Coffee maker
By introducing a liquid level stabilization module and a one-way valve into the coffee machine, and using a float assembly to control the water flow, the problem of hot water falling back and being reheated multiple times is solved, achieving stable water temperature and flow rate to meet the water output requirements of the coffee machine.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGDONG MIDEA CONSUMER ELECTRICS MFG CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
Smart Images

Figure CN117378929B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of coffee machine technology, and particularly to a coffee machine. Background Technology
[0002] Currently used coffee machines generally include a water tank module, a heating module, and a brewing module. The water tank module, heating module, and brewing module are connected in series to form a connected water system, ensuring that the water in the water tank module flows into the heating module. The hot water generated by the heating module flows into the coffee powder container in the brewing module to brew coffee.
[0003] When the flow path between the heating module and the brewing module is long, the hot water flowing to the brewing module may fall back to the heating module for multiple heating cycles, resulting in overheating of the water and a significant increase in the amount of steam generated. At the same time, the water flow rate decreases, which greatly prolongs the time it takes for the water in the water tank module to drain completely. This fails to meet the ECBC (European Coffee Brewing Center) requirement for water output time, which is that 1.25L of water needs to be drained in 6 minutes. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a coffee machine that, while ensuring the water temperature, shortens the time it takes for all the water in the tank to drain.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a coffee machine comprising:
[0006] The water tank is equipped with a water outlet.
[0007] A liquid level stabilization module includes a housing and a float assembly. The housing has an inlet that connects to the outlet of the water tank, and a first outlet and a second outlet. The second outlet is connected to the atmosphere. The float assembly is used to open or close the inlet.
[0008] A brewing module and a pipeline, wherein the pipeline connects the first outlet to the brewing module;
[0009] A heating element is disposed in the pipe; and
[0010] A first one-way valve is disposed in the pipeline and located between the heating element and the brewing module, wherein the conduction direction of the first one-way valve is configured to be from the pipeline toward the brewing module.
[0011] Optionally, when the float assembly seals the inlet, the height difference between the liquid level inside the housing and the first one-way valve in the vertical direction of the coffee machine is H2, where 10mm ≤ H2 ≤ 20mm.
[0012] Optionally, the coffee machine further includes a water outlet pipe, which is connected to the pipeline and located between the first one-way valve and the heating element;
[0013] And / or, the power P of the heating element satisfies: 1300W≤P≤1600W.
[0014] Optionally, the coffee machine further includes a second one-way valve, which is disposed between the liquid level stabilization module and the heating element, and the conduction direction of the second one-way valve is configured to be from the liquid level stabilization module toward the pipeline.
[0015] Optionally, when the float assembly seals the inlet, the distance H1 between the liquid level in the housing and the second one-way valve, the distance H2 between the liquid level in the housing and the first one-way valve, and the distance H3 between the liquid level in the housing and the plane where the outlet of the pipe is located satisfy: H1≥H3-H2.
[0016] Optionally, the second check valve is configured as a check valve with no opening pressure.
[0017] Optionally, the pipe has a pipe portion in which internal liquid flows upward, and the heating element is disposed at least on the pipe portion.
[0018] Optionally, the heating element is arranged in an L-shape.
[0019] Optionally, the float assembly includes a float body disposed within the housing, and is capable of having a first state of sealing the water inlet and a second state of opening the water inlet under the action of buoyancy.
[0020] Optionally, the maximum buoyancy force on the float body is 2 to 5 times the weight of the float body.
[0021] And / or, the ratio between the cross-sectional area of the shell and the cross-sectional area of the float body is s, where 1.2 ≤ s ≤ 3.
[0022] Optionally, the coffee machine further includes a water shortage detection device, which is located in the water tank and / or the liquid level stabilization module.
[0023] In the technical solution of this invention, a first one-way valve is provided between the heating element and the brewing module, and the conduction direction of the first one-way valve is configured to be from the pipe toward the brewing module. When the hot water temperature reaches the preset temperature, the hot water can pass through the first one-way valve and flow toward the brewing module. Furthermore, the first one-way valve can restrict the hot water flowing toward the brewing module from falling back into the pipe corresponding to the heating element. This can effectively reduce the possibility of excessively high water temperature, increased water vapor, and reduced water volume caused by repeated heating, and ensure the outlet water temperature and outlet water volume.
[0024] By repeatedly switching between the first and second states using a float assembly, the liquid in the water tank continuously flows into the pipe corresponding to the heating element. Through the cooperation of the heating element and the first one-way valve, on the one hand, the water temperature can reach the specified temperature to ensure the taste of the brewed coffee. On the other hand, the generated hot water reliably flows to the brewing module, thereby effectively controlling the water flow of the coffee machine, shortening the time it takes for the water in the tank to drain, and meeting the ECBC (European Coffee Brewing Center) requirements for water output time. Attached Figure Description
[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the coffee machine of the present invention;
[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the liquid flow direction of a medium-sized coffee machine.
[0028] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0029] label name label name 10 Water tank module 411 First Pipe Section 11 water tank 412 Second section 20 Liquid level stabilization module 413 Third section 21 case 421 First heating element 22 float assembly 422 Second heating element 30 Brewing Module 51 First check valve 31 Pink silo 52 Second check valve 32 Water vapor separation device 60 Liquid receiving module 40 Heating module 70 Insulation module 41 pipeline
[0030] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0032] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.
[0033] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.
[0034] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the word "and / or" throughout the text means including three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.
[0035] This invention proposes a coffee machine.
[0036] Reference Figure 1In this embodiment of the invention, the coffee machine includes a water tank 11, a liquid level stabilization module 20, a brewing module 30, a pipe 41, a heating element, and a first one-way valve 51. The water tank 11 has a water tank outlet. The liquid level stabilization module 20 includes a housing 21 and a float assembly 22. The housing 21 has an inlet connected to the water tank outlet and a first outlet and a second outlet. The second outlet is connected to the atmosphere. The float assembly 22 is used to open or close the inlet. The pipe 41 connects the first outlet to the brewing module 30. The heating element is located on the pipe 41. The first one-way valve 51 is located on the pipe 41 and between the heating element and the brewing module 30. The conduction direction of the first one-way valve 51 is configured to be from the pipe 41 toward the brewing module 30. This can shorten the water dispensing time of the water tank 11 while ensuring the water temperature.
[0037] The coffee machine includes a water tank module 10, a liquid level stabilization module 20, a heating module 40, a brewing module 30, a liquid receiving module 60, and a heat preservation module 70. The liquid level stabilization module 20 is connected between the water tank module 10 and the heating module 40, that is, the housing 21 connects the water tank 11 and the pipe 41. The brewing module 30 is connected to the heating module 40, that is, the water vapor separation device 32 of the brewing module 30 is connected to the pipe 41, so that the water in the water tank 11 flows through the housing 21 and the pipe 41 and is sprayed out by the water vapor separation device 32. During this process, the water flow is heated by the heating element to ensure that hot water flows into the powder container 31 of the brewing module 30 and mixes with the coffee powder in the powder container 31. The brewed coffee flows into the liquid receiving module 60, such as into a coffee cup. The heat preservation module 70 is provided below the liquid receiving module 60 to maintain the temperature of the coffee in the liquid receiving module 60 and ensure the quality of the coffee.
[0038] The liquid level stabilization module 20 includes a housing 21, wherein the housing 21 has a water inlet that is connected to the water tank outlet. It can be understood that the water inlet and the water tank outlet can be the same water outlet, that is, the housing 21 is directly covered on the edge of the water tank outlet and forms a water storage cavity with the wall of the water tank 11; or, the water inlet and the water tank outlet are connected by a water inlet pipe. In this case, the housing 21 can be located on the side of the water tank 11, which can be the left side, bottom, or top, and there is no limitation here.
[0039] The heating element is located in the pipe 41. It is understood that the heating element can cover the outer circumference of the pipe 41 or be attached to the inner wall of the pipe 41. Both methods can ensure that the water flow in the pipe 41 corresponding to the heating element is fully heated and the water temperature rises.
[0040] A liquid level stabilization module 20 is installed between the water tank 11 and the pipe 41. The liquid level stabilization module 20 is connected to the water tank 11, and the pipe 41 is connected to the water vapor separator 32 in the brewing module 30. The second outlet of the shell 21 is connected to the atmosphere, and the water vapor separator 32 is connected to the atmosphere. This allows the water in the water tank 11 to flow through the shell 21 and into the pipe 41, thereby keeping the liquid level in the pipe 41 and the liquid level in the shell 21 at the same level.
[0041] Since the housing 21 is equipped with a float assembly 22, and the float assembly 22 is used to open or close the water inlet, it is understood that the float assembly 22 can move relative to the housing 21 under the action of water buoyancy, and thus have a first state of sealing the water inlet and a second state of opening the water inlet. By controlling the water flow rate of the water tank 11, the stable water output of the water tank 11 is ensured, so that the liquid level in the pipe 41 and the liquid level in the housing 21 are always kept at the same level. In this way, the liquid level in the pipe 41 can be kept at an approximately constant position, prolonging the residence time of the water flow in the pipe 41, and ensuring that the heat emitted by the heating element can fully heat the water flow in the pipe 41 corresponding to the heating element, ensuring that the water temperature of the water flowing out of the heating element is approximately constant.
[0042] After heating for a certain period of time, the water in pipe 41 generates steam pressure, and then the water in pipe 41 flows into the powder hopper 31 of brewing module 30 under the action of steam pressure. When the pipe 41 between the heating element and brewing module 30 is too long, the generated pressure is insufficient to support the complete ejection of hot water, which can easily cause some of the hot water flowing to brewing module 30 to fall back into heating module 40 for repeated heating, thereby affecting the outlet water temperature, outlet water volume, and outlet water duration. Therefore, this application provides a first one-way valve 51 between the heating element and brewing module 30. The first one-way valve 51 is installed on pipe 41 and located between the heating element and brewing module 30. The conduction direction of the first one-way valve 51 is configured from the pipe 41 towards the brewing module 30, so that the water in pipe 41 flows into the powder hopper 31 of brewing module 30 under the action of steam pressure. Specifically, when the hot water temperature reaches a preset temperature, the steam pressure is used to generate steam. The steam pressure allows the hot water to flow through the first one-way valve 51 towards the brewing module 30. The first one-way valve 51 also restricts the hot water flowing towards the brewing module 30 from falling back into the pipe 41 corresponding to the heating element. This effectively reduces the possibility of excessively high water temperature, increased steam, and reduced water flow caused by repeated heating, ensuring optimal water temperature and flow rate. Furthermore, the float assembly 22 cyclically switches between the first and second states, causing the liquid in the water tank 11 to continuously flow into the pipe 41 corresponding to the heating element. Through the cooperation of the heating element and the first one-way valve 51, on the one hand, the water temperature can reach a specified temperature, for example, between 92℃ and 996℃, resulting in better-tasting brewed coffee. On the other hand, the generated hot water reliably flows towards the brewing module 30, thereby reliably controlling the water flow rate of the coffee machine, shortening the time it takes for the water in the water tank 11 to drain, and meeting the ECBC (European Coffee Brewing Center) requirements for water output time.
[0043] In the technical solution of this invention, a first one-way valve 51 is provided between the heating element and the brewing module 30, and the conduction direction of the first one-way valve 51 is configured to be from the pipe 41 toward the brewing module 30. When the hot water temperature reaches the preset temperature, the hot water can pass through the first one-way valve 51 and flow toward the brewing module 30. Furthermore, the first one-way valve 51 can restrict the hot water flowing toward the brewing module 30 from falling back into the pipe 41 corresponding to the heating element. This can effectively reduce the possibility of excessively high water temperature, increased water vapor, and reduced water volume caused by repeated heating, and ensure the outlet water temperature and outlet water volume.
[0044] By repeatedly switching between the first and second states using the float assembly 22, the liquid in the water tank 11 continuously flows into the pipe 41 corresponding to the heating element. Through the cooperation of the heating element and the first one-way valve 51, on the one hand, the water temperature can reach the specified temperature to ensure the taste of the brewed coffee. On the other hand, the generated hot water reliably flows to the brewing module 30, thereby effectively controlling the water flow of the coffee machine, shortening the time for the water in the water tank 11 to drain completely, and meeting the ECBC (European Coffee Brewing Center) requirements for water output time.
[0045] Reference Figure 2 In one embodiment, when the float assembly 22 seals the water inlet, the height difference between the liquid level in the housing 21 and the first one-way valve 51 in the vertical direction of the coffee machine is H2, where 10mm≤H2≤20mm. By limiting the height difference between the liquid level in the housing 21 and the first one-way valve 51 in the vertical direction of the coffee machine, the outlet water temperature of the pipe 41, i.e. the temperature of the water flowing out of the water vapor separator 32, can be further guaranteed by limiting the steam pressure corresponding to the required outlet water temperature.
[0046] Specifically, in the vertical direction of the coffee machine, by limiting the difference between the liquid level inside the housing 21 and the first one-way valve 51 to between 10mm and 20mm, it is ensured that water can flow through the first one-way valve 51 under the action of steam pressure, thereby obtaining hot water with an outlet temperature of 95℃ or higher and an appropriate water volume, ensuring the quality of coffee brewing. Preferably, the difference between the height of the liquid level inside the housing 21 and the height of the first one-way valve 51 is 10mm. Of course, in other embodiments, the difference between the height of the liquid level inside the housing 21 and the height of the first one-way valve 51 can also be limited to between 5mm and 15mm, or between 15mm and 25mm, depending on the required outlet water temperature.
[0047] Optionally, in one embodiment, the coffee machine further includes a water outlet pipe connected to the pipe 41 and located between the first one-way valve 51 and the heating element. This ensures that the pipe 41 between the first one-way valve 51 and the heating element is open to the atmosphere. Furthermore, when the first one-way valve 51 is closed, the connection between the water outlet pipe and the atmosphere reduces the pressure between the first one-way valve 51 and the heating element, weakening the impact of this pressure on the first outlet of the liquid level stabilization module 20. This ensures that the water in the liquid level stabilization module 20 can smoothly replenish the water flow in the pipe 41, maintaining the liquid level in the pipe 41 at an approximately constant position. While ensuring that the water temperature flowing out of the heating element remains approximately constant, this reduces the possibility of dry burning and improves safety.
[0048] Optionally, in one embodiment, the power P of the heating element satisfies: 1300W≤P≤1600W. In this way, the power P of the heating element can be controlled between 1300W and 1600W, thereby controlling the heating speed and heating time of the water flow by the heating module 40.
[0049] Reference Figure 2 In one embodiment, the coffee machine further includes a second one-way valve 52, which is located between the liquid level stabilization module 20 and the heating element. The conduction direction of the second one-way valve 52 is configured from the liquid level stabilization module 20 toward the pipe 41. This can control the flow direction of water and prevent water in the pipe 41 from flowing back to the liquid level stabilization module 20 under steam pressure. It can also prevent the steam pressure in the pipe 41 from blocking the outlet of the second one-way valve 52. Specifically, by setting the second one-way valve 52 close to the inlet of the pipe 41 corresponding to the heating element, the distance H1 between the first outlet of the liquid level stabilization module 20 and the second one-way valve 52 is large, resulting in a large water pressure. This facilitates the flow of water in the liquid level stabilization module 20 into the pipe 41 and its heating by the heating element.
[0050] Reference Figure 2 In one embodiment, when the float assembly 22 seals the inlet, the distances H1 between the liquid level in the housing 21 and the second check valve 52, H2 between the liquid level in the housing 21 and the first check valve 51, and H3 between the liquid level in the housing 21 and the plane where the outlet of the pipe 41 is located satisfy: H1≥H3-H2. This can prevent excessive pressure between the first check valve 51 and the liquid level from causing reverse blockage of the second check valve 52, ensuring that the water in the liquid level stabilization module 20 can be smoothly replenished into the pipe 41. In other words, when the difference between H3 and H2 is too large, the pressure between the first check valve 51 and the liquid level is too large, and this pressure acts in reverse on the outlet of the second check valve 52, causing the second check valve 52 to be in a near-closed or closed state. Consequently, the water flow rate replenished to the pipe 41 corresponding to the heating element through the second check valve 52 is small, or even zero, which can easily lead to dry burning.
[0051] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the second check valve 52 is configured as a check valve without opening pressure. That is, during the process of water flowing from the liquid level stabilization module 20 to the pipeline 41, the second check valve 52 is equivalent to one section of the pipeline 41, which can allow water to flow smoothly through the second check valve 52 without any obstruction, which is beneficial to improving the efficiency of replenishing to the pipeline 41.
[0052] The opening pressure of the first one-way valve 51 depends on the required water temperature. For example, if the water temperature is 95°C or higher, the opening pressure is the pressure generated when the water is heated to 95°C or higher, ensuring that the water flowing through the first one-way valve 51 reaches a temperature of 95°C or higher, thereby guaranteeing the quality of coffee brewing. Furthermore, the reverse shut-off pressures of the first one-way valve 51 and the second one-way valve 52 are different.
[0053] Reference Figure 2 In one embodiment, the pipe 41 has a pipe section where internal liquid flows upward, and the heating element 42 is at least disposed on the pipe section. It is understood that the pipe 41 includes a first pipe section 411 and a second pipe section 412 that extend vertically and are connected. The first pipe section 411 is connected to the first outlet, and the second pipe section 412 is connected to the brewing module 30. Liquid in the second pipe section 412 flows upward and towards the brewing module 30. The first pipe section 411 and the second pipe section 412 can be directly connected or connected through other pipe sections; this is not limited. The heating element includes a first heating element 421 disposed on the second pipe section 412, and the first one-way valve 51 is disposed on the second pipe section 412. The second pipe section 412 is higher than the upper end of the heating element. Thus, after heating for a certain period, the water in the second pipe section 412 is heated and generates steam pressure. This steam pressure mainly acts on the water flow in the second pipe section 412, causing the water to flow into the powder hopper 31 of the brewing module 30. This effectively prevents the water in the pipe 41 from flowing back due to steam pressure, and also prevents the steam pressure from acting on the first outlet or the second one-way valve 52, affecting the stable outflow of water from the liquid level stabilization module 20 or the water tank 11. This facilitates the outflow of water from the water tank 11 and replenishes the second pipe section 412, making the water level in the second pipe section 412 relatively constant. This ensures that the water temperature flowing out of the heating element is approximately constant, while reducing the possibility of dry burning and improving safety.
[0054] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the pipe 41 further includes a third pipe section 413, which connects the first pipe section 411 and the second pipe section 412. The heating element further includes a second heating element 422, which is disposed in the third pipe section 413 and located away from the first pipe section 411. In this case, the second one-way valve 52 can be disposed in the third pipe section 413 or in the first pipe section 411, but close to the third pipe section 413. This effectively prevents a large amount of steam pressure from flowing from the third pipe section 413 to the first pipe section 411, reducing the impact on the stable outflow of water in the liquid level stabilization module 20. Simultaneously, by using the second heating element 422 in the third pipe section 413, the length of the pipe 41 that can generate heat can be extended, which is beneficial for increasing the heated area of the water in the pipe 41 and the amount of hot water generated. The third pipe section 413 can extend in a meandering manner or in a straight line.
[0055] Furthermore, the heating element is L-shaped, wherein the first heating element 421 and the second heating element 422 are integrally formed, which helps to reduce assembly steps and avoids gaps between the first heating element 421 and the second heating element 422, which would prevent the water flow in the pipe 4141 corresponding to the gap from being effectively heated, thereby reducing the impact of the water flow on the temperature of the water flow heated by the first heating element 421 and the second heating element 422.
[0056] Optionally, in one embodiment, the float assembly 22 includes a float body disposed within the housing 21, and is capable of having a first state of sealing the water inlet and a second state of opening the water inlet under the action of buoyancy. It is understood that when water in the water tank 11 flows into the housing 21 through the water inlet, and the liquid level in the housing 21 gradually rises, the float body rises with the rising liquid level. When the liquid level rises to a certain height, the float body aligns with the water inlet and seals the water inlet in the first state. At this time, the liquid level in the housing 21 is stable, and the liquid level in the pipe 41 is at the same horizontal level as the liquid level in the housing 21. When the water flow in the pipe 41 is heated, the generated steam pressure causes at least a portion of the water flow in the pipe 41 to... As the pressure in the pipe 41 changes and the water volume decreases within the powder hopper 31 of the brewing module 30, water from the level stabilization module 20 flows into the pipe 41, causing the liquid level in the housing 21 to drop. The float body will fall as the liquid level decreases. When it falls to the point of detaching from the inlet, the float body no longer blocks the inlet and enters a second state. At this time, water from the water tank 11 flows into the housing 21, causing the liquid level to rise and causing the float body to reseal the inlet. This cycle repeatedly switches between the first and second states, reliably ensuring that the liquid level in the pipe 41 remains constant. This guarantees the water's residence time in the pipe 41 and ensures that the heat emitted by the heating element can fully heat the water flow in the pipe 41 corresponding to the heating element, ensuring that the water temperature flowing out of the heating element remains approximately constant. The float body can be configured as a float valve. The float body is slidably connected to the housing 21, and the sliding direction is along the axis of the inlet. In combination with the direction of buoyancy, it can effectively switch between the first state and the second state. The float body can also be rotatably connected to the housing 21, and its rotation direction is in combination with the direction of buoyancy to achieve the switching between the first state and the second state.
[0057] The buoyancy of the float body can be designed according to the selection of the liquid level position in the shell 21, thereby changing the liquid level height of the water flow in the pipe 41, and thus determining the installation height of the first heating element 421 in the second pipe section 412.
[0058] Optionally, in one embodiment, the maximum buoyancy force on the float body is 2 to 5 times its own weight. The maximum buoyancy force refers to the buoyancy force generated when the float body is fully submerged. If the buoyancy force on the float body is too small, the submerged volume of the float body will be large due to its weight. Consequently, when the water shortage detection device in the coffee machine uses a magnet connected to the float body, it is easy to falsely trigger the water shortage detection device, affecting its accuracy. Conversely, if the buoyancy force on the float body is too large, the submerged volume of the float body will be small. Furthermore, due to excessive buoyancy, the float body blocks the water inlet after a small amount of water is added to the housing 21, resulting in the liquid level inside the housing 21 always being at a low level. This can easily affect the drainage capacity of the liquid level stabilization module 20 and the number of times the float body opens and closes the water inlet, making the water level change inside the housing 21 insignificant. Therefore, by limiting the maximum buoyancy force on the float body to 2 to 5 times the weight of the float body, the reliability of the water shortage detection device in detecting the water shortage of the coffee machine can be guaranteed, as well as the drainage capacity and water output stability of the liquid level stabilization module 20.
[0059] The ratio between the maximum buoyancy force on the float body and the weight of the float body can be 2, 2.1, 2.3, 2.5, 2.7, 2.9, 3, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, 4, 4.1, 4.3, 4.5, 4.7, 5, etc., preferably 2.7 times.
[0060] Optionally, in one embodiment, the ratio between the cross-sectional area of the housing 21 and the cross-sectional area of the float body is s, where 1.2 ≤ s ≤ 3. This ensures that the housing 21 has a large water-holding space. At the same time, during the switching process between the first and second states, it ensures that the float body can smoothly float and sink within the housing 21, improving the water output reliability of the liquid level stabilization module 20. Furthermore, it also facilitates the assembly of the tested component on the float body and its cooperation with reed switches, Hall sensors, etc., thereby improving the detection accuracy of the water shortage detection device.
[0061] The specific ratio between the cross-sectional area of the shell 21 and the cross-sectional area of the float body can be 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, etc., preferably 1.3.
[0062] Optionally, in one embodiment, the coffee machine further includes a water shortage detection device, which is located in the water tank 11 and / or the liquid level stabilization module 20, so as to issue a corresponding signal and warning when the water tank 11 or the housing 21 is in a water shortage state, or when both the water tank 11 and the housing 21 are in a water shortage state, and cut off the power supply to the heating element to prevent dry burning.
[0063] Specifically, water shortage detection devices can monitor water levels through methods such as reed switches or Hall sensors that work with magnets, capacitive detection, and infrared detection.
[0064] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A coffee machine, characterized in that, include: The water tank is equipped with a water outlet. A liquid level stabilization module includes a housing and a float assembly. The housing has an inlet that connects to the outlet of the water tank, and a first outlet and a second outlet. The second outlet is connected to the atmosphere. The float assembly is used to open or close the inlet. A brewing module and a pipeline, the pipeline connecting the first outlet and the brewing module; A heating element is disposed in the pipe; and A first one-way valve is disposed in the pipeline and located between the heating element and the brewing module. The conduction direction of the first one-way valve is configured to be from the pipeline toward the brewing module. The coffee machine also includes a second one-way valve, which is located between the liquid level stabilization module and the heating element. The conduction direction of the second one-way valve is configured to be from the liquid level stabilization module toward the pipe. When the float assembly seals the inlet, in the vertical direction of the coffee machine, the distances H1 between the liquid level in the housing and the second one-way valve, H2 between the liquid level in the housing and the first one-way valve, and H3 between the liquid level in the housing and the plane where the outlet of the pipe is located satisfy: H1≥H3-H2.
2. The coffee machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, 10mm≤H2≤20mm.
3. The coffee machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The coffee machine also includes a water outlet pipe, which is connected to the pipeline and located between the first one-way valve and the heating element; And / or, the power P of the heating element satisfies: 1300W≤P≤1600W.
4. The coffee machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second check valve is configured as a check valve with no opening pressure.
5. The coffee machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The pipe has a portion in which internal liquid flows upward, and the heating element is disposed at least on the portion in which the liquid flows upward.
6. The coffee machine as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The heating element is L-shaped.
7. The coffee machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The float assembly includes a float body disposed within the housing, and is capable of having a first state of sealing the water inlet and a second state of opening the water inlet under the action of buoyancy.
8. The coffee machine as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The maximum buoyancy force on the float body is 2 to 5 times the weight of the float body itself; And / or, the ratio between the cross-sectional area of the shell and the cross-sectional area of the float body is s, where 1.2 ≤ s ≤ 3.
9. The coffee machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The coffee machine also includes a water shortage detection device, which is located in the water tank and / or the liquid level stabilization module.