Coffee maker

Abstract

The utility model discloses a coffee machine, including water tank, boiler, heat exchange tube, steam nozzle and heating block. The water inlet end of boiler is connected with the water outlet end of water tank. The water inlet end of heat exchange tube is connected with the water outlet end of water tank, and heat exchange tube is arranged in boiler, and heat exchange tube exchanges heat with the liquid in boiler. The water outlet end of steam nozzle boiler is connected with steam nozzle. The water outlet end of heat exchange tube is connected with the water inlet end of heating block. Part of water in water tank enters boiler to heat, and another part of water enters heat exchange tube, and because heat exchange tube is partially located in the inner chamber of boiler, the water in heat exchange tube exchanges heat with the water in boiler, thereby preheating the water in heat exchange tube, and the preheated water is heated accurately again through heating block, so that the temperature of heated liquid water is stable, and the heating efficiency is improved. After the water in boiler is heated, a mixture of steam and liquid can be formed and discharged through steam nozzle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of coffee manufacturing technology, and in particular to a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] Existing coffee machines typically require two separate heating devices for steam and hot water production, which do not make efficient use of waste heat, resulting in higher manufacturing and operating costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the related art. To this end, this invention proposes a coffee machine.

[0004] This utility model embodiment provides a coffee machine, the coffee machine comprising:

[0005] Water tank;

[0006] A boiler, wherein the inlet of the boiler is connected to the outlet of the water tank;

[0007] A heat exchange tube, the inlet end of which is connected to the outlet end of the water tank, is inserted through the boiler and exchanges heat with the liquid inside the boiler.

[0008] A steam nozzle is provided, and the water outlet of the boiler is connected to the steam nozzle.

[0009] The heating block has its outlet end connected to the inlet end of the heat exchange tube.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the coffee machine further includes a switching valve and a first pipe. The inlet end of the switching valve is connected to one end of the first pipe, the outlet end of the water tank is connected to the other end of the first pipe, one outlet end of the switching valve is connected to the inlet end of the boiler, and the other outlet end of the switching valve is connected to the inlet end of the heat exchange tube.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first pipeline is equipped with a water pump, which is used to pump water from the water tank to the boiler or the heat exchange tube.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the coffee machine further includes a second pipe, the water outlet of the boiler is connected to one end of the second pipe, and the other end of the second pipe is connected to the steam nozzle.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second pipeline is provided with a steam valve, which is used to switch the second pipeline on and off.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the coffee machine further includes a third pipe, the water outlet of the heat exchange tube is connected to one end of the third pipe, and the water inlet of the heating block is connected to the other end of the third pipe.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the third pipe is provided with a hot water valve, which is used to switch the third pipe on and off.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the heating block includes a heating element and a steel pipe, the heating element is used to heat the steel pipe, and the water inlet end of the steel pipe is connected to one end of the third pipe.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the coffee machine further includes an extraction device, wherein the water outlet of the heating block is connected to the water inlet of the extraction device, and the extraction device is used to brew coffee.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange tube extends in the vertical direction, with the water outlet of the heat exchange tube located at the top and the water inlet of the heat exchange tube located at the bottom.

[0019] The coffee machine according to the embodiments of the present utility model has at least the following technical effects:

[0020] 1. Part of the water in the tank enters the boiler for heating, while the other part enters the heat exchange tubes. Since the heat exchange tubes are located inside the boiler, the water in the heat exchange tubes exchanges heat with the water in the boiler, thus preheating the water in the heat exchange tubes. The preheated water is then precisely heated a second time by the heating block, which stabilizes the temperature of the heated liquid and improves heating efficiency. After the water in the boiler is heated, it forms a mixture of steam and liquid and is discharged through the steam nozzle.

[0021] 2. Compared to large boilers that need to heat the entire pot of water, the heating block only heats the water flowing through the steel pipe momentarily, resulting in extremely fast heating and a highly responsive process. Furthermore, because the water is heated instantly during its flow, each extraction uses fresh water pumped directly from the tank, avoiding the repeated heating and concentration issues of traditional boilers. This not only results in a purer coffee flavor but also avoids the potential formation of harmful substances like nitrites from repeated boiling, making it cleaner and more hygienic.

[0022] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a coffee machine according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a coffee machine according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a coffee machine according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] Icon labels:

[0028] Water tank 100; Boiler 110; Heat exchange tube 120; Steam nozzle 130; Heating block 140; Switching valve 150; Water pump 160; Steam valve 170; Hot water valve 180; Extraction device 190;

[0029] First pipe 210; Second pipe 220; Third pipe 230. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. If "first" or "second" is used in the description, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0034] The embodiments of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] According to some embodiments of this utility model, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The coffee machine includes a water tank 100, a boiler 110, a heat exchange tube 120, a steam nozzle 130, and a heating element 140. The inlet of the boiler 110 is connected to the outlet of the water tank 100. The inlet of the heat exchange tube 120 is connected to the outlet of the water tank 100, and the heat exchange tube 120 passes through the boiler 110, exchanging heat with the liquid inside the boiler 110. The steam nozzle 130 is connected to the outlet of the boiler 110. The outlet of the heat exchange tube 120 is connected to the inlet of the heating element 140.

[0036] Part of the water in the water tank 100 enters the boiler 110 for heating, and the other part enters the heat exchange tube 120. Since the heat exchange tube 120 is located inside the boiler 110, the water in the heat exchange tube 120 exchanges heat with the water in the boiler 110, thereby preheating the water in the heat exchange tube 120. The preheated water is then precisely heated a second time by the heating block 140, so that the temperature of the heated liquid water is stable and the heating efficiency is improved. After the water in the boiler 110 is heated, it can form a mixture of steam and liquid and be discharged through the steam nozzle 130.

[0037] Boiler 110 is primarily used to generate high-temperature, high-pressure steam for making milk foam, and simultaneously serves as a large heat bath, providing stable and continuous heat energy to the heat exchange tubes 120 installed inside it. Boiler 110 is typically made of a metal material with excellent thermal conductivity and pressure resistance, such as copper, brass, or stainless steel, to ensure efficient heat transfer and operational safety. By heating the water inside boiler 110 to above its boiling point, saturated steam is formed in the upper space of boiler 110, meeting the requirements of steam nozzles 130.

[0038] The heat exchange tube 120 utilizes the existing heat energy in the boiler 110 to preheat the cold water entering the extraction path. This avoids the enormous energy consumption required to heat water directly from room temperature to the extraction temperature. The heat exchange tube 120 is typically made of copper or stainless steel, which have excellent thermal conductivity, to maximize heat exchange efficiency and significantly reduce energy consumption. The boiler 110 simultaneously completes steam preparation and preheating of the extraction water, saving energy compared to a dual-heating system. Secondly, it improves heating speed and responsiveness. The preheated water enters the heating block 140 at a relatively high temperature, requiring only minor temperature increases and precise adjustments, thus shortening the extraction preparation time and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0039] The heating block 140, as a secondary heating device, plays a crucial role in precisely regulating the extraction water temperature. The water temperature flowing from the heat exchange tube 120 can be unstable due to factors such as flow rate and temperature fluctuations in the boiler 110, and the quality of coffee extraction is extremely sensitive to water temperature. The heating block 140 typically features a small heat capacity and a highly responsive heating element, enabling rapid and precise final heating of the flowing water to ensure that the water reaching the coffee grounds remains at the optimal extraction temperature. This two-stage heating mode of "preheating + fine heating" balances energy efficiency and precision, achieving stable control of the extraction water temperature and thus ensuring consistent quality in every cup of coffee.

[0040] The boiler 110, heat exchange tube 120, and heating block 140 work together to form a highly efficient, compact, and cost-optimized heating system. The boiler 110 provides macroscopic, large-capacity thermal energy, the heat exchange tube 120 performs efficient energy recovery and transfer, and the heating block 140 is responsible for microscopic, high-precision temperature control. This combination not only solves the problems of high cost and large size of dual heating systems in the prior art, but also improves the overall thermal efficiency of the unit through the cascade utilization of energy, achieving the best balance between performance and cost.

[0041] According to some embodiments of this utility model, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The coffee machine also includes a switching valve 150 and a first pipe 210. The inlet of the switching valve 150 is connected to one end of the first pipe 210, the outlet of the water tank 100 is connected to the other end of the first pipe 210, one outlet of the switching valve 150 is connected to the inlet of the boiler 110, and the other outlet of the switching valve 150 is connected to the inlet of the heat exchange tube 120.

[0042] It is understood that the switching valve 150 is an electromagnetic three-way valve, whose function is to selectively guide water from the water tank 100 to the boiler 110 or the heat exchange tube 120 according to the control signal. This allows the two processes of boiler 110 water replenishment and coffee extraction to be controlled independently without interference. For example, after the machine is first started or after a long period of inactivity, only water can be added to and heated in the boiler 110 without allowing water to flow through the extraction path; during coffee extraction, the water path is switched to the heat exchange tube 120. In addition, the switching valve 150 improves the maintainability of the system. For example, when draining or descaling the boiler 110, the water path to the heat exchange tube 120 and the extraction system can be cut off to prevent cleaning agents from contaminating the extraction pipes. Secondly, users can independently perform the boiler 110 water filling operation without accidentally triggering the extraction process. Thirdly, it enhances the stability of the system, avoiding pressure and temperature fluctuations in the boiler 110 that may be caused by simultaneous water replenishment during the extraction process, thereby indirectly ensuring the stability of the preheating effect of the heat exchange tube 120.

[0043] According to some embodiments of this utility model, refer to Figures 1 to 3The first pipe 210 is equipped with a water pump 160, which is used to pump water from the water tank 100 to the boiler 110 or the heat exchange tube 120. The water pump 160 provides the necessary pressure and flow rate for the entire coffee machine. The water pump 160 can provide the atmospheric pressure required for extraction or the pressure required for replenishing water to the boiler 110, ensuring sufficient extraction pressure and pressure for replenishing water to the boiler 110.

[0044] According to some embodiments of this utility model, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The coffee machine also includes a second pipe 220. The water outlet of the boiler 110 is connected to one end of the second pipe 220, and the other end of the second pipe 220 is connected to the steam nozzle 130. The second pipe 220 is made of high-temperature and high-pressure resistant materials, such as copper or stainless steel, and is covered with heat insulation material to reduce heat loss and ensure that the steam reaching the steam nozzle 130 remains dry and under high pressure. The second pipe 220 is equipped with a steam valve 170, which is used to open and close the second pipe 220.

[0045] Users can start or stop the milk frothing process by operating the steam valve 170. When the steam function is not in use, the steam valve 170 is in the closed position, reliably sealing the high-pressure steam within the boiler 110 to prevent accidental leakage. By adjusting the opening of the steam valve 170, users can control the intensity of the steam output to suit different milk volumes or different frothing techniques. The steam valve 170 is made of high-temperature, high-pressure, and corrosion-resistant materials (such as brass and stainless steel) and seals to ensure long-term reliability and safety.

[0046] According to some embodiments of this utility model, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The coffee machine also includes a third pipe 230, with the outlet of the heat exchange tube 120 connected to one end of the third pipe 230 and the inlet of the heating block 140 connected to the other end. The third pipe 230 is equipped with a hot water valve 180, which is used to open and close the third pipe 230. The hot water valve 180 is typically a solenoid valve controlled in conjunction with the water pump 160, enabling precise control of the extraction time. When the user presses the extraction button, the controller simultaneously starts the water pump 160 and opens the hot water valve 180, allowing high-pressure hot water to flow into the extraction device 190. When the preset extraction time or extraction volume is reached, the controller closes the water pump 160 and the hot water valve 180, instantly stopping the water flow, thus achieving precise control of the extraction time. In standby mode, the hot water valve 180 remains closed, effectively preventing hot water in the heat exchange tube 120 from leaking from the extraction device 190 due to thermal expansion and contraction or residual pressure, keeping the work surface clean and dry. Furthermore, by controlling the hot water valve 180 in a pulsed manner, a small amount of hot water can be used to wet the coffee puck before the formal high-pressure extraction, which helps to improve the uniformity of extraction and flavor.

[0047] According to some embodiments of this utility model, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The heating block 140 includes a heating element and a steel pipe. The heating element is used to heat the steel pipe, and the water inlet end of the steel pipe is connected to one end of the third pipe 230.

[0048] The heating element is a cylindrical heater or a cast aluminum heating body, which is tightly fitted or covered on the outer surface of the steel pipe. Compared to the large boiler 110, which needs to heat an entire pot of water, this heating block 140 only heats the water flowing through the steel pipe momentarily, resulting in extremely fast heating and sensitive response. Moreover, because the water is heated instantly during its flow, fresh water is pumped in from the water tank 100 for each extraction, avoiding the problem of repeated heating and concentration of water in the traditional boiler 110. This not only results in a purer coffee taste but also avoids the potential formation of harmful substances such as nitrites due to repeated boiling of water, making it cleaner and more hygienic. The steel pipe is made of food-grade stainless steel (such as SUS304 or SUS316), ensuring the safety, non-toxicity, and corrosion resistance of the water circuit. The close contact between the heating element and the steel pipe ensures extremely high heat transfer efficiency.

[0049] According to some embodiments of this utility model, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The coffee machine also includes an extraction device 190. The water outlet of the heating block 140 is connected to the water inlet of the extraction device 190, which is used to brew coffee. The extraction device 190 is commonly referred to as the brewing head. The extraction device 190 and the heating block 140 work together to ensure the accuracy and stability of the extraction water temperature. Hot water enters the extraction device 190 and mixes with coffee grounds to produce coffee.

[0050] According to some embodiments of this utility model, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The heat exchange tube 120 has its axis pointing vertically, and the liquid inside it flows from bottom to top. When cold water enters the bottom of the heat exchange tube 120, it exchanges heat with the surrounding hot water, causing the water temperature to rise and its density to decrease, naturally generating upward buoyancy and assisting the water flow. This ensures that there is an effective temperature difference between the heat exchange tube 120 and the water in the boiler 110 along its entire length, thereby exchanging more heat per unit time and improving preheating efficiency. The bottom-up flow direction helps to carry out tiny air bubbles that may precipitate in the water due to heating out of the heat exchange tube 120 along the water flow direction, effectively preventing air bubbles from accumulating at the high point of the pipe and forming air resistance, thus ensuring smooth water flow and uniform heating.

[0051] The working process of this embodiment includes:

[0052] When the user connects the power supply, the controller starts. If the water level in boiler 110 is lower than the preset value, the controller instructs water pump 160 to start and simultaneously switches switching valve 150 to the water inlet of boiler 110. Water from water tank 100 is pumped into boiler 110 through first pipe 210 until the set water level is reached. Subsequently, the heating components inside boiler 110 start working, heating the water inside boiler 110 to the preset steam temperature (e.g., 120°C). At this time, high-pressure steam is formed in the upper part of boiler 110, and high-temperature hot water is formed in the lower part. The whole unit enters a standby state of thermal equilibrium.

[0053] When the user issues an extraction command, the controller performs the following coordinated actions: First, the command switching valve 150 switches to the water inlet end of the heat exchange tube 120; second, the water pump 160 is started, and high-pressure water flows from the water tank 100 through the first pipe 210 and the switching valve 150 into the bottom of the heat exchange tube 120; the water flows from bottom to top within the vertical heat exchange tube 120, efficiently exchanging heat with the high-temperature hot water in the boiler 110 outside the heat exchange tube 120, and is rapidly preheated to near the extraction temperature (e.g., 85°C); subsequently, the controller opens the position... Preheated water flows through the hot water valve 180 on the third pipe 230 into the heating block 140. Inside the heating block 140, the water undergoes a second, rapid, and precise heating process via a steel pipe encased in heating elements, ensuring the water temperature remains stable at the set optimal extraction temperature (e.g., 92°C). Finally, the extraction water, meeting the required temperature and pressure, flows out of the heating block 140 and into the extraction device 190, where it is evenly sprayed onto the coffee grounds through a water distribution net, completing the high-quality coffee extraction process. After extraction, the controller shuts off the water pump 160 and the hot water valve 180, stopping the extraction.

[0054] At any time after standby or extraction is complete, if the user needs to make milk foam, they place the milk container below the steam nozzle 130 and manually or electronically open the steam valve 170 located on the second pipe 220. High-pressure steam from the upper part of the boiler 110 immediately flows through the second pipe 220 and is ejected at high speed from the steam nozzle 130, allowing the user to froth the milk. After operation, the steam valve 170 is closed. Because the steam system and the extraction water circuit share a heat source but have independent paths, these two functions can be performed quickly and continuously, greatly improving ease of use and efficiency.

[0055] In this specification, the reference to the term "some embodiments" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0056] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A coffee machine, characterized in that, include: Water tank (100); Boiler (110), the water inlet of which is connected to the water outlet of the water tank (100); A heat exchange tube (120) is provided, the inlet end of which is connected to the outlet end of the water tank (100). The heat exchange tube (120) is installed in the boiler (110) and exchanges heat with the liquid in the boiler (110). Steam nozzle (130), the water outlet end of the boiler (110) is connected to the steam nozzle (130); The water outlet of the heat exchange tube (120) is connected to the water inlet of the heating block (140).

2. The coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coffee machine also includes a switching valve (150) and a first pipe (210). The inlet of the switching valve (150) is connected to one end of the first pipe (210), the outlet of the water tank (100) is connected to the other end of the first pipe (210), one outlet of the switching valve (150) is connected to the inlet of the boiler (110), and the other outlet of the switching valve (150) is connected to the inlet of the heat exchange tube (120).

3. The coffee machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first pipe (210) is equipped with a water pump (160), which is used to pump water from the water tank (100) to the boiler (110) or the heat exchange tube (120).

4. The coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coffee machine also includes a second pipe (220), the water outlet of the boiler (110) is connected to one end of the second pipe (220), and the other end of the second pipe (220) is connected to the steam nozzle (130).

5. The coffee machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second pipe (220) is equipped with a steam valve (170) for switching the second pipe (220) on and off.

6. The coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coffee machine also includes a third pipe (230), the outlet of the heat exchange tube (120) is connected to one end of the third pipe (230), and the inlet of the heating block (140) is connected to the other end of the third pipe (230).

7. The coffee machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The third pipe (230) is equipped with a hot water valve (180), which is used to switch the third pipe (230) on and off.

8. The coffee machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The heating block (140) includes a heating element and a steel pipe. The heating element is used to heat the steel pipe, and the water inlet end of the steel pipe is connected to one end of the third pipe (230).

9. The coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coffee machine also includes an extraction device (190), the water outlet of the heating block (140) is connected to the water inlet of the extraction device (190), and the extraction device (190) is used to brew coffee.

10. The coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange tube (120) extends in the vertical direction, with the water outlet of the heat exchange tube (120) located at the top and the water inlet of the heat exchange tube (120) located at the bottom.

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