Waterway system of coffee machine

Abstract

The utility model relates to a waterway system of a coffee machine, which comprises a water tank, a first water heating pipeline, a second water heating pipeline, a steam pipe, a brewing head and a third electromagnetic valve, the first water heating pipeline comprises a first valve body and a first water heating boiler, and a first port of the first valve body is communicated with a water outlet of the water tank. A second port of the first valve body is communicated with an inlet of a first water heating boiler, and an outlet of the first water heating boiler is communicated with a steam pipe; the system can be used for generating steam and hot water through the combination of the first water heating boiler and the second water heating boiler. Under different electromagnetic valve states, the system can flexibly select a heating path, independent steam generation and hot water supply are achieved, and different coffee making requirements are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the water system of a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] In existing coffee machine water systems, steam generation primarily relies on a single water-heating boiler. This system introduces water into the boiler, heats it to the required temperature, and generates steam for frothing milk, heating milk, or cleaning the equipment. While this design can meet basic usage needs to some extent, it still has several technical limitations:

[0003] Traditional technologies using a single heating boiler limit the efficiency of water heating, resulting in slow steam generation. Especially when high-temperature steam is required, the power and structural limitations of the boiler cause a significant delay in heating water to 160-165 degrees Celsius. This delay impacts coffee-making efficiency, particularly in commercial settings, failing to meet the demands of rapid, continuous use.

[0004] In existing technologies, steam is generated through a single heating boiler, and the steam temperature typically only reaches the boiler's maximum heating capacity. Due to the lack of further heating methods, the generated steam temperature and dryness are limited, resulting in high moisture content and poor steam quality. This is unsatisfactory for operations requiring high-temperature, dry steam, such as milk frothing or equipment sterilization. Insufficient steam temperature and dryness not only affect the quality of milk frothing but may also lead to residual moisture inside the machine, reducing its lifespan.

[0005] Existing water systems typically only support a single heating mode, and users cannot adjust the degree of steam heating according to different needs. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a water system for a coffee machine that can switch between primary and secondary steam heating, as well as simultaneously produce steam and hot water.

[0007] The purpose of this utility model is achieved as follows:

[0008] A water system for a coffee machine includes a water tank, a first water heating pipe, a second water heating pipe, a steam pipe, a brewing head, and a third solenoid valve. The first water heating pipe includes a first valve body and a first water heating boiler. The first port of the first valve body is connected to the outlet of the water tank, the second port of the first valve body is connected to the inlet of the first water heating boiler, and the outlet of the first water heating boiler is connected to the steam pipe.

[0009] The second water heating pipeline includes a second solenoid valve and a second water heating boiler. The inlet of the second water heating boiler is connected to the outlet of the water tank, the outlet of the second water heating boiler is connected to the first port of the second solenoid valve, and the second port of the second solenoid valve is connected to the brewing head.

[0010] It also includes a third solenoid valve, the first port of which is connected to the outlet of the second water-heating boiler, and the second port of which is connected to the inlet of the first water-heating boiler.

[0011] The system combines a first water heater and a second water heater, which can be used to generate steam and hot water respectively. Under different solenoid valve states, the system can flexibly select the heating path to achieve independent steam generation and hot water supply, meeting various coffee-making needs.

[0012] For example, by using independent heating pipes, steam can be generated simultaneously for milk frothing and hot water for coffee extraction, thus improving production efficiency.

[0013] By opening the third solenoid valve, water can first enter the second heating boiler to generate primary heating steam, and then be reheated in the first heating boiler. This dual heating design can provide high-temperature, high-pressure steam, making milk frothing more efficient and the steam temperature more stable, making it particularly suitable for beverages that require higher steam pressure.

[0014] This secondary heating method ensures higher steam temperature and quality, which can significantly improve the texture of milk foam and the coffee-making effect.

[0015] The secondary heating produces higher steam temperatures and more stable steam pressure, resulting in denser milk foam that meets the requirements of different coffee drinks for milk foam texture.

[0016] By controlling multiple solenoid valves, the system can precisely control the water flow as needed, avoiding unnecessary heating and water waste. For example, when steam is not needed, water can be directly heated by the secondary boiler for coffee extraction. When high-temperature steam is required, the system can select a primary heating mode, and when even higher-temperature steam is needed, the system can select a secondary heating mode, maximizing the utilization of heating resources.

[0017] This design is not only suitable for home coffee machines, but can also be applied to commercial coffee machines to meet different brewing needs and types of coffee drinks.

[0018] The objective of this utility model can also be achieved by the following technical measures:

[0019] Furthermore, the first valve body and the third solenoid valve are two-way solenoid valves.

[0020] Furthermore, it also includes a condenser box for condensing hot water or steam, the condenser box having a condensate drain outlet;

[0021] A steam control three-way valve is provided between the first water heating boiler and the steam pipe. The first port of the steam control three-way valve is connected to the outlet of the first water heating boiler, the second port of the steam control three-way valve is connected to the steam pipe, and the third port of the steam control three-way valve is connected to the water inlet of the condenser box.

[0022] The second solenoid valve is a three-way solenoid valve, and the third port of the second solenoid valve is connected to the water inlet of the condenser box.

[0023] The addition of a condenser box effectively handles condensation generated by hot water and steam in the piping. Through the design of a steam-controlled three-way valve and a second solenoid valve, condensation generated during the cooling process is introduced into the condenser box through the piping and then discharged through the condensate drain. This prevents condensation from accumulating in the piping and thus avoids affecting coffee brewing.

[0024] This avoids excess condensate from getting into the coffee-making process, which helps maintain the purity of the steam and hot water, further improving the quality of the coffee and milk foam.

[0025] When steam flows into the steam pipe, condensate will not enter the coffee-making area, thus ensuring that the flavor of the coffee is not affected by excess moisture and improving the quality of the finished coffee.

[0026] Furthermore, a first water pump is provided between the outlet of the water tank and the first port of the first valve body, and a second water pump is provided between the outlet of the water tank and the inlet of the second water heating boiler.

[0027] Furthermore, it also includes a tee connector, wherein the first port of the tee connector is connected to the outlet of the water tank, the second port of the tee connector is connected to the first water pump, and the third port of the tee connector is connected to the second water pump.

[0028] The T-joint allows the outlet of the water tank to be connected to two water pumps simultaneously, ensuring that water can flow freely between different pipelines.

[0029] Furthermore, a flow meter is installed between the third port of the tee connector and the second water pump. The flow meter can precisely control the water flow rate, ensuring that each heating boiler receives an accurate amount of water and optimizing heating efficiency.

[0030] Furthermore, a safety valve is installed between the inlet of the second water pump and the inlet of the second water heating boiler, and the safety valve is connected to the water tank.

[0031] A safety valve is designed between the second water pump and the second water heating boiler. It is connected to the water tank and can release pressure when the pressure rises abnormally, ensuring system safety.

[0032] Furthermore, a pressure gauge is installed between the second solenoid valve and the brewing head.

[0033] A pressure gauge is installed between the second solenoid valve and the brewing head to monitor the pressure of the hot water in real time, ensuring that the pressure is appropriate during brewing and guaranteeing the quality of coffee extraction.

[0034] Furthermore, it also includes a third water heating pipeline, which includes a fourth solenoid valve and a hot water pipe. The first port of the fourth solenoid valve is connected to the outlet of the second water heating boiler, and the second port of the fourth solenoid valve is connected to the hot water pipe.

[0035] The third water heating pipeline provides an additional hot water output channel for the system. The flow direction of hot water in the second water heating boiler can be controlled independently via the fourth solenoid valve and hot water pipe, enabling flexible hot water distribution.

[0036] Furthermore, the first valve body is a check valve used to prevent the steam from the first water-heated boiler from flowing back to the first water pump.

[0037] The one-way valve prevents the steam from the first water heating boiler from flowing back to the first water pump, thus protecting the first water pump and preventing damage from high-temperature steam.

[0038] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0039] This invention allows for the simultaneous output of hot water and primary heating steam, reducing operation waiting time and improving overall work efficiency. Hot water is used for coffee extraction, and steam is used for milk foam making, enabling parallel operation, which is suitable for busy work scenarios.

[0040] This invention generates steam at higher temperatures and pressures through secondary heating, making it suitable for making coffee drinks that require strong steam support, such as coffee with rich milk foam. Moreover, the efficient generation of steam through secondary heating improves the quality and consistency of coffee making.

[0041] This invention utilizes a condenser box and a steam control three-way valve to effectively manage condensate, prevent condensate from mixing with steam, ensure the purity of the output steam, and improve the quality of coffee and milk foam. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water system of a coffee machine. (It simultaneously discharges hot water and steam heated once).

[0043] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the water system of a coffee machine. (The first valve body is a two-way solenoid valve, which discharges steam that has been heated twice.)

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water system of a coffee machine. (The steam from secondary heating is discharged, and the first valve is a one-way valve). Detailed Implementation

[0045] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0046] Implementation examples, in conjunction with Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a water system for a coffee machine includes a water tank 1, a first water heating pipe, a second water heating pipe, a steam pipe 2, a brewing head 3, and a third solenoid valve 4. The first water heating pipe includes a first valve body 5 and a first water heating boiler 6. The first port of the first valve body 5 is connected to the outlet of the water tank 1, the second port of the first valve body 5 is connected to the inlet of the first water heating boiler 6, and the outlet of the first water heating boiler 6 is connected to the steam pipe 2.

[0047] The second water heating pipeline includes a second solenoid valve 7 and a second water heating boiler 8. The inlet of the second water heating boiler 8 is connected to the outlet of the water tank 1, the outlet of the second water heating boiler 8 is connected to the first port of the second solenoid valve 7, and the second port of the second solenoid valve 7 is connected to the brewing head 3.

[0048] It also includes a third solenoid valve 4, the first port of which is connected to the outlet of the second water heating boiler 8, and the second port of which is connected to the inlet of the first water heating boiler 6.

[0049] Furthermore, the first valve body 5 and the third solenoid valve 4 are two-way solenoid valves.

[0050] Furthermore, it also includes a condenser box 9 for condensing hot water or steam, the condenser box 9 having a condensate drain outlet;

[0051] A steam control three-way valve 10 is provided between the first water heating boiler and the steam pipe 2. The first port of the steam control three-way valve 10 is connected to the outlet of the first water heating boiler, the second port of the steam control three-way valve 10 is connected to the steam pipe 2, and the third port of the steam control three-way valve 10 is connected to the water inlet of the condenser box 9.

[0052] The second solenoid valve 7 is a three-way solenoid valve, and the third port of the second solenoid valve 7 is connected to the water inlet of the condenser box 9.

[0053] Furthermore, a first water pump 11 is provided between the outlet of the water tank 1 and the first port of the first valve body 5, and a second water pump 12 is provided between the outlet of the water tank 1 and the inlet of the second water heating boiler 8.

[0054] Furthermore, it also includes a tee connector 13, the first port of which is connected to the outlet of the water tank 1, the second port of which is connected to the first water pump 11, and the third port of which is connected to the second water pump 12.

[0055] Furthermore, a flow meter 14 is provided between the third port of the tee connector 13 and the second water pump 12.

[0056] Furthermore, a safety valve 15 is provided between the inlet of the second water pump 12 and the inlet of the second water heating boiler 8, and the safety valve 15 is connected to the water tank 1.

[0057] Furthermore, a pressure gauge 16 is provided between the second solenoid valve 7 and the brewing head 3.

[0058] Furthermore, it also includes a third water heating pipeline, which includes a fourth solenoid valve 17 and a hot water pipe 18. The first port of the fourth solenoid valve 17 is connected to the outlet of the second water heating boiler 8, and the second port of the fourth solenoid valve 17 is connected to the hot water pipe 18.

[0059] In other embodiments, the first valve body 5 is a one-way valve for preventing the steam from the first water-heated boiler 6 from flowing back to the first water pump 11.

[0060] First water heating pipeline (steam generation):

[0061] Water flow path: Water tank 1 → First water pump 11 → First valve body 5 → First water heating boiler 6.

[0062] When the system needs to generate steam, the first valve body 5 is opened, and the first water pump 11 delivers water from the water tank 1 to the first water heating boiler 6, where it is heated to form primary heating steam. The steam passes through the steam control three-way valve 10, enters the steam pipe 2 from the first port, and is discharged, providing steam for functions such as milk frothing.

[0063] Second water heating pipeline (hot water generation):

[0064] Water flow path: Water tank 1 → Second water pump 12 → Second water heating boiler 8 → Second solenoid valve 7 → Cooking head 3.

[0065] At the same time, the system opens the second solenoid valve 7, and the second water pump 12 delivers the water from the water tank 1 to the second water heating boiler 8, which heats the water to generate hot water. The hot water is discharged through the brewing head 3 for coffee extraction.

[0066] At this time, hot water and steam are discharged simultaneously through different pipes, realizing the parallel operation of hot water and primary heating steam.

[0067] It enables the simultaneous supply of hot water and steam, reducing operation waiting time and improving the working efficiency of the coffee machine.

[0068] Hot water is used for coffee extraction, and steam is used for frothing milk or heating liquids, enabling the quick completion of different functions.

[0069] Secondary heating steam heating process:

[0070] Water flow path: Water tank 1 → Second water pump 12 → Second water heating boiler 8 → Third solenoid valve 4 → First water heating boiler 6 → Steam pipe 2.

[0071] When secondary heating steam is required, the system closes the first valve body 5, the first water pump 11, and the second solenoid valve 7, and opens the third solenoid valve 4. The water in the water tank 1 enters the second water heating boiler 8 through the second water pump 12 to generate primary heating steam. The primary heating steam enters the first water heating boiler 6 through the third solenoid valve 4 and is then reheated to generate high-temperature and high-pressure secondary heating steam.

[0072] The function of steam control three-way valve 10:

[0073] After being discharged from the primary water-heated boiler 6, the secondary heating steam flows through the steam control three-way valve 10. The three-way valve will guide the secondary heating steam into the steam pipe 2 or introduce condensate into the condensate box 9 through its third port, according to system requirements, to prevent water and steam from mixing and affecting steam quality.

[0074] Secondary heating steam heating process:

[0075] Water flow path: Water tank 1 → Second water pump 12 → Second water heating boiler 8 → Third solenoid valve 4 → First water heating boiler 6 → Steam pipe 2.

[0076] When secondary heating steam is required, the system shuts off the first water pump 11 and the second solenoid valve 7, and opens the third solenoid valve 4. The water in the water tank 1 enters the second water heating boiler 8 through the second water pump 12 to generate primary heating steam. The primary heating steam enters the first water heating boiler 6 through the third solenoid valve 4 and is then reheated to generate high-temperature and high-pressure secondary heating steam.

[0077] Since the first valve body 5 is a one-way valve, the one-way valve prevents the steam from the first water heating boiler 6 from flowing back to the first water pump 11, thus protecting the first water pump 11 and preventing high-temperature steam / hot water from damaging the first water pump 11.

[0078] The function of steam control three-way valve 10:

[0079] After being discharged from the primary water-heated boiler 6, the secondary heating steam flows through the steam control three-way valve 10. The three-way valve will guide the secondary heating steam into the steam pipe 2 or introduce condensate into the condensate box 9 through its third port, according to system requirements, to prevent water and steam from mixing and affecting steam quality.

[0080] Secondary heating steam has a higher temperature and pressure than primary heating steam, making it suitable for scenarios that require a strong steam output, such as making coffee drinks with rich milk foam.

[0081] The steam control three-way valve 10 can effectively control the steam flow direction, avoid interference from condensate, and ensure the purity of the secondary heating steam.

Claims

1. A water system for a coffee machine, comprising a water tank, a first water heating pipe, a second water heating pipe, a steam pipe, a brewing head, and a third solenoid valve, characterized in that: The first water heating pipeline includes a first valve body and a first water heating boiler. The first port of the first valve body is connected to the outlet of the water tank, the second port of the first valve body is connected to the inlet of the first water heating boiler, and the outlet of the first water heating boiler is connected to the steam pipe. The second water heating pipeline includes a second solenoid valve and a second water heating boiler. The inlet of the second water heating boiler is connected to the outlet of the water tank, the outlet of the second water heating boiler is connected to the first port of the second solenoid valve, and the second port of the second solenoid valve is connected to the brewing head. It also includes a third solenoid valve, the first port of which is connected to the outlet of the second water-heating boiler, and the second port of which is connected to the inlet of the first water-heating boiler.

2. The water system of the coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first valve body and the third solenoid valve are two-way solenoid valves.

3. The water system of the coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a condenser box for condensing hot water or steam, the condenser box having a condensate drain outlet; A steam control three-way valve is provided between the first water heating boiler and the steam pipe. The first port of the steam control three-way valve is connected to the outlet of the first water heating boiler, the second port of the steam control three-way valve is connected to the steam pipe, and the third port of the steam control three-way valve is connected to the water inlet of the condenser box. The second solenoid valve is a three-way solenoid valve, and the third port of the second solenoid valve is connected to the water inlet of the condenser box.

4. The water system of the coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first water pump is installed between the outlet of the water tank and the first port of the first valve body, and a second water pump is installed between the outlet of the water tank and the inlet of the second water heating boiler.

5. The water system of the coffee machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a T-connector, wherein the first port of the T-connector is connected to the outlet of the water tank, the second port of the T-connector is connected to the first water pump, and the third port of the T-connector is connected to the second water pump.

6. The water system of the coffee machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: A flow meter is installed between the third port of the tee connector and the second water pump.

7. The water system of the coffee machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: A safety valve is installed between the inlet of the second water pump and the inlet of the second water heating boiler, and the safety valve is connected to the water tank.

8. The water system of the coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pressure gauge is installed between the second solenoid valve and the brewing head.

9. The water system of the coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a third water heating pipeline, which includes a fourth solenoid valve and a hot water pipe. The first port of the fourth solenoid valve is connected to the outlet of the second water heating boiler, and the second port of the fourth solenoid valve is connected to the hot water pipe.

10. The water system of the coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first valve body is a one-way valve used to prevent steam from the first water-heating boiler from flowing back to the first water pump.

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