Self-cleaning coffee machine

By introducing a self-cleaning mechanism of high-temperature steam sterilization and disinfection into the coffee machine, the cumbersome cleaning of traditional coffee machine foaming machines is solved, automatic cleaning is achieved, and the hygiene and user experience of the coffee machine is improved.

CN223111508UActive Publication Date: 2025-07-18WESTA ELECTRIC APPLIANCES CO LTD OF FOSHAN
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422094796.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-27
Publication Date
2025-07-18
Estimated Expiration
2034-08-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The bubbler of traditional coffee machines is prone to accumulate dirt and bacteria after long-term use, making it cumbersome and time-consuming to clean, affecting the quality and service life of the coffee and increasing maintenance costs.

Method used

A self-cleaning coffee machine is designed to use a pressure pump to introduce high-temperature steam into the bubble mechanism for sterilization and disinfection, and combine it with a milk storage tank and an air supply mechanism to achieve an automated cleaning process.

Benefits of technology

It reduces the difficulty of cleaning the bubble mechanism, avoids bacterial growth, ensures hygienic conditions of coffee, and saves users time and energy.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides a self-cleaning coffee machine, which relates to the technical field of coffee machines and is characterized in that a mounting frame and a first outlet are arranged in a main body of the coffee machine. A bubbling mechanism is arranged in the mounting frame, the bubbling mechanism comprises a bubbling cavity, a first inlet, a second inlet, a third inlet and a second outlet which are communicated with the bubbling cavity are further formed in the bubbling mechanism, and the second outlet is communicated with the first outlet. A first boiler and an air supply mechanism are arranged on the mounting frame, an air outlet of the air supply mechanism communicates with the first inlet, an outlet of the first boiler communicates with the second inlet through a communicating pipe, and a pressure pump is arranged on the communicating pipe; the main body is further provided with a milk storage tank, and an outlet of the milk storage tank is communicated with the third inlet. According to the coffee machine, the boiler can be used for generating high-temperature steam, and the high-temperature steam enters the foaming mechanism to sterilize and disinfect the foaming mechanism, so that the cleaning difficulty of the foaming mechanism is reduced, and the problem that the foaming mechanism is easy to breed bacteria after being used for a long time is solved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of coffee machines, in particular to a self-cleaning coffee machine. Background Art

[0002] As an important tool for making coffee, the performance and convenience of a coffee machine directly affect the taste of coffee and the user experience of consumers. There are various types of coffee machines on the market with different functions. However, during long-term use of most coffee machines, the frother is prone to accumulating coffee residues and grease. After long-term use, dirt and bacteria are likely to accumulate inside the frother, which not only affects the taste and quality of coffee but also poses a potential threat to the health of users.

[0003] The cleaning of the frother of traditional coffee machines usually requires manual disassembly and cleaning, which is a cumbersome and time-consuming process. Moreover, it is difficult to thoroughly remove the residues and grease inside the frother by manual cleaning. Long-term accumulation will affect the service life of the coffee machine and the quality of coffee. In addition, frequent manual cleaning increases the maintenance cost and time cost of the coffee machine.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the structure of the existing coffee machine to overcome the defects of the prior art. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] To overcome the problems existing in the related art, one of the purposes of the utility model is to provide a self-cleaning coffee machine. This system can introduce waste gas through a ventilation structure and purify the waste gas through a catalytic chamber and a filtration chamber, thereby improving the cleanliness of the waste gas and reducing the environmental pollution caused by the waste gas. This self-cleaning coffee machine can be used for waste gas treatment of a coffee machine, avoiding the pollution of the household environment caused by the waste gas generated by the coffee machine, and thus can enhance the user experience.

[0006] A self-cleaning coffee machine, comprising:

[0007] A main body, in which an installation rack and a first outlet are provided;

[0008] An aerating mechanism is arranged in the installation rack. The aerating mechanism includes an aerating chamber, and a first inlet, a second inlet, a third inlet and a second outlet communicating with the aerating chamber are further arranged on the aerating mechanism. The second outlet communicates with the first outlet;

[0009] A first boiler and an air supply mechanism are arranged on the installation rack. The air outlet of the air supply mechanism communicates with the first inlet, the outlet of the first boiler communicates with the second inlet through a connecting pipe, and a pressure pump is arranged on the connecting pipe; A milk storage tank is further arranged on the main body, and the outlet of the milk storage tank communicates with the third inlet.

[0010] In a preferred technical solution of the present utility model, the foaming mechanism further includes a first bypass pipe, a second bypass pipe, and a third bypass pipe that communicate with the foaming chamber. The first inlet is provided on the first bypass pipe, the second inlet is provided on the second bypass pipe, the second outlet is provided on the third bypass pipe, and the second inlet is provided on the side wall of the second bypass pipe.

[0011] In a preferred technical solution of the present utility model, the foaming mechanism further includes a connecting plate. The connecting plate is provided on one side of the foaming chamber. The first bypass pipe, the second bypass pipe, and the third bypass pipe all penetrate through the connecting plate and communicate with the foaming chamber.

[0012] In a preferred technical solution of the present utility model, the air supply mechanism includes a compressor, a buffer chamber, and a regulating valve. The air outlet of the compressor is communicated with the air inlet of the buffer chamber, and the air outlet of the buffer chamber is communicated with the first inlet. The regulating valve is provided on one side of the buffer chamber, and the regulating valve is used to adjust the size of the air outlet of the buffer chamber.

[0013] In a preferred technical solution of the present utility model, the milk storage tank is provided on one side of the mounting rack. A clamping structure is provided on the mounting rack, and a clamping groove is provided on the clamping structure. The milk storage tank is clamped in the clamping groove.

[0014] In a preferred technical solution of the present utility model, a cooling structure is provided at the bottom of the milk storage tank. The cooling structure includes a refrigeration end and a heating end. The refrigeration end is in contact with the milk storage tank, and the heating end is exposed at the bottom of the main body.

[0015] In a preferred technical solution of the present utility model, a temperature sensor is provided in the first boiler, and the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the pressure pump.

[0016] In a preferred technical solution of the present utility model, a feeding hopper is further provided on the main body, and the feeding hopper is fixed on the mounting rack.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the present utility model are as follows:

[0018] A self - cleaning coffee machine provided by the utility model has a mounting rack and a first outlet arranged in the main body of the coffee machine. A foaming mechanism is arranged in the mounting rack. The foaming mechanism includes a foaming chamber. The foaming mechanism is further provided with a first inlet, a second inlet, a third inlet and a second outlet communicating with the foaming chamber. The second outlet communicates with the first outlet. A first boiler and an air supply mechanism are arranged on the mounting rack. The air outlet of the air supply mechanism communicates with the first inlet. The outlet of the first boiler communicates with the second inlet through a connecting pipe, and a pressure pump is arranged on the connecting pipe. A milk storage tank is further arranged on the main body, and the outlet of the milk storage tank communicates with the third inlet. During use, the coffee machine can use the pressure pump to introduce the high - temperature steam generated by the first boiler into the foaming mechanism, and use the high - temperature steam to sterilize the foaming mechanism. This disinfection method greatly reduces the cleaning difficulty of the foaming mechanism, saving the user's time and energy. Moreover, by regularly sterilizing the foaming mechanism with high - temperature steam, the growth of bacteria is effectively avoided, ensuring the sanitary conditions for coffee making and allowing consumers to enjoy coffee with confidence. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 FIG. 6 is a first three - dimensional view of one side of the front of the self - cleaning coffee machine provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 2 FIG. 10 is a second three - dimensional view of one side of the front of the self - cleaning coffee machine provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 3 FIG. 14 is a first three - dimensional view of one side of the back of the self - cleaning coffee machine provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 4 FIG. 18 is a second three - dimensional view of one side of the back of the self - cleaning coffee machine provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 5 FIG. 22 is a three - dimensional view of the foaming mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 6 FIG. 26 is a three - dimensional view of the cooperation between the cooling structure and the milk storage tank provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0025] REFERENCE NUMERALS:

[0026] 1, main body; 11, mounting rack; 12, first outlet; 13, clamping structure; 14, feeding hopper; 15, first boiler; 16, second boiler; 2, foaming mechanism; 21, first bypass pipe; 22, second bypass pipe; 23, third bypass pipe; 24, foaming chamber; 25, third inlet; 26, connecting plate; 3, milk storage tank; 4, pressure pump; 5, air supply mechanism; 51, compressor; 52, buffer chamber; 53, regulating valve; 6, cooling structure; 61, refrigerating end; 62, heating end. Detailed implementation manners

[0027] The preferred implementation manners of the present utility model will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the preferred implementation manners of the present utility model are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present utility model can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the implementation manners set forth herein. On the contrary, these implementation manners are provided to make the present utility model more thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present utility model to those skilled in the art.

[0028] The terms used in the present utility model are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present utility model. The singular forms "a", "the" and "the" used in the present utility model and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used in the present utility model to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the same type of information from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of the present utility model, the first information may also be referred to as the second information, and similarly, the second information may also be referred to as the first information. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present utility model, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0030] The cleaning of the frother of a traditional coffee machine usually requires manual disassembly and cleaning, which is a cumbersome and time-consuming process. Moreover, it is difficult to thoroughly remove the residues and grease inside the frother by manual cleaning, and the long-term accumulation will affect the service life of the coffee machine and the coffee quality. In addition, frequent manual cleaning increases the maintenance cost and time cost of the coffee machine.

[0031] Based on this, the present application provides a self-cleaning coffee machine.

[0032] Embodiment

[0033] As Figures 1-6 shown, the present embodiment provides a self-cleaning coffee machine, including:

[0034] A main body 1, in which an installation frame 11 and a first outlet 12 are provided; the installation frame 11 is fixed inside the coffee machine and is used to support and install a frothing mechanism 2 and other components. Specifically, the first outlet 12 is a milk foam outlet, and a coffee outlet is also provided in the main body. The milk foam outlet is provided on one side of the coffee outlet.

[0035] The mounting bracket 11 is provided with a foaming mechanism 2, and the foaming mechanism 2 includes a foaming chamber 24 which is used for generating milk foam when making coffee. The foaming mechanism 2 is also provided with a first inlet, a second inlet, a third inlet 25 and a second outlet which communicate with the foaming chamber 24, and the second outlet communicates with the first outlet 12;

[0036] The mounting bracket 11 is provided with a first boiler 15 and an air supply mechanism 5. The air outlet of the air supply mechanism 5 communicates with the first inlet, the outlet of the first boiler 15 communicates with the second inlet through a connecting pipe, and a pressure pump 4 is arranged on the connecting pipe; A milk storage tank 3 is also arranged on the main body 1, and the outlet of the milk storage tank 3 communicates with the third inlet 25. The milk storage tank 3 is used for storing milk. Specifically, the outlet of the milk storage tank 3 is located at the top of the milk storage tank 3, and milk can be directly introduced into the milk storage tank 3, or a milk carton can be placed into the milk storage tank 3.

[0037] Specifically, the first inlet is used to supply air to the foaming mechanism 2 to generate milk foam. The second inlet is connected to the outlet of the first boiler 15 through a connecting pipe to supply high-temperature steam to the foaming mechanism 2. The third inlet 25 is directly connected to the outlet of the milk storage tank 3 to supply milk to the foaming mechanism 2. The second outlet is used to conduct the milk foam in the foaming mechanism 2 to the first outlet 12.

[0038] The first boiler 15 is used to heat water to a high temperature to generate steam. The pressure pump 4 is installed on the connecting pipe and is used to adjust the pressure of the hot water or steam entering the foaming mechanism 2.

[0039] For the above self-cleaning coffee machine, during the use of the coffee machine, the coffee machine can use the pressure pump 4 to introduce the high-temperature steam generated by the first boiler 15 into the foaming mechanism 2, and use the high-temperature steam to sterilize the foaming mechanism 2. This disinfection method greatly reduces the cleaning difficulty of the foaming mechanism 2 and saves the time and energy of the user. Moreover, by regularly sterilizing the foaming mechanism 2 with high-temperature steam, the growth of bacteria is effectively avoided, the sanitary conditions for coffee making are guaranteed, and consumers can enjoy coffee with confidence.

[0040] In a specific embodiment of the present application, the foaming mechanism 2 further includes a first bypass pipe 21, a second bypass pipe 22 and a third bypass pipe 23 which communicate with the foaming chamber 24. The first inlet is arranged on the first bypass pipe 21, the second inlet is arranged on the second bypass pipe 22, the second outlet is arranged on the third bypass pipe 23, and the second inlet is arranged on the side wall of the second bypass pipe 22.

[0041] Furthermore, the foaming mechanism 2 further includes a connecting plate 26 which is arranged on one side of the foaming chamber 24. The first bypass pipe 21, the second bypass pipe 22 and the third bypass pipe 23 all penetrate through the connecting plate 26 and communicate with the foaming chamber 24.

[0042] Specifically, the first bypass pipe 21, the second bypass pipe 22 and the third bypass pipe 23 are arranged side by side on one side of the foaming chamber 24. The first bypass pipe 21 facilitates the smooth introduction of the air provided by the air supply mechanism 5 into the foaming chamber 24; the second bypass pipe 22 facilitates the smooth introduction of the high-temperature true gas into the foaming chamber 24; the third bypass pipe 23 is used to lead the foamed milk foam out to the first outlet 12.

[0043] The connecting plate 26 is arranged on one side of the foaming chamber 24, which not only provides stable support for the first bypass pipe 21, the second bypass pipe 22 and the third bypass pipe 23, but also realizes smooth communication with the foaming chamber 24 by making these bypass pipes penetrate through the connecting plate 26. Such a structure can enhance the stability of the overall structure.

[0044] The working process of the foaming mechanism 2 is as follows: when ultrasonic milk foam is needed, first introduce high-temperature steam into the foaming chamber 24. After the high-temperature steam is introduced, the foaming chamber 24 is disinfected; then the high-temperature steam is discharged from the first outlet 12, so that a negative pressure is formed in the foaming chamber 24. At this time, the milk in the milk storage tank 3 is sucked into the foaming chamber 24. Finally, start the air supply mechanism 5 to supply air into the foaming chamber 24, then milk foam can be formed in the foaming chamber 24 and the milk foam flows out from the first outlet 12.

[0045] If milk foam is not needed, the third inlet 25 can be closed through a valve, and high-temperature steam is introduced into the foaming chamber 24 to disinfect the foaming chamber 24.

[0046] In a specific embodiment of the present application, the air supply mechanism 5 includes a compressor 51, a buffer chamber 52 and a regulating valve 53. The air outlet of the compressor 51 is communicated with the air inlet of the buffer chamber 52, and the air outlet of the buffer chamber 52 is communicated with the first inlet; the regulating valve 53 is arranged on one side of the buffer chamber 52, and the regulating valve 53 is used to adjust the size of the air outlet of the buffer chamber 52.

[0047] The compressor 51 is responsible for sucking in and compressing air to generate a continuous and stable stream of compressed air. The outlet of the compressor 51 is connected to the inlet of the buffer chamber 52 to ensure that the compressed air can flow smoothly into the next component. The buffer chamber 52 serves as an intermediate storage link, receiving the compressed air from the compressor 51 and temporarily storing this air. The outlet of the buffer chamber 52 is connected to the first inlet of the foaming mechanism 2 to supply the necessary air to the foaming mechanism 2. A regulating valve 53 is installed on one side of the buffer chamber 52. By rotating or operating the regulating valve 53, the cross-sectional area of the outlet can be changed, thereby adjusting the air flow rate. The setting of the regulating valve 53 allows the operator to finely adjust the air supply according to needs. When the coffee machine is started, the compressor 51 begins to operate, and the compressed air flows into the buffer chamber 52. The operator adjusts the size of the outlet of the buffer chamber 52 through the regulating valve 53 according to the requirements of coffee making to control the air flow rate. The adjusted compressed air flows into the foaming mechanism 2 and mixes with milk to produce delicate milk foam. Specifically, the regulating valve of the present application can be a pneumatic regulating valve, and the size of the outlet of the buffer chamber 52 is adjusted through the pneumatic regulating valve.

[0048] Further, the milk storage tank 3 is arranged on one side of the mounting rack 11; a clamping structure 13 is arranged on the mounting rack 11, a clamping groove is arranged on the clamping structure 13, and the milk storage tank 3 is clamped in the clamping groove.

[0049] The milk storage tank 3 is arranged on one side of the mounting rack 11. Such a layout aims to optimize the use of space and at the same time facilitate the operator to add and replace milk. The clamping structure 13 designed on the mounting rack 11 includes one or more clamping grooves for fixing the milk storage tank 3 to ensure its stability during the operation of the coffee machine. Through the design of the clamping groove of the clamping structure 13, the milk storage tank 3 can be conveniently inserted and fixed on the mounting rack 11. This clamping method does not require the use of additional screws or fasteners, simplifying the installation and disassembly process.

[0050] Further, a cooling structure 6 is arranged at the bottom of the milk storage tank 3. The cooling structure 6 includes a refrigerating end 61 and a heating end 62. The refrigerating end 61 is connected to the milk storage tank 3, and the heating end 62 is exposed at the bottom of the main body 1.

[0051] Specifically, the cooling structure 6 is a thermoelectric cooler. In actual applications, by changing the direction of the current of the thermoelectric cooler, the positions of the refrigerating end 61 and the heating end 62 can be changed. Therefore, the cooling structure 6 of the present application can have both refrigerating and heating functions, providing an appropriate milk temperature for different types of coffee beverages, improving the taste and quality of coffee. The cooling structure 6 can effectively maintain the freshness and nutritional components of milk, extend the shelf life of milk, and reduce waste.

[0052] Further, a temperature sensor is provided in the first boiler 15, and the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the pressure pump 4.

[0053] The main function of the temperature sensor is to monitor the water temperature in the boiler in real time to ensure that it is maintained within a suitable temperature range. The temperature sensor and the pressure pump 4 are electrically connected through a circuit, which means that the temperature sensor can precisely control the working state of the pressure pump 4, thereby affecting the pressure and temperature in the boiler.

[0054] Specifically, when the temperature sensor detects that the water temperature in the boiler is lower than the preset temperature, the control system of the coffee machine sends a signal to the pressure pump 4. At this time, the pressure pump 4 does not work, that is, it does not send the steam in the boiler into the foaming mechanism. If the water temperature reaches the preset temperature, the temperature sensor will also control the pressure pump 4 to reduce the output to send the steam into the foaming mechanism.

[0055] Further, a hopper 14 is also provided on the main body 1, and the hopper 14 is fixed on the mounting bracket 11. The hopper 14 is used to receive the feeding of coffee beans. An outlet is provided at the bottom of the hopper 14, and a grinding mechanism is provided below the outlet for grinding coffee beans.

[0056] In actual applications, the grinding mechanism can adjust the grinding fineness according to the type and concentration of coffee required. The grinding mechanism consists of a set of rotating grinding discs, and the distance between the grinding discs can be adjusted as needed. More preferably, the coffee machine is equipped with an intelligent control system that can automatically adjust the feeding speed of the hopper 14 and the grinding fineness of the grinding mechanism according to the coffee volume and concentration set by the user. It should be noted that the grinding mechanism in this application can be the grinding mechanism in an existing coffee machine.

[0057] In actual applications, a second boiler 16 is also provided in the main body 1, and the second boiler 16 is used to provide hot water for coffee extraction.

[0058] The above have described the embodiments of the present invention. The above description is exemplary, not exhaustive, and is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in the technical field without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The selection of the terms used herein is intended to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications, or improvements to the technologies in the market, or to enable other ordinary technical personnel in the technical field to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning coffee machine, characterized in that, Comprising: A main body (1), in which a mounting rack (11) and a first outlet (12) are provided; A foaming mechanism (2) is provided in the mounting rack (11), the foaming mechanism (2) includes a foaming chamber (24), and a first inlet, a second inlet, a third inlet (25) and a second outlet communicating with the foaming chamber (24) are further provided on the foaming mechanism (2), and the second outlet communicates with the first outlet (12); A first boiler (15) and an air supply mechanism (5) are provided on the mounting rack (11), the air outlet of the air supply mechanism (5) communicates with the first inlet, the outlet of the first boiler (15) communicates with the second inlet through a connecting pipe, and a pressure pump (4) is provided on the connecting pipe; A milk storage tank (3) is further provided on the main body (1), and the outlet of the milk storage tank (3) communicates with the third inlet (25).

2. The self-cleaning coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein: The foaming mechanism (2) further includes a first bypass pipe (21), a second bypass pipe (22) and a third bypass pipe (23) communicating with the foaming chamber (24), the first inlet is provided on the first bypass pipe (21), the second inlet is provided on the second bypass pipe (22), the second outlet is provided on the third bypass pipe (23), and the second inlet is provided on the side wall of the second bypass pipe (22).

3. The self-cleaning coffee machine according to claim 2, wherein: The foaming mechanism (2) further includes a connecting plate (26), the connecting plate (26) is provided on one side of the foaming chamber (24), and the first bypass pipe (21), the second bypass pipe (22) and the third bypass pipe (23) all penetrate through the connecting plate (26) to communicate with the foaming chamber (24).

4. The self-cleaning coffee machine according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein: The air supply mechanism (5) includes a compressor (51), a buffer chamber (52) and a regulating valve (53), the air outlet of the compressor (51) communicates with the air inlet of the buffer chamber (52), and the air outlet of the buffer chamber (52) communicates with the first inlet; The regulating valve (53) is provided on one side of the buffer chamber (52), and the regulating valve (53) is used to adjust the size of the air outlet of the buffer chamber (52).

5. The self-cleaning coffee machine according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein: The milk storage tank (3) is provided on one side of the mounting rack (11); A clamping structure (13) is provided on the mounting rack (11), a clamping groove is provided on the clamping structure (13), and the milk storage tank (3) is clamped in the clamping groove.

6. The self-cleaning coffee machine according to claim 5, wherein: A cooling structure (6) is provided at the bottom of the milk storage tank (3), the cooling structure (6) includes a refrigerating end (61) and a heating end (62), the refrigerating end (61) is connected to the milk storage tank (3), and the heating end (62) is exposed at the bottom of the main body (1).

7. The self-cleaning coffee machine according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: A temperature sensor is provided in the first boiler (15), and the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the pressure pump (4).

8. The self-cleaning coffee machine according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: A hopper (14) is further provided on the main body (1), and the hopper (14) is fixed on the mounting bracket (11).