Hybrid heating device and coffee machine waterway system

Abstract

This utility model relates to a hybrid heating device and a coffee machine water circuit system, including a housing, an outer water pipe, an inner water pipe, and a first heating element. The housing is equipped with a water heater, which has a first water inlet and a first water outlet. The area of ​​the housing surrounding the water heater forms a receiving cavity. The inner water pipe is placed in the receiving cavity, with its inlet extending out of the housing to form a second water inlet and its outlet extending out of the housing to form a second water outlet, which is connected to the first water inlet. The outer water pipe is placed in the receiving cavity, with its inlet extending out of the housing to form a third water inlet and its outlet extending out of the housing to form a third water outlet. This design shortens the water heating waiting time and effectively reduces energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a hybrid heating device and a water circuit system for a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] Coffee machines, commonly used in daily life and the catering industry, have one of their core functions: heating water to quickly brew coffee powder or capsules. Existing coffee machine heating systems mainly take the following forms: Some coffee machines use a built-in boiler heating method, where cold water in a water heater is heated via a heating element. While this method provides a stable supply of hot water, the initial heating process is slow because the cold water enters the boiler directly, resulting in a longer waiting time and negatively impacting the user experience.

[0003] To improve ease of use, some coffee machines employ an instant heating element structure, which rapidly heats cold water as it flows through the heating element. While this method heats water quickly, it requires high power, resulting in high instantaneous energy consumption. Furthermore, the water temperature is significantly affected by the flow rate, leading to poor temperature stability and potentially suboptimal brewing results.

[0004] Most existing coffee machines use a single heating method, where cold water is directly heated in the heating element or boiler, lacking a staged heating or preheating process. This not only increases energy consumption but may also lead to insufficient heating or water temperature fluctuations when brewing multiple cups of coffee in a short period.

[0005] Coffee brewing requires a relatively stable water temperature, typically maintained within a range of 85℃ to 95℃. However, existing equipment often suffers from temperature fluctuations due to hot and cold water impacts or insufficient heating efficiency, directly affecting the taste and quality of the coffee.

[0006] Therefore, existing coffee machines are inadequate in terms of heating efficiency, energy utilization, and water temperature stability. Utility Model Content

[0007] The primary objective of this invention is to provide a hybrid heating device that effectively preheats cold water before it enters the water heater and then reheats it after it enters the water heater, thereby achieving rapid heating, energy efficiency, and stable outlet water temperature.

[0008] The second objective of this invention is to provide a coffee machine water circuit system that effectively preheats cold water before it enters the water heater and then reheats it after it enters the water heater, thereby achieving rapid heating, energy efficiency, and stable outlet water temperature.

[0009] The primary objective of this invention is achieved as follows: A hybrid heating device includes a shell, an outer water pipe, an inner water pipe, and a first heating element. The shell is provided with a water heater, and the water heater is provided with a first water inlet and a first water outlet. The area of ​​the shell surrounding the water heater forms a receiving cavity. The inner water pipe is placed inside the receiving cavity. The inlet of the inner water pipe extends out of the shell to form a second water inlet, and the outlet of the inner water pipe extends out of the shell to form a second water outlet. The second water outlet is connected to the first water inlet. The external water pipe is placed inside the receiving cavity, the inlet of the external water pipe extends out of the shell to form a third water inlet, and the outlet of the external water pipe extends out of the shell to form a third water outlet; The first heating element is placed in the receiving cavity and located between the outer water pipe and the inner water pipe. The heat from the first heating element is transferred to the outer water pipe and the inner water pipe respectively to preheat the water in the outer water pipe and the inner water pipe. The water in the inner water pipe that has been preheated flows into the water heater for secondary heating.

[0010] By setting up a receiving cavity around the water heater and arranging an outer water pipe, an inner water pipe, and a first heating element within it, the heat from the first heating element can simultaneously preheat the water in both the outer and inner water pipes. The preheated water in the inner pipe then enters the water heater for secondary heating. This structure not only improves heating efficiency and shortens the waiting time for water heating but also effectively reduces energy consumption and maintains stable outlet water temperature, thus significantly improving the user experience. It is particularly suitable for equipment such as coffee machines that have strict water temperature requirements.

[0011] The primary objective of this utility model can also be achieved by the following technical measures: Furthermore, it also includes a second heating element, which is disposed inside the water heater and used to heat the water inside the water heater.

[0012] By installing a second heating element inside the water heater, not only can the water inside the water heater be heated quickly, but it can also form a staged heating system with the external first heating element, further improving the overall heating efficiency and ensuring the continuity and stability of hot water output.

[0013] Furthermore, the cavity is filled with a thermally conductive material.

[0014] By filling the cavity with a thermally conductive material (e.g., aluminum), the heat transfer efficiency from the first heating element to the outer and inner water pipes can be significantly improved, allowing the water to be preheated more quickly and evenly, shortening the overall heating time, reducing energy consumption, avoiding local overheating, and improving the service life and operational stability of the device.

[0015] Furthermore, a mounting cavity is formed at the center of the housing, and the area of ​​the housing surrounding the mounting cavity forms the receiving cavity, with the water heater disposed within the mounting cavity.

[0016] By opening an installation cavity at the center of the shell and placing the water heater inside, the outer perimeter of the shell naturally forms a receiving cavity for arranging the inner water pipe, outer water pipe, and the first heating element. This structural layout is compact and reasonable, which not only facilitates the installation and maintenance of the water heater, but also enables efficient preheating of the water flow in the pipeline through the heating element and heat-conducting material in the outer receiving cavity, thereby improving the space utilization and thermal efficiency of the overall heating device.

[0017] The second objective of this utility model is achieved as follows: A coffee machine water system includes a first water pump, a second water pump, a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, and a heater for converting hot water into dry steam. The inlet of the first water pump is connected to an external water source, the outlet of the first water pump is connected to a third water inlet, the third water outlet is connected to a first port of the first solenoid valve, the second port of the first solenoid valve is connected to the inlet of the heater, and the outlet of the heater forms a steam exhaust port. The inlet of the second water pump is connected to an external water source, the outlet of the second water pump is connected to the second water inlet, the first water outlet is connected to the first port of the second solenoid valve, and the second port of the second solenoid valve forms a hot water discharge outlet.

[0018] By separating the first water pump and the external water pipe, and the second water pump and the internal water pipe, independent supplies of steam and hot water are achieved. Water from the first pump is converted into dry steam via the external water pipe and heater. Water from the second pump is preheated via the internal water pipe before entering the water heater, where a second solenoid valve controls a stable output of hot water. This structure effectively prevents interference between hot water and steam, ensuring independent control of both outputs. This enhances the coffee machine's functionality, heating efficiency, and water temperature stability, meeting the needs of various scenarios such as coffee brewing and steam milk frothing.

[0019] The second objective of this utility model can also be achieved by the following technical measures: Furthermore, it also includes a steam pipe, with the steam outlet connected to the steam pipe.

[0020] The machine is equipped with a steam pipe, allowing the steam generated by the heater to be output through a dedicated pipeline, making it convenient for users to directly froth milk, brew, or perform other steam applications, thus enhancing the versatility of the coffee machine.

[0021] Furthermore, it also includes a coffee brewing head, with the hot water outlet connected to the coffee brewing head.

[0022] By connecting the hot water outlet directly to the coffee brewing head, the hot water can be used directly for brewing coffee after secondary heating, reducing heat loss in the intermediate process, ensuring stable water temperature, and improving the taste of coffee.

[0023] Furthermore, both the first and second solenoid valves are two-position three-way solenoid valves.

[0024] Both the first and second solenoid valves are two-position three-way solenoid valves, with their other port set as a pressure relief port. When the pipeline pressure is too high or the system stops running, excess water can be discharged in time through the pressure relief port, thereby avoiding overpressure in the pipeline, effectively improving the safety and stability of the system operation, and extending the service life of the water pump and related components.

[0025] Furthermore, it also includes a safety valve, the inlet of which is connected to the first port of the first solenoid valve.

[0026] A safety valve is installed at the first port of the first solenoid valve, which can release pressure in time when the pipeline pressure is too high, so as to avoid pipeline damage or safety accidents caused by overpressure, thereby improving the safety and reliability of system operation.

[0027] Furthermore, it also includes a T-connector, the first port of which is connected to an external water source, the second port of which is connected to the inlet of the first water pump, and the third port of which is connected to the inlet of the second water pump.

[0028] By installing a T-junction in the water system, external water sources can simultaneously supply water to the first and second water pumps, simplifying the water inlet structure, reducing installation difficulty, and improving the system's water supply stability.

[0029] Furthermore, it also includes a flow meter, the inlet of which is connected to the third port of the tee pipe, and the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the second water pump.

[0030] A flow meter is installed at the inlet of the second water pump, which can monitor and control the amount of water entering the second water pump in real time, thereby accurately adjusting the flow rate in the heating pipeline, ensuring stable heating effect, and improving the water quality of the coffee machine.

[0031] Furthermore, it also includes a first pressure relief valve and a second pressure relief valve, wherein the outlet of the first water pump is connected to the inlet of the first pressure relief valve, and the outlet of the first pressure relief valve is connected to the third water inlet; The outlet of the second water pump is connected to the inlet of the second pressure relief valve, and the outlet of the second pressure relief valve is connected to the second water inlet.

[0032] Pressure relief valves are installed at the outlets of both the first and second water pumps. These valves can automatically return the pressure to the pump inlet when the pump outlet pressure is too high, thus preventing the pumps from overloading, extending their service life, and ensuring the stable and safe operation of the system.

[0033] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This invention features a cavity surrounding a water heater, within which an outer water pipe, an inner water pipe, and a first heating element are arranged. This allows the heat from the first heating element to preheat the water in both the outer and inner water pipes simultaneously. The preheated water in the inner pipe then enters the water heater for secondary heating. This structure not only improves heating efficiency and shortens the water heating time but also effectively reduces energy consumption and maintains stable outlet water temperature, thus significantly improving the user experience. It is particularly suitable for equipment such as coffee machines that require strict water temperature control.

[0034] This invention achieves independent supply of steam and hot water by separately driving a first water pump and an external water pipe, and a second water pump and an internal water pipe. The water output from the first water pump is converted into dry steam via the external water pipe and a heater. The water output from the second water pump is preheated via the internal water pipe before entering the water heater, and then controlled by a second solenoid valve to form a stable hot water output. This structure effectively avoids mutual interference between hot water and steam, ensuring independent controllability of the two outputs. This enhances the coffee machine's functionality, heating efficiency, and water temperature stability, meeting the needs of various scenarios such as coffee brewing and steam milk frothing. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a hybrid heating device.

[0036] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A sectional view.

[0037] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a hybrid heating device.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the water system of a coffee machine. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments: Implementation examples, in conjunction with Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a hybrid heating device includes a housing 1, an outer water pipe 2, an inner water pipe 3, and a first heating element 4. The housing 1 is provided with a water heater 5, and the water heater 5 is provided with a first water inlet 11 and a first water outlet 12. The area of ​​the housing 1 surrounding the water heater 5 forms a receiving cavity 6. The inner water pipe 3 is placed inside the receiving cavity 6. The inlet of the inner water pipe 3 extends out of the housing 1 to form a second water inlet 31, and the outlet of the inner water pipe 3 extends out of the housing 1 to form a second water outlet 32. The second water outlet 32 ​​is connected to the first water inlet 11. The external water pipe 2 is placed inside the receiving cavity 6. The inlet of the external water pipe 2 extends out of the housing 1 to form a third water inlet 21, and the outlet of the external water pipe 2 extends out of the housing 1 to form a third water outlet 22. The first heating element 4 is placed in the receiving cavity 6 and located between the outer water pipe 2 and the inner water pipe 3. The heat from the first heating element 4 is transferred to the outer water pipe 2 and the inner water pipe 3 respectively to preheat the water in the outer water pipe 2 and the inner water pipe 3. The preheated water in the inner water pipe 3 flows into the water heater 5 for secondary heating.

[0040] Furthermore, it also includes a second heating element, which is disposed inside the water heater 5 and is used to heat the water inside the water heater 5.

[0041] Furthermore, the housing 1 is an aluminum housing.

[0042] Furthermore, the receiving cavity 6 is filled with a thermally conductive material (e.g., aluminum).

[0043] Furthermore, a mounting cavity 100 is formed at the center of the housing 1, and the area of ​​the housing 1 surrounding the mounting cavity 100 forms the receiving cavity 6, and the water heater 5 is disposed inside the mounting cavity 100.

[0044] A coffee machine water system includes a first water pump 7, a second water pump 8, a first solenoid valve 9, a second solenoid valve 10, and a heater 20 for converting hot water into dry steam. The inlet of the first water pump 7 is connected to an external water source, the outlet of the first water pump 7 is connected to a third water inlet 21, the third water outlet 22 is connected to a first port of the first solenoid valve 9, the second port of the first solenoid valve 9 is connected to the inlet of the heater 20, and the outlet of the heater 20 forms a steam exhaust port. The inlet of the second water pump 8 is connected to an external water source, the outlet of the second water pump 8 is connected to the second water inlet 31, the first water outlet 12 is connected to the first port of the second solenoid valve 10, and the second port of the second solenoid valve 10 forms a hot water discharge port.

[0045] Furthermore, it also includes a steam pipe 30, and the steam outlet is connected to the steam pipe 30.

[0046] Furthermore, it also includes a coffee brewing head 40, with the hot water outlet connected to the coffee brewing head 40.

[0047] Furthermore, both the first solenoid valve 9 and the second solenoid valve 10 are two-position three-way solenoid valves.

[0048] Furthermore, it also includes a safety valve 50, the inlet of which is connected to the first port of the first solenoid valve 9.

[0049] Furthermore, it also includes a three-way pipe 60, the first port of which is connected to an external water source, the second port of which is connected to the inlet of the first water pump 7, and the third port of which is connected to the inlet of the second water pump 8.

[0050] Furthermore, it also includes a flow meter 200, the inlet of which is connected to the third port of the tee pipe 60, and the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the second water pump 8.

[0051] Furthermore, it also includes a first pressure relief valve 70 and a second pressure relief valve 80, with the outlet of the first water pump 7 connected to the inlet of the first pressure relief valve 70 and the outlet of the first pressure relief valve 70 connected to the third water inlet 21; The outlet of the second water pump 8 is connected to the inlet of the second pressure relief valve 80, and the outlet of the second pressure relief valve 80 is connected to the second water inlet 31.

[0052] Working principle of hybrid heating device This hybrid heating device features a cavity 6 within the housing 1, upon which an outer water pipe 2, an inner water pipe 3, and a first heating element 4 are arranged. During operation, the heat generated by the first heating element 4 is simultaneously transferred to both the outer and inner water pipes 2 and 3, rapidly preheating the cold water flowing through them. The preheated water from the inner pipe 3 then enters the water heater 5 through a second outlet 32, where it undergoes secondary heating by the second heating element, resulting in stable hot water. This staged heating method improves heating efficiency, shortens waiting time, and ensures stable outlet water temperature.

[0053] Working principle of coffee machine water system The water system of this coffee machine adopts a dual-pump dual-path design. The first water pump 7 delivers external water to the external water pipe 2. After being preheated by the first heating element 4, the water enters the first solenoid valve 9 through the third outlet 22. It is then further heated by the heater 20 to generate dry steam, which is output through the steam pipe 30 for milk frothing or other steam applications. The second water pump 8 delivers external water to the internal water pipe 3. After being preheated by the first heating element 4, the water enters the water heater 5, where it is heated a second time by the second heating element. The water then enters the second solenoid valve 10 through the first outlet 12 and is finally delivered to the coffee brewing head 40 through the hot water outlet for brewing coffee.

[0054] By switching control of the solenoid valve, the system achieves independent output of steam and hot water. Together with components such as safety valve 50, pressure relief valve, and flow meter 200, it ensures the safety, stability, and accuracy of the system operation.

Claims

1. A hybrid heating device, comprising a shell, an outer water pipe, an inner water pipe, and a first heating element, characterized in that: The housing is equipped with a water heater, the water heater is provided with a first water inlet and a first water outlet, and the area of ​​the housing surrounding the water heater forms a receiving cavity; The inner water pipe is placed inside the receiving cavity. The inlet of the inner water pipe extends out of the shell to form a second water inlet, and the outlet of the inner water pipe extends out of the shell to form a second water outlet. The second water outlet is connected to the first water inlet. The external water pipe is placed inside the receiving cavity, the inlet of the external water pipe extends out of the shell to form a third water inlet, and the outlet of the external water pipe extends out of the shell to form a third water outlet; The first heating element is placed in the receiving cavity and located between the outer water pipe and the inner water pipe. The heat from the first heating element is transferred to the outer water pipe and the inner water pipe respectively to preheat the water in the outer water pipe and the inner water pipe. The water in the inner water pipe that has been preheated flows into the water heater for secondary heating.

2. The hybrid heating device of claim 1, wherein: It also includes a second heating element, which is installed inside the water heater and used to heat the water inside the water heater.

3. The hybrid heating device of claim 1, wherein: The cavity is filled with a thermally conductive material.

4. The hybrid heating device of claim 1, wherein: The housing has a mounting cavity at its center, and the housing is located in the area surrounding the mounting cavity to form the receiving cavity. The water heater is disposed inside the mounting cavity.

5. A coffee machine water circuit system employing a hybrid heating device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: It includes a first water pump, a second water pump, a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, and a heater for converting hot water into dry steam. The inlet of the first water pump is connected to an external water source, the outlet of the first water pump is connected to the third water inlet, the third water outlet is connected to the first port of the first solenoid valve, the second port of the first solenoid valve is connected to the inlet of the heater, and the outlet of the heater forms a steam exhaust port. The inlet of the second water pump is connected to an external water source, the outlet of the second water pump is connected to the second water inlet, the first water outlet is connected to the first port of the second solenoid valve, and the second port of the second solenoid valve forms a hot water discharge outlet.

6. The coffee maker waterway system of claim 5, wherein: It also includes a steam pipe, and the steam outlet is connected to the steam pipe.

7. The coffee maker waterway system of claim 5, wherein: It also includes a coffee brewing head, with the hot water outlet connected to the coffee brewing head.

8. The coffee maker waterway system of claim 5, wherein: Both the first and second solenoid valves are two-position three-way solenoid valves.

9. The coffee machine water system according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a safety valve, a three-way pipe, and a flow meter. The inlet of the safety valve is connected to the first port of the first solenoid valve. The first port of the three-way pipe is connected to an external water source. The second port of the three-way pipe is connected to the inlet of the first water pump. The third port of the three-way pipe is connected to the inlet of the second water pump. The inlet of the flow meter is connected to the third port of the three-way pipe. The outlet of the flow meter is connected to the inlet of the second water pump.

10. The coffee maker waterway system of claim 5, wherein: It also includes a first pressure relief valve and a second pressure relief valve, wherein the outlet of the first water pump is connected to the inlet of the first pressure relief valve, and the outlet of the first pressure relief valve is connected to the third water inlet; The outlet of the second water pump is connected to the inlet of the second pressure relief valve, and the outlet of the second pressure relief valve is connected to the second water inlet.

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