Coffee machine without cooling and flushing

Abstract

The utility model discloses a coffee machine without cooling and flushing. The coffee machine comprises a steam heat source, a first heat exchanger, a brewing water distribution unit and a second heat exchanger which are connected in sequence, when the brewing water is heated, 1, the steam heat source generates superheated steam; 2, the superheated steam enters a first heat exchanger to generate saturated steam; 3, the saturated steam flows through the brewing water distribution unit and the second heat exchanger to release heat and is condensed in the second heat exchanger; 4, obtaining brewing water from a brewing water source through a brewing water pump, and leading the brewing water to each brewing water distribution outlet through a brewing water primary heating coil and a brewing water leading-in pipeline of the second heat exchanger; and 5, controlling the saturated steam in contact with the brewing water primary heating coil and the brewing water introducing pipeline to be less than 1 bar, namely the absolute pressure of 0.1 Mpa. According to the utility model, the coffee machine can keep the temperature control of brewing water without cooling and flushing, and the preheating time is shortened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the manufacturing and technical field of coffee brewing equipment, and particularly relates to a coffee machine that does not require cooling and flushing. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, a normal coffee machine must perform two basic functions simultaneously in a commercial environment.

[0003] The first function involves generating hot water (about 94 degrees Celsius for optimal coffee extraction), also known as brewing water, at high pressure (about 9 bar gauge pressure), and forcing the brewing water through coffee.

[0004] The second function involves generating steam to be discharged into milk, so that at least part of the milk is expanded by air particles wrapped and becomes a foamy substance (i.e., at least part of the milk is foamed).

[0005] In order to produce hot drinks with consistent quality on demand (i.e., produce again and again), the brewing water must be available at the required working temperature (about 94 degrees Celsius). However, when idle (i.e., during the quiet period), some coffee machines require manual intervention before the brewing water is ready.

[0006] For example, traditional heat exchanger coffee machines need "cooling flushing" after a long period of idleness. This is because the water is exposed to a higher temperature in the steam boiler for too long.

[0007] Therefore, traditional heat exchanger coffee machines are designed to control the temperature of the brewing water by continuously moving the brewing water through the heat exchanger, so that the cold brewing water reaches the optimal temperature (about 94 degrees Celsius) at the right time, rather than being in close contact with the boiler and inevitably exceeding the optimal temperature.

[0008] This results in the need to release the overheated brewing water by continuously pushing the incoming water through the heat exchanger during the "cooling flushing" process.

[0009] One of the main disadvantages of traditional heat exchanger coffee machines is the lack of control over the temperature of the brewing water, which leads to the necessity of "cooling flushing" of the overheated brewing water.

[0010] Some traditional coffee machines rely on a dedicated water reservoir to heat the brewing water (such as traditional double boiler coffee machines).

[0011] This advantageously allows traditional double boiler coffee machines to better control the temperature of the brewing water, because the hot water reservoir can be maintained at a temperature close to the required brewing water temperature. However, for temperature stability, in most cases, the hot water storage tank is large, the time required to heat the storage tank is long, and it is not convenient for immediate use.

[0012] Since the water in the water reservoir is not released in the form of steam, a traditional steam boiler must still be included in the machine to froth milk. Therefore, traditional double-boiler coffee machines are bulky, have high power requirements, and are not very efficient.

[0013] Therefore, how to enable the coffee machine to not require "cooling flushing" to maintain control over the temperature of the brewing water and shorten the preheating time has become a technical problem that those skilled in the art urgently need to solve. Summary of the Utility Model

[0014] In view of the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the present utility model provides a coffee machine that does not require cooling flushing, and the achieved purpose is to enable the coffee machine to not require "cooling flushing" to maintain control over the temperature of the brewing water and shorten the preheating time.

[0015] To achieve the above purpose, the present utility model discloses a coffee machine that does not require cooling flushing, including a steam heat source, a first heat exchanger, a brewing water distribution unit, and a second heat exchanger that are connected in sequence;

[0016] The steam heat source generates superheated steam and inputs it into the superheated side of the first heat exchanger, and heats the water body in the water storage tank of the first heat exchanger to boiling, so as to generate saturated steam in the first heat exchanger;

[0017] The superheated steam refers to steam with a temperature of 120 degrees Celsius when the steam pressure is 2 bar, that is, 0.2 Mpa absolute pressure;

[0018] The saturated steam refers to steam with a temperature of 94 degrees Celsius when the steam pressure is 0.81 bar absolute pressure;

[0019] The brewing water distribution unit includes an airtight pressure vessel housing that can enclose the saturated steam, a brewing water introduction pipe arranged inside the airtight pressure vessel housing, and a steam and condensate discharge pipe connecting the airtight pressure vessel housing and the second heat exchanger;

[0020] The brewing water introduction pipe is made of a heat-conducting material, obtains heat from the saturated steam introduced into the airtight pressure vessel housing to heat the internal brewing water, is connected to each brewing water distribution outlet arranged on the airtight pressure vessel housing, and a brewing water control valve is arranged on each branch pipe connecting each brewing water distribution outlet;

[0021] The steam and condensate discharge pipe is arranged at the bottom of the airtight pressure vessel housing, and is used to transport the condensate and the steam that has undergone one heat release in the airtight pressure vessel housing to the second heat exchanger;

[0022] The second heat exchanger includes a preliminary heating coil for brewing water and a pressure sensor;

[0023] One end of the preliminary heating coil for the brewing water obtains the brewing water from the brewing water source through a brewing water pump, and the other end inputs the preliminarily heated brewing water into the brewing water distribution unit through a brewing water introduction pipeline;

[0024] The second heat exchanger is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger or a plate heat exchanger, and heats the brewing water in the preliminary heating coil of the brewing water by the steam that has undergone primary heat release introduced from the outer shell of the airtight pressure vessel;

[0025] The pressure sensor is connected to the controller and sends the pressure value in the second heat exchanger to the controller;

[0026] The controller controls the amount of the superheated steam output by the steam heat source according to the pressure in the second heat exchanger.

[0027] Preferably, the steam heat source is a steam generator or a boiler, which is configured to generate steam under the condition of raising the pressure above 1 bar absolute pressure.

[0028] Preferably, the steam heat source has an exhaust port, and the steam is discharged from the exhaust port through a third channel.

[0029] Preferably, a throttle valve is provided in the pipeline between the steam heat source and the superheated side of the first heat exchanger;

[0030] The throttle valve is controlled by the controller to open and close to control the heat entering the first heat exchanger.

[0031] Preferably, a plurality of heat conduction fins are provided on the inner wall of each brewing water distribution outlet in the outer shell of the airtight pressure vessel to the steam and condensate lead-out pipeline.

[0032] Preferably, a condensate well is provided in the second heat exchanger. When the condensate water in the second heat exchanger reaches a preset height, the condensate water is input into the condensate well;

[0033] The bottom of the condensate well is connected to the water storage tank through a pipeline to return the input condensate water to the water storage tank.

[0034] More preferably, a check valve is provided in the pipeline between the condensate well and the water storage tank.

[0035] More preferably, the condensate well is provided with a condensate discharge pump, a condensate well temperature sensor and a condensate well pressure sensor;

[0036] The control device of the condensate discharge pump converts the pressure sensed by the condensate well pressure sensor into an equivalent saturation temperature;

[0037] If the temperature measured by the condensate well temperature sensor is lower than the equivalent saturation temperature, it is detected that there is condensate water or non-condensable gas in the condensate well, and the condensate discharge pump is started to discharge it.

[0038] Preferably, the brewing water introduction pipe is arranged inside the steam and condensate discharge pipe.

[0039] Advantages of the present utility model:

[0040] The application of the present utility model enables the coffee machine not to require "cooling flushing" to maintain control over the temperature of the brewing water and shortens the preheating time.

[0041] The concept, specific structure and technical effects of the present utility model will be further described below in conjunction with the drawings to fully understand the purpose, features and effects of the present utility model. Description of the drawings

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram showing an embodiment of the present utility model is shown.

[0043] Figure 2 A flowchart showing the brewing water heating process in an embodiment of the present utility model is shown. Detailed implementation manners

[0044] Embodiment

[0045] As Figure 1 shown, a coffee machine that does not require cooling flushing includes a steam heat source 1, a first heat exchanger 2, a brewing water distribution unit 3, and a second heat exchanger 4 that are connected in sequence;

[0046] The steam heat source 1 generates superheated steam and inputs it into the superheated side 21 of the first heat exchanger 2, and heats the water body in the water storage tank 22 of the first heat exchanger 2 to boiling, so as to generate saturated steam in the first heat exchanger 2;

[0047] Superheated steam refers to steam with a temperature of 120 °C when the steam pressure is 2 bar, that is, 0.2 Mpa absolute pressure;

[0048] Saturated steam refers to steam with a temperature of 94 °C when the steam pressure is 0.81 bar absolute pressure;

[0049] The brewing water distribution unit 3 includes an airtight pressure vessel housing capable of enclosing saturated steam, a brewing water introduction pipe 34 arranged inside the airtight pressure vessel housing, and a steam and condensate discharge pipe 33 connecting the airtight pressure vessel housing and the second heat exchanger 4;

[0050] The brewing water introduction pipe 34 is made of heat-conducting material, obtains heat from the saturated steam introduced into the outer shell of the airtight pressure vessel to heat the brewing water inside, is connected to each brewing water distribution outlet 31 arranged on the outer shell of the airtight pressure vessel, and a brewing water control valve 32 is arranged on each branch pipe connecting each brewing water distribution outlet 31;

[0051] The steam and condensate discharge pipe 33 is arranged at the bottom of the outer shell of the airtight pressure vessel, and is used to transport the condensate and the steam that has undergone primary heat release in the outer shell of the airtight pressure vessel to the second heat exchanger 4;

[0052] The second heat exchanger 4 includes a brewing water preliminary heating coil 41 and a pressure sensor 43;

[0053] One end of the brewing water preliminary heating coil 41 obtains brewing water from the brewing water source 9 through the brewing water pump 8, and the other end inputs the preliminarily heated brewing water into the brewing water distribution unit 3 through the brewing water introduction pipe 34;

[0054] The second heat exchanger 4 is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger or a plate heat exchanger, and heats the brewing water in the brewing water preliminary heating coil 41 by the steam that has undergone primary heat release introduced from the outer shell of the airtight pressure vessel;

[0055] The pressure sensor 43 is connected to the controller 5 and sends the pressure value in the second heat exchanger 4 to the controller 5;

[0056] The controller 5 controls the amount of superheated steam output by the steam heat source 1 according to the pressure in the second heat exchanger 4.

[0057] In practical applications, the steam heat source 1 generates superheated steam and enters the first heat exchanger 2 in a superheated state with an absolute pressure exceeding 0.81 bar to heat the water body in the water storage tank 22 of the first heat exchanger 2 to generate saturated steam.

[0058] Then, the saturated steam enters the inner part of the airtight pressure vessel shell of the brewing water distribution unit 3 to heat and keep warm the inside of the brewing water distribution unit 3;

[0059] The heat exchange process in the second heat exchanger 4 depends on a lower heat mass. Especially compared with traditional double-boiler coffee machines, this can also achieve faster heating completion.

[0060] Moreover, the above structure can keep the brewing water distribution unit 3 away from the steam heat source 1 and the second heat exchanger 4. For example, the brewing water distribution unit 3 is arranged on the top of the counter of the workstation, that is, on the workbench or surface used by the barista to distribute coffee, while the steam heat source 1 and the second heat exchanger 4 can be arranged below the top of the counter. This is beneficial in that it maximally expands the working area for coffee preparation, enabling the heat generation and most of the heat transfer processes to be effectively carried out, and the components of the device are arranged in a place far from the coffee preparation business area.

[0061] In some embodiments, the steam heat source 1 is a steam generator or boiler, configured to generate steam under the condition of raising the pressure above 1 bar absolute pressure.

[0062] In practical applications, it is optimal to generate steam at about 2 to 3 bar absolute pressure. The steam heat source 1 is generally in fluid communication with a water supply system (not shown), and the water supply system supplies water to the steam heat source 1 to be converted into steam. The water supply is connected to the steam heat source 1, so that water can be added as needed, for example, by using a control valve (not shown) to control the water supply.

[0063] In some embodiments, the steam heat source 1 has an exhaust port 13, and the steam is discharged from the exhaust port 13 through the third channel 12.

[0064] In practical applications, the steam discharged from the exhaust port 13 of the steam heat source 1 can be used for milk frothing.

[0065] In some embodiments, a throttle valve 6 is provided in the pipeline between the steam heat source 1 and the superheat side 21 of the first heat exchanger 2;

[0066] The throttle valve 6 is controlled to open and close by the controller 5 to control the heat entering the first heat exchanger 2.

[0067] In practical applications, if the steam heat source 1 discharges steam from the exhaust port 13 through the third channel 12 for milk frothing, since the actual pressure of the steam generated in the steam heat source 1 can be optimized for the milk frothing process, the opening and closing of the throttle valve 6 can also serve as a pressure control valve for controlling the pressure of the steam discharged from the exhaust port 13.

[0068] In some embodiments, a number of heat conducting fins are provided on the inner wall of each brewing water distribution outlet 31 to the steam and condensate outlet pipe 33 within the airtight pressure vessel housing.

[0069] In practical applications, the setting of the heat conducting fins can increase the heating speed of the saturated steam to each brewing water distribution outlet 31.

[0070] In some embodiments, a condensate well 42 is provided in the second heat exchanger 4. When the condensate water in the second heat exchanger 4 reaches a preset height, the condensate water is input into the condensate well 42;

[0071] The bottom of the condensate well 42 is connected to the water storage tank 22 through a pipeline, and the input condensate water is returned to the water storage tank 22.

[0072] In some embodiments, a check valve 7 is provided in the pipeline between the condensate well 42 and the water storage tank 22.

[0073] In some embodiments, the condensate well 42 is provided with a condensate discharge pump 421, a condensate well temperature sensor 422 and a condensate well pressure sensor 423;

[0074] The control device of the condensate discharge pump 421 converts the pressure sensed by the condensate well pressure sensor 423 into an equivalent saturation temperature;

[0075] If the temperature measured by the condensate well temperature sensor 422 is lower than the equivalent saturation temperature, it is detected that there is condensate water or non-condensable gas in the condensate well 42, and the condensate discharge pump 421 is started to discharge.

[0076] In some embodiments, the brewing water introduction pipe 34 is arranged inside the steam and condensate water extraction pipe 33.

[0077] In practical applications, arranging the brewing water introduction pipe 34 inside the steam and condensate water extraction pipe 33 can facilitate the steam passing through the steam and condensate water extraction pipe 33 to heat the brewing water in the brewing water introduction pipe 34.

[0078] As shown in the figure, the present invention also provides a method for heating brewing water of a coffee machine that does not require cooling and flushing, which is used for the above-mentioned coffee machine that does not require cooling and flushing, and includes the following steps:

[0079] Step 1, the steam heat source 1 generates superheated steam;

[0080] Step 2, the superheated steam enters the first heat exchanger 2 to generate saturated steam;

[0081] Step 3, the saturated steam flows through the brewing water distribution unit 3 and the second heat exchanger 4 to release heat and condenses in the second heat exchanger 4;

[0082] Step 4, obtain brewing water from the brewing water source 9 through the brewing water pump 8, and make the brewing water pass through the brewing water preliminary heating coil 41 of the second heat exchanger 4 and the brewing water introduction pipe 34 to each brewing water distribution outlet 31;

[0083] Step 5, control the saturated steam in contact with the brewing water preliminary heating coil 41 and the brewing water introduction pipe 34 to be less than 1 bar, that is, 0.1 Mpa absolute pressure.

[0084] In step 4, the second heat exchanger 4 acts as a heat conductor to transfer heat to the brewing water preliminary heating coil 41 and the brewing water introduction pipe 34.

[0085] In step 5, the pressure sensor 43 is located downstream of the steam flowing through the brewing water distribution unit 3 or the second heat exchanger 4, for measuring the steam pressure and maintaining the steam pressure in the brewing water distribution unit 3 and the second heat exchanger 4 at less than 1 bar, i.e., 0.1 Mpa absolute pressure (preferably about 0.81 bar absolute pressure, because at this steam pressure, the saturated steam temperature Ts is about 94 degrees Celsius, which is the optimal temperature for coffee extraction).

[0086] The advantage of using saturated steam as the heating medium is that at the saturated temperature, a large amount of heat can be transferred from the steam without changing the steam temperature caused by the latent heat of the steam.

[0087] The preferred specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. It should be understood that those of ordinary skill in the art can make many modifications and variations based on the concept of the present invention without creative work. Therefore, all technical solutions that can be obtained by those skilled in the art in the technical field based on the concept of the present invention through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experiments on the basis of the prior art should fall within the protection scope determined by the claims.

Claims

1. Coffee machine without cooling and rinsing; characterized in that, It includes a steam heat source (1), a first heat exchanger (2), a brewing water distribution unit (3), and a second heat exchanger (4) connected in sequence; The steam heat source (1) generates superheated steam and inputs it into the superheated side (21) of the first heat exchanger (2), and heats the water body in the water storage tank (22) of the first heat exchanger (2) to boiling, so as to generate saturated steam in the first heat exchanger (2); The superheated steam refers to the steam with a temperature of 120 °C when the steam pressure is 2 bar, that is, 0.2 Mpa absolute pressure; The saturated steam refers to the steam with a temperature of 94 °C when the steam pressure is 0.81 bar absolute pressure; The brewing water distribution unit (3) includes an airtight pressure vessel housing capable of enclosing the saturated steam, a brewing water introduction pipe (34) arranged inside the airtight pressure vessel housing, and a steam and condensate discharge pipe (33) connecting the airtight pressure vessel housing and the second heat exchanger (4); The brewing water introduction pipe (34) is made of a heat-conducting material, obtains heat from the saturated steam introduced into the airtight pressure vessel housing to heat the brewing water inside, is connected to each brewing water distribution outlet (31) arranged on the airtight pressure vessel housing, and a brewing water control valve (32) is arranged on each branch pipe connecting each brewing water distribution outlet (31); The steam and condensate discharge pipe (33) is arranged at the bottom of the airtight pressure vessel housing, and is used to transport the condensate water and the steam that has undergone one heat release in the airtight pressure vessel housing to the second heat exchanger (4); The second heat exchanger (4) includes a brewing water preheating coil (41) and a pressure sensor (43); One end of the brewing water preheating coil (41) obtains brewing water from a brewing water source (9) through a brewing water pump (8), and the other end inputs the preheated brewing water into the brewing water distribution unit (3) through a brewing water introduction pipe (34); The second heat exchanger (4) is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger or a plate heat exchanger, and heats the brewing water in the brewing water preheating coil (41) through the steam that has undergone one heat release introduced from the airtight pressure vessel housing; The pressure sensor (43) is connected to a controller (5), and sends the pressure value in the second heat exchanger (4) to the controller (5); The controller (5) controls the amount of the superheated steam output by the steam heat source (1) according to the pressure in the second heat exchanger (4).

2. The coffee machine without cooling and rinsing according to claim 1, characterized in that The steam heat source (1) is a steam generator or a boiler, and is configured to generate steam under the condition of raising the pressure above 1 bar absolute pressure.

3. The coffee machine without cooling and rinsing according to claim 1, characterized in that The steam heat source (1) has an exhaust port (13), and discharges the steam from the exhaust port (13) through a third channel (12).

4. The coffee machine without cooling and rinsing according to claim 1, characterized in that, A throttle valve (6) is arranged on the pipeline between the steam heat source (1) and the superheated side (21) of the first heat exchanger (2); The throttle valve (6) is controlled by the controller (5) to open and close, so as to control the heat entering the first heat exchanger (2).

5. The coffee machine without cooling and rinsing according to claim 1, characterized in that A plurality of heat conducting fins are provided on the inner wall of each of the brewing water distribution outlets (31) to the steam and condensate extraction pipe (33) within the airtight pressure vessel housing.

6. The coffee machine without cooling and rinsing according to claim 1, characterized in that A condensate well (42) is provided within the second heat exchanger (4). When the condensate within the second heat exchanger (4) reaches a preset height, the condensate is input into the condensate well (42); The bottom of the condensate well (42) is connected to the water storage tank (22) through a pipeline to return the input condensate to the water storage tank (22).

7. The coffee machine that does not require cooling and flushing according to claim 6, wherein, A check valve (7) is provided in the pipeline between the condensate well (42) and the water storage tank (22).

8. The coffee machine without cooling and rinsing according to claim 6, characterized in that, The condensate well (42) is provided with a condensate discharge pump (421), a condensate well temperature sensor (422), and a condensate well pressure sensor (423); The control device of the condensate discharge pump (421) converts the pressure sensed by the condensate well pressure sensor (423) into an equivalent saturation temperature; If the temperature measured by the condensate well temperature sensor (422) is lower than the equivalent saturation temperature, it is detected that there is condensate or non-condensable gas in the condensate well (42), and the condensate discharge pump (421) is started to discharge.

9. The coffee machine without cooling and rinsing according to claim 1, characterized in that The brewing water introduction pipe (34) is disposed within the steam and condensate extraction pipe (33).

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