Coffee machine steam generator

CN224792131UActive Publication Date: 2026-09-25OPTO AUTOMATION ENG (DONGGUAN) CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202522201779.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-10-17
Publication Date
2026-09-25
Estimated Expiration
2035-10-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

咖啡机通过设置腔室,利用在腔室的加热元件将水加热至高温高压状态,从而持续产生蒸汽,存在蒸汽产生效率低,预热时间长的缺点

Benefits of technology

高效加热与节能设计:采用连续S形往复分布的管道结构,延长水流路径并增大受热面积,结合PTC发热单元的直接加热方式,显著提升热能转换效率,实现快速蒸汽生成(可缩短30%以上预热时间)。PTC发热单元具备自限温特性,避免过热风险,相比传统加热管节能约15%-20%。

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to coffee machine technical field discloses a coffee machine steam generator device, include: coffee machine, steam generator includes the pipeline that is continuous S shape reciprocating distribution and sets up PTC heating unit between the pipeline, one end of the pipeline is the water inlet, the other end of the pipeline is the steam outlet, the steam outlet is connected with the coffee machine, PTC heating unit and outside controller electric connection. The utility model realizes efficient heating and energy -conserving design, compact stable mechanical structure.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of coffee machine technology, and in particular to a steam generating device for coffee machines. Background Technology

[0002] The steam in a coffee machine is typically generated by heating water to boiling and then further heating it. Coffee machines use a chamber with a heating element inside to heat water to a high temperature and pressure, thereby continuously producing steam. However, this method has the disadvantages of low steam generation efficiency and long preheating time.

[0003] Therefore, improvements are needed. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem solved by this utility model is to address the deficiencies in the prior art by providing a steam generator for a coffee machine, thereby resolving the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a coffee machine steam generating device, comprising: a coffee machine; a steam generator, the steam generator comprising pipes arranged in a continuous S-shape and reciprocatingly and a PTC heating unit disposed between the pipes, one end of the pipes being a water inlet and the other end of the pipes being a steam outlet, the steam outlet being connected to the coffee machine, and the PTC heating unit being electrically connected to an external controller.

[0006] Furthermore, the system includes a fixed support, wherein there is one or more fixed supports, each fixed support comprising a first L-shaped support, a second L-shaped support spaced apart from the first L-shaped support, a first connecting rod connected to the first L-shaped support and the second L-shaped support, and a second connecting rod connected to the first L-shaped support and the second L-shaped support; the first connecting rod contacts the upper end face of the pipe to limit the pipe's movement; the second connecting rod contacts the lower end face of the pipe to limit the pipe's movement.

[0007] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: High-efficiency heating and energy-saving design: Utilizing a continuous S-shaped reciprocating pipe structure, the water flow path is extended and the heating area is increased. Combined with the direct heating method of the PTC heating unit, this significantly improves heat conversion efficiency and achieves rapid steam generation (shortening preheating time by more than 30%). The PTC heating unit has self-limiting temperature characteristics, avoiding the risk of overheating, and saves approximately 15%-20% energy compared to traditional heating tubes.

[0008] Compact and stable mechanical structure: The fixed support system composed of L-shaped brackets and connecting rods limits the upper and lower bidirectional movement of the S-shaped pipe, effectively preventing displacement and deformation of the pipe due to thermal expansion and contraction or vibration, and improving the durability of the device; the modular design facilitates assembly and maintenance, and reduces production costs. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a steam generator.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a steam generator.

[0012] Reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Coffee machine; 2. Steam generator; 3. Pipe; 4. PTC heating unit; 5. Fixing bracket; 6. First L-shaped bracket; 7. Second L-shaped bracket; 8. First connecting rod; 9. Second connecting rod. Detailed Implementation

[0013] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as limiting this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "several" or "more than" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances. In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" a second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or it can include contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Moreover, "above," "over," and "on top" of a second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" of a second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0015] In view of the technical problems described in the background art, such as Figure 1-3 As shown, a steam generating device for a coffee machine 1 is provided, including: a coffee machine 1; a steam generator 2, the steam generator 2 including pipes 3 distributed in a continuous S-shape and PTC heating units 4 disposed between the pipes 3, one end of the pipes 3 being a water inlet and the other end of the pipes 3 being a steam outlet, the steam outlet being connected to the coffee machine 1, and the PTC heating unit 4 being electrically connected to an external controller.

[0016] The steam generator of this invention mainly consists of the coffee machine body 1 and the steam generator 2, and is equipped with a fixed bracket 5 to ensure the stable operation of the steam generator 2. The steam generator 2 achieves efficient steam generation through a unique pipe layout 3 and heating method, while the fixed bracket 5 ensures the structural stability of the entire device during long-term use.

[0017] Coffee machine 1 can be a commonly used coffee machine on the market. This coffee machine 1 requires steam for frothing milk. Steam generator 2 includes pipes 3 and PTC heating units 4. Pipes 3 are arranged in a continuous S-shape. Water enters from the inlet at one end of pipe 3 and meanders along the continuous S-shaped path until it flows out from the steam outlet at the other end. This layout greatly extends the flow path of water in pipe 3, significantly increasing the contact time between the water and the inner wall of pipe 3 compared to the traditional straight pipe 3. At the same time, the continuous S-shaped structure effectively expands the surface area of ​​pipe 3, providing a larger contact area for heat transfer, thereby significantly improving the heat conversion efficiency. PTC heating units 4 are cleverly arranged between pipes 3. PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) material has unique self-limiting temperature characteristics, which is its key advantage over traditional heating elements. When PTC heating unit 4 is powered on, its resistance increases with the increase of temperature. When the temperature reaches the Curie temperature point, the resistance increases sharply, thereby limiting the current flow, automatically reducing the heating power, and preventing the temperature from rising further. This feature effectively avoids the overheating phenomenon that may occur with traditional heating elements, greatly improving the safety of the device.

[0018] In practical operation, the PTC heating unit 4 is electrically connected to an external controller. The external controller can precisely control the power supply time and power of the PTC heating unit 4 according to a preset program. For example, in the initial stage of coffee machine 1 startup, when rapid steam generation is required, the controller can increase the power supply to rapidly heat the PTC heating unit 4, providing sufficient heat to the water in pipe 3. Once the steam generation reaches a stable state, the controller can appropriately reduce the power to maintain a continuous steam supply while achieving energy savings. According to actual tests, using the PTC heating unit 4 can save approximately 15%-20% more energy compared to traditional heating elements.

[0019] The other end of the pipe 3 of the steam generator 2 is a steam outlet, which is tightly connected to the coffee machine 1 through a suitable connection method. This connection method ensures that steam can be smoothly delivered from the steam generator 2 to the inside of the coffee machine 1, providing stable high-temperature steam for operations such as milk frothing during the coffee making process.

[0020] In terms of steam generation efficiency, the use of a continuous S-shaped reciprocating pipe 3 and a direct heating method with PTC heating unit 4 significantly improves heat conversion efficiency, noticeably accelerates steam generation, and reduces preheating time by more than 30%. This means users can enjoy delicious coffee much faster by waiting for the coffee machine 1 to prepare steam. Regarding energy saving, the self-limiting temperature characteristics and precise power control of the PTC heating unit 4 enable the device to effectively reduce energy consumption while meeting steam demand, aligning with modern energy-saving and environmental protection principles.

[0021] like Figure 3 As shown, this utility model includes a fixed bracket 5, and there are more than one fixed bracket 5. The fixed bracket 5 includes a first L-shaped bracket 6, a second L-shaped bracket 7 spaced apart from the first L-shaped bracket 6, a first connecting rod 8 connected to the first L-shaped bracket 6 and the second L-shaped bracket 7, and a second connecting rod 9 connected to the first L-shaped bracket 6 and the second L-shaped bracket 7. The first connecting rod 8 contacts the upper end face of the pipe 3 and limits the pipe 3. The second connecting rod 9 contacts the lower end face of the pipe 3 and limits the pipe 3.

[0022] The first connecting rod 8 contacts the upper end face of pipe 3, and the second connecting rod 9 contacts the lower end face of pipe 3. This bidirectional limiting method effectively secures the S-shaped pipe 3. During the operation of the steam generator 2, pipe 3 will experience thermal expansion and contraction due to the high temperature of the internal water flow. Simultaneously, the coffee machine 1 may vibrate during operation. Without the limiting effect of the fixing bracket 5, pipe 3 may shift and deform, resulting in loose contact between pipe 3 and the PTC heating unit 4, affecting heat transfer efficiency, and potentially even causing pipe 3 to rupture, posing a safety hazard.

[0023] The fixed bracket 5 adopts a modular design concept, with each component assembled using standard connection methods, such as bolt connections and snap-fit ​​connections. This design makes the assembly process of the fixed bracket 5 simple and quick, reducing production costs. At the same time, the modular design also facilitates rapid disassembly and installation when maintenance or component replacement of the steam generator is required.

[0024] The above does not limit the technical scope of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this utility model shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this utility model.

Claims

1. A steam generator for a coffee machine, characterized in that, include: Coffee machine; A steam generator includes pipes arranged in a continuous S-shape and reciprocating pattern, and a PTC heating unit disposed between the pipes. One end of the pipe is a water inlet, and the other end of the pipe is a steam outlet. The steam outlet is connected to the coffee machine, and the PTC heating unit is electrically connected to an external controller.

2. The coffee machine steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: It includes a fixed bracket, wherein there is one or more fixed brackets, and the fixed bracket includes a first L-shaped bracket, a second L-shaped bracket spaced apart from the first L-shaped bracket, a first connecting rod connected to the first L-shaped bracket and the second L-shaped bracket, and a second connecting rod connected to the first L-shaped bracket and the second L-shaped bracket; The first connecting rod contacts the upper end face of the pipe to limit the pipe's movement; the second connecting rod contacts the lower end face of the pipe to limit the pipe's movement.