Coffee machine waterway system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a coffee machine water route system, including first water pump, second water pump, preheating device, first heating device and second heating device, the preheating device includes first pipeline, second pipeline, heating element and casing, first pipeline and second pipeline place in the casing, the port of first pipeline respectively stretches out the casing outside and forms the entrance of first pipeline and the exit of first pipeline, the port of second pipeline respectively stretches out the casing outside and forms the entrance of second pipeline and the exit of second pipeline, heating element sets up in the casing, and heating element respectively sticks to first pipeline and second pipeline, and the heat generated by heating element is respectively transferred to first pipeline and second pipeline, the stability of water temperature and steam temperature has been improved, guarantees the consistency of coffee extraction and steam output, can also shorten the heating response time, reduces energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Coffee machines typically need to meet two requirements simultaneously during use: a stable extraction temperature to ensure consistent release of coffee flavor, and a continuous, strong, and dry steam output for frothing milk and making specialty coffees. The key to achieving these functions lies in the heating and temperature control performance of the water system.

[0003] However, in actual operation, traditional heating systems generally suffer from thermal inertia (commonly referred to in the industry as "heat retention" or "temperature surge"). Thermal inertia refers to the residual heat that remains near the heating element after heating has stopped due to factors such as differences in material thermal conductivity, process gaps, and aging scale. This causes the actual system temperature to exceed the preset target temperature control point. The greater the thermal inertia, the more pronounced the temperature fluctuations, leading to instability in coffee extraction and steam output. Generally, the higher the heating power or the greater the temperature difference, the more pronounced the thermal inertia and the worse the temperature control accuracy.

[0004] In existing technologies, the water circuit structure of coffee machines is generally divided into two categories: single-pump water circuit and dual-pump water circuit. Common forms of dual-pump water circuits include "dual instant heating" and "dual storage water circuits," with their evolution mainly consisting of "instant steam heating + coffee water storage" or "steam water storage + instant coffee heating." Although the boiler structures differ, they all basically rely on high power to directly heat room temperature water to the target temperature. This method inevitably leads to significant thermal inertia, making it difficult to maintain a stable temperature. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a coffee machine water circuit system that can effectively reduce thermal inertia while ensuring heating efficiency, thereby improving the temperature stability of coffee extraction and steam output.

[0006] The purpose of this utility model is achieved as follows: A coffee machine water circuit system includes a first water pump, a second water pump, a preheating device, a first heating device, and a second heating device. The preheating device includes a first pipe, a second pipe, a heating element, and a housing. The first pipe and the second pipe are placed inside the housing. The ports of the first pipe extend out of the housing to form an inlet and an outlet, respectively. The ports of the second pipe extend out of the housing to form an inlet and an outlet, respectively. The heating element is disposed inside the housing and is in close contact with the first pipe and the second pipe. The heat generated by the heating element is transferred to the first pipe and the second pipe, respectively. 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 inlet of the first pipeline, the outlet of the first pipeline is connected to the inlet of the first heating device, and the outlet of the first heating device forms a steam exhaust outlet. 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 inlet of the second pipeline, the outlet of the second pipeline is connected to the inlet of the second heating device, and the outlet of the second heating device forms a hot water outlet.

[0007] This invention, by setting a common preheating device at the front end of the first and second heating devices, ensures that the water entering the two heating devices is preheated before entering the main heating section. This significantly reduces the temperature difference and instantaneous power demand at the terminal, effectively reducing thermal inertia during the heating process. It not only improves the stability of water and steam temperatures, ensuring consistency in coffee extraction and steam output, but also shortens the heating response time and reduces energy consumption. Furthermore, since the preheating device can act on both pipelines simultaneously, the structure is compact, saves space, and reduces costs, overcoming the shortcomings of large temperature fluctuations and poor stability in existing technologies.

[0008] The objective of this utility model can also be achieved by the following technical measures: Furthermore, the first heating device is an instantaneous boiler, and the second heating device is an instantaneous boiler.

[0009] Both the first and second heating devices use instantaneous boilers, which significantly shortens the overall preheating time and doubles the preheating efficiency while sacrificing some coffee temperature stability. This also reduces manufacturing costs and makes the system suitable for cost-sensitive scenarios with relatively low requirements for temperature stability.

[0010] Furthermore, the first heating device is an instantaneous boiler, and the second heating device is a saturated water storage boiler.

[0011] By combining an instantaneous boiler as the first heating device and a saturated water storage boiler as the second heating device, a balance is achieved between rapid heating for coffee extraction and stable steam output. This ensures both quick coffee production and more continuous and robust steam, meeting the diverse needs of both home and commercial settings.

[0012] Furthermore, the first heating device is a water storage boiler, and the second heating device is a saturated water storage boiler.

[0013] Both the first and second heating devices are replaced with water storage boilers, especially the steam side is changed from instantaneous to water storage, which makes the steam more continuous and stronger, and can significantly improve the performance of milk frothing and steam output. Although the cost increases, it can effectively improve the problems of insufficient steam output and unstable steam dryness in the existing technology.

[0014] Furthermore, the first heating device is a water storage boiler, and the second heating device is an instantaneous boiler.

[0015] By using a storage-type boiler for the first heating device and an instantaneous boiler for the second heating device, the continuity and intensity of steam are improved while keeping the overall cost basically unchanged, thereby improving steam performance. Although this will reduce the temperature stability of coffee extraction to some extent, it still achieves a balance between cost and performance.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes a first tee pipe and a flow meter. The first port of the first tee pipe is connected to an external water source, the second port of the first tee pipe is connected to the inlet of the first water pump, the third port of the first tee pipe is connected to the inlet of the flow meter, and the outlet of the flow meter is connected to the inlet of the second water pump.

[0017] Adding a first three-way pipe and a flow meter allows the water source to be distributed and accurately measured before entering the two water pumps. This not only ensures the stability and balance of the two water supplies, but also facilitates precise water control, improving the consistency of coffee extraction and the reliability of system operation.

[0018] Furthermore, it also includes a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, a steam pipe, and a brewing head, wherein both the first and second solenoid valves are three-way solenoid valves; The first port of the first solenoid valve is connected to the steam outlet, the second port of the first solenoid valve is connected to the steam pipe, and the third port of the first solenoid valve is connected to the external environment. The first port of the second solenoid valve is connected to the hot water outlet, the second port of the second solenoid valve is connected to the brewing head, and the third port of the second solenoid valve is connected to the external environment.

[0019] This solution involves installing three-way solenoid valves at both the steam outlet and the hot water outlet, and adding a third port on the solenoid valve to connect to the external environment. This allows the pipeline to automatically drain when switching operating states, preventing residual high-temperature liquid or steam from remaining in the pipeline and avoiding problems such as splashing, scale buildup, or temperature fluctuations during subsequent use. This improves the system's safety, cleanliness, and temperature control stability.

[0020] It also includes a second three-way pipe, a third solenoid valve, and a hot water pipe. The first port of the second three-way pipe is connected to the hot water outlet, the second port of the second three-way pipe is connected to the first port of the second solenoid valve, the third port of the second three-way pipe is connected to the inlet of the third solenoid valve, and the outlet of the third solenoid valve is connected to the hot water pipe.

[0021] By adding a second three-way pipe and a third solenoid valve, the hot water outlet can be switched to the steam pipe as needed, thereby expanding the steam supply methods without adding an independent heating unit, improving the steam output capacity and the system's versatility, and enhancing the coffee machine's adaptability in complex usage scenarios.

[0022] 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 inlet of the first pipeline; 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 inlet of the second pipeline.

[0023] Pressure relief valves are installed at the outlet ends of the first and second water pumps to release residual pressure in the pipeline when the pumps stop working, preventing high-pressure water from acting directly on the pumps, avoiding damage to the pumps due to long-term pressure, effectively extending the service life of the pumps and improving the stability of system operation.

[0024] Furthermore, it also includes a fourth solenoid valve and a return water tank. The fourth solenoid valve is a three-way solenoid valve. The outlet of the second water pump is connected to the first port of the fourth solenoid valve, the second port of the fourth solenoid valve is connected to the inlet of the second pressure relief valve, the third port of the fourth solenoid valve is connected to the inlet of the return water tank, and the outlet of the return water tank is connected to the inlet of the second water pump.

[0025] By installing a fourth solenoid valve and a return water tank in the second water pump circuit, the long-term effect of high-temperature and high-pressure water on the second water pump is automatically cut off when the solenoid valve is not energized, thus extending the pump's lifespan. At the same time, when the solenoid valve is naturally conducting, it can form a return water circuit with the return water tank. Especially for the solenoid pump structure, this can effectively solve the problem of occasional failure to pump water, thereby significantly improving the product's stability and reliability.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This invention adds a preheating device at the front end of the first and second heating devices, so that the water temperature entering the boiler is close to the target temperature, reducing the temperature difference and instantaneous power required for heating, and significantly reducing the thermal inertia during the heating process, thereby effectively improving the stability of coffee extraction temperature and steam output temperature.

[0027] This invention allows for a flexible combination of an instantaneous boiler and a storage boiler. The instantaneous boiler ensures rapid heating and response, while the storage boiler provides temperature stability and steam continuity, thereby achieving a multi-dimensional balance of speed, steam intensity, and temperature stability to meet different application scenarios such as home and commercial use.

[0028] This invention, by using a water storage boiler as the primary heating device, significantly improves the continuity and dryness of steam, enabling it to meet the needs of high-intensity milk frothing and long-term steam output, and overcoming the shortcomings of insufficient steam performance in existing instantaneous boilers.

[0029] This invention adds a fourth solenoid valve and a return water tank, which prevents the second water pump from being exposed to high-temperature and high-pressure hot water for a long time, significantly extending the pump's lifespan. At the same time, under the solenoid pump structure, this design can also effectively avoid the pain point of not being able to pump water, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the water system and the reliability of the product. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 The coffee machine water system is shown in Example 1.

[0031] Figure 2 The coffee machine water system is shown in Example 2.

[0032] Figure 3 The coffee machine water system is shown in Example 3.

[0033] Figure 4 The coffee machine water system is shown in Example 4.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the inlet connection of the fourth solenoid valve and the second water pump.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the preheating device.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the preheating device.

[0037] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the preheating device. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments: Combination Figure 1 , Figures 6 to 8As shown in Embodiment 1, a coffee machine water system includes a first water pump 1, a second water pump 2, a preheating device 3, a first heating device 4, and a second heating device 5. The preheating device 3 includes a first pipe 31, a second pipe 32, a heating element 33, and a housing 34. The first pipe 31 and the second pipe 32 are placed inside the housing 34. The ports of the first pipe 31 extend out of the housing 34 to form the inlet and outlet of the first pipe 31, respectively. The ports of the second pipe 32 extend out of the housing 34 to form the inlet and outlet of the second pipe 32, respectively. The heating element 33 is disposed inside the housing 34 and is in close contact with the first pipe 31 and the second pipe 32. The heat generated by the heating element is transferred to the first pipe 31 and the second pipe 32, respectively. The inlet of the first water pump 1 is connected to an external water source, the outlet of the first water pump 1 is connected to the inlet of the first pipeline 31, the outlet of the first pipeline 31 is connected to the inlet of the first heating device 4, and the outlet of the first heating device 4 forms a steam exhaust outlet. The inlet of the second water pump 2 is connected to an external water source, the outlet of the second water pump 2 is connected to the inlet of the second pipe 32, the outlet of the second pipe 32 is connected to the inlet of the second heating device 5, and the outlet of the second heating device 5 forms a hot water outlet.

[0039] Furthermore, the first heating device 4 is an instantaneous boiler, and the second heating device 5 is an instantaneous boiler.

[0040] Furthermore, it also includes a first three-way pipe 6 and a flow meter 7. The first port of the first three-way pipe 6 is connected to an external water source, the second port of the first three-way pipe 6 is connected to the inlet of the first water pump 1, the third port of the first three-way pipe 6 is connected to the inlet of the flow meter 7, and the outlet of the flow meter 7 is connected to the inlet of the second water pump 2.

[0041] Furthermore, it also includes a first solenoid valve 8, a second solenoid valve 9, a steam pipe 10, and a brewing head 11, wherein the first solenoid valve 8 and the second solenoid valve 9 are both three-way solenoid valves. The first port of the first solenoid valve 8 is connected to the steam outlet, the second port of the first solenoid valve 8 is connected to the steam pipe 10, and the third port of the first solenoid valve 8 is connected to the external environment. The first port of the second solenoid valve 9 is connected to the hot water outlet, the second port of the second solenoid valve 9 is connected to the brewing head 11, and the third port of the second solenoid valve 9 is connected to the external environment.

[0042] Furthermore, it also includes a second three-way pipe 20, a third solenoid valve 30, and a hot water pipe 301. The first port of the second three-way pipe 20 is connected to the hot water outlet, the second port of the second three-way pipe 20 is connected to the first port of the second solenoid valve 9, the third port of the second three-way pipe 20 is connected to the inlet of the third solenoid valve 30, and the outlet of the third solenoid valve 30 is connected to the hot water pipe 301.

[0043] Furthermore, it also includes a first pressure relief valve 40 and a second pressure relief valve 50, with the outlet of the first water pump 1 connected to the inlet of the first pressure relief valve 40, and the outlet of the first pressure relief valve 40 connected to the inlet of the first pipeline 31. The outlet of the second water pump 2 is connected to the inlet of the second pressure relief valve 50, and the outlet of the second pressure relief valve 50 is connected to the inlet of the second pipeline 32.

[0044] Working principle of Example 1 (see Figure 1 ) In Example 1, both the first heating device 4 and the second heating device 5 are instantaneous boilers.

[0045] When the system is running, the first water pump 1 draws external water into the first pipeline 31, which is preheated by the preheating device 3 and then enters the first instantaneous boiler, where it is rapidly heated to form high-temperature steam and output through the steam outlet. The second water pump 2 draws external water into the second pipeline 32, which is then preheated by the preheating device 3 before entering the second instantaneous boiler. The water is then rapidly heated to form hot water and output through the hot water outlet.

[0046] By setting a preheating device 3 before the two heating circuits, the water temperature entering the instantaneous boiler is brought close to the target temperature, reducing the temperature rise difference, thereby reducing thermal inertia and improving temperature stability.

[0047] The difference between Example 2 and Example 1 is as follows: Combination Figure 2 In Example 2, the first heating device 4 is an instantaneous boiler, and the second heating device 5 is a saturated water storage boiler.

[0048] Working principle of Example 2 (see Figure 2 ) In Example 2, the first heating device 4 is an instantaneous boiler, and the second heating device 5 is a saturated water storage boiler. When the system is running, the first water pump 1 draws external water into the first pipeline 31, which is preheated by the preheating device 3 and then enters the first instantaneous boiler, where it is rapidly heated to form high-temperature steam and output through the steam outlet. The second water pump 2 draws external water into the second pipeline 32, and after being preheated by the preheating device 3, it enters the second water storage boiler. The water is saturated and heated in the water storage boiler and kept in a heat storage state, thereby forming a stable hot water output.

[0049] By setting a preheating device 3 before the two heating circuits, not only is the heating time shortened, but the thermal inertia of the instantaneous boiler and the water storage boiler is also reduced. Instantaneous boilers ensure rapid steam generation, while storage boilers ensure the temperature stability and continuity of hot water.

[0050] The difference between Example 3 and Example 1 is as follows: Combination Figure 3 In Example 3, the first heating device 4 is a water storage boiler, and the second heating device 5 is a saturated water storage boiler.

[0051] Working principle of Example 3 (see Figure 3 ) In embodiment 3, the first heating device 4 is a water storage boiler, and the second heating device 5 is a saturated water storage boiler. When the system is running, the first water pump 1 draws external water into the first pipeline 31, which is preheated by the preheating device 3 and then enters the first water storage boiler. The water is heated and stored in the water storage boiler, thereby forming a stable steam output. The second water pump 2 draws external water into the second pipeline 32, and after being preheated by the preheating device 3, it enters the second water storage boiler. The water is fully heated to saturation in the boiler, forming a continuous and stable hot water output.

[0052] By adding a preheating device 3 before heating, the heating time of the two boilers is further shortened, the temperature difference is reduced, and the thermal inertia is lowered, making both steam and hot water more continuous and stable, suitable for application scenarios with high requirements for steam performance.

[0053] The difference between Example 4 and Example 1 is as follows: Combination Figure 4 In Example 4, the first heating device 4 is a water storage boiler, and the second heating device 5 is an instantaneous boiler.

[0054] Working principle of Example 4 (see Figure 4 ) In embodiment 4, the first heating device 4 is a water storage boiler, and the second heating device 5 is an instantaneous boiler. When the system is running, the first water pump 1 draws external water into the first pipeline 31, which is preheated by the preheating device 3 and then enters the first water storage boiler. The water is heated and stored in the boiler, forming a stable and strong steam output. The second water pump 2 draws external water into the second pipeline 32, which is then preheated by the preheating device 3 before entering the second instantaneous boiler. After rapid heating, hot water is generated and output through the hot water outlet.

[0055] By setting a preheating device 3 before the two heating circuits, not only is the continuity and intensity of the steam improved, but the response time of the instantaneous boiler is also shortened. While keeping the cost basically unchanged, the steam performance improvement and the overall system efficiency are taken into account.

[0056] Combination Figure 5 Examples 1-4 also include a fourth solenoid valve 60 and a return water tank 70. The fourth solenoid valve 60 is a three-way solenoid valve. The outlet of the second water pump 2 is connected to the first port of the fourth solenoid valve 60, the second port of the fourth solenoid valve 60 is connected to the inlet of the second pressure relief valve 50, the third port of the fourth solenoid valve 60 is connected to the inlet of the return water tank 70, and the outlet of the return water tank 70 is connected to the inlet of the second water pump 2.

[0057] The advantages of adding a fourth solenoid valve 60 and a return water tank 70 in Examples 1-4 are: Based on Examples 1-4, with the addition of a fourth solenoid valve 60 and a return water tank 70, the flow between the outlet of the second water pump 2 and the second pressure relief valve 50 is controlled by the fourth solenoid valve 60. When the fourth solenoid valve 60 is de-energized, its second port (connected to the second pressure relief valve 50) automatically closes, preventing high-temperature and high-pressure hot water from directly flowing back to the inlet of the second water pump 2, thereby avoiding the water pump from being in contact with high-temperature liquid for a long time and accelerating its aging. At the same time, the first port and the third port of the fourth solenoid valve 60 are naturally connected, so that the return water forms a circulation and flows into the return water tank 70, realizing pressure release and water circuit buffering.

[0058] If the second water pump 2 is an electromagnetic pump, this design can also effectively avoid the phenomenon of "not being able to pump water" caused by suction head or residual pressure, ensuring reliable start-up and stable water supply of the water pump.

Claims

1. A water circuit system for a coffee machine, comprising a first water pump, a second water pump, a preheating device, a first heating device, and a second heating device, characterized in that: The preheating device includes a first pipe, a second pipe, a heating element, and a housing. The first pipe and the second pipe are placed inside the housing. The ports of the first pipe extend out of the housing to form the inlet and outlet of the first pipe, respectively. The ports of the second pipe extend out of the housing to form the inlet and outlet of the second pipe, respectively. The heating element is disposed inside the housing and is in close contact with the first pipe and the second pipe, respectively. The heat generated by the heating element is transferred to the first pipe and the second pipe, respectively. 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 inlet of the first pipeline, the outlet of the first pipeline is connected to the inlet of the first heating device, and the outlet of the first heating device forms a steam exhaust outlet. 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 inlet of the second pipeline, the outlet of the second pipeline is connected to the inlet of the second heating device, and the outlet of the second heating device forms a hot water outlet.

2. The coffee machine water system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first heating device is an instantaneous boiler, and the second heating device is an instantaneous boiler.

3. The coffee machine water system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first heating device is an instantaneous boiler, and the second heating device is a saturated water storage boiler.

4. The coffee machine water system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first heating device is a water storage boiler, and the second heating device is a saturated water storage boiler.

5. The coffee machine water system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first heating device is a water storage boiler, and the second heating device is an instantaneous boiler.

6. The coffee machine water system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a first three-way pipe and a flow meter. The first port of the first three-way pipe is connected to an external water source, the second port of the first three-way pipe is connected to the inlet of the first water pump, the third port of the first three-way pipe is connected to the inlet of the flow meter, and the outlet of the flow meter is connected to the inlet of the second water pump.

7. The coffee machine water system according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: It also includes a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, a steam pipe, and a brewing head. Both the first and second solenoid valves are three-way solenoid valves. The first port of the first solenoid valve is connected to the steam outlet, the second port of the first solenoid valve is connected to the steam pipe, and the third port of the first solenoid valve is connected to the external environment. The first port of the second solenoid valve is connected to the hot water outlet, the second port of the second solenoid valve is connected to the brewing head, and the third port of the second solenoid valve is connected to the external environment.

8. The coffee machine water system according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a second three-way pipe, a third solenoid valve, and a hot water pipe. The first port of the second three-way pipe is connected to the hot water outlet, the second port of the second three-way pipe is connected to the first port of the second solenoid valve, the third port of the second three-way pipe is connected to the inlet of the third solenoid valve, and the outlet of the third solenoid valve is connected to the hot water pipe.

9. The coffee machine water system according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: 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 inlet of the first pipeline; 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 inlet of the second pipeline.

10. The coffee machine water system according to claim 9, characterized in that: It also includes a fourth solenoid valve and a return water tank. The fourth solenoid valve is a three-way solenoid valve. The outlet of the second water pump is connected to the first port of the fourth solenoid valve, the second port of the fourth solenoid valve is connected to the inlet of the second pressure relief valve, the third port of the fourth solenoid valve is connected to the inlet of the return water tank, and the outlet of the return water tank is connected to the inlet of the second water pump.

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