Coffee machine pipeline cleaning method and coffee machine

Abstract

The invention provides a coffee machine pipeline cleaning method and a coffee machine. The method comprises the steps that the cleaning mode of a coffee machine pipeline is determined; the milk foaming pipeline and / or the milk pipeline controls hot water in the coffee machine to enter the coffee machine pipeline based on the cleaning mode; wherein the milk pipeline is used for feeding milk in a milk cup into the milk frothing pipeline, and a milk outlet of the milk pipeline is communicated with the milk frothing pipeline; under the condition that the hot water enters the milk frothing pipeline, the milk frothing pipeline is cleaned, and waste liquid generated by cleaning is discharged through a milk frothing outlet of the milk frothing pipeline; under the condition that the hot water enters the milk pipeline, the milk pipeline is reversely cleaned, and waste liquid generated by cleaning is discharged through a milk inlet of the milk pipeline. Operation such as disassembly of the milk pipeline is avoided, and the cleaning efficiency is improved; in addition, hot water can better clean milk stains in the milk foaming pipeline and the milk pipeline. And the milk pipeline is reversely cleaned through hot water, so that the cleaning effect is further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of coffee machines, and particularly to a method for cleaning the pipeline of a coffee machine and a coffee machine. Background Art

[0002] For the existing cleaning of the milk frothing pipeline in the market, it is necessary to disassemble the pipeline for milk intake for cleaning, or manually add normal temperature water to the milk cup. The operation is complex. For a liquid like milk with a certain degree of oiliness, the milk adhering to the pipeline cannot be thoroughly cleaned by normal temperature water. Or fill the milk cup with water and execute the milk frothing program, and the water in the milk cup is sucked into the milk frothing mechanism to achieve the purpose of cleaning. This method is cumbersome to operate and requires an operator with certain experience. It is not intelligent and the cleaning water temperature is low.

[0003] For example, the Chinese utility model patent with the publication number CN210989728U discloses a milk pipeline system of a coffee machine. When cleaning the milk pipeline, hot water is not used for cleaning, and the cleaning effect is not good. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the embodiments of this application is to provide a method for cleaning the pipeline of a coffee machine and a coffee machine.

[0005] The embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions: A method for cleaning the pipeline of a coffee machine includes:

[0006] Determine the cleaning method of the coffee machine pipeline;

[0007] Based on the cleaning method, control the hot water in the coffee machine to enter the milk frothing pipeline and / or the milk pipeline of the coffee machine pipeline; wherein, the milk pipeline is used to send the milk in the milk cup into the milk frothing pipeline, and the milk outlet of the milk pipeline is communicated with the milk frothing pipeline;

[0008] When the hot water enters the milk frothing pipeline, clean the milk frothing pipeline, and discharge the waste liquid generated by the cleaning through the milk froth outlet of the milk frothing pipeline;

[0009] When the hot water enters the milk pipeline, perform reverse cleaning on the milk pipeline, and discharge the waste liquid generated by the cleaning through the milk inlet of the milk pipeline, where the milk inlet is communicated with the milk cup.

[0010] Automatically cleaning the milk frothing pipeline and the milk pipeline with the hot water in the coffee machine avoids operations such as disassembling the milk pipeline, improving the cleaning efficiency; in addition, the hot water can better clean the milk stains in the milk frothing pipeline and the milk pipeline, avoiding the adhesion of milk stains in the pipeline. Moreover, for the milk pipeline, this application can perform reverse cleaning on the milk pipeline with hot water, further improving the cleaning effect.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cleaning method of the coffee machine pipeline includes:

[0012] After completing the cleaning of the milk frothing pipeline, clean the milk pipeline, or after completing the cleaning of the milk pipeline, clean the milk frothing pipeline, or

[0013] Clean the milk frothing pipeline and the milk pipeline simultaneously. It is possible to choose to clean the milk frothing pipeline and the milk pipeline sequentially or simultaneously to meet different user needs.

[0014] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0015] Control the heating component of the coffee machine to heat the water from the water tank of the coffee machine;

[0016] Obtain the temperature value of the water in the heating component;

[0017] When the temperature value of the water in the heating component reaches the first set temperature, control the hot water in the heating component to enter the milk frothing pipeline and / or the milk pipeline of the coffee machine pipeline, so as to clean the milk frothing pipeline and the milk pipeline with hot water at a higher temperature and improve the cleaning effect.

[0018] In some embodiments, when cleaning the milk frothing pipeline and the milk pipeline in sequence, controlling the hot water in the coffee machine to enter the milk frothing pipeline first includes:

[0019] Control the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve to open, so that hot water first enters the milk frothing end water path through the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve;

[0020] Control the first opening of the second three-way solenoid valve to open, so that hot water enters the milk frothing pipeline through the milk frothing end water path and the first opening of the second three-way solenoid valve. The milk frothing pipeline includes a bubble chamber and has a relatively complex internal structure. The milk frothing pipeline can be cleaned first to avoid milk stains adhering to the complex internal structure of the milk frothing pipeline and being difficult to clean.

[0021] In some embodiments, when cleaning the milk frothing pipeline and the milk pipeline in sequence, controlling the hot water in the coffee machine to enter the milk pipeline first includes:

[0022] Control the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve to open, so that hot water first enters the milk frothing end water path through the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve;

[0023] Control the second opening of the second three-way solenoid valve to open, so that hot water enters the milk pipeline through the milk frothing end waterway and the second opening of the second three-way solenoid valve. Compared with the milk frothing pipeline, the milk in the milk pipeline has a higher concentration, and the milk stains in the milk pipeline are more likely to adhere to the pipeline. The milk pipeline can be cleaned first to avoid the milk stains adhering more firmly to the milk pipeline after a long time without cleaning.

[0024] In some embodiments, when cleaning the milk frothing pipeline and the milk pipeline simultaneously,

[0025] Controlling the hot water in the coffee machine to enter the milk frothing pipeline and the milk pipeline includes:

[0026] Control the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve to open, so that hot water first enters the milk frothing end waterway through the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve;

[0027] Control the first opening and the second opening of the four-way solenoid valve to open simultaneously, so that hot water enters the milk frothing pipeline through the milk frothing end waterway and the first opening of the four-way solenoid valve, and hot water enters the milk pipeline through the milk frothing end waterway and the second opening of the four-way solenoid valve, cleaning the milk frothing pipeline and the milk pipeline simultaneously, improving the cleaning efficiency.

[0028] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0029] The time for hot water to enter the milk frothing pipeline is the first time;

[0030] The time for hot water to enter the milk pipeline is the second time;

[0031] Wherein, the first time is different from the second time. According to the different cleaning difficulties of the milk frothing pipeline and the milk pipeline, the milk frothing pipeline and the milk pipeline can be cleaned for different times to ensure the cleaning effect.

[0032] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0033] When the coffee machine needs to make coffee, control the second opening of the first three-way solenoid valve to open, so that hot water can enter the coffee end waterway. Through the control of the opening of the first three-way solenoid valve, different functions of the coffee machine are realized.

[0034] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0035] When the coffee machine needs to froth milk, control the heating component of the coffee machine to heat the water from the water tank of the coffee machine;

[0036] Obtain the temperature value of the water in the heating component;

[0037] When the temperature value of the water in the heating component reaches the second set temperature, control the steam in the heating component to enter the steam inlet of the milk frothing pipeline, where,

[0038] The steam mixes and foams with the air entering the foaming cavity through the air inlet under negative pressure and the milk entering the foaming cavity through the milk outlet in the foaming cavity of the milk frothing pipeline. When making milk foam, heat the water in the heating component to a temperature capable of generating a large amount of hot steam so that the steam can enter the milk frothing pipeline to make milk foam.

[0039] The embodiment of the present application also provides a coffee machine, including:

[0040] A water tank for storing water;

[0041] A water pump connected to the water tank for pumping out the water in the water tank;

[0042] A heating component, whose water inlet is connected to the water pump for heating the water pumped out by the water pump;

[0043] A first three-way solenoid valve connected to the water outlet of the heating component to deliver the heated hot water to the coffee-side water circuit and / or deliver the heated hot water or steam to the milk-foam-side water circuit;

[0044] A second three-way solenoid valve or a four-way solenoid valve connected to the milk-foam-side water circuit to deliver the hot water from the milk-foam-side water circuit to the milk frothing pipeline and / or the milk pipeline, and / or

[0045] Deliver the steam from the milk-foam-side water circuit to the milk frothing pipeline;

[0046] A controller electrically connected to the water pump, the heating component, the first three-way solenoid valve, and the second three-way solenoid valve or the four-way solenoid valve respectively, and configured to execute the method for cleaning the coffee machine pipeline as described in any one of the above embodiments. The coffee machine cleaned by the above cleaning method avoids operations such as disassembling the milk pipeline, improving the cleaning efficiency of the coffee machine; in addition, the hot water can better clean the milk stains in the milk frothing pipeline and the milk pipeline, avoiding the adhesion of milk stains in the pipeline. Moreover, for the milk pipeline, the present application can perform reverse cleaning on the milk pipeline with hot water, further improving the cleaning effect. Description of the Drawings

[0047] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the related art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments or the related art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0048] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of the method for cleaning the coffee machine pipeline of the present application;

[0049] Figure 2 It is a partial structural block diagram of the coffee machine of the present application;

[0050] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the milk frothing pipeline and the milk pipeline of the present application;

[0051] Figure 4 It is a diagram of the controller of the present application and the electrical components connected thereto.

[0052] Reference numerals: 1, water tank; 2, water pump; 3, heating component; 4, NTC; 5, controller; 6, flow meter; 7, first three-way solenoid valve; 8, second three-way solenoid valve; 9, coffee end water circuit; 10, milk frothing end water circuit; 11, milk frothing pipeline; 111, steam inlet; 112, milk foam outlet; 113, foaming cavity; 12, milk pipeline; 121, hot water inlet; 122, milk inlet; 123, milk outlet; 13, air inlet; 14, milk cup; 15, milk foam cup. Detailed embodiments

[0053] Reference is made herein to the various aspects and features of the present application with reference to the drawings.

[0054] It should be understood that various modifications can be made to the embodiments of the application herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as an example of the embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the present application.

[0055] The drawings included in the specification and forming a part of the specification illustrate the embodiments of the present application and, together with the general description of the present application given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, are used to explain the principles of the present application.

[0056] These and other features of the present application will become apparent from the following description of the preferred forms of the embodiments given by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the drawings.

[0057] It should also be understood that although the present application has been described with reference to some specific examples, those skilled in the art can surely implement many other equivalent forms of the present application.

[0058] When combined with the accompanying drawings, the above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present application will become more apparent in view of the following detailed description.

[0059] Specific embodiments of the present application will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, it should be understood that the embodiments claimed are merely examples of the present application and can be implemented in various ways. Well-known and / or repetitive functions and structures are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present application with unnecessary or redundant details. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details claimed herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather are merely a basis and representative basis for the claims to teach those skilled in the art to use the present application in substantially any suitable detailed structure in a variety of ways.

[0060] This specification may use the phrase "in one embodiment", "in another embodiment", "in yet another embodiment", or "in other embodiments", each of which may refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments according to the present application.

[0061] An embodiment of the present application provides a method for cleaning a coffee machine pipeline. Here, the coffee machine pipeline mainly refers to the pipeline corresponding to milk frothing, that is, the coffee machine pipeline includes a milk frothing pipeline and a milk pipeline. Of course, the pipeline of the coffee machine also includes other pipelines. For example, the coffee machine pipeline may also include a coffee end waterway for coffee making, and may also include a milk froth end waterway for connecting the heating component of the coffee machine to the milk frothing pipeline and the milk pipeline. Among them, the heating component of the coffee machine is used to heat the water in the coffee machine water tank.

[0062] Combined Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the method for cleaning the coffee machine pipeline of the present application includes the following steps:

[0063] S10, determine the cleaning method of the coffee machine pipeline.

[0064] Exemplarily, the cleaning method of the coffee machine pipeline can be set according to user needs or can be selected according to the corresponding cleaning case on the coffee machine. For example, the cleaning methods include:

[0065] The first type: After completing the cleaning of the milk frothing pipeline 11, then clean the milk pipeline 12. For example, the controller 5 of the coffee machine is provided with a preset cleaning program and a cleaning button. When the cleaning button is pressed, the controller 5 of the coffee machine automatically controls the coffee machine to first clean the milk frothing pipeline 11, and then clean the milk pipeline 12.

[0066] For example, after the controller 5 controls the cleaning of the milk frothing pipeline 11 for 10 seconds, the milk pipeline 12 is then cleaned. The cleaning time of the milk pipeline 12 can be 10 seconds or other time.

[0067] Of course, it can be understood that the cleaning time of the frothing pipeline and the cleaning time of the milk pipeline 12 can be set to other durations as needed. This is only an example and does not constitute a limitation on the protection scope of the claims.

[0068] Corresponding duration buttons can also be set on the coffee machine, and users can independently control the cleaning duration of the milk frothing pipeline 11 and the milk pipeline 12 as needed.

[0069] In addition, by obtaining the amount of hot water entering the milk frothing pipeline 11 and / or the milk pipeline 12, when the hot water amount reaches the set threshold, it indicates the end of the cleaning of the milk frothing pipeline 11 and / or the milk pipeline 12.

[0070] The second method: After completing the cleaning of the milk pipeline 12, the milk frothing pipeline 11 is then cleaned.

[0071] Similar to the first cleaning method introduced earlier, the milk pipeline 12 can be cleaned first and then the milk frothing pipeline 11.

[0072] For example, there is a cleaning button set on the coffee machine. After pressing this cleaning button, the controller 5 can first clean the milk frothing pipeline 11 according to the established cleaning program and then clean the milk pipeline 12, or after completing the cleaning of the milk pipeline 12, clean the milk frothing pipeline 11. Which pipeline to clean first is determined by the established cleaning program of the controller 5.

[0073] Alternatively, there are two cleaning buttons, the first cleaning button and the second cleaning button, set on the coffee machine. When the first cleaning button is pressed, the established program of the controller 5 can first clean the milk frothing pipeline 11 and then clean the milk pipeline 12. When the second cleaning button is pressed, the established program of the controller 5 can first clean the milk pipeline 12 and then clean the milk frothing pipeline 11.

[0074] The specific time control or flow control is similar to the first method and will not be elaborated here again.

[0075] The third method: Clean the milk frothing pipeline 11 and the milk pipeline 12 simultaneously.

[0076] For example, a cleaning button can be set on the coffee machine. When this cleaning button is pressed, the established program of the controller 5 can control the simultaneous cleaning of the milk frothing pipeline 11 and the milk pipeline 12.

[0077] The specific time control or flow control is similar to the first one and will not be elaborated here again.

[0078] It is possible to choose to clean the milk frothing pipeline 11 and the milk pipeline 12 successively or simultaneously to meet different needs of users.

[0079] The user can select one of the above three cleaning methods and determine the cleaning method by pressing the corresponding button or other means.

[0080] S20, Based on the cleaning method, control the hot water in the coffee machine to enter the milk frothing pipeline 11 and / or the milk pipeline 12 of the coffee machine pipeline; wherein, the milk pipeline 12 is used to send the milk in the milk cup 14 into the milk frothing pipeline 11, and the milk outlet 123 of the milk pipeline 12 is communicated with the milk frothing pipeline 11.

[0081] Exemplarily, in combination with Figure 3 , the milk inlet 122 of the milk pipeline 12 of the coffee machine can be communicated with the milk cup 14 filled with milk, and the milk outlet 123 of the milk pipeline 12 can be communicated with the foaming cavity 113 of the milk frothing pipeline 11. When the hot steam enters the milk frothing pipeline 11, a negative pressure can be generated in the foaming cavity 113, and the milk pipeline 12 communicated with the foaming cavity 113 can suck the milk in the milk cup 14 into the foaming cavity 113. At the same time, the air pipeline communicated with the foaming cavity 113 can suck air into the foaming cavity 113 through the air inlet 13 of the air pipeline. The hot steam, air and milk realize milk foaming in the foaming cavity 113.

[0082] Based on the cleaning method determined above, it is possible to control the hot water heated by the heating component 3 to enter the milk frothing pipeline 11 and / or the milk pipeline 12.

[0083] S30, When the hot water enters the milk frothing pipeline 11, clean the milk frothing pipeline 11 and discharge the waste liquid generated by the cleaning through the milk foam outlet 112 of the milk frothing pipeline 11.

[0084] Exemplarily, the hot water enters the milk frothing pipeline 11 to clean the milk frothing pipeline 11. The path and direction of the hot water entering the milk frothing pipeline 11 can be the same as the direction of the hot steam entering the milk frothing pipeline 11 during milk frothing. The waste liquid generated by cleaning the milk frothing pipeline 11 can be discharged through the milk foam outlet 112 of the milk frothing pipeline 11. During milk frothing, the milk foam can be discharged through the milk foam outlet 112 of the milk frothing pipeline 11 to the milk foam cup 15 located below the milk foam outlet 112.

[0085] When cleaning the milk frothing pipeline 11, the milk frothing cup 15 can be moved to another place, and a waste liquid bucket is placed below the milk frothing outlet 112, and the waste liquid generated by cleaning the milk frothing pipeline 11 is discharged into the waste liquid bucket.

[0086] S40, when hot water enters the milk pipeline 12, the milk pipeline 12 is cleaned in the reverse direction, and the waste liquid generated by the cleaning is discharged through the milk inlet 122 of the milk pipeline 12, wherein the milk inlet 122 communicates with the milk cup 14.

[0087] Exemplarily, hot water enters the milk pipeline 12 to clean the milk pipeline 12 in the reverse direction, and the waste liquid generated by the cleaning is discharged through the milk inlet 122 of the milk pipeline 12. For example, the milk cup 14 can be moved to another place, and the waste liquid generated by the cleaning is discharged through the milk inlet 122 of the milk pipeline 12 into the waste liquid bucket placed below the milk inlet 122.

[0088] The milk in the milk cup 14 enters the milk pipeline 12 through the milk inlet 122, and is transported to the foaming cavity 113 of the milk frothing pipeline 11 through the outlet of the milk pipeline 12. Along the direction of milk transportation, the milk stains of the milk will adhere to the inner wall of the milk pipeline 12. By introducing hot water into the milk pipeline 12, the hot water is discharged from the milk inlet 122 of the milk pipeline 12 into the waste liquid bucket, realizing the reverse cleaning of the milk pipeline 12. Compared with forward cleaning, in reverse cleaning, since the direction of the fluid in the milk pipeline 12 changes in the opposite direction, the milk stains on the inner wall of the milk pipeline 12 are more easily washed away, improving the cleaning effect.

[0089] The milk frothing pipeline 11 and the milk pipeline 12 are automatically cleaned by the hot water in the coffee machine, avoiding operations such as disassembling the milk pipeline 12, and improving the cleaning efficiency; in addition, the hot water can better clean the milk stains in the milk frothing pipeline 11 and the milk pipeline 12, preventing the milk stains from adhering to the pipeline. Moreover, for the milk pipeline 12, the present application can clean the milk pipeline 12 in the reverse direction by hot water, further improving the cleaning effect.

[0090] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0091] S201, controlling the heating component 3 of the coffee machine to heat the water from the water tank 1 of the coffee machine.

[0092] Exemplarily, a water pump 2 can be arranged between the water tank 1 and the heating component 3 of the coffee machine, and the water pump 2 can pump the water in the water tank 1 into the heating component 3. The heating component 3 can be a heating structure such as a heating pot to realize the heating of water.

[0093] The controller 5 can control the heating component 3 to work to heat the water entering the heating component 3.

[0094] S202. Obtain the temperature value of the water in the heating component 3.

[0095] Exemplarily, a temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature in the heating component 3 may be provided on the heating component 3. The temperature sensor may, but is not limited to, adopt NTC4. The temperature sensor may be connected to the controller 5 and transmit the detected water temperature in the heating component 3 to the controller 5.

[0096] The temperature sensor may send the detection result to the controller 5 at regular intervals.

[0097] S203. When the temperature value of the water in the heating component 3 reaches the first set temperature, control the hot water in the heating component 3 to enter the milk frothing pipeline 11 and / or the milk pipeline 12 of the coffee machine pipeline, so as to clean the milk frothing pipeline 11 and the milk pipeline 12 with the hot water at a relatively high temperature and improve the cleaning effect.

[0098] Exemplarily, after receiving the detection result from the temperature sensor, the controller 5 may compare it with the first set temperature. When the water in the heating component 3 is heated to the first set temperature, the hot water in the heating component 3 may be delivered to the milk frothing pipeline 11 and / or the milk pipeline 12.

[0099] Here, the first set temperature may be set as needed. The first set temperature may be a temperature close to 100°C, such as 80°C to 100°C, so as to thoroughly clean the milk frothing pipeline 11 and the milk pipeline 12.

[0100] Of course, it can be understood that the first set temperature may also be a temperature value lower than 80°C. This is only an example and does not constitute a limitation on the protection scope of the claims.

[0101] In some embodiments, when cleaning the milk frothing pipeline 11 and the milk pipeline 12 in sequence, controlling the hot water in the coffee machine to enter the milk frothing pipeline 11 first includes the following steps:

[0102] Control the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve 7 to open, so that the hot water first enters the milk frothing end waterway 10 through the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve 7.

[0103] Control the first opening of the second three-way solenoid valve 8 to open, so that the hot water enters the milk frothing pipeline 11 through the milk frothing end waterway 10 and the first opening of the second three-way solenoid valve 8. The milk frothing pipeline 11 includes a bubble chamber and has a relatively complex internal structure. The milk frothing pipeline 11 may be cleaned first to avoid milk stains adhering to the complex internal structure of the milk frothing pipeline 11 and being difficult to clean.

[0104] Exemplarily, a first three-way solenoid valve 7 may be provided at the outlet of the heating component 3, and the first three-way solenoid valve 7 may communicate with the inlet of the milk frothing end waterway 10 through a first opening.

[0105] The outlet of the milk frothing end waterway 10 may communicate with a second three-way solenoid valve 8. The first opening of the second three-way solenoid valve 8 communicates with the milk frothing pipeline 11, and the second opening of the second three-way solenoid valve 8 may communicate with the hot water inlet 121 of the milk pipeline 12, so that hot water can enter the milk pipeline 12.

[0106] If the milk frothing pipeline 11 is cleaned first, the controller 5 may be used to control the first opening of the first three-way valve and the first opening of the second three-way solenoid valve 8 to open, so that the hot water heated in the heating component 3 can sequentially pass through the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve 7, the milk frothing end waterway 10, and the first opening of the second three-way solenoid valve 8 to enter the milk frothing pipeline 11 to clean the milk frothing pipeline 11.

[0107] In some embodiments, when the milk frothing pipeline 11 and the milk pipeline 12 are cleaned in sequence, controlling the hot water in the coffee machine to first enter the milk pipeline 12 includes the following steps:

[0108] Control the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve 7 to open, so that hot water first enters the milk frothing end waterway 10 through the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve 7.

[0109] Control the second opening of the second three-way solenoid valve 8 to open, so that hot water enters the milk pipeline 12 through the milk frothing end waterway 10 and the second opening of the second three-way solenoid valve 8. Compared with the milk frothing pipeline 11, the milk concentration in the milk pipeline 12 is higher, and the milk stains in the milk pipeline 12 are more likely to adhere to the pipeline. The milk pipeline 12 can be cleaned first to avoid the milk stains adhering more firmly to the milk pipeline 12 after a long time without cleaning.

[0110] Exemplarily, a first three-way solenoid valve 7 may be provided at the outlet of the heating component 3, and the first three-way solenoid valve 7 may communicate with the inlet of the milk frothing end waterway 10 through a first opening.

[0111] The outlet of the milk frothing end waterway 10 may communicate with a second three-way solenoid valve 8. The first opening of the second three-way solenoid valve 8 communicates with the milk frothing pipeline 11, and the second opening of the second three-way solenoid valve 8 may communicate with the milk pipeline 12.

[0112] If the milk pipeline 12 is cleaned first, the controller 5 can control the first opening of the first three-way valve and the second opening of the second three-way solenoid valve 8 to open, so that the heated hot water in the heating component 3 can pass through the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve 7, the milk foam end waterway 10, and the second opening of the second three-way solenoid valve 8 in sequence and enter the milk foam making pipeline 11 to clean the milk foam making pipeline 11.

[0113] In some embodiments, when cleaning the milk foam making pipeline 11 and the milk pipeline 12 simultaneously, controlling the hot water in the coffee machine to enter the milk foam making pipeline 11 and the milk pipeline 12 includes the following steps:

[0114] Control the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve 7 to open, so that the hot water first enters the milk foam end waterway 10 through the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve 7.

[0115] Control the first opening and the second opening of the four-way solenoid valve to open simultaneously, so that the hot water enters the milk foam making pipeline 11 through the milk foam end waterway 10 and the first opening of the four-way solenoid valve, and the hot water enters the milk pipeline 12 through the milk foam end waterway 10 and the second opening of the four-way solenoid valve, cleaning the milk foam making pipeline 11 and the milk pipeline 12 simultaneously and improving the cleaning efficiency.

[0116] Exemplarily, a first three-way solenoid valve 7 can be arranged at the outlet of the heating component 3, and the first three-way solenoid valve 7 can be communicated with the inlet of the milk foam end waterway 10 through the first opening.

[0117] The outlet of the milk foam end waterway 10 can be communicated with the four-way solenoid valve, the first opening of the four-way solenoid valve is communicated with the milk foam making pipeline 11, and the second opening of the four-way solenoid valve can be communicated with the milk pipeline 12.

[0118] If the milk foam making pipeline 11 and the milk pipeline 12 are cleaned simultaneously, the controller 5 can control the first opening of the first three-way valve and the first opening and the second opening of the four-way solenoid valve to open, so that the heated hot water in the heating component 3 can pass through the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve 7, the milk foam end waterway 10, and the first opening of the four-way solenoid valve in sequence and enter the milk foam making pipeline 11 to clean the milk foam making pipeline 11. Meanwhile, the heated hot water in the heating component 3 can pass through the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve 7, the milk foam end waterway 10, and the second opening of the four-way solenoid valve in sequence and enter the milk pipeline 12 to clean the milk pipeline 12.

[0119] Compared with the embodiment provided with the first three-way solenoid valve 7 and the second three-way solenoid valve 8, providing the first three-way solenoid valve 7 and the four-way solenoid valve can improve the cleaning efficiency of the milk foam making pipeline 11 and the milk pipeline 12, but the cost is relatively high.

[0120] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0121] The time when hot water enters the milk frothing pipeline 11 is the first time;

[0122] The time when hot water enters the milk pipeline 12 is the second time;

[0123] Wherein, the first time is different from the second time. According to the different cleaning difficulties of the milk frothing pipeline 11 and the milk pipeline 12, the milk frothing pipeline 11 and the milk pipeline 12 can be cleaned for different times to ensure the cleaning effect.

[0124] As mentioned above, the first time can be 10 seconds, the second time can be 12 seconds, the second time can also be 8 seconds, or other times.

[0125] Of course, it can be understood that the specific durations of the first time and the second time can also be other times, as long as the milk frothing pipeline 11 and the milk pipeline 12 can be cleaned thoroughly.

[0126] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0127] When the coffee machine needs to make coffee, control the second opening of the first three-way solenoid valve 7 to open, so that hot water can enter the coffee end waterway 9. By controlling the opening of the first three-way solenoid valve 7, different functions of the coffee machine can be realized. After the hot water enters the coffee end waterway 9, it can brew coffee powder or brew coffee.

[0128] The water flow meter 6 can be used to detect the amount of water entering the coffee end waterway 9. When the set amount of water is obtained, the second opening of the first three-way solenoid valve 7 can be disconnected.

[0129] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0130] When the coffee machine needs to froth milk, control the heating component 3 of the coffee machine to heat the water from the water tank 1 of the coffee machine.

[0131] Obtain the temperature value of the water in the heating component 3.

[0132] When the temperature value of the water in the heating component 3 reaches the second set temperature, control the steam in the heating component 3 to enter the steam inlet 111 of the milk frothing pipeline 11, wherein,

[0133] The steam mixes and foams with the air entering the foaming cavity 113 through the air inlet 13 under negative pressure and the milk entering the foaming cavity 113 through the milk outlet 123 in the foaming cavity 113 of the milk frothing pipeline 11.

[0134] When frothing milk, the water in the heating component 3 is heated to a temperature capable of generating a large amount of hot steam, so that the steam can enter the milk frothing pipeline 11 to achieve milk frothing.

[0135] When milk frothing is required, the heating component 3 is controlled to heat the water, and the temperature of the water in the heating component 3 can be detected. When the temperature of the water in the heating component 3 reaches the temperature of the hot steam required for milk frothing, the water pump 2 can intermittently pump water, and the hot steam in the heating component 3 can enter the milk frothing pipeline 11. At the same time, when the hot steam enters the foaming cavity 113 of the milk frothing pipeline 11, a negative pressure is generated in the foaming cavity 113, and milk and air can enter the foaming cavity 113 under the action of the negative pressure to be mixed with the hot steam to achieve milk foaming.

[0136] Here, the milk froth outlet 112 of the milk frothing pipeline 11 can also enter the milk froth cup 15 side by side with the coffee outlet to realize the production of fancy coffee.

[0137] The embodiment of the present application also provides a coffee machine, including:

[0138] A water tank 1 for storing water. The water in the water tank 1 can be normal temperature water or ice water.

[0139] A water pump 2 connected to the water tank 1 for pumping out the water in the water tank 1.

[0140] A heating component 3, whose water inlet is connected to the water pump 2, for heating the water pumped out by the water pump 2. The heating component 3 can be a heating structure such as a heating pot to realize the heating of water.

[0141] A temperature sensor, such as NTC4, can be arranged on the heating component 3 for detecting the temperature of the water in the heating component 3. NTC4 can also be connected to the controller 5 and send the detection result to the controller 5.

[0142] A first three-way solenoid valve 7, which is connected to the water outlet of the heating component 3 to deliver the heated hot water to the coffee end water circuit 9 and / or deliver the heated hot water or steam to the milk frothing end water circuit 10.

[0143] A second three-way solenoid valve 8 or a four-way solenoid valve, which is connected to the milk frothing end water circuit 10 to deliver the hot water from the milk frothing end water circuit 10 to the milk frothing pipeline 11 and / or the milk pipeline 12, and / or

[0144] Deliver the steam from the milk frothing end water circuit 10 to the milk frothing pipeline 11.

[0145] A flow meter 6 can also be arranged between the water tank 1 and the water pump 2 for detecting the water volume delivered from the water tank 1 to the heating component 3.

[0146] CombinedFigure 4 , a controller 5, which is electrically connected to the water pump 2, the heating component 3, the first three-way solenoid valve 7, the second three-way solenoid valve 8 or the four-way solenoid valve respectively, and is configured to execute the method for cleaning the coffee machine pipeline as described in any one of the above embodiments.

[0147] Of course, the controller 5 can also be connected to the above-mentioned NTC 4 and the flow meter 6 to receive the detection signals from the NTC 4 and the flow meter 6, and can issue corresponding control signals based on the detection signals from the NTC 4 and the flow meter 6.

[0148] A corresponding cleaning button can also be provided on the coffee machine, which can realize one-key automatic cleaning of the milk frothing pipeline 11 and the milk pipeline 12, without the need for people to perform special additional operations.

[0149] The coffee machine cleaned by the above cleaning method avoids operations such as disassembling the milk pipeline 12, etc., and improves the cleaning efficiency of the coffee machine; in addition, hot water can better clean the milk stains in the milk frothing pipeline 11 and the milk pipeline 12, avoiding the adhesion of milk stains in the pipeline. Moreover, for the milk pipeline 12, the present application can perform reverse cleaning on the milk pipeline 12 with hot water, further improving the cleaning effect.

[0150] The above has described multiple embodiments of the present application in detail, but the present application is not limited to these specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various variations and modified embodiments based on the concept of the present application, and these variations and modifications should all fall within the scope protected by the present application.

Claims

1. A method for cleaning a coffee machine pipeline, characterized in that: include: Determine how to clean the coffee machine pipes; Controlling the hot water in the coffee machine to enter the milk frothing pipeline and / or the milk pipeline of the coffee machine pipeline based on the cleaning mode; wherein the milk pipeline is used to send the milk in the milk cup into the milk frothing pipeline, and the milk outlet of the milk pipeline is connected to the milk frothing pipeline; When hot water enters the milk frothing pipeline, the milk frothing pipeline is cleaned, and waste liquid generated by the cleaning is discharged through the milk frothing outlet of the milk frothing pipeline; When hot water enters the milk pipeline, the milk pipeline is reversely cleaned, and the waste liquid generated by the cleaning is discharged through the milk inlet of the milk pipeline, wherein the milk inlet is connected to the milk cup.

2. The method for cleaning the coffee machine pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning methods of the coffee machine pipeline include: After the milk frothing pipeline is cleaned, the milk pipeline is cleaned again, or After the milk pipeline is cleaned, the milk frothing pipeline is cleaned, or At the same time, the milk frothing pipeline and the milk pipeline are cleaned.

3. The method for cleaning the coffee machine pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Controlling a heating component of the coffee machine to heat water from a water tank of the coffee machine; Obtaining the temperature value of water in the heating component; When the temperature of the water in the heating component reaches a first set temperature, the hot water in the heating component is controlled to enter the milk frothing pipeline and / or the milk pipeline of the coffee machine pipeline.

4. The method for cleaning the coffee machine pipeline according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the milk frothing pipeline and the milk pipeline are cleaned in sequence, controlling the hot water in the coffee machine to enter the milk frothing pipeline first includes: Controlling the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve to open, so that hot water first enters the water path of the milk frothing end through the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve; The first opening of the second three-way solenoid valve is controlled to open, so that hot water enters the milk frothing pipeline through the milk frothing end water path and the first opening of the second three-way solenoid valve.

5. The method for cleaning the coffee machine pipeline according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the milk frothing pipeline and the milk pipeline are cleaned in sequence, Controlling the hot water in the coffee machine to enter the milk pipeline first includes: Controlling the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve to open, so that hot water first enters the water path of the milk frothing end through the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve; The second opening of the second three-way solenoid valve is controlled to open, so that hot water enters the milk pipeline through the milk froth end water path and the second opening of the second three-way solenoid valve.

6. The method for cleaning the coffee machine pipeline according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the milk frothing pipeline and the milk pipeline are cleaned at the same time, Controlling hot water in the coffee machine to enter the milk frothing pipeline and the milk pipeline comprises: Controlling the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve to open, so that hot water first enters the water path of the milk frothing end through the first opening of the first three-way solenoid valve; The first opening and the second opening of the four-way solenoid valve are controlled to be opened simultaneously, so that hot water enters the milk frothing pipeline through the milk frothing end water channel and the first opening of the four-way solenoid valve, and hot water enters the milk pipeline through the milk frothing end water channel and the second opening of the four-way solenoid valve.

7. The method for cleaning the coffee machine pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The time when hot water enters the milk frothing pipeline is the first time; The time when hot water enters the milk pipeline is the second time; The first time is different from the second time.

8. The method for cleaning the coffee machine pipeline according to claim 4, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the coffee machine needs to make coffee, the second opening of the first three-way solenoid valve is controlled to open so that hot water can enter the coffee end water path.

9. The method for cleaning the pipeline of a coffee machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the coffee machine needs to make milk foam, controlling the heating component of the coffee machine to heat the water from the water tank of the coffee machine; Obtaining the temperature value of water in the heating component; When the temperature of the water in the heating component reaches a second set temperature, the steam in the heating component is controlled to enter the steam inlet of the milk frothing pipeline, wherein: The steam is mixed and foamed in the foaming chamber of the milk frothing pipeline with the air entering the foaming chamber through the air inlet under the action of negative pressure and the milk entering the foaming chamber through the milk outlet.

10. A coffee machine, characterized in that: include: A water tank for storing water; a water pump connected to the water tank and used to pump water out of the water tank; A heating component, whose water inlet is connected to the water pump and is used to heat the water pumped out by the water pump; a first three-way solenoid valve connected to the water outlet of the heating component to deliver the heated hot water to the coffee end waterway and / or deliver the heated hot water or steam to the milk froth end waterway; a second three-way solenoid valve or a four-way solenoid valve connected to the milk frothing end water circuit to deliver hot water from the milk frothing end water circuit to the milk frothing circuit and / or the milk circuit, and / or delivering steam from the milk frothing end water circuit to the milk frothing pipeline; A controller, which is electrically connected to the water pump, the heating component, the first three-way solenoid valve, the second three-way solenoid valve or the four-way solenoid valve, respectively, and is configured to execute the method for cleaning the coffee machine pipeline as described in any one of claims 1-9.

Images