Boiler and beverage maker

Abstract

This utility model provides a boiler and a beverage machine, including a furnace body, an inlet connector assembly, an outlet connector assembly, and a heating element. The furnace body forms a chamber and includes multiple inlet connectors. The inlet connector assembly is located on the side wall of the furnace body, and one of the inlet connectors is connected to a water source. The outlet connector assembly includes multiple outlet connectors and is located at the top of the furnace body. The heating element is arranged in a circuitous manner within the chamber to form a heating plate. The transverse axis of symmetry of the heating plate extends radially along the furnace body along the axis of the inlet connector assembly. The heating plate is arranged near the bottom of the furnace body. The boiler can be adapted to be a steam boiler or a hot water boiler based on the required scenario. The steam boiler is used to generate steam, and the hot water boiler is used to generate hot water. The boiler of this utility model can be adapted to be a hot water boiler or a steam boiler and can meet the usage requirements of hot water boilers and steam boilers respectively, improving the versatility of the boiler and thus reducing product manufacturing costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of beverage making equipment technology, specifically to a boiler and a beverage machine. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing demand for beverages such as coffee and milk tea, beverage machines are being used in more and more widespread applications. The process of making beverages with a beverage machine often requires the use of hot water and steam. For example, when making milk coffee, steam is needed to create hot milk or hot milk foam. Therefore, beverage machines generally include a boiler that produces hot water and a boiler that produces steam.

[0003] Because hot water boilers and steam boilers have different heating requirements and require different accessories, related technologies often design two boiler bodies with different structures to adapt to the usage needs of the two types of boilers. This requires making molds for the two types of boilers separately, which increases the manufacturing cost. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present utility model aims to provide a boiler that can be adapted to be a hot water boiler or a steam boiler and can meet the usage requirements of hot water boilers and steam boilers respectively, thereby improving the versatility of the boiler and reducing the product manufacturing cost.

[0005] The first aspect of this utility model provides a boiler, comprising: Furnace body, the furnace body forming a chamber; An inlet connector assembly includes multiple inlet connectors, the inlet connector assembly is located on the side wall of the furnace body, and one of the multiple inlet connectors is connected to a water source; An outlet connector assembly, comprising a plurality of outlet connectors, is located at the top of the furnace body; A heating element is arranged in a roundabout manner in the chamber to form a heating plate. The transverse axis of symmetry of the heating plate and the axis of the inlet connector assembly extend radially along the furnace body. The heating plate is arranged near the bottom of the furnace body. The boiler can be adapted to be a steam boiler or a hot water boiler based on the demand scenario. The steam boiler is used to generate steam, and the hot water boiler is used to generate hot water.

[0006] With this setup, regardless of whether the boiler is used as a hot water boiler or a steam boiler, it uses a unified furnace body, chamber, and heating components. Multiple inlet connectors provide extremely high connection flexibility, allowing the inlet connectors to be selectively connected to the water source. In this way, without changing the boiler structure, different external components can be connected to adapt to different functions and meet different needs, thereby achieving hardware universality. As a result, only one basic boiler model needs to be produced when manufacturing boilers and beverage machines, which greatly reduces production costs, management complexity, and supply chain pressure.

[0007] The circuitous arrangement of heating elements increases the contact area between the heating elements and the water, as well as the heating path, ensuring rapid and uniform heating efficiency. This heat exchange capability is a common performance foundation whether a continuous large volume of steam is needed or a stable supply of hot water is required quickly.

[0008] The axis of the heating element and the axis of the inlet connector both extend radially along the furnace body, and their extension directions are the same. This ensures that the water flow direction is in the same direction as the extension direction of the heating element, which can improve the uniformity of heating and thermal efficiency.

[0009] The heating element is located near the bottom of the furnace body, and heat is transferred from the bottom to the top, which conforms to the principle of thermal convection. This allows the water in the entire chamber to be heated fully and quickly, reducing energy loss and improving thermal efficiency.

[0010] In some embodiments, the plurality of inlet connectors includes a first inlet connector, a second inlet connector, and a third inlet connector, which are arranged sequentially from high to low along the same vertical line on the side wall of the furnace body; the outlet connector assembly includes a first outlet connector, a second outlet connector, and a third outlet connector, with the first outlet connector located at the center of the top, and the second and third outlet connectors spaced around the periphery of the first outlet connector.

[0011] This configuration, which places the first, second, and third inlet connectors on the same side of the furnace body, not only optimizes the water circuit layout but also facilitates the selection of different connectors to achieve universal and convenient installation. The inlet connectors are arranged at intervals from high to low, and the height of the inlet can be adjusted according to different water flow rates.

[0012] The radial layout of the top outlet connector, with its "center + periphery" arrangement, utilizes the physical property that steam and hot water naturally gather at the top, ensuring a stable supply of steam and hot water.

[0013] In some embodiments, when the boiler is adapted to be a hot water boiler, the first inlet connector is equipped with a first temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the water entering the chamber, the second inlet connector is connected to a water inlet pipe to introduce water into the chamber, and the third inlet connector is connected to a pressure relief pipe to relieve pressure on the hot water boiler; at least one of the first outlet connector and the third outlet connector is connected to a water outlet pipe to discharge the water from the chamber, and the second outlet connector is equipped with a second temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the water discharged from the chamber.

[0014] This configuration involves installing a first temperature sensor at the first inlet connector to detect the inlet water temperature (cold water temperature) and a second temperature sensor at the second outlet connector to detect the outlet water temperature (hot water temperature). This allows the control system to simultaneously acquire inlet and outlet water temperature data, enabling extremely precise calculation of heating output and temperature control. Whether dealing with changing inlet water temperatures or fluctuating water demand, the system can maintain the hot water output at the target temperature more quickly and stably, significantly improving water temperature stability.

[0015] It also provides an independent and reliable safety pressure relief channel for hot water boilers, enhancing the safety of hot water boiler operation.

[0016] In some embodiments, when the boiler is adapted to be a steam boiler, the first inlet connector is connected to a water inlet pipe to introduce water into the chamber, the third inlet connector is connected to a pressure relief pipe to depressurize the steam boiler; the first outlet connector is equipped with a water level probe to detect the liquid water level in the steam boiler, one of the second outlet connector and the third outlet connector is connected to a water outlet pipe to discharge steam from the chamber, and the other of the second outlet connector and the third outlet connector is equipped with a third temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the steam.

[0017] As a steam boiler, the water level needs to be maintained within a stable range. Installing the water level probe at the first outlet joint at the top center allows for the most direct and accurate monitoring of the steam space height in the upper part of the chamber. This enables control over the proportion of steam and hot water space inside the boiler, effectively preventing dry burning of heating components and ensuring that the generated steam is "dry" rather than wet steam containing water.

[0018] Installing a third temperature sensor at the steam outlet allows for real-time monitoring of the steam temperature. Steam temperature is the most direct reflection of its saturation pressure; by monitoring the temperature, the system can indirectly but very precisely control the steam pressure inside the boiler.

[0019] It also provides an independent and reliable safety pressure relief channel for steam boilers, enhancing the safety of hot water boiler operation.

[0020] In some embodiments, the lowest point of the water level probe is located higher than the highest point of the heating plate.

[0021] When used as a steam boiler, the water level must be maintained within the range detectable by the water level probe. The lowest point of the water level probe being higher than the highest point of the heating plate ensures that the heating elements are always completely submerged in water, preventing dry burning of the heating elements due to low water levels and improving the boiler's safety and reliability.

[0022] In some embodiments, in different scenarios where the boiler is adapted to be a steam boiler or a hot water boiler, the accessories required to be installed or connected to the inlet connector assembly and the outlet connector assembly are different, and / or the connectors corresponding to the same type of accessories are different.

[0023] With this setup, the boiler's function (steam / hot water) switching does not depend on changes to the boiler hardware itself, but is achieved through external components connected to the inlet and outlet connector assemblies.

[0024] In some embodiments, the axis of the first inlet connector is located below the highest point of the heating plate; the axis of the third inlet connector is co-linear with the transverse axis of symmetry of the heating plate; on the projection plane parallel to the radial cross-section of the furnace body, there is a preset angle between the projection of the axis of the second inlet connector and the projection of the line connecting the axis of one side of the heating component, and the preset angle is less than or equal to 5°.

[0025] The first inlet connector is positioned below the highest point of the heating plate, ensuring that water can directly enter the area below the heating zone. This avoids cold water directly impacting the upper high-temperature zone, which could cause violent boiling and pressure fluctuations, making the water replenishment process more stable.

[0026] The axis of the third inlet connector is aligned with the transverse symmetrical axis of the heating plate. By setting the pressure relief position here, the pressure changes in the core heating area can be most sensitively and directly perceived, enabling a rapid and precise pressure relief response and improving safety.

[0027] The angle between the projection of the second inlet connector axis and the projection of the single-sided axis of the heating component is ≤5°. The water inlet direction is almost parallel to the tangent direction of the heating plate heating surface, which allows the incoming cold water to flow along the surface of the heating coil tube to achieve preheating, while minimizing the disturbance of cold water to the overall thermal circulation in the furnace body and optimizing thermal efficiency.

[0028] In some embodiments, the ratio between the dimension of the heating plate in the height direction of the furnace body and the height of the chamber is less than 1 / 2; the distance between the lowest point of the heating plate and the inner bottom surface of the chamber is greater than the diameter of the heating element.

[0029] With this configuration, the heating plates are concentrated in the lower half of the chamber, while the upper half forms a relatively large storage space, which can provide a relatively large storage space to ensure steam capacity when used as a steam boiler.

[0030] The distance between the lowest point of the heating plate and the inner bottom surface of the chamber is greater than the diameter of the heating element, which avoids the heating plate directly contacting the furnace bottom, prevents local overheating, and ensures that the water can circulate fully above and below the heating plate through convection, resulting in more uniform heating and higher efficiency. It also facilitates the sedimentation and cleaning of impurities.

[0031] In some embodiments, on the projection of the radial cross-section parallel to the furnace body, the distance between the line connecting the first side axis of the heating element and the outer wall of the furnace body in the radial direction is B, the distance between the line connecting the second side axis of the heating element and the outer wall of the furnace body in the radial direction is C, and the distance between the line connecting the first side axis of the heating element and the line connecting the second side axis of the heating element and the radial direction of the furnace body is D, and B:C:D=1:1:2.

[0032] With this configuration, the gaps between the heating plate and the furnace wall on both sides are equal (B=C), ensuring uniform heating.

[0033] The width (D) of the heating plate itself is exactly twice the clearance on one side (B or C), and the heating plate occupies all the usable space in the furnace body after deducting the necessary clearance. This maximizes the heating area, thereby providing optimal heating power and the highest thermal efficiency within a limited volume, enabling the boiler to heat up quickly and meet the demanding requirements of beverage machines for instant heating.

[0034] The second aspect of this utility model provides a beverage machine, comprising: Includes at least one boiler as described in any of the first aspects, wherein one of the boilers is adapted as a hot water boiler for providing hot water to the beverage machine, and / or the other boiler is adapted as a steam boiler for providing steam to the beverage machine. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the boiler used as a hot water boiler according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0036] Figure 2 The image shown is a side view of the boiler used as a hot water boiler according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0037] Figure 3 As shown Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the EE in the boiler.

[0038] Figure 4 As shown Figure 2 A top view of the boiler described in the text.

[0039] Figure 5 As shown Figure 4 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the boiler's FF.

[0040] Figure 6 The figure shown is a cross-sectional view of the first inlet connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 7 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the fastener according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 8 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the boiler used as a steam boiler according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0043] Figure 9 As shown Figure 8 The boiler shown is shown in top view.

[0044] Figure 10 As shown Figure 9 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the boiler's HH section.

[0045] Furnace body 1, chamber 101 Imported connector assembly 2, first imported connector 21, second imported connector 22, third imported connector 23, connecting seat 24, insertion hole 241, clearance hole 242, stepped portion 243, fixing member 25, elastic clamping rib 251, groove 252, elastic clip 26, sealing ring 27. First temperature sensor 3, first plug 4 Outlet connector assembly 5, first outlet connector 51, second outlet connector 52, third outlet connector 53. Heating component 6, water level sensor 7. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0047] This utility model provides a boiler, including a furnace body 1, an inlet connector assembly 2, an outlet connector assembly 5, and a heating element 6. The furnace body 1 forms a chamber. The inlet connector assembly 2 includes multiple inlet connectors located on the side wall of the furnace body 1, one of which is connected to a water source. The outlet connector assembly 5 includes multiple outlet connectors located at the top of the furnace body 1. The heating element 6 is arranged in a circuitous manner within the chamber to form a heating plate. The axis of the heating plate extends radially along the furnace body 1, parallel to the axis of the inlet connector assembly 2, and is positioned near the bottom of the furnace body 1. The boiler can be adapted to be either a steam boiler or a hot water boiler based on specific needs. The steam boiler is used to generate steam, and the hot water boiler is used to generate hot water.

[0048] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the outer contour of the furnace body 1 is a cylinder, and the upper and lower end faces of the furnace body 1 are planes. In this way, more installation positions can be provided for the outlet connector and other external components, which is conducive to realizing the integration and miniaturization of the boiler.

[0049] like Figure 5 As shown, the outer contour of the axial cross-section of the chamber inside the furnace body 1 is rectangular. The heating element 6 is located near the bottom of the chamber, and when the boiler is adapted to a steam boiler, the upper part of the chamber is a steam storage area.

[0050] Multiple inlet connectors are located on the side wall of furnace body 1, while multiple outlet connectors are located on the top of furnace body 1. It should be noted that the connectors, dimensions, and shapes of the multiple inlet and outlet connectors are identical, which further facilitates the standardization of the boiler. All connectors on furnace body 1 have the same structure, size, and shape, so that external accessories for the connectors can be selected according to usage requirements without modifying the connectors themselves.

[0051] See Figure 1 The axis of each inlet joint extends radially along the furnace body 1, and the axis of each outlet joint extends axially along the furnace body 1. In other words, when the boiler is placed vertically, the inlet joints are arranged horizontally and the outlet joints are arranged vertically.

[0052] See Figure 5 As shown, the heating element 6 is arranged in a spiral pattern, that is, the axis of the heating element 6 extends radially along the furnace body 1. In other words, the heating element 6 is arranged in a spiral pattern in the transverse direction to form a heating plate.

[0053] It should be noted that the heating component 6 can be a heating wire, heating belt or heating tube, which mainly converts electrical energy into heat energy.

[0054] Optionally, a drain outlet can be provided at the bottom of the furnace body 1 to drain the medium inside the furnace body 1, ensuring the safety of the boiler during transportation and the hygiene of the whole machine.

[0055] With this configuration, regardless of whether the boiler is used as a hot water boiler or a steam boiler, it uses a unified boiler body 1, chamber, and heating element 6. Different external accessories are simply connected to the inlet connector assembly 2 and outlet connector assembly 5 depending on the application scenario. Multiple inlet and outlet connectors provide extremely high connection flexibility. This allows for adaptation to different functions and application scenarios without altering the boiler structure, thus achieving hardware standardization. Consequently, only one basic boiler model needs to be produced during boiler and beverage machine manufacturing, significantly reducing production costs, management complexity, and supply chain pressure.

[0056] The circuitous arrangement of the heating element 6 increases the contact area between the heating element 6 and the water and extends the heating path, ensuring rapid and uniform heating efficiency. This heat exchange capability is a common performance foundation whether a large amount of steam needs to be continuously generated or a stable supply of hot water needs to be provided quickly.

[0057] The axis of the heating element 6 and the axis of the inlet connector both extend radially along the furnace body 1, and their extension directions are the same. One of the multiple inlet connectors is connected to a water source, so that the water inlet position is aligned with the central axis of the horizontally coiled heating element 6, ensuring that the water flow direction is in the same direction as the extension direction of the heating element 6, which can improve the uniformity of heating or vaporization and thermal efficiency.

[0058] The heating element 6 is arranged near the bottom of the furnace body 1, and the heat is transferred from the bottom to the top, which conforms to the principle of heat convection. This allows the water in the entire chamber to be heated fully and quickly, reducing energy loss and improving thermal efficiency.

[0059] In some embodiments, the plurality of inlet connectors includes a first inlet connector 21, a second inlet connector 22, and a third inlet connector 23, which are arranged sequentially from high to low along the same vertical line on the side wall of the furnace body 1. This arrangement, placing the first inlet connector 21, the second inlet connector 22, and the third inlet connector 23 on the same side of the furnace body 1, not only optimizes the water circuit layout but also facilitates the selection of different connectors to achieve universal and convenient installation. The staggered arrangement from high to low allows for adjustment of the inlet height to accommodate different water flow rates.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the axis of the first inlet connector 21 is located below the highest point of the heating plate. The axis of the third inlet connector 23 is aligned with the transverse axis of symmetry of the heating plate.

[0061] Furthermore, on the projection plane parallel to the cross-section of the furnace body 1, there is a preset angle between the projection of the axis of the second inlet connector 22 and the projection of the line connecting the axes of one side of the heating element 6, and the preset angle is less than or equal to 5°. When the first inlet connector 21, the second inlet connector 22, and the third inlet connector 23 are arranged sequentially from high to low along the same vertical line on the side wall of the furnace body 1, the projections of the axes of the first inlet connector 21 and the third inlet connector 23 also have a preset angle between the projection of the line connecting the axes of one side of the heating element 6, and the preset angle is less than or equal to 5°.

[0062] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first inlet connector 21, the second inlet connector 22 and the third inlet connector 23 are evenly spaced in the vertical direction; in other words, the spacing between the three is the same.

[0063] The outlet connector assembly 5 includes a first outlet connector 51, a second outlet connector 52, and a third outlet connector 53. The first outlet connector 51 is located at the center of the top, and the second outlet connector 52 and the third outlet connector 53 are spaced apart around the periphery of the first outlet connector 51. See Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the first outlet connector 51 is located at the center of the top of the furnace body 1, and the second outlet connector 52 and the third outlet connector 53 surround the first outlet connector 51. The radial layout of the top outlet connectors, with a "center + periphery" arrangement, utilizes the physical property that steam and hot water naturally gather at the top, ensuring a stable supply of steam and hot water.

[0064] It should be noted that the structure, shape, size and material of the first inlet connector 21, the second inlet connector 22, the third inlet connector 23, the first outlet connector 51, the second outlet connector 52 and the third outlet connector 53 are all the same.

[0065] For example, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the connector includes a connecting seat 24, a fixing member 25, and an elastic clip 26. The connecting seat 24 can be made of metal or rubber, for example, the connecting seat 24 can be made of copper or aluminum.

[0066] The connector 24 has a socket 241 inside. For example, the connector 24 is cylindrical to define the socket 241.

[0067] The material of the fastener 25 includes, but is not limited to, metal. For example, the material of the fastener 25 is copper.

[0068] The fixing member 25 is provided on the inner wall surface of the insertion hole 241. The fixing member 25 is provided to facilitate the positioning of the external component and prevent the entire external component from moving axially relative to the connecting seat 24.

[0069] See Figure 7 The fastener 25 is provided with an elastic clamping rib 251. Exemplarily, the elastic clamping rib 251 and the fastener 25 are integrally formed. This improves the connection strength between the elastic clamping rib 251 and the fastener 25, simplifies the processing of the elastic clamping rib 251 and the fastener 25, and reduces the manufacturing cost of the elastic clamping rib 251 and the fastener 25. In other embodiments, the two can also be connected by snap-fitting or welding.

[0070] For further information, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 The elastic clamping rib 251 extends in a ring shape along the entire circumference of the connecting seat 24. In this way, the fixing effect of the fastener 25 on the external component can be further improved, and the movement of the external component relative to the connecting seat 24 can be reduced.

[0071] Please refer to some embodiments of this application. Figure 6 At least one end face of the fastener 25 is recessed along the axial direction of the connecting seat 24 to define a groove 252 extending circumferentially along the connecting seat 24. The groove 252 extends to the outer peripheral surface of the fastener 25. An elastic clamping rib 251 is fixed to the end of the bottom wall of the groove 252. This end is the end of the bottom wall of the groove 252 near the outer peripheral surface of the fastener 25. As a result, the structure is simple, and the connection between the elastic clamping rib 251 and the bottom wall of the groove 252 allows for a compact overall structure of the fastener 25 and the elastic clamping rib 251.

[0072] As another example, the two end faces of the fastener 25 along the axial direction of the connecting seat 24 are recessed to define grooves 252 extending along the entire circumference of the connecting seat 24, thus forming two grooves 252. The two grooves 252 correspond to two elastic clamping ribs 251.

[0073] Of course, this application is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the above-mentioned groove 252 may not be provided on the fastener 25.

[0074] Please refer to some embodiments of this application. Figure 7 Along the axial direction of the connecting seat 24 and in the direction away from the fixing member 25, the thickness of the elastic clamping rib 251 gradually decreases. This is beneficial to improving the elastic deformation capacity of the elastic clamping rib 251, thereby improving the clamping effect of the elastic clamping rib 251 on the probe structure.

[0075] In some embodiments of this application, the fixing member 25 is detachably disposed within the insertion hole 241. This facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the probe structure and the connector 24, thereby facilitating the maintenance and replacement of the probe structure.

[0076] Furthermore, see Figure 6 One end of the socket 241 forms a disassembly port for attaching and detaching the fastener 25. In this way, the fastener 25 can be installed in the socket 241 from the disassembly port or removed from the disassembly port.

[0077] Based on this, to prevent the fastener 25 from coming out of the insertion port 241 after assembly due to non-human factors, the connector 24 has a stepped portion 243 at the end opposite to the insertion port. The peripheral wall of the connector 24 has a clearance hole 242. The elastic clip 26 is confined at the clearance hole 242. A portion of the elastic clip 26 extends into the insertion port 241 through the clearance hole 242. In this way, the fastener 25 can be confined between the stepped portion 243 and the elastic clip 26.

[0078] Specifically, when the external accessory is connected to the connector, one end of the external accessory is inserted into the connector 24 through the socket 241. Then, the fastener 25 is placed into the socket 241 through the disassembly port. Next, the elastic clip 26 is positioned from the outer periphery of the connector 24 at the clearance hole 242, with a portion of the elastic clip 26 located within the socket 241. The fastener 25 is then secured within the socket 241 by the cooperation of the elastic clip 26 and the step portion 243. When disassembling the external component, the elastic clip 26 is first removed, and then the fastener 25 and the external component are removed through the disassembly port.

[0079] Furthermore, a portion of the elastic clamp 26 holds the elastic clamping rib 251. This improves the reliability of the fit between the elastic clamping rib 251 and the external component, further preventing relative movement of the probe structure relative to the fixing member 25.

[0080] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 6 The connector also includes a sealing ring 27. The sealing ring 27 is located within the insertion hole 241 and between the fixing member 25 and the stepped portion 243. The sealing ring 27 is interference-fitted between the inner circumferential surface of the external component and the connecting seat 24. This arrangement serves two purposes: firstly, by placing the sealing ring 27 between the fixing member 25 and the stepped portion 243, the fixing member 25 can limit the sealing ring 27, preventing it from protruding from the disassembly / removal port; secondly, the interference fit between the sealing ring 27 and the inner circumferential surface of the external component and the connecting seat 24 improves the sealing performance between them, preventing air leakage. Furthermore, the sealing ring 27 has a simple structure and is easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0081] In some embodiments, when the boiler is adapted to be a hot water boiler, a first temperature sensor 3 is installed on the first inlet connector 21 to detect the temperature of the water entering the chamber, a second inlet connector 22 is connected to a water inlet pipe to introduce water into the chamber, and a third inlet connector 23 is connected to a pressure relief pipe to relieve pressure on the hot water boiler.

[0082] See Figure 1 As shown, when the boiler is used as a hot water boiler, the installation height of the first temperature sensor 3 is higher than the height of the water inlet, and the pressure relief port is located at the bottom. The first temperature sensor 3 can be connected to the controller. It should be noted that the first temperature sensor 3 can be connected to the controller via wired communication or wireless communication.

[0083] At least one of the first outlet connector 51 and the third outlet connector 53 is connected to a water outlet pipe to discharge water from the chamber, and the second outlet connector 52 is equipped with a second temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the water discharged from the chamber.

[0084] One of the first outlet connector 51 and the third outlet connector 53 can be used as an outlet to discharge water from the chamber, or both the first outlet connector 51 and the third outlet connector 53 can be used as outlets to discharge water from the chamber.

[0085] In this embodiment, a first temperature sensor 3 is installed at the first inlet connector 21 to detect the inlet water temperature (cold water temperature), and a second temperature sensor is installed at the second outlet connector 52 to detect the outlet water temperature (hot water temperature). This allows the control system to simultaneously acquire the initial temperature of the water entering the boiler and the final temperature of the water exiting the boiler, thereby accurately calculating the heating amount and ensuring that the final heating temperature of the hot water boiler reaches the preset requirements. Whether dealing with changing inlet water temperatures or fluctuating water demand, the system can maintain the hot water output at the target temperature more quickly and stably, significantly improving water temperature stability.

[0086] The third inlet connector 23 connects to the pressure relief pipe, providing an independent and reliable safe pressure relief channel for the hot water boiler, thus enhancing the safety of the hot water boiler.

[0087] In some embodiments, when the boiler is adapted to a steam boiler, the first inlet connector 21 is connected to a water inlet pipe to introduce water into the chamber, and the third inlet connector 23 is connected to a pressure relief pipe to relieve pressure on the steam boiler.

[0088] The first outlet connector 51 is equipped with a water level probe to detect the liquid water level in the steam boiler. One of the second outlet connector 52 and the third outlet connector 53 is connected to a water outlet pipe to discharge steam from the chamber. The other of the second outlet connector 52 and the third outlet connector 53 is equipped with a third temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the steam.

[0089] See Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the first inlet connector 21 is connected to the water inlet pipe, the second inlet connector 22 is provided with a first plug 4, which is used to seal the second inlet connector 22, and the third inlet connector 23 is connected to the pressure relief pipe.

[0090] The first outlet connector 51 is located at the exact center of the top of the furnace body 1. A water level probe is installed inside the first outlet connector 51 to monitor the liquid water level in the chamber. The middle position of the boiler top is less affected by steam flow and water surface fluctuations, and can more accurately reflect the average water level in the boiler drum, helping to reduce the impact of "false water level" phenomena. Placing the water level probe at the exact center of the top of the furnace body 1 allows for more stable and accurate water level monitoring. The water level probe enables automatic control and safety protection of the water level in the steam boiler. In this embodiment, the length of the water level probe is approximately 1 / 3 of the furnace body length, equivalent to the upper 1 / 3 of the furnace body chamber being used for steam storage. When the water level in the furnace body chamber is higher than the lowest point of the water level probe (i.e., when the water level probe detects a water level signal), the water replenishment operation to the steam boiler is stopped.

[0091] For example, when the second outlet connector 52 is a steam discharge port, a third temperature sensor is installed in the third outlet connector 53; or, when the third temperature sensor is installed in the second outlet connector 52, the third outlet connector 53 serves as a steam discharge port. The third temperature sensor can monitor the temperature of the discharged steam in real time, ensuring that the generated steam temperature is within the required temperature range.

[0092] The third inlet connector 23 connects to the pressure relief pipe, providing an independent and reliable safe pressure relief channel for the steam boiler and enhancing the safety of hot water boiler operation.

[0093] In some embodiments, the lowest point of the water level probe is located higher than the highest point of the heating plate.

[0094] See Figure 10 As shown, the lowest point of the water level probe is positioned above the highest point of the heating plate. For example, the vertical distance between the lowest point of the water level probe and the highest point of the heating plate is N, and distance N is greater than or equal to the amount of steam required for the application. This avoids the safety hazards caused by dry burning of the heating plate.

[0095] In some embodiments, in different scenarios where the boiler is adapted to be a steam boiler or a hot water boiler, the accessories required to be installed or connected to the inlet connector assembly 2 and the outlet connector assembly 5 are different, and / or the connectors corresponding to the same type of accessories are different.

[0096] It should be noted that when the boiler is used as a steam boiler or a hot water boiler, the external accessories connected to the inlet connector assembly 2 and the outlet connector assembly 5 may be different due to different usage requirements. Alternatively, accessories of the same type may have different connectors. Taking the inlet pipe as an example, when the boiler is a hot water boiler, the inlet pipe is connected to the second inlet connector 22, while when the boiler is a steam boiler, the same type of inlet pipe is connected to the first inlet connector 21. Furthermore, when the boiler is used as a hot water boiler, the first inlet connector 21 is equipped with the first temperature sensor 3, while when it is used as a steam boiler, no temperature sensor is required at the inlet connector assembly.

[0097] With this setup, the boiler's function (steam / hot water) switching does not depend on changes to the boiler hardware itself, but is achieved through external accessories connected to the inlet connector assembly 2 and the outlet connector assembly 5.

[0098] In some embodiments, when the boiler is adapted as a steam boiler, a water inlet pipe is connected to the first inlet connector 21. The axis of the first inlet connector 21 is located below the highest point of the heating plate, ensuring that the makeup water can directly enter the area below the heating zone, avoiding water entering the steam boiler from directly impacting the upper steam zone and causing steam condensation and pressure fluctuations, thus making the steam pressure in the boiler more stable.

[0099] When the boiler is adapted as a hot water boiler, the first inlet connector 21 is connected to the first temperature sensor, the second inlet connector 22 is connected to the inlet water pipe, and the third inlet connector 23 is connected to the pressure relief pipe. The axis of the third inlet connector 23 is aligned with the transverse axis of symmetry of the heating plate. By placing the pressure relief position at this location, pressure changes in the core heating area can be directly sensed, enabling rapid and accurate pressure relief response and improving safety.

[0100] On the projection plane parallel to the radial cross-section of the furnace body 1, there is a preset angle between the projection of the axis of the second inlet connector 22 and the projection of the line connecting the axis of one side of the heating component 6, and the preset angle is less than or equal to 5°.

[0101] The projection of the axis of the second inlet connector 22 and the projection of the line connecting the axis of one side of the heating element 6 have a preset angle Φ, and Φ ≤ 5°. For example, Φ can be 0°, 1.5°, 2.5°, 3°, 4°, 4.6°, or 5°. The angle between the projection of the axis of the second inlet connector 22 and the projection of the axis of one side of the heating element 6 is ≤ 5°, and the water inlet direction is almost parallel to the tangential direction of the heating surface of the heating plate. This allows the incoming cold water to flow along the surface of the heating coil, achieving preheating, while minimizing the disturbance of the cold water to the overall thermal circulation within the furnace body 1, thus optimizing thermal efficiency. Figure 3In the embodiment shown, there is a preset included angle Φ of 0° between the projection of the axis of the second inlet connector 22 and the projection of the line connecting the axis of one side of the heating component 6.

[0102] In some embodiments, the ratio between the dimension of the heating plate in the height direction of the furnace body 1 and the height of the chamber is less than 1 / 2.

[0103] It should be noted that the height direction of furnace body 1 is as follows: Figure 1 The up and down directions are shown in the diagram.

[0104] For example, see Figure 5 As shown, the vertical dimension of the heating plate is I, and the vertical dimension of the entire chamber is II. Therefore, the ratio of I / II is less than 1 / 2. In other words, the vertical dimension of the heating plate is less than half the vertical dimension of the entire chamber. This arrangement concentrates the heating plates in the lower half of the chamber, creating a relatively large storage space in the upper half. When used as a steam boiler, this provides ample storage space to ensure sufficient steam capacity.

[0105] The distance between the lowest point of the heating plate and the inner bottom surface of the chamber is greater than the diameter of the heating element 6.

[0106] See Figure 5 As shown, the distance between the lowest point of the heating plate and the inner bottom surface of the chamber is III and is greater than the diameter of the heating element 6. In other words, when the heating element 6 is a heating wire, the distance between the lowest point of the heating plate and the inner bottom surface of the chamber is III and is greater than the diameter of the heating wire. When the heating element 6 is a heating plate, the distance between the lowest point of the heating plate and the inner bottom surface of the chamber is III and is greater than the width of the cross-section of one side of the heating plate.

[0107] The distance between the lowest point of the heating plate and the inner bottom surface of the chamber is greater than 6 mm of the heating element, which avoids the heating plate directly contacting the furnace bottom, prevents local overheating, and ensures that the water can circulate fully above and below the heating plate through convection, resulting in more uniform heating and higher efficiency. It also facilitates the sedimentation and cleaning of impurities.

[0108] In some embodiments, on the projection of the radial cross section parallel to the furnace body 1, the distance between the line connecting the first side axis of the heating element 6 and the outer wall of the furnace body 1 in the radial direction of the furnace body 1 is B, the distance between the line connecting the second side axis of the heating element 6 and the outer wall of the furnace body 1 in the radial direction of the furnace body 1 is C, and the distance between the line connecting the first side axis of the heating element 6 and the line connecting the second side axis of the heating element 6 and the radial direction of the furnace body 1 is D, and B:C:D=1:1:2.

[0109] See Figure 3As shown, the extension direction of the horizontal axis of symmetry of the heating plate is the front-to-back direction. The area above the horizontal axis of symmetry of the heating plate is the first side, i.e., the right side, and the area below the horizontal axis of symmetry of the heating plate is the second side, i.e., the left side.

[0110] See Figure 3 As shown, on the projection of the heating element 6 onto the cross-section parallel to the furnace body 1, the distance between the line connecting the right axis of the heating element 6 and the outer wall of the furnace body 1 is B, and the distance between the line connecting the left axis of the heating element 6 and the outer wall of the furnace body 1 is C, and B=C, that is, the distances between the left and right sides of the heating element 6 and the outer wall of the furnace body 1 are the same. In other words, the distances between the left and right sides of the heating element 6 and the inner wall of the chamber are the same.

[0111] The distance between the left and right sides of the heating element 6 is D, which is twice the distance between B and C.

[0112] This configuration ensures that the gaps between the heating plate and the furnace wall are equal on both sides (B=C), guaranteeing uniform heating. The width (D) of the heating plate itself is exactly twice the gap on one side (B or C), and the heating plate occupies all usable space in the furnace body after deducting necessary gaps in the radial direction. This maximizes the heating area, thereby providing optimal heating power and the highest thermal efficiency within a limited volume. This allows the boiler to heat up quickly and simultaneously meet the heating efficiency requirements for both steam and hot water boiler applications.

[0113] The second aspect of this utility model provides a beverage machine, comprising: Includes at least one boiler as described in any of the first aspects, wherein one boiler is adapted as a hot water boiler for supplying hot water to the beverage machine, and / or, another boiler is adapted as a steam boiler for supplying steam to the beverage machine.

[0114] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A boiler, characterized in that, include: Furnace body, the furnace body forming a chamber; An inlet connector assembly includes multiple inlet connectors, the inlet connector assembly is located on the side wall of the furnace body, and one of the multiple inlet connectors is connected to a water source; An outlet connector assembly, comprising a plurality of outlet connectors, is located at the top of the furnace body; A heating element is arranged in a roundabout manner in the chamber to form a heating plate. The transverse axis of symmetry of the heating plate and the axis of the inlet connector assembly extend radially along the furnace body. The heating plate is arranged near the bottom of the furnace body. The boiler can be adapted to be a steam boiler or a hot water boiler based on the demand scenario. The steam boiler is used to generate steam, and the hot water boiler is used to generate hot water.

2. The boiler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of inlet connectors include a first inlet connector, a second inlet connector, and a third inlet connector, which are arranged sequentially from high to low along the same vertical line on the side wall of the furnace body; the outlet connector assembly includes a first outlet connector, a second outlet connector, and a third outlet connector, with the first outlet connector located at the center of the top, and the second and third outlet connectors spaced around the periphery of the first outlet connector.

3. The boiler according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the boiler is adapted to be a hot water boiler, a first temperature sensor is installed on the first inlet connector to detect the temperature of the water entering the chamber, the second inlet connector is connected to the inlet pipe to introduce water into the chamber, and the third inlet connector is connected to the pressure relief pipe to relieve pressure on the hot water boiler; at least one of the first outlet connector and the third outlet connector is connected to the outlet pipe to discharge the water in the chamber, and a second temperature sensor is installed on the second outlet connector to detect the temperature of the water discharged from the chamber.

4. The boiler according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the boiler is adapted into a steam boiler, the first inlet connector is connected to a water inlet pipe to introduce water into the chamber, and the third inlet connector is connected to a pressure relief pipe to relieve pressure on the steam boiler; a water level probe is installed on the first outlet connector to detect the liquid water level in the steam boiler, one of the second outlet connector and the third outlet connector is connected to a water outlet pipe to discharge steam from the chamber, and a third temperature sensor is installed on the other of the second outlet connector and the third outlet connector to detect the temperature of the steam.

5. The boiler according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lowest point of the water level probe is higher than the highest point of the heating plate.

6. The boiler according to claim 1, characterized in that, In different scenarios where the boiler is adapted to be a steam boiler or a hot water boiler, the accessories required for installation or connection of the inlet connector assembly and the outlet connector assembly are different, and / or the connectors corresponding to the same type of accessories are different.

7. The boiler according to claim 2, characterized in that, The axis of the first inlet connector is located below the highest point of the heating plate; the axis of the third inlet connector is co-linear with the transverse axis of symmetry of the heating plate; on the projection plane parallel to the radial cross-section of the furnace body, there is a preset angle between the projection of the axis of the second inlet connector and the projection of the line connecting the axis of one side of the heating component, and the preset angle is less than or equal to 5°.

8. The boiler according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The ratio between the dimension of the heating plate in the height direction of the furnace body and the height of the chamber is less than 1 / 2; the distance between the lowest point of the heating plate and the inner bottom surface of the chamber is greater than the diameter of the heating element.

9. The boiler according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, On the projection parallel to the radial cross-section of the furnace body, the distance between the line connecting the first side axis of the heating component and the outer wall of the furnace body in the radial direction is B, the distance between the line connecting the second side axis of the heating component and the outer wall of the furnace body in the radial direction is C, and the distance between the line connecting the first side axis of the heating component and the line connecting the second side axis of the heating component and the radial direction of the furnace body is D, and B:C:D=1:1:

2.

10. A beverage machine, characterized in that, include: Includes at least one boiler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein one of the boilers is adapted as a hot water boiler for providing hot water to the beverage machine, and / or the other boiler is adapted as a steam boiler for providing steam to the beverage machine.

Images