Coffee machine waterway

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of coffee machines, and provides a coffee machine water way which comprises an extraction output water way, a hot water output water way and a steam output water way. A water tank, a water pump assembly and a heating body assembly are arranged on the coffee machine; the input end of the water pump assembly is matched and connected with the water tank; the output end of the water pump assembly is communicated with the heating body assembly; the output ends of the extraction output water path, the hot water output water path and the steam output water path are respectively arranged on different parts, and are respectively connected with the output end of the heating body assembly; therefore, the extraction output water path, the hot water output water path and the steam output water path form a relatively independent water path structure on the coffee machine. The coffee extraction function, the water heating function and the steam function can be achieved simultaneously in the working process of the coffee machine and do not affect one another, the functions are more convenient, and operability of a user is simplified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of coffee machine technology, specifically to a water circuit for a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] Existing coffee machine universal water circuit:

[0003] Coffee dispensing process: Water in the water tank → Flow meter → Large water pump → Protective valve → Extraction heating pot → Extraction solenoid valve → Coffee outlet → Coffee extraction.

[0004] Steam output process: Water in water tank → Small water pump → Steam heating pot → Steam solenoid valve → Steam pipe → Steam output.

[0005] Current coffee machine water systems use a large water pump for extraction and hot water functions, and a small water pump for steaming. Common water systems can output coffee and steam separately, with a steam hose used for both, or a three-way solenoid valve controlling both extraction and steam output. However, using a steam hose for hot water has a drawback: with the pump running normally, the small diameter of the steam hose results in a fast flow rate and strong impact, causing water or coffee to splash out of the cup, affecting the experience. Conversely, reducing the pump's flow rate slows the flow, prolonging the hot water dispensing time, also impacting the experience. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention proposes a separate water circuit for a coffee machine, with dedicated water circuits for coffee extraction, hot water, and steam functions. During operation, these functions can be performed simultaneously without interference, offering greater convenience, simplifying operation, and enhancing the user experience. A typical coffee machine water circuit uses a large water pump (with high pumping pressure) for extraction and hot water functions, and a small water pump for steaming. This new system allows for both small and large water pumps, with the larger pump providing a faster pumping speed, resulting in stronger steam and significantly reducing the time required for milk to foam. A single large and a single small water pump are sufficient for extraction, hot water, steaming, and powerful steam generation. Other coffee machines require two large water pumps to achieve this. Using a single large and a single small water pump saves cost and internal space, allowing for better internal layout and meeting structural requirements. For factories, having a separate water circuit for coffee extraction, hot water, and steam functions, with independent control, simplifies the production process and makes it easier for subsequent production line staff to install, maintain, and troubleshoot problems. This can greatly improve production efficiency and significantly reduce factory expenses.

[0007] A coffee machine water circuit designed for this purpose includes an extraction output water circuit, a hot water output water circuit, and a steam output water circuit;

[0008] The coffee machine is equipped with a water tank, a water pump assembly, and a heating element assembly; the input end of the water pump assembly is connected to the water tank, and the output end of the water pump assembly is connected to the heating element assembly.

[0009] The output ends of the extraction output water path, hot water output water path, and steam output water path are respectively set on different components, and the output ends of the extraction output water path, hot water output water path, and steam output water path are respectively connected to the output end of the heating element assembly, so that the extraction output water path, hot water output water path, and steam output water path form a relatively independent water path structure on the coffee machine.

[0010] The coffee machine is equipped with an extraction coffee output pipe that forms the extraction output water path output end, a hot water output pipe that forms the hot water output water path output end, and a steam output pipe that forms the steam output water path output end.

[0011] The extraction output water path, hot water output water path, and steam output water path may operate simultaneously or individually, or any two of the three water paths may operate simultaneously.

[0012] The water pump assembly includes a first water pump and a second water pump, and the heating element assembly includes a first heating element and a second heating element.

[0013] The water tank, the first water pump, the first heating element and the coffee extraction output pipe form an extraction output water path;

[0014] The water tank, the first water pump, the first heating element and the hot water output pipe form a hot water output path;

[0015] The water tank, the second water pump, the second heating element, and the steam output pipe form a steam output water path.

[0016] The pumping pressures of the first and second water pumps are different, and the pumping pressure of the first water pump is greater than that of the second water pump.

[0017] The steam output water path includes a first ordinary steam output water path and a second enhanced steam output water path;

[0018] When the liquid in the water tank is heated by the second water pump and finally output from the steam output pipe, it forms the first ordinary steam output water path.

[0019] A pipeline connection assembly is provided between the first heating pot body and the second heating pot body;

[0020] The liquid in the water tank is heated by the first water pump into the first heating pot. After heating, the liquid enters the second heating pot along the pipeline connection assembly and is finally output from the steam output pipe, forming the second enhanced steam output water path.

[0021] A flow meter for detecting liquid flow is installed on the connecting pipe between the first water pump and the water tank.

[0022] A protective valve is provided on the connecting pipe between the first heating element and the first water pump, and a return pipe for allowing liquid to return to the water tank is provided between the protective valve and the water tank.

[0023] The connecting pipe between the output ends of the extraction output water path and the hot water output water path is equipped with a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve. The output end of the first heating element is located between the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve. The output ends of the extraction output water path and the hot water output water path are opened and closed by opening and closing the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve.

[0024] A third solenoid valve is installed on the connecting pipe between the steam output water path and the second heating element, and the output end of the steam output water path is opened and closed by the third solenoid valve.

[0025] The second and third solenoid valves are connected at one end to a pressure relief box, and a liquid receiving tray is provided below the pressure relief box.

[0026] The beneficial technical effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0027] The coffee extraction, hot water, and steam functions operate on a separate water circuit. During operation, these functions can run simultaneously without interference, offering greater convenience, simplifying operation, and enhancing the user experience. A typical coffee machine uses a large water pump (with high water pressure) for extraction and hot water, and a small pump for steam. This system allows for both small and large pumps, with the larger pump delivering a faster flow rate and stronger steam, significantly reducing milk frothing time. A single large and a small standard water pump suffices for extraction, hot water, steam, and powerful steam generation. Other coffee machines require two large pumps to achieve this. Using a single large and a small standard pump saves cost and internal space, allowing for better internal layout and structural design. For factories, having a separate water circuit for coffee extraction, hot water, and steam functions, with independent control, simplifies the production process and makes it easier for subsequent production line staff to install, maintain, and troubleshoot problems. This can greatly improve production efficiency and significantly reduce factory expenses. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the extraction output water path according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the hot water output circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first ordinary steam output water circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second enhanced steam output water path according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present application more apparent and understandable, many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0034] See Figures 1-4 A coffee machine water circuit includes an extraction output water circuit 1, a hot water output water circuit 2, and a steam output water circuit 3;

[0035] The coffee machine is equipped with a water tank 4, a water pump assembly, and a heating element assembly; the input end of the water pump assembly is connected to the water tank 4, and the output end of the water pump assembly is connected to the heating element assembly.

[0036] The output ends of the extraction output water path 1, hot water output water path 2 and steam output water path 3 are respectively set on different components, and the output ends of the extraction output water path 1, hot water output water path 2 and steam output water path 3 are respectively connected to the output end of the heating element assembly, so that the extraction output water path 1, hot water output water path 2 and steam output water path 3 form a relatively independent water path structure on the coffee machine.

[0037] The extraction output water path 1, hot water output water path 2, and steam output water path 3 can operate simultaneously or individually, or any two of the three water paths can operate simultaneously.

[0038] During operation, the coffee machine can simultaneously perform coffee extraction, hot water supply, and steam functions. The extraction output water path 1, hot water output water path 2, and steam output water path 3 do not affect each other. This water system has a separate coffee brewing head (coffee extraction output tube 5), hot water output tube 6, and steam output tube 7. Hot water from the hot water output tube 6 has a more uniform flow rate compared to hot water from the steam output tube 7, preventing excessive impact from the steam output tube 7, which could cause water or coffee to splash out of the cup and affect the experience. If the water pump speed is reduced, the water flow becomes too slow, resulting in a longer hot water dispensing time, which also affects the experience. The simultaneous presence of the coffee extraction output tube 5, hot water output tube 6, and steam output tube 7 simplifies the functions and greatly enhances the user experience and ease of operation. The new water system uses a combination of one large and one small conventional water pump to achieve coffee extraction, hot water generation, regular steam, and powerful steam (enhanced steam). This system can utilize either the small pump for water and steam generation or switch to the large pump, which pumps water at a faster rate per minute, resulting in stronger steam and significantly reducing the time required for milk to foam. This increases the product's practicality, operability, and functionality. The combination of one large and one small conventional water pump accomplishes extraction, hot water generation, steam generation, and powerful steam generation—functions that other coffee machines require two large pumps to achieve. Using one large and one small conventional pump saves costs compared to using two large pumps, saves internal space, and facilitates internal layout, meeting structural requirements. For factories, having a separate water circuit for extraction, hot water, and steam generation, with independent control, simplifies the production process and facilitates installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for production line workers, significantly improving production efficiency and reducing factory expenses.

[0039] Based on the above descriptions: 1. This water system has separate brewing heads, hot water pipes, and steam pipes, allowing for simultaneous extraction, hot water, and steam functions without interference. This makes it more convenient and powerful, significantly enhancing the user experience. 2. A combination of a large and a small standard water pump is sufficient to achieve extraction, hot water, steam, and powerful steam functions, increasing the product's practicality and operability. It also offers greater functionality, cost savings, and saves internal space, facilitating internal layout and meeting structural requirements. 3. For factories, having a separate water circuit for extraction, hot water, and steam functions, with independent control, simplifies the production process and facilitates installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for production line staff. This significantly improves production efficiency and reduces factory expenses.

[0040] The coffee machine is equipped with an extraction coffee output pipe 5 forming the output end of the extraction output water path 1, a hot water output pipe 6 forming the output end of the hot water output water path 2, and a steam output pipe 7 forming the output end of the steam output water path 3.

[0041] The water pump assembly includes a first water pump 8 and a second water pump 9, and the heating element assembly includes a first heating element 10 and a second heating element 11.

[0042] The water tank 4, the first water pump 8, the first heating pot body 10 and the coffee extraction output pipe 5 form an extraction output water path 1;

[0043] The water tank 4, the first water pump 8, the first heating element 10 and the hot water output pipe 6 form a hot water output channel 2;

[0044] The water tank 4, the second water pump 9, the second heating element 11 and the steam output pipe 7 form a steam output water path 3.

[0045] The pumping pressures of the first water pump 8 and the second water pump 9 are different, and the pumping pressure of the first water pump 8 is greater than that of the second water pump 9.

[0046] The steam output water path 3 includes a first ordinary steam output water path and a second enhanced steam output water path;

[0047] When the liquid in the water tank 4 is heated by the second water pump 9 and finally output from the steam output pipe 7, it forms the first ordinary steam output water path.

[0048] A pipeline connection assembly 12 is provided between the first heating pot body 10 and the second heating pot body 11;

[0049] The liquid in the water tank 4 is heated by the first water pump 8 and enters the first heating pot 10. After heating, the liquid enters the second heating pot 11 along the pipeline connection assembly 12 and is finally output from the steam output pipe 7 to form the second enhanced steam output water path.

[0050] In this embodiment, the first heating pot body 10 and the second heating pot body 11 include a heating tube and a pot body integral with the heating tube. The pot body is provided with a water outlet and a water inlet, and the heating tube is fixed to the bottom of the pot body. The pot body is provided with a water-holding cavity for storing the flowing liquid.

[0051] In this embodiment, each heating element is equipped with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heating element and a thermostat to prevent dry burning.

[0052] A flow meter 13 for detecting liquid flow is installed on the connecting pipe between the first water pump 8 and the water tank 4.

[0053] A protective valve 14 is provided on the connecting pipe between the first heating body 10 and the first water pump 8, and a return pipe 15 for supplying liquid back to the water tank 4 is provided between the protective valve 14 and the water tank 4.

[0054] The connecting pipe between the output ends of the extraction output water path 1 and the hot water output water path 2 is equipped with a first solenoid valve 16 and a second solenoid valve 17. The output end of the first heating body 10 is located between the first solenoid valve 16 and the second solenoid valve 17. The output end of the extraction output water path 1 and the output end of the hot water output water path 2 are opened and closed by opening and closing the first solenoid valve 16 and the second solenoid valve 17.

[0055] A third solenoid valve 18 is provided on the connecting pipe between the steam output water path 3 and the second heating pot body 11. The output end of the steam output water path 3 is opened and closed by the third solenoid valve 18.

[0056] The second solenoid valve 17 and the third solenoid valve 18 are connected at one end to the pressure relief box 19, and a liquid receiving tray 20 is provided below the pressure relief box 19.

[0057] In this embodiment, a first three-way pipe 21 is provided between the first solenoid valve 16 and the second solenoid valve 17. The first three-way pipe 21 is connected to the second three-way pipe 22 through the first connecting pipe 23. The second three-way pipe 22 is connected to the water outlet of the first heating body 10.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first water pump 8 is a large water pump, and the second water pump 9 is a small water pump.

[0059] When the extraction output water circuit 1 and the hot water output water circuit 2 are running simultaneously, the first solenoid valve 16 and the second solenoid valve 17 open at the same time. The liquid in the water tank 4 passes through the flow meter 13, the first water pump 8, the protection valve 14 and the first heating pot body 10 under the action of the first water pump 8. After the liquid is heated by the first heating pot body 10, part of the heated liquid flows along the first solenoid valve 16 to the hot water output pipe 6, and the other part of the liquid flows along the second solenoid valve 17 to the coffee brewing head (extraction coffee output pipe 5).

[0060] When the first solenoid valve 16 is open and the second solenoid valve 17 is closed, and when other solenoid valves of the coffee machine are closed, the hot water output circuit 2 operates independently. When the first solenoid valve 16 is closed and other solenoid valves of the coffee machine are closed, the second solenoid valve 17 is open, and the extraction output circuit 1 operates independently.

[0061] After coffee extraction is complete, the first water pump 8 stops working, and the water that was blocked at the coffee outlet by the high-pressure extraction flows from the second solenoid valve 17 to the pressure relief tank 19 and then to the drip tray 20.

[0062] In this embodiment, the pipeline connection assembly 12 includes a fourth solenoid valve 24 and a second connecting pipe 25. The second connecting pipe 25 is connected to a second three-way pipe 22 and a fourth solenoid valve 24. The fourth solenoid valve 24 is also connected to a third three-way valve 26 and a second water pump 9.

[0063] In this embodiment, both the first ordinary steam output water path and the second enhanced steam output water path belong to steam output water path 3, and the user can only choose one to operate.

[0064] When the first ordinary steam output water circuit is running alone, the fourth solenoid valve 24, the first solenoid valve 16 and the second solenoid valve 17 are all closed, and the third solenoid valve 18 is opened alone. The liquid in the water tank 4 passes through the second water pump 9, the third three-way valve 26, the second heating pot body 11 and the third solenoid valve 18 under the action of the second water pump 9. The liquid heated by the second heating pot body 11 is in a steam state, and the steam is output from the steam output pipe 7.

[0065] When the second enhanced steam output water circuit operates independently, the second solenoid valve 17 is closed, the first solenoid valve 16 is closed, and the fourth solenoid valve 24 and the third solenoid valve 18 are both open. The liquid in the water tank 4 passes through the flow meter 13, the protection valve 14, the first heating element 10, the second connecting pipe 25, the fourth solenoid valve 24, the third three-way valve 26, and the second heating element 11 under the action of the first water pump 8. After being heated by the two heating elements, the liquid forms steam, which is output along the third solenoid valve 18 and the steam output pipe 7.

[0066] After the first ordinary steam output water circuit finishes working, the second water pump 9 stops working, and the water evaporated by the second heating element 11 flows from the third solenoid valve 18 to the pressure relief box 19 and then to the water receiving tray 20.

[0067] After the second enhanced steam output water circuit finishes working, the first water pump 8 stops working, and the water evaporated by the second heating element 11 flows from the third solenoid valve 18 to the pressure relief box 19 and then to the water receiving tray 20.

[0068] In summary, by controlling the corresponding solenoid valves, the appropriate water circuit can be selected for operation. Since there are many possible combinations, they will not be described in detail here.

Claims

1. A coffee machine waterway characterized in that: The coffee machine comprises an extraction output water path (1), a hot water output water path (2) and a steam output water path (3). The coffee machine is provided with a water tank (4), a water pump assembly and a heating body assembly; the input end of the water pump assembly is connected with the water tank (4); the output end of the water pump assembly is communicated with the heating body assembly. The output ends of the extraction output water path (1), the hot water output water path (2) and the steam output water path (3) are arranged on different components respectively, and the output ends of the extraction output water path (1), the hot water output water path (2) and the steam output water path (3) are connected with the output end of the heating body assembly, so that the extraction output water path (1), the hot water output water path (2) and the steam output water path (3) form relatively independent water path structures on the coffee machine. The extraction output water path (1), the hot water output water path (2) and the steam output water path (3) are simultaneously or individually operated, or any two of the extraction output water path (1), the hot water output water path (2) and the steam output water path (3) are simultaneously operated.

2. The coffee maker waterway of claim 1, wherein: The coffee machine is provided with an extraction coffee output pipe (5) forming the output end of the extraction output water path (1), a hot water output pipe (6) forming the output end of the hot water output water path (2) and a steam output pipe (7) forming the output end of the steam output water path (3).

3. The coffee maker waterway of claim 2, wherein: The water pump assembly comprises a first water pump (8) and a second water pump (9), and the heating body assembly comprises a first heating boiler (10) and a second heating boiler (11). The water tank (4), the first water pump (8), the first heating boiler (10) and the extraction coffee output pipe (5) form the extraction output water path (1). The water tank (4), the first water pump (8), the first heating boiler (10) and the hot water output pipe (6) form the hot water output water path (2). The water tank (4), the second water pump (9), the second heating boiler (11) and the steam output pipe (7) form the steam output water path (3).

4. The coffee maker waterway of claim 3, wherein: The pump water pressures of the first water pump (8) and the second water pump (9) are different, and the pump water pressure of the first water pump (8) is greater than that of the second water pump (9).

5. The coffee maker waterway of claim 3, wherein: The steam output water path (3) comprises a first ordinary steam output water path and a second enhanced steam output water path. When the liquid in the water tank (4) enters the second heating boiler (11) through the second water pump (9) to be heated and is finally output from the steam output pipe (7), the first ordinary steam output water path is formed. A pipe connection assembly (12) is arranged between the first heating boiler (10) and the second heating boiler (11). When the liquid in the water tank (4) enters the first heating boiler (10) through the first water pump (8) to be heated, and then enters the second heating boiler (11) through the pipe connection assembly (12) and is finally output from the steam output pipe (7), the second enhanced steam output water path is formed.

6. The coffee maker waterway of claim 3, wherein: A flow meter (13) for detecting the liquid flow is arranged on the connecting pipeline between the first water pump (8) and the water tank (4).

7. The coffee maker waterway of claim 3, wherein: The connecting pipeline between the first heating pot body (10) and the first water pump (8) is provided with a protection valve (14), and the protection valve (14) and the water tank (4) are provided with a backflow pipe (15) for returning liquid into the water tank (4).

8. The coffee maker waterway of claim 3, wherein: The connecting pipeline between the output ends of the extraction output water path (1) and the hot water output water path (2) is provided with a first electromagnetic valve (16) and a second electromagnetic valve (17), and the output end of the first heating pot body (10) is located between the first electromagnetic valve (16) and the second electromagnetic valve (17), so that the output end of the extraction output water path (1) and the output end of the hot water output water path (2) are opened or closed by the opening and closing of the first electromagnetic valve (16) and the second electromagnetic valve (17).

9. The coffee maker waterway of claim 8, wherein: The connecting pipeline between the steam output water path (3) and the second heating pot body (11) is provided with a third electromagnetic valve (18), and the output end of the steam output water path (3) is opened or closed by the third electromagnetic valve (18).

10. The coffee maker waterway of claim 9, wherein: One end of the second electromagnetic valve (17) and the third electromagnetic valve (18) is connected with a pressure relief tank (19), and the lower portion of the pressure relief tank (19) is provided with a liquid receiving disc (20).

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