existing hot water distribution system is inefficient when distributing hot water and steam at the same time, and the heater is expensive and requires special maintenance. The system is prone to bacterial loads and requires frequent cleaning.
A fluid water pipe is designed, including the main branch, the recirculation branch and the collection pipe. The preheated water is reintroduced into the main branch through the recirculation branch, reducing the time for hot water distribution at high temperatures, and using the heat transfer of the collection pipe to reduce the heating power.
Improves the efficiency of hot water and steam distribution systems, reduces heating time and power requirements, reduces bacterial load and maintenance costs, and achieves the ability to distribute hot water and steam at the same time.
Smart Images
Figure CN120051227A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid pipe for distributing hot water, a distribution assembly for distributing hot water and preferably steam, a recirculation method, a method for distributing hot water, and a coffee machine.
[0002] Specifically, the present invention belongs to the field of hot beverage distribution, at a professional level, for example, for bars, restaurants, and vending machines, or at a household level, for example, for household use. Background Art
[0003] Hot water distribution systems are known in the art and are typically integrated into the same distribution assembly, usually connected to a steam distribution system. Generally, known distribution assemblies consist of a single fluid pipe that supplies two distribution nozzles for alternately distributing hot water and steam.
[0004] In fact, generally, known distribution assemblies allow hot water or steam to be distributed at different times because they typically have a single fluid pipe for supplying both distribution operations, the water flow rate in the circuit is insufficient to supply both distribution operations, and it is complex and expensive to heat and pump water located in the same fluid pipe at two different temperatures.
[0005] According to another drawback, known distribution systems use heaters to heat the containers for receiving beverages, i.e., to keep mugs, teacups, and glasses warm, thereby ensuring the heat retention of the beverages after being provided to the end user and, in addition, enhancing the comfort felt by grasping such containers.
[0006] Such heaters obviously require special, and thus expensive, supplies and need specialized maintenance.
[0007] In addition, boilers or heat storage boilers are usually used in known distribution systems, where a large amount of heated water of the same volume is stored, and these heated waters will remain in the corresponding water storage tanks for a long time before being distributed.
[0008] It is known that such systems generate a bacterial load, and even if the problem is controlled and the known boilers and heaters comply with health and safety standards, such systems require special control of microbial risks.
[0009] In addition, such drawbacks force users to perform continuous and frequent cleaning cycles, resulting in a waste of time and resources. Summary of the Invention
[0010] Therefore, there is a strong need to provide a distribution assembly that can overcome the typical drawbacks of the prior art.
[0011] Specifically, the object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of the dispensing assembly, optimize the power used to heat water for the dispensing operation, while maximizing the calorific value of the water combustion.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to allow the simultaneous dispensing of hot water and steam.
[0013] Such requirements are met by the fluid water pipe, dispensing assembly, coffee machine, recirculation method and method for dispensing hot water according to the appended claims. The dependent claims describe preferred or advantageous embodiments of the present invention, including further advantageous aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] However, referring to the accompanying drawings, the features and advantages of the water fluid pipe, dispensing assembly, coffee machine, recirculation method and dispensing method will become apparent from the following description of some preferred embodiments of the present invention given by way of non-limiting example, in which:
[0015] - Figure 1 shows a fluid circuit diagram of a dispensing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] - Figure 2 shows a fluid circuit diagram of a fluid water pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] - Figure 3 shows a fluid circuit diagram of a fluid steam pipe of a dispensing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] - Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a dispensing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] - Figure 5a shows a side perspective view of a fluid water pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] - Figure 5b shows Figure 5a the other side perspective view of the fluid water pipe in
[0021] - Figure 5c shows from Figure 5a the view of the fluid water pipe in
[0022] - Figure 6 shows a side perspective view of a fluid steam pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] - Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the dispensing assembly of the present invention in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] - Figure 8 shows according to an embodiment of the present inventionFigure 7 Perspective view of the dispensing assembly in
[0025] - Figure 9 Perspective view of a coffee machine according to an
[0026] - Figure 10 Fluid circuit diagram of the dispensing assembly
[0027] - Figure 11 Fluid circuit diagram of the dispensing assembly
[0028] - Figure 12 Fluid circuit diagram of the dispensing assembly Detailed Description of the Invention
[0029] Referring to the foregoing figures, reference numeral
[0030] 11 generally denotes a fluid pipe for dispensing
[0031] - A main branch 110 that extends between a first
[0032] inlet opening 21 and a hot water dispensing
[0033] opening 31, and the main branch is adapted to
[0034] receive water through the first inlet opening 21
[0035] and allow the water to flow towards the hot water
[0036] For example, the water can be preheated to approximately 60° C. by means of the first heating device 41 and sent to the recirculation device in the recirculation branch 115 and then to the main branch 110 again.
[0037] Thus, when hot water (usually boiling water, preferably about 90-95° C.) needs to be dispensed for preparing a hot beverage (such as tea or herbal drink), a reduced final heating of the previously preheated water can be performed by means of the first heating device 41 .
[0038] Advantageously, such features of the fluid water conduit also allow for the use of reduced power heating devices compared to typical heaters of the prior art at the same desired dispensing temperature.
[0039] According to the present invention, the main branch 110 comprises a collecting pipe 500 suitable for accumulating water preheated by the first heating device 41 and reintroduced into the main branch 110 by means of the recirculation branch 115, the collecting pipe 500 being at least partially heat-conductive to allow the heat of the heated hot water accumulated in the collecting pipe 500 to be transferred toward the surrounding environment.
[0040] In other words, the collecting pipe 500 is at least partially uninsulated, ie it comprises at least one exchange wall 550 adapted to allow heat exchange between the heating water inside the collecting pipe 500 and the surroundings via said exchange wall 550 .
[0041] More generally, the expression "towards the surroundings" is understood to mean "towards the outside of the collecting duct", ie towards any chamber or element arranged outside said duct.
[0042] Preferably, the entire outer wall of the collecting duct is adapted to allow heat exchange, ie the entire collecting duct is not insulated.
[0043] Advantageously, due to such a feature, the heated water stored in the collecting pipe 500 can be used for a dual purpose: on the one hand, providing a certain flow of preheated water to allow hot water to be dispensed more quickly at a high temperature, and on the other hand, allowing the use of the combustion heat of the heated water in the collecting pipe 500 to passively transfer heat to elements that need to be heated that are close to such collecting pipes, similar to other fluid pipes or additional dispensing assembly elements, such as a cup holder unit, as better explained later in this discussion.
[0044] Preferably, such as Figure 5a , Figure 5b and Figure 5c As shown, a hot water dispensing opening 31 is connected to or present in a hot water outlet nozzle, which is designed to direct the flow of hot water to a collecting container, such as a cup or a glass.
[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first heating device 41 is installed close to the hot water distribution opening 31.
[0046] Preferably, the first heating device 41 is an instantaneous heater, and even more preferably, the first heating device is a heater of the FTH (flow-through heater) type.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid water pipe 11 includes a first pump 61, preferably a rotary pump, which is installed upstream of the first heating device 41 and is adapted to push water towards the first heating device 41 into the main branch 110.
[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the recirculation branch 115 is reintroduced into the main branch 110 upstream of the first pump 61.
[0049] Herein, the expressions "upstream" and "downstream" are always used with reference to the flow direction of water from the first water inlet opening 21 and the second water inlet opening 22 towards the hot water distribution opening 31 or towards the steam distribution opening 32, respectively.
[0050] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the collection pipe 500 is placed between the first pump 61 and the first heating device 41.
[0051] Advantageously, due to the presence of the first pump 61, the hot water distribution time can be adjusted by the power applied to the first heating device 41 and the power of the first pump 61.
[0052] Preferably, the collection pipe 500 is a pipe that extends along the main flow direction X over a collection length L and has a cross-section defined by a transverse dimension D in a plane transverse to the main flow direction X, where the collection length L is much larger than the transverse dimension D.
[0053] Obviously, the main flow direction X not only means a linear direction, but also refers to a meandering direction, for example, a curved or broken or mixed trajectory, including linear and / or curved and / or broken segments, which follows the direction of water flow in the pipe.
[0054] For example, the collection pipe 500 is a pipe that has a collection length L along the main flow direction X and has a circular cross-section defined by a diameter D, where the length L is much larger than the diameter D. In other words, the collection pipe is a long and narrow pipe fitting.
[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the collection length L is at least ten times the transverse dimension D, preferably at least fifty times the transverse dimension D, and even more preferably at least one hundred times the transverse dimension D.
[0056] Preferably, the collection pipe 500 has a serpentine extension structure, i.e., the collection pipe forms a fluid serpentine curve, including linearly distributed segments 510 and curved segments 520 that are alternately arranged.
[0057] In one embodiment, the collection pipe 500 extends from a first end 501 to a second end 502.
[0058] Preferably, at the first end 501 and the second end 502, the fluid water pipe 11 includes a check valve 74, which is adapted to open and close to respectively allow or prevent the preheated water from flowing from the recirculation branch towards the collection pipe 500 and from the collection pipe 500 towards the first heating device 41.
[0059] In addition, in one embodiment, the main branch 110 includes a discharge node 300 located downstream of the first heating device 41 and upstream of the hot water distribution opening 31, where the recirculation branch 115 diverges from the main branch 110 at the discharge node 300.
[0060] Preferably, the fluid water pipe 11 includes a flow regulating element 71 located at the discharge node 300, which is adapted to regulate the water flow from the main branch 110 towards the hot water distribution opening 31 or towards the recirculation branch 115.
[0061] In an advantageous embodiment, such a flow regulating element 71 is a three-way valve.
[0062] Preferably, the fluid water pipe 11 includes an electronic control unit 75, which is operatively connected to the flow regulating element 71 and is configured to process the following signals and send the following signals to the flow regulating element 71:
[0063] - A distribution signal for allowing water to flow from the main branch 110 towards the hot water distribution opening 31; or - A recirculation signal for allowing water to flow from the main branch 110 towards the recirculation branch 115.
[0064] In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the fluid water pipe 1 according to the preceding claims includes a hot water temperature sensor 700, which is mounted on the fluid water pipe 11 and is configured to detect the temperature of the water in the main branch 110 downstream of the first heating device 41.
[0065] The present invention also relates to a distribution assembly 1 for distributing hot water, which includes a fluid water pipe 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a cup holder unit 600 arranged close to the collection pipe 500, such that at least one surface of the cup holder unit 600 is allowed to be heated by transferring heat from the water accommodated in the collection pipe 500 towards the cup holder unit 600.
[0066] In a preferred embodiment, a heating chamber 650 is included and defined in the cup holder unit 600, which is adapted to receive the collection pipe 500 and is closed at the top by means of the cup holder plate 680, so as to hide the collection pipe 500 out of the user's sight, wherein the cup holder plate 680 is adapted to hold a mug, a teacup, or a glass to be heated.
[0067] Preferably, the dispensing assembly 1 is also adapted to dispense steam and further comprises:
[0068] - A fluid steam pipe 12, which extends between the second water inlet opening 22 and the steam dispensing opening 32, and the fluid steam pipe 12 is adapted to receive water through the second water inlet opening 22 and allow the water to flow towards the steam dispensing opening 32;
[0069] - A second heating device 42, which is operatively connected to the fluid steam pipe 12 and is adapted to heat the water flowing into the fluid steam pipe 12 before it reaches the steam dispensing opening 32 to generate steam.
[0070] Therefore, the dispensing assembly 1 is also adapted to dispense steam through the steam dispensing opening 32, which is different from the hot water dispensing opening 31.
[0071] Preferably, as shown, for example, Figure 6 the steam dispensing opening 32 is connected to or present in a steam outlet nozzle, which is designed to direct the flow of steam into a fluid contained in a collection container (e.g., a teacup or a glass, or a pan containing milk).
[0072] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second heating device 42 is installed close to the steam dispensing opening 32.
[0073] Preferably, the second heating device 42 is an instantaneous heater, and even more preferably, the second heating device is a heater of the FTH (flow-through heater) type.
[0074] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the fluid water pipe 11 and the fluid steam pipe 12 are fluidly and thermally separated from each other in their paths between the first water inlet opening 21 and the hot water dispensing opening 31 and between the second water inlet opening 22 and the steam dispensing opening 32, respectively.
[0075] In other words, according to this embodiment, the dispensing assembly 1 includes two fluid pipes that are kept fluidly and thermally separated from each other, namely, the fluid water pipe 11 for generating and dispensing hot water and the fluid steam pipe 12 for generating and dispensing steam.
[0076] The definition of "fluid separation" is understood to mean that such fluid water pipes and fluid steam pipes 11, 12 do not have common fluid nodes along their respective paths. That is, for example, the water entering the fluid water pipe 11 cannot reach the fluid steam pipe 12, and vice versa.
[0077] The definition of "thermal separation" is understood to mean that such fluid water pipes and fluid steam pipes 11, 12 do not directly affect each other, that is, they do not directly contribute to heating, or more generally, do not directly contribute to changing the temperature of the other pipe or the temperature of the water flowing in the other pipe. In other words, for example, the first heating device 41 only has a thermal effect on the water flowing in the fluid water pipe 11. Similarly, the second heating device 42 only has a thermal effect on the water flowing into the fluid steam pipe 12.
[0078] In the embodiment described in detail below, the fluid pipes maintain fluid separation and thermal separation, but the fluid steam pipe 12 is indirectly heated in a passive manner in the preheating section 120 by means of heat transfer from the collection pipe 500 towards the preheating section 120.
[0079] Furthermore, according to an advantageous embodiment, the first heating device 41 and the second heating device 42 are completely disconnected from each other both fluidly and thermally.
[0080] In, for example Figure 10 In the embodiment shown, the fluid steam pipe 12 includes a preheating section 120 close to the collection pipe 500, such that the collection pipe 500 allows heat to be transferred from the preheated water in the collection pipe to the preheating section 120, thereby also ensuring a minimum preheating of the water flowing into the fluid steam pipe 12.
[0081] In such an embodiment, the collection pipe 500 is adapted to allow heat to be transferred from the preheated water in the collection pipe to the preheating section 120, thereby also allowing the preheating of the water flowing into the fluid steam pipe 12. That is, the fluid water pipe 11 and the fluid steam pipe 12 maintain thermal separation and fluid separation, and the fluid steam pipe 12 undergoes passive preheating by being located near the collection pipe 500.
[0082] Therefore, the distribution of steam is also promoted, and, at the same final distribution temperature, it allows the use of a heater with a reduced power compared to the heaters used in the prior art for generating steam.
[0083] In one embodiment, the distribution assembly 1 further includes an overpressure safety valve 72 mounted on the fluid water pipe 11, preferably downstream of the first pump 61, and even more preferably downstream of the collection pipe 500.
[0084] In one embodiment, the distribution assembly includes a discharge branch 200 that is fluidly connectable to the fluid water conduit 11 and / or the fluid steam conduit 12 to allow the release of water and / or steam when necessary.
[0085] Preferably, if needed, the overpressure safety valve 72 is adapted to regulate the flow of hot water from the main branch 110 towards the hot water distribution opening 31, or towards the recirculation branch 115, or towards the discharge branch 200.
[0086] In one embodiment, the distribution assembly 1 includes a steam regulating element 77 mounted on the fluid steam conduit 12, preferably downstream of the second pump 62.
[0087] Preferably, such a steam regulating element 77 is adapted to regulate the flow of water flowing from the second heating device 42 towards the steam distribution opening 32 or towards the discharge branch 200.
[0088] In one embodiment, the fluid steam conduit 12 branches off from the fluid water conduit 11 at the collection conduit 500.
[0089] In one embodiment, for example Figure 11 as shown, the fluid steam conduit 12 includes a tapping branch 125 by which the fluid steam conduit is connected to the fluid water conduit 11 downstream of the collection conduit 500.
[0090] In other words, the fluid steam conduit 12 is connected to the collection conduit 500 or downstream of the collection conduit and is adapted to receive water from the collection conduit 500 through the second water inlet opening 22 such that the fluid steam conduit 12 receives water preheated by the first heating device 41 in the fluid water conduit 11 and performs final heating by means of the second heating device 42 to convert the preheated water into steam.
[0091] Preferably, the distribution assembly 1 includes an auxiliary regulating element 76 that is adapted to regulate the flow of preheated water accumulating in the collection conduit 500 towards the hot water distribution opening 31 or towards the fluid steam conduit 12. Thus, such an auxiliary regulating element 76 is preferably mounted at the connection between the tapping branch 125 and the fluid conduit 11, as Figure 12 shown in the embodiment.
[0092] According to one embodiment, the electronic control unit 75 is connected to a user interface by means of which the user can send a hot water distribution command to the distribution assembly (or to the fluid water conduit), and / or he / she can manually command the flow regulating element 71 to regulate the flow of water towards the hot water distribution opening or towards the recirculation branch.
[0093] In one embodiment, the dispensing assembly 1 includes a water tank 50 which preferably contains water at room temperature or cold water, is fluidly connected to the fluid water pipe 11 by means of a first water inlet opening 21, and is fluidly connected to the fluid steam pipe 12 by means of a second water inlet opening 22.
[0094] In other words, in such an embodiment, each of the fluid water pipe and the fluid steam pipes 11, 12 is directly connected to the water tank 50 by means of the respective water inlet openings 21, 22.
[0095] In one embodiment, for example as shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 the dispensing assembly 1 includes a manifold pipe 9 which has a first end 90 and a second end 99, the first end being fluidly connected to the water tank 50 adapted to contain water, and the second end being fluidly connected to the fluid water pipe 11 and the fluid steam pipe 12 by means of the first water inlet opening 21 and the second water inlet opening 22 respectively.
[0096] Such a manifold pipe 9 is adapted to indirectly connect the fluid water pipe 11 and the fluid steam pipe 12 to the water tank 50.
[0097] Preferably, both the first opening 21 and the second water inlet opening 22 are connected to the same second end 99 of the manifold pipe 9.
[0098] Preferably, a regulating valve is installed at such a second end 99, which is adapted to regulate the water flow flowing from the water tank 50 through the first water inlet opening 21 towards the fluid water pipe 11 and / or through the second water inlet opening 22 towards the fluid steam pipe 12.
[0099] In an advantageous embodiment, the regulating valve is adapted to allow simultaneous flow in the fluid water pipe 11 and the fluid steam pipe 12.
[0100] Thus, advantageously, also due to the separation between the two fluid pipes 11 and 12 and due to the presence of the thermally separated first heating device 41 and second heating device 42, it is allowed to simultaneously dispense hot water through the hot water dispensing opening 31 and steam through the steam dispensing opening 32.
[0101] In addition, a check valve 73 is preferably installed at the first water inlet opening 21, which is adapted to prevent the water entering the fluid water pipe 11 from returning towards the water tank 50 or towards the fluid steam pipe 12.
[0102] In one embodiment, the fluid steam pipe 12 includes a second pump 62, preferably a positive displacement pump, which is installed upstream of the second heating device 42 and is adapted to push water towards the second heating device 42 into the fluid steam pipe 12.
[0103] In one embodiment, the dispensing assembly 1 includes one or more steam temperature sensors 702 mounted on the fluid steam conduit 12 and configured to detect the temperature of water in the fluid steam conduit 12 upstream of and adjacent to the second heating device 42.
[0104] Preferably, the electronic control unit 75 is connected to the one or more steam temperature sensors 702 and configured to adjust the flow rate through the second heating device 42 based on the temperature detected by the one or more steam temperature sensors 702.
[0105] Preferably, the flow rate through the second heating device 42 is adjusted by acting on the power of the second pump 62.
[0106] In a structural variant, the dispensing assembly 1 further includes a flow rate measurer 8, such as a flow meter mounted on the fluid water conduit 11.
[0107] Preferably, such a flow rate measurer 8 is mounted on the main branch 110, and even more preferably, upstream of the first pump 61.
[0108] In one embodiment, the recirculation branch 115 is reintroduced into the main branch 110 downstream of the flow rate measurer 8 and upstream of the first pump 61.
[0109] In a structural variant, the dispensing assembly includes a flow rate measurer 8 mounted on the confluence conduit 9.
[0110] In an advantageous embodiment, the fluid water conduit 11 and the fluid steam conduit 12 are separated at least at the node downstream of the flow rate measurer 8.
[0111] The present invention also relates to a preheated water recirculation pipeline, which includes the following steps:
[0112] a) Providing a fluid water conduit 11 according to the present invention;
[0113] b) Allowing water to flow from the first water inlet opening 21 into the main branch 110 towards the hot water dispensing opening 31;
[0114] c) Preheating the water flowing into the main branch 110 by means of the first heating device 41 to generate a certain amount of preheated water at a predetermined preheating temperature;
[0115] d) Preventing the certain amount of preheated water from flowing towards the hot water dispensing opening 31 and allowing the certain amount of preheated water to flow from the main branch 110 downstream of the first heating device 41 into the recirculation branch 115;
[0116] e) Reintroduce the quantity of preheated water from the recirculation branch 115 into the main branch 110 upstream of the first heating device 41.
[0117] The invention also relates to a method for distributing hot water, which method comprises the following steps:
[0118] f) Carry out the method for recirculating preheated water according to the invention;
[0119] g) Provide an electronic control unit 75 operatively connected to the fluid water pipe 11;
[0120] h) By means of the electronic control unit 75, preferably in response to a hot water distribution command sent by the user, preferably by means of a user interface, send a hot water distribution signal to the fluid water pipe 11;
[0121] i) According to the hot water distribution signal, carry out final heating on a certain volume of water to be distributed by means of the first heating device 41 so as to bring it to a predetermined distribution temperature, the certain volume of water to be distributed comprising a quantity of preheated water reintroduced into the main branch 110 and / or a quantity of unheated water entering the main branch 110 from the first water inlet opening 21;
[0122] j) Allow the heated water at the predetermined distribution temperature to pass through the hot water distribution opening 31.
[0123] Obviously, depending on the volume of water required for distribution, the quantity of preheated water accumulated in the collection pipe 500 and available for subsequent final heating may be sufficient to ensure the distribution of such a volume or may not be sufficient to ensure the distribution of such a volume. Clearly, during distribution, the method includes the main branch 110 continuing to receive water entering through the first water inlet opening 21.
[0124] Therefore, on the one hand, it is advantageously ensured that the main branch 110 is constantly filled, avoiding the formation of air bubbles, which are harmful to the operation of the heating device. At the same time, advantageously, such a system theoretically allows the distribution assembly to distribute any volume of hot water without interruption.
[0125] Therefore, in one embodiment, the first heating device 41 must be adapted to carry out final heating on a quantity of water at a preheating temperature (for example 60 °C) and a quantity of water at a reduced temperature (for example at room temperature) and bring these two quantities of water to a predetermined distribution temperature (for example 90 °C).
[0126] In a preferred embodiment, step i) comprises the following sub-steps:
[0127] i1) Provide a temperature sensor 700, which is adapted to detect the temperature of water at the first heating device 41 and is operatively connected to an electronic control unit 75;
[0128] i2) Compare, by means of the electronic control unit 75, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor with a minimum preheating temperature;
[0129] i3) Depending on the comparison, perform one of the following actions:
[0130] i31) If the detected temperature is greater than or equal to the minimum preheating temperature, heat the water at the maximum water flow rate by means of the first heating device 41 so that the water reaches the distribution temperature;
[0131] i32) If the detected temperature is lower than the minimum preheating temperature, heat the water at a water flow rate lower than the maximum water flow rate by means of the first heating device 41 so that the water reaches the distribution temperature.
[0132] In other words, at the same power, when the temperature of the water to be heated is lower than the minimum preheating temperature, the first heating device 41 is adapted to heat a reduced water flow and thus produce a slower flowing hot water stream. Conversely, when the temperature of the water to be heated is at least at the minimum preheating temperature, the first heating device is adapted to heat a greater water flow (e.g., the maximum water flow) and thus produce a faster flowing hot water stream.
[0133] Obviously, this is due to the fact that, at the same power and working with previously preheated water, the first heating device 41 has to perform a reduced heating on it and, therefore, advantageously, this first heating device is able to process a greater flow rate at the distribution temperature in a shorter time.
[0134] Preferably, after step j), the method includes performing again the recirculation method according to the invention in order to immediately provide a certain amount of preheated water for subsequent distribution.
[0135] Furthermore, preferably, recirculation is also started after a period of non - use of the distribution assembly in order to prevent the deposition and growth of bacterial agents or pathogens in the pipes.
[0136] Obviously, recirculation preferably starts during a non - working step of the distribution assembly or the fluid water pipes, i.e., when hot water and steam distribution are not required.
[0137] Equally obviously, the method of distributing hot water can be carried out simultaneously with the method of distributing steam and includes the following steps:
[0138] a) Provide a hot water and steam distribution assembly 1 according to the invention, wherein the fluid water pipe 11 and the fluid steam pipe 12 are thermally and fluidly separated;
[0139] m) Distribute water into the fluid steam conduit 12 through the second water inlet opening 22;
[0140] n) Heat the water in the fluid steam conduit 12 at the steam distribution temperature by means of the second heating device 42 so as to generate steam;
[0141] o) Distribute the steam by means of the steam distribution opening 32.
[0142] Obviously, the distribution assembly according to the present invention is suitable for operating as an independent unit or for being integrated into a household appliance having other functions, for example, being integrated into a domestic coffee machine or a professional coffee machine.
[0143] Therefore, the present invention also relates to a coffee machine 1000, for example Figure 9 as shown in the embodiment in, the coffee machine includes a coffee distribution unit and a distribution assembly 1 according to the present invention.
[0144] Innovatively, the present invention overcomes the drawbacks of typical distribution assemblies of the prior art
[0145] In fact, advantageously, due to the technical features described herein, the fluid water conduit according to the present invention allows a significant improvement in the efficiency of the water and steam distribution system.
[0146] According to a surprising advantage, due to the presence of a recirculation branch in the fluid water conduit, the hot water distribution time is reduced. In other words, the possibility of always having a certain amount of pre-heated water allows only a minimal final heating to bring such water to the distribution temperature, and thus, at the same power of the heating device, this distribution assembly allows a greater water flow to be distributed at the distribution temperature in a shorter time.
[0147] Therefore, the delay (i.e., waiting time) between the distribution command and the distribution is reduced.
[0148] Furthermore, with regard to such an advantage, note the convenience of being able to use a heater with a reduced power compared to that used in the prior art for providing hot water at the same distribution temperature.
[0149] In addition, the collection conduit in the fluid water conduit advantageously allows the use of the combustion heat of the pre-heated water accumulated in such a conduit for heating other components of the coffee machine or the distribution assembly, such as for heating the cup holder plate, so as to have pre-heated mugs and teacups ready to receive hot beverages.
[0150] Therefore, this advantageously allows the abandonment of the auxiliary heating system for heating the cup holder unit and thus greatly saves resources.
[0151] In addition, the fluid design and electrical design of the entire distribution assembly are conveniently simplified.
[0152] According to another advantage, since there are two fluid water pipes and a fluid steam pipe with complete fluid separation and thermal separation, the dispensing assembly allows hot water and steam to be dispensed simultaneously at a standard dispensing flow rate.
[0153] According to another advantage, providing two fluid pipes with fluid separation and thermal separation allows the parameters (such as flow rate, temperature, pressure, dispensing speed) for dispensing hot water and steam to be operated completely independently.
[0154] Obviously, this allows each dispensing to be adjusted according to the specific needs of the user without affecting the parameters of the dispensing occurring in parallel.
[0155] Obviously, in order to meet specific needs, those skilled in the art can make changes to the foregoing dispensing assembly and the embodiments of the foregoing coffee machine, or replace elements with other functionally equivalent elements.
[0156] Such changes are also included within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims. In addition, each variant described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be implemented independently of the other variants described.
[0157] List of reference numerals
[0158] 1 Dispensing assembly
[0159] 11 Fluid water pipe
[0160] 12 Fluid steam pipe
[0161] 110 Main branch
[0162] 115 Recirculation branch
[0163] 120 Preheating section
[0164] 125 Tap-off branch
[0165] 21 First water inlet opening
[0166] 22 Second water inlet opening
[0167] 200 Discharge branch
[0168] 31 Hot water dispensing opening
[0169] 32 Steam dispensing opening
[0170] 300 Discharge node
[0171] 41 First heating device
[0172] 42 Second heating device
[0173] 50 Water tank
[0174] 500 Collection pipe
[0175] 501 First end
[0176] 502 Second end
[0177] 510 Linear section
[0178] 520 Curved section
[0179] 550 Exchange wall
[0180] 61 First pump
[0181] 62 Second pump
[0182] 600 Cup holder unit
[0183] 650 Heating chamber
[0184] 680 Cup holder plate
[0185] 71 Flow rate regulating element
[0186] 72 Overpressure safety valve
[0187] 74 Check valve
[0188] 75 Electronic control unit
[0189] 76 Auxiliary regulating element
[0190] 77 Steam regulating element
[0191] 700 Temperature sensor
[0192] 702 Steam temperature sensor
[0193] 8 Flow rate measurer
[0194] 9 Confluence pipe
[0195] 90 First end
[0196] 99 Second end
[0197] L Storage length
[0198] X Main flow direction
[0199] D Transverse dimension
Claims
1. A fluid water pipe (11) for distributing hot water, said fluid water pipe comprising: - A main branch (110) extending between a first water inlet opening (21) and a hot water distribution opening (31), and said main branch being adapted to receive water through said first water inlet opening (21) and to allow said water to flow towards said hot water distribution opening (31); - A first heating device (41) operatively connected to said main branch (110) and adapted to heat the water flowing into said main branch (110) before the water reaches said hot water distribution opening (31); - A recirculation branch (115) diverging from said main branch (110) downstream of said first heating device (41) and upstream of said hot water distribution opening (31) and being fluidly reintroduced into said main branch (110) upstream of said first heating device (41), wherein said main branch (110) includes a collection pipe (500) adapted to accumulate water preheated by said first heating device (41) and reintroduced into said main branch (110) by means of said recirculation branch (115), said collection pipe (500) being at least partially thermally conductive to allow the heat of the heated hot water accumulated in said collection pipe (500) to be transferred to the surrounding environment.
2. The fluid water pipe (11) according to the preceding claim, comprising a first pump (61), preferably a rotary pump, said first pump being installed upstream of said first heating device (41) and adapted to push water towards said first heating device (41) into said main branch (110).
3. The fluid water pipe (11) according to claim 2, wherein, said recirculation branch (115) is reintroduced into said main branch (110) upstream of said first pump (61), and wherein said collection pipe (500) is placed between said first pump (61) and said first heating device (41).
4. The fluid water pipe (11) according to claim 3, wherein, said collection pipe (500) extends from a first end (501) to a second end (502), and wherein at said first and second ends (501, 502), said fluid water pipe (11) includes check valves (74) adapted to open and close respectively for allowing or preventing preheated water from flowing from said recirculation branch into said collection pipe (500) and from said collection pipe (500) towards said first heating device (41).
5. The fluid water pipe (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, said collection pipe (500) is a pipe extending along a main flow direction (X) with a collection length (L) and having a cross-section defined by a transverse dimension (D) in a plane transverse to said main flow direction (X), wherein said collection length (L) is much larger than said transverse dimension (D).
6. The fluid water pipe (11) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The collection length (L) is at least ten times the lateral dimension (D), preferably at least fifty times the lateral dimension (D), and even more preferably at least one hundred times the lateral dimension (D).
7. The fluid water pipe (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the collection pipe (500) has a serpentine extension structure, i.e., the collection pipe forms a fluid serpentine curve, including linearly distributed segments (510) and curved segments (520) distributed alternately.
8. The fluid water pipe (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the main branch (110) includes a discharge node (300) located downstream of the first heating device (41) and upstream of the hot water distribution opening (31), wherein the recirculation branch (115) diverges from the main branch (110) at the discharge node (300), and wherein the fluid pipe (11) includes a flow regulating element (71) corresponding to the discharge node (300), and the flow regulating element is adapted to regulate the water flow flowing from the main branch (110) towards the hot water distribution opening (31) or towards the recirculation branch (115).
9. The fluid water pipe (11) according to the preceding claim, including an electronic control unit (75), the electronic control unit being operatively connected to the flow regulating element (71) and being configured to process the following signals and send the following signals to the flow regulating element (71): - A distribution signal for allowing water to flow from the main branch (110) towards the hot water distribution opening (31); or - A recirculation signal for allowing water to flow from the main branch (110) towards the recirculation branch (115).
10. A distribution assembly (1) for distributing hot water, the distribution assembly including the fluid water pipe (11) according to any one of the preceding claims and a cup holder unit (600), the cup holder unit being positioned near the collection pipe (500) such that at least one surface of the cup holder unit (600) is allowed to be heated by heat transfer from the water contained in the collection pipe (500) towards the cup holder unit (600).
11. The distribution assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, the cup holder unit (600) includes and defines a heating chamber (650), the heating chamber being adapted to accommodate the collection pipe (500) and being closed at the top by a cup holder plate (680), thereby hiding the collection pipe (500) from the user's sight, wherein the cup holder plate (680) is adapted to hold a teacup, a small teacup, or a glass to be heated.
12. The distribution assembly (1) according to claim 10 or claim 11, including: - A fluid steam pipe (12) extending between a second water inlet opening (22) and a steam distribution opening (32), the fluid steam pipe (12) being adapted to receive water through the second water inlet opening (22) and allowing the water to flow towards the steam distribution opening (32); - A second heating device (42), which is operatively connected to the fluid steam pipe (12) and is adapted to heat the water flowing into the fluid steam pipe (12) before the water reaches the steam distribution opening (32) to generate steam, such that the distribution assembly (1) is also adapted to distribute steam through a steam distribution opening (32) different from the hot water distribution opening (31).
13. The distribution assembly (1) according to claim 12, wherein, the fluid water pipe (11) and the fluid steam pipe (12) are fluidly and thermally separated from each other in their paths respectively located between the first water inlet opening (21) and the hot water distribution opening (31) and between the second water inlet opening (22) and the steam distribution opening (32).
14. The distribution assembly (1) according to claim 13, wherein, the fluid steam pipe (12) includes a preheating section (120) passing near the collection pipe (500), such that the collection pipe (500) allows heat to be transferred from the preheated water in the collection pipe to the preheating section (120), thereby ensuring minimal preheating of the water flowing into the fluid steam pipe (12).
15. The distribution assembly (1) according to claim 12, wherein, the fluid steam pipe (12) is connected to the fluid water pipe (11) at or downstream of the collection pipe (500), that is, wherein the fluid steam pipe (12) is connected to the collection pipe (500) and is adapted to receive water from the collection pipe (500) through the second water inlet opening (22), such that the fluid steam pipe (12) receives water that has been preheated by the first heating device (41) in the fluid water pipe (11) and performs final heating by means of the second heating device (42) to convert the preheated water into steam.
16. A method for recycling preheated water, the method comprising the following steps: a) providing a fluid water pipe (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 9; b) allowing water to flow from the first water inlet opening (21) into the main branch (110) and towards the hot water distribution opening (31); c) preheating the water passing through the main branch (110) by means of the first heating device (41) to generate a certain amount of water preheated at a predetermined preheating temperature; d) preventing the certain amount of preheated water from flowing towards the hot water distribution opening (31) and allowing the certain amount of preheated water to flow from the main branch (110) downstream of the first heating device (41) into the recirculation branch (115); e) reintroducing the certain amount of preheated water into the main branch (110) through the recirculation branch (115) upstream of the first heating device (41).
17. A method for distributing hot water, the method comprising the following steps: f) performing the method for recycling preheated water according to claim 16; g) Provide an electronic control unit (75) operatively connected to the fluid water conduit (11); h) By means of the electronic control unit (75), preferably in response to a hot water dispensing command sent by a user, preferably by means of a user interface, send a hot water dispensing signal to the fluid water conduit (11); i) In accordance with the hot water dispensing signal, by means of the first heating device (41), perform a final heating on a certain volume of water to be dispensed so that the water reaches a predetermined dispensing temperature, the certain volume of water to be dispensed including a certain amount of preheated water reintroduced into the main branch (110) and / or a certain amount of unheated water entering the main branch (110) from the first water inlet opening (21); j) Allow the water heated to the predetermined dispensing temperature to flow through the hot water dispensing opening (31).
18. The method for dispensing hot water according to the preceding claims, wherein, Step i) includes the following sub-steps: i1) Provide a temperature sensor (700) adapted to detect the temperature of water at the first heating device (41) and operatively connected to the electronic control unit (75); i2) By means of the electronic control unit (75), compare the temperature detected by the temperature sensor with a minimum preheating temperature; i3) According to the comparison, perform one of the following actions: i31) If the detected temperature is greater than or equal to the minimum preheating temperature, heat the water at the maximum water flow rate by means of the first heating device (41) so that the water reaches the dispensing temperature; i32) If the detected temperature is less than the minimum preheating temperature, heat the water at a water flow rate smaller than the maximum water flow rate by means of the first heating device (41) so that the water reaches the dispensing temperature.
19. The method for dispensing hot water according to claim 17 or claim 18, preferably including, after step j), actuating again the recirculation method according to claim 16 in order to immediately provide a certain amount of preheated water for continuous dispensing.
20. A coffee machine (1000) comprising a coffee dispensing unit and a hot water dispensing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 15.