Water vapor separation structure and coffee machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a water vapor separation structure and coffee machine, this water vapor separation structure includes cavity, first plug and second plug, cavity is equipped with steam inlet, steam outlet, air inlet and water outlet, first plug sets up at air inlet, second plug sets up at water outlet, and the elastic member is sleeved on second plug, wherein, when passing steam inlet and importing steam to the cavity, the steam pressure in the cavity increases, and first plug will be air inlet and be sealed, and second plug compresses elastic member and will be water outlet and be sealed, and steam separates steam and water in the cavity, and steam exports through steam outlet, then, import air to air inlet, and air pressure will open first plug and enter the cavity balance pressure, and second plug opens under the elastic force of elastic member to make the water in the cavity export through water outlet. Therefore, the steam output quality is optimized, and the experience of user in the link such as milk froth or steam cleaning is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliances, specifically to a water vapor separation structure and a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] In existing coffee machine technology, the steam system is usually used to achieve functions such as milk frothing, preheating, and cleaning, and its steam is mainly generated by heating water.

[0003] However, during the steam generation process, a large amount of moisture is often output along with it, forming high-humidity humid steam, which makes it difficult to provide a pure and dry steam effect. On the one hand, the high moisture content of the steam will affect the quality of milk frothing, resulting in milk foam that is not fine enough or cannot be fully frothed, thus reducing the user experience. On the other hand, after prolonged use, humid steam can also easily lead to water accumulation inside the coffee machine or residue in the pipes, affecting the service life of the equipment and the efficiency of cleaning and maintenance. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to overcome the defects of the prior art, the present invention provides a water vapor separation structure and a coffee machine, which optimizes the quality of steam output and improves the user experience in milk frothing or steam cleaning.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its problem is: A water vapor separation structure, comprising: The cavity is equipped with a steam inlet, a steam outlet, an air inlet, and a water outlet; The first plug is located at the air inlet; A second plug is provided at the water outlet, and an elastic element is fitted on the second plug. When steam is introduced into the cavity through the steam inlet, the steam pressure inside the cavity increases. The first plug seals the air inlet, and the second plug compresses the elastic element and seals the water outlet. The steam separates into steam and water inside the cavity, and the steam is discharged through the steam outlet. Subsequently, air is introduced into the air inlet. The air pressure opens the first plug and enters the cavity to balance the pressure. The second plug opens under the elastic force of the elastic element, allowing the water inside the cavity to be discharged through the water outlet.

[0006] Furthermore, it also includes an air intake connector, which is connected to the air intake port; The air inlet connector has a first movable cavity, the first plug is movably installed in the first movable cavity, and the first plug is fitted with a first sealing ring; the air inlet has a notch. When the steam pressure inside the cavity increases, the first plug moves upward and presses against the inner wall of the first movable cavity to seal the first sealing ring; when air enters through the air inlet, the air pressure pushes the first plug downward and opens it, so that air enters the cavity through the gap to balance the pressure.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes a water outlet connector, which is connected to the water outlet, and the water outlet connector has a second movable cavity, in which the second plug is movably installed; When the steam pressure inside the cavity increases, the second plug moves downward to overcome the elastic force of the elastic element and compress the elastic element, thus blocking and sealing the outlet. When air enters the cavity to balance the pressure, the second plug moves upward under the elastic force of the elastic element to open, allowing the water inside the cavity to be discharged through the outlet.

[0008] Furthermore, the bottom of the second plug is provided with a spherical surface or a first arc surface, and the second movable cavity is provided with a second arc surface that cooperates with the spherical surface or the first arc surface; When the second plug moves downward to overcome the elastic force of the elastic element and compress the elastic element, the spherical surface abuts against the first arc surface to block and seal the water outlet.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes a first housing and a second housing, the first housing and the second housing being snapped together to form the cavity; the steam inlet, the steam outlet and the air inlet are all opened on the first housing, and the water outlet is opened on the second housing; The first housing is provided with a slot that mates with the second housing. A second sealing ring is engaged in the slot. The second housing is engaged in the slot and presses the second sealing ring to achieve a seal.

[0010] Furthermore, the second housing is provided with a first connecting post, and the first housing is provided with a connecting lug at the position corresponding to the first connecting post. The connecting lug is provided with a first through hole and a first slot that cooperates with the first connecting post. When the second housing is snapped into the slot, the first connecting post is inserted into the first slot and secured to the first connecting post by the second fastener passing through the first through hole.

[0011] Furthermore, the air inlet is provided with an outwardly extending first insert, and a third sealing ring is fitted on the first insert. The air inlet connector is provided with a second slot. The first insert is inserted into the second slot and squeezes the third sealing ring to achieve a seal. The air intake connector has a protrusion at the position corresponding to the first through hole, and the protrusion has a second through hole; when the first insert is inserted into the second slot, the second through hole is aligned with the first through hole, and can be fixed to the first housing by the second fastener passing through the second through hole and the first through hole in sequence and then fastened to the first connecting post.

[0012] Furthermore, the water outlet is provided with a second outwardly protruding insert, and a fourth sealing ring is fitted on the second insert. The water outlet connector is provided with a third slot. The second insert is inserted into the third slot and squeezes the fourth sealing ring to achieve a seal. The second housing is also provided with a second connecting post, and the water outlet connector is provided with a connecting block at the position corresponding to the second connecting post, and the connecting block is provided with a third through hole and a fourth slot that cooperates with the second connecting post; When the second insert is inserted into the third slot, the fourth slot is inserted into the second connecting post, and is fixed to the second connecting post by the fourth fastener passing through the third through hole.

[0013] Furthermore, the bottom of the cavity is provided with an inclined surface to guide water into the outlet.

[0014] A coffee machine including the aforementioned water vapor separation structure.

[0015] In summary, this utility model has the following technical effects: 1. The water vapor separation structure and coffee machine of this utility model, when steam is introduced into the cavity, the pressure inside the cavity increases, causing the first plug to automatically close the air inlet. At the same time, the second plug compresses the elastic element under the action of steam pressure to close the water outlet, so that the wet steam entering the cavity can achieve effective vapor-liquid separation in the cavity. After removing excess water, it is discharged through the steam outlet, thereby outputting drier and purer steam, significantly improving the fineness and stability of milk frothing, optimizing the steam output quality, and improving the user's experience in milk frothing or steam cleaning.

[0016] 2. The water vapor separation structure and coffee machine of this utility model can continuously output relatively dry and pure steam, which not only improves the milk frothing effect and enhances the fineness and stability of the milk foam, but also effectively reduces the problems of water accumulation in pipes and moisture damage to components caused by wet steam, extends the life of the equipment, and enhances the safety of the whole machine and the user experience. It has significant practical value and promotion prospects. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water vapor separation structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a side view of the water vapor separation structure of this utility model; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Cross-sectional schematic diagram of section AA; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first shell in the water vapor separation structure of this utility model from one perspective. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first shell in the water vapor separation structure of this utility model from a second perspective. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the second shell in the water vapor separation structure of this utility model from one perspective. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the second shell in the water vapor separation structure of this utility model from a second perspective. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the air inlet connector in the water vapor separation structure of this utility model; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the first plug in the water vapor separation structure of this utility model; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the water outlet connector from one perspective in the water vapor separation structure of this utility model; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the water outlet connector from a second perspective in the water-vapor separation structure of this utility model; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the second plug in the water vapor separation structure of this utility model; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] The meanings of the reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows: 1. Water vapor separation structure; 11. First shell; 111. Steam inlet; 112. Steam outlet; 113. Air inlet; 1131. First insert block; 1132. Notch; 1133. Third sealing ring; 114. Slot; 115. Connecting ear; 1151. First through hole; 1152. First slot; 12. Second shell; 121. Water outlet; 1211. Second insert block; 1212. Fourth sealing ring; 122. First inner cavity; 123. Second inner cavity; 124. First connecting post; 125. Inclined surface; 126. Connecting plate; 12 7. Second connecting post; 13. Cavity; 2. Second sealing ring; 3. Air inlet connector; 31. First movable cavity; 311. Third arc surface; 32. Second slot; 33. Protrusion; 331. Second through hole; 4. First plug; 41. First sealing ring; 42. First step; 5. Water outlet connector; 51. Second movable cavity; 52. Third slot; 53. Second arc surface; 54. Connecting block; 541. Third through hole; 542. Fourth slot; 6. Second plug; 61. First arc surface; 62. Second step; 7. Elastic element; 8. Body; 9. Nozzle. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To better understand and implement this invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the module or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0022] Example 1 like Figure 1-12 The water vapor separation structure shown includes a cavity 13, a first plug 4 and a second plug 6. The cavity 13 is provided with a steam inlet 111, a steam outlet 112, an air inlet 113 and a water outlet 121. The first plug 4 is located at the air inlet 113 and the second plug 6 is located at the water outlet 121. An elastic element 7 is sleeved on the second plug 6.

[0023] During operation, when steam enters the cavity 13 through the steam inlet 111, the pressure inside the cavity 13 rapidly increases. At this time, the first plug 4 moves upward under the steam pressure to seal the inlet 113, forming a seal. Simultaneously, the second plug 6 overcomes the elastic force of the elastic element 7 and compresses downward under the steam pressure, thereby sealing the outlet 121. This allows the steam to form a stable flow field within the sealed cavity 13 and achieves gravity separation of steam and water within the vertical space inside the cavity 13—the steam naturally rises while the liquid water sinks, thus effectively drying the wet steam. Finally, the dried steam after water-vapor separation is discharged through the steam outlet 112, effectively improving the steam quality.

[0024] After steam use, air is introduced through the air inlet 113. The first plug 4 is pushed back into place by the airflow to open the channel, allowing external air to enter the cavity 13 to balance the pressure. At the same time, the second plug 6 is reset upward under the elastic force of the elastic element 7, opening the water outlet 121 and discharging the separated liquid water to the outside of the cavity 13. Through the above structure, the automatic separation and discharge cycle of steam and water is realized, effectively optimizing the steam output quality and improving the user experience in functional modules such as milk frothing and cleaning.

[0025] It should be noted that when not in use, the steam outlet 112 is usually closed. Therefore, when steam enters the cavity 13, it will increase the internal pressure and separate the steam and water inside the cavity 13. After the steam is discharged through the steam outlet 112, the internal air pressure decreases. At the same time, air is introduced through the air inlet 113 to balance the internal pressure of the cavity 13. When the pressure inside the cavity 13 is lower than the elastic force of the elastic element 7, the second plug 6 will open the water outlet 121 under the elastic force of the elastic element 7 and discharge the water inside the cavity 13.

[0026] See Figure 8-9 The water vapor separation structure also includes an air inlet connector 3, which is installed at the air inlet 113. The air inlet connector 3 has a first movable cavity 31, and a first plug 4 is movably installed in the first movable cavity 31. The first plug 4 has a first step 42, and a first sealing ring 41 is fitted on the first step 42. The air inlet 113 has a notch 1132. When the steam pressure in the cavity 13 increases, the first plug 4 moves upward and presses the first sealing ring 41 against the inner wall of the first movable cavity 31 to seal the air inlet 113. When air needs to be added to the cavity 13, the air pressure pushes the first plug 4 downward to open, and air can enter the cavity 13 through the notch 1132, thereby automatically realizing air pressure balance and circulation control.

[0027] In addition, the inner wall of the first movable cavity 31 is provided with a third arc surface 311, which cooperates with the first plug 4. When the first plug 4 moves upward under the action of steam pressure, it and the third arc surface 311 on the inner wall of the first movable cavity 31 together compress the first sealing ring 41 disposed therebetween, thereby achieving a reliable seal on the air inlet 113. By providing the third arc surface 311, the first sealing ring 41 can form a more uniform and tighter contact with the inner wall of the first movable cavity 31 during the compression process, improving the sealing performance while reducing the risk of local deformation or wear of the first sealing ring 41 due to irregular contact surfaces. This structure effectively enhances the sealing stability and service life of the first plug 4, ensuring that it can maintain good airtightness under repeated opening and closing or high-pressure impacts, which helps to improve the overall reliability and durability of the water vapor separation structure 1.

[0028] See Figure 10-12 The water-vapor separation structure also includes a water outlet connector 5, which is connected to the water outlet 121. The water outlet connector 5 has a second movable cavity 51 inside, and a second plug 6 is movably installed within the second movable cavity 51. The second plug 6 has a second step 62, and the elastic element 7 is fitted onto the second step 62. When the steam pressure inside the cavity 13 increases, the second plug 6 compresses the elastic element 7 downwards to seal the water outlet 121. When the pressure inside the cavity 13 returns to equilibrium, the elastic element 7 releases its elastic force, pushing the second plug 6 upwards to open the water outlet 121, thus achieving automatic drainage. To improve the sealing effect, the bottom of the second plug 6 has a spherical or first arc surface 61 structure, which makes sealing contact with the corresponding matching second arc surface 53 inside the second movable cavity 51, enhancing sealing stability and durability.

[0029] See Figure 4-7 This embodiment also includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 12. The second housing 12 has a second inner cavity 123 and a first inner cavity 122 located vertically inside. The cavity 13 is formed by the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, with the second inner cavity 123 and the first inner cavity 122 interlocking. The steam inlet 111, the steam outlet 112, and the air inlet 113 are located on the first housing 11, while the water outlet 121 is located on the second housing 12. The first housing 11 has a slot 114, and a second sealing ring 2 is provided in the slot 114. After the top of the second housing 12 is inserted into the slot 114, the second sealing ring 2 is pressed to form a seal, which facilitates modular assembly, disassembly, and maintenance.

[0030] To further enhance structural stability, the second housing 12 is provided with a first connecting post 124, and the first housing 11 is provided with a connecting ear 115 at a corresponding position. The connecting ear 115 is provided with a first through hole 1151 and a first slot 1152. The second fastener passes through the first through hole 1151 and is fastened to the first connecting post 124 to achieve fixation, thereby improving the connection strength and impact resistance of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12.

[0031] In addition, in this embodiment, the second housing 12 is also provided with a connecting plate 126, so that the water vapor separation structure 1 can be fixed to the coffee machine by screws passing through the connecting plate 126, thereby improving the steam quality of the coffee machine.

[0032] Regarding the air intake connection structure, the air intake 113 extends to form a first insert 1131 and is fitted with a third sealing ring 1133. The notch 1132 is opened on the first insert 1131. The air intake connector 3 is provided with a second slot 32. The first insert 1131 is inserted into the second slot 32 and the third sealing ring 1133 is pressed to achieve a seal. The air intake connector 3 is provided with a protrusion 33 at the position corresponding to the first through hole 1151. The protrusion 33 is provided with a second through hole 331. When the first insert 1131 is inserted into the second slot 32, the second through hole 331 is aligned with the first through hole 1151. The air intake connector 3 can be fixed on the first housing 11 by passing the second fastener through the second through hole 331 and the first through hole 1151 in sequence.

[0033] It should be noted that the second through hole 331 is aligned with the first through hole 1151. The second fastener passes through the second through hole 331 and the first through hole 1151 in sequence and is then fastened to the first connecting post 124 to fix the air inlet connector 3 to the first housing 11. This simplifies the structural design, reduces the number of fasteners, and lowers the assembly complexity and production cost.

[0034] Similarly, the outlet 121 is provided with an outwardly protruding second insert 1211, and a fourth sealing ring 1212 is fitted on the second insert 1211. The water outlet connector 5 is provided with a third slot 52. The second insert 1211 is inserted into the third slot 52 and squeezes the fourth sealing ring 1212 to achieve a seal. The bottom of the second housing 12 is also provided with a second connecting post 127. The water outlet connector 5 is provided with a connecting block 54 at the position corresponding to the second connecting post 127. The connecting block 54 is provided with a third through hole 541 and a fourth slot 542 that cooperates with the second connecting post 127. When the second insert 1211 is inserted into the third slot 52, the fourth slot 542 is inserted into the second connecting post 127 and is fixed by a third fastener passing through the third through hole 541 and fastened to the second connecting post 127. This further improves the structural integrity and ease of disassembly and assembly.

[0035] In addition, the bottom of the cavity 13 is provided with a slope 125 structure to guide the water in the cavity 13 to flow naturally to the outlet, thereby improving the water vapor separation efficiency, preventing water residue, and improving cleaning performance and service life.

[0036] Example 2 like Figure 13-14The coffee machine shown includes the water vapor separation structure of the above embodiment 1. The coffee machine also includes a body 8 and a nozzle 9. The water vapor separation structure 1 is installed in the body 8. The steam outlet 112 is connected to the nozzle 9 through a steam pipe. It is suitable for various functional scenarios such as milk frothing, heating, and cleaning.

[0037] In summary, the water-vapor separation structure and coffee machine of this utility model, when steam is introduced into the cavity 13, the pressure inside the cavity 13 increases, causing the first plug 4 to automatically close the air inlet 113. At the same time, the second plug 6 compresses the elastic element 7 under the action of steam pressure to close the water outlet 121, so that the wet steam entering the cavity 13 can achieve effective vapor-liquid separation in the cavity 13. After removing excess water, it is discharged through the steam outlet 112, thereby outputting drier and purer steam, significantly improving the fineness and stability of milk frothing, optimizing the steam output quality, and improving the user's experience in milk frothing or steam cleaning.

[0038] This utility model relates to a water vapor separation structure and a coffee machine. The coffee machine can continuously output relatively dry and pure steam, which not only improves the milk frothing effect and enhances the fineness and stability of the milk foam, but also effectively reduces the problems of water accumulation in pipes and moisture damage to components caused by wet steam, extends the life of the equipment, and enhances the safety of the whole machine and the user experience. It has significant practical value and promotion prospects.

[0039] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on the other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to the other component.

[0040] It should be understood that the terms "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the module or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0041] Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, "multiple" and "several" mean two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0042] The technical means disclosed in this utility model are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications are also considered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water vapor separation structure, characterized in that, include: The cavity is equipped with a steam inlet, a steam outlet, an air inlet, and a water outlet; The first plug is located at the air inlet; A second plug is provided at the water outlet, and an elastic element is fitted on the second plug. When steam is introduced into the cavity through the steam inlet, the steam pressure inside the cavity increases. The first plug seals the air inlet, and the second plug compresses the elastic element and seals the water outlet. The steam separates into steam and water inside the cavity, and the steam is discharged through the steam outlet. Subsequently, air is introduced into the air inlet. The air pressure opens the first plug and enters the cavity to balance the pressure. The second plug opens under the elastic force of the elastic element, allowing the water inside the cavity to be discharged through the water outlet.

2. The water vapor separation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an air intake connector, which is connected to the air intake port; The air inlet connector has a first movable cavity, the first plug is movably installed in the first movable cavity, and the first plug is fitted with a first sealing ring; the air inlet has a notch. When the steam pressure inside the cavity increases, the first plug moves upward and presses against the inner wall of the first movable cavity to seal the first sealing ring; when air enters through the air inlet, the air pressure pushes the first plug downward and opens it, so that air enters the cavity through the gap to balance the pressure.

3. The water vapor separation structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a water outlet connector, which is connected to the water outlet, and the water outlet connector has a second movable cavity, in which the second plug is movably installed; When the steam pressure inside the cavity increases, the second plug moves downward to overcome the elastic force of the elastic element and compress the elastic element, thus blocking and sealing the outlet. When air enters the cavity to balance the pressure, the second plug moves upward under the elastic force of the elastic element to open, allowing the water inside the cavity to be discharged through the outlet.

4. The water vapor separation structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom of the second plug is provided with a spherical surface or a first arc surface, and the second movable cavity is provided with a second arc surface that mates with the spherical surface or the first arc surface; When the second plug moves downward to overcome the elastic force of the elastic element and compress the elastic element, the spherical surface abuts against the first arc surface to block and seal the water outlet.

5. The water vapor separation structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a first housing and a second housing, the first housing and the second housing being snapped together to form the cavity; the steam inlet, the steam outlet and the air inlet are all opened on the first housing, and the water outlet is opened on the second housing; The first housing is provided with a slot that mates with the second housing. A second sealing ring is engaged in the slot. The second housing is engaged in the slot and presses the second sealing ring to achieve a seal.

6. The water vapor separation structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second housing is provided with a first connecting post, and the first housing is provided with a connecting lug corresponding to the position of the first connecting post. The connecting lug is provided with a first through hole and a first slot that mates with the first connecting post. When the second housing is snapped into the slot, the first connecting post is inserted into the first slot and secured to the first connecting post by the second fastener passing through the first through hole.

7. The water vapor separation structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The air inlet is provided with an outwardly extending first insert, and a third sealing ring is fitted on the first insert. The air inlet connector is provided with a second slot. The first insert is inserted into the second slot and squeezes the third sealing ring to achieve a seal. The air intake connector has a protrusion at the position corresponding to the first through hole, and the protrusion has a second through hole; when the first insert is inserted into the second slot, the second through hole is aligned with the first through hole, and can be fixed to the first housing by the second fastener passing through the second through hole and the first through hole in sequence and then fastened to the first connecting post.

8. The water vapor separation structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The water outlet is provided with a second insert protruding outward, and a fourth sealing ring is fitted on the second insert. The water outlet connector is provided with a third slot. The second insert is inserted into the third slot and squeezes the fourth sealing ring to achieve a seal. The second housing is also provided with a second connecting post, and the water outlet connector is provided with a connecting block at the position corresponding to the second connecting post, and the connecting block is provided with a third through hole and a fourth slot that cooperates with the second connecting post; When the second insert is inserted into the third slot, the fourth slot is inserted into the second connecting post, and is fixed to the second connecting post by the fourth fastener passing through the third through hole.

9. The water vapor separation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the cavity is also provided with a slope to guide water into the outlet.

10. A coffee machine, characterized in that, The water vapor separation structure includes any one of claims 1-9.

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