Beverage machine

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a beverage machine which is provided with a water inlet end and a water outlet end and further comprises a small-flux water making device, a water storage container, a hot water pipeline provided with a heating device, a cold water pipeline provided with a cold tank and a control device. The small-flux water production device is provided with a purified water outlet and a raw water inlet communicated with the water inlet end. The water passing opening of the water storage container is communicated with the purified water outlet; the normal-temperature water pipeline is connected between the water passing opening and the water outlet end; the hot water pipeline is connected between the water passing opening and the water outlet end; the cold water pipeline is connected between the water passing opening and the water outlet end, and the control device is used for controlling the small-flux water making device to start making water when the water storage container lacks water. According to the beverage machine, raw water can be purified and stored in the water storage container, and the stored purified water can be directly provided for a user through the normal-temperature water pipeline and can also be provided for the user after being heated or provided for the user after being refrigerated. Normal-temperature water, hot water and cold water provided by the beverage machine are all purified water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of water dispensers, and in particular to a beverage dispenser. Background Art

[0002] As living standards improve, the technology of beverage machines is constantly improving.

[0003] Existing beverage machines tend to be multifunctional, which can not only provide purified water, but also heat or cool the purified water to provide hot water and cold water respectively.

[0004] However, due to the consideration of small space and simple control logic, the water production module in the current beverage machine is usually large-flow, that is, the daily water production is greater than or equal to 400 gallons, so that no matter hot water, cold water or room temperature water is needed, the water production module can be directly started and used immediately. However, the disadvantage of the large-flow water production module is that the manufacturing cost and the use cost are relatively high, which cannot meet the needs of users. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to at least partially solve the problems existing in the prior art, some embodiments of the present invention provide a beverage machine, which has a water inlet and a water outlet, and includes: a small-flux water-making device, the small-flux water-making device having a clean water outlet and a raw water inlet connected to the water inlet; a water storage container, the water outlet of the water storage container is connected to the clean water outlet; a normal temperature water pipeline connected between the water outlet and the water outlet; a hot water pipeline connected between the water outlet and the water outlet, and a heating device is provided on the hot water pipeline; a cold water pipeline connected between the water outlet and the water outlet, and a cold tank is provided on the cold water pipeline; and a control device, the control device is used to control the small-flux water-making device to start making water when there is a lack of water in the water storage container.

[0006] In the above technical solution, the beverage machine can purify the raw water from the water inlet, and the purified water can be stored in a water storage container. The stored purified water can be directly provided to the user through a normal temperature water pipeline, can be heated by a heating device and provided to the user, and can be cooled by a cold water pipeline and provided to the user, so that a variety of water can be provided to the user. The normal temperature water, hot water and cold water provided by the beverage machine are all purified water. This beverage machine is particularly suitable for small-flux water production devices. The use of small-flux water purification devices can significantly reduce the manufacturing cost and the cost of replacing the filter element by the user.

[0007] Exemplarily, the beverage machine also includes a front panel, a support portion is provided on the front panel, a water storage container is detachably provided on the support portion, the water storage container is in an installed state provided on the support portion, a water outlet of the water storage container is connected to the purified water outlet, and the water storage container also has a pouring port. In the above technical solution, the user can conveniently take away the water storage container; the user can also directly take water through the pouring port on the water storage container without flow restriction, and the pouring port can be a relatively large opening, which can facilitate the user to clean the water storage container; in addition, since water can be taken directly from the water storage container, water can also be taken from the water outlet through a normal temperature water pipeline, which is convenient for the user to flexibly choose the water taking method.

[0008] Exemplarily, the beverage machine further comprises a first joint and a second joint which are detachably connected to each other, the first joint being arranged at the water outlet of the water storage container, and the second joint being arranged on the support part and being connected to the purified water outlet, the water inlet of the normal temperature water pipeline, the water inlet of the hot water pipeline and the water inlet of the cold water pipeline. In the above technical solution, by arranging the first joint and the second joint, the water storage container can be conveniently connected to and separated from the support part without complicated assembly and disassembly steps, and water leakage can also be prevented when the water storage container is installed on the support part.

[0009] Exemplarily, a first one-way valve is provided on the first joint, and a second one-way valve is provided on the second joint. The first one-way valve and the second one-way valve are in a conducting state when the water storage container is in an installed state, and the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve are in a cut-off state when the water storage container is separated from the support portion. In the above technical solution, when the water storage container is separated from the support portion, the first one-way valve prevents the water storage container from leaking outward, and the second one-way valve prevents the clean water outlet connected to the support portion from leaking outward.

[0010] Exemplarily, the beverage machine further includes a water level detector, which is used to detect water level information in the water storage container, and the control device is used to determine that the water storage container is short of water when the water level in the water storage container is lower than a preset water level lower limit according to the water level information. The above technical solution can replenish water in the water storage container in time.

[0011] For example, the support part is provided with a mounting position detector for detecting whether the water storage container is mounted in place on the support part, and the control device is used to control the small flux water production device to stop water production when the water storage container is not mounted in place. The above technical solution can effectively prevent water leakage and overflow, and improve user experience.

[0012] Exemplarily, the beverage machine further includes a first sterilization component, which is used to sterilize the water in the water storage container. In the above technical solution, the first sterilization component can kill bacteria and inhibit bacterial reproduction, prevent bacteria from multiplying in large quantities to produce odor and toxins, and ensure the safety and hygiene of water quality.

[0013] Exemplarily, the heating device includes a hot tank, which is arranged below the water storage container so that the clean water in the water storage container flows into the hot tank under the action of gravity. In the above technical solution, no additional pumping device is required to replenish water to the hot tank. At the same time, such an arrangement makes the structure of the beverage machine relatively compact and saves more space.

[0014] Exemplarily, the heating device further comprises a heating tap arranged downstream of the hot tank, and the control device is used to adjust the heating power of the heating tap according to the desired water intake temperature and the hot tank temperature of the hot tank. The above technical solution can quickly adjust the water temperature and output hot water with the desired water intake temperature accurately.

[0015] Exemplarily, a diaphragm pump and a flow meter are further provided on the hot water pipeline and between the hot tank and the heating faucet, and the control device is further used to control the heating power of the heating faucet according to the detection result of the flow meter. In the above technical solution, a diaphragm pump and a flow meter are provided between the hot tank and the heating faucet, which can accurately detect the flow rate of hot water output from the hot tank to the heating faucet, and control the output flow rate of the diaphragm pump, thereby accurately controlling the water temperature of the output hot water and improving the user experience.

[0016] Exemplarily, a diaphragm pump and a flow meter are also provided on the hot water pipeline and between the hot tank and the heating faucet, and the control device is also used to control the output flow of the diaphragm pump according to the detection result of the flow meter. In the above technical solution, a diaphragm pump and a flow meter are provided between the hot tank and the heating faucet, which can accurately detect the flow of hot water output from the hot tank to the heating faucet, and control the heating power of the heating faucet, thereby accurately controlling the water temperature of the output hot water and improving the user experience.

[0017] Exemplarily, the beverage machine further includes an ice making module, an ice delivery module and an ice storage box, wherein the ice making module is connected to the cold tank and is used to receive water from the cold tank and make ice cubes, and the ice delivery module is used to deliver the ice cubes to the ice storage box. In the above technical solution, such a beverage machine can also provide ice cubes for users, and using the cold water in the cold tank to make ice can shorten the waiting time of users.

[0018] Exemplarily, the beverage machine also includes an ice quantity detector and a prompt module for detecting the current ice quantity information in the ice storage box. The control device is used to control the ice delivery module to deliver ice cubes to the ice storage box and time the ice storage time when the ice making module completes ice making, and control the prompt module to issue a prompt message about the ice cubes being not fresh when the ice storage time reaches a preset threshold and it is determined according to the current ice quantity information that there are still ice cubes in the ice storage box. By setting a preset threshold for the ice storage time, the user can be reminded in time when the ice cubes are not fresh, which can ensure the freshness of the ice cubes provided to the user to a certain extent and improve the user experience. It can also prevent a large amount of ice cubes from freezing.

[0019] Exemplarily, the beverage machine further includes an input module, the input module is used to receive the target ice quantity input by the user, generate and send the target ice quantity information to the control device, the target ice quantity is n times the single ice making quantity of the ice making module, n is a positive integer, wherein the control device controls the ice delivery module to deliver ice cubes to the ice storage box and counts the ice storage time when the ice making module completes ice making, including the following operations: controlling the ice delivery module to deliver the ice cubes of the single ice making quantity to the ice storage box each time the ice making module completes ice making; and when it is determined according to the current ice quantity information that the ice storage box is emptied, recounting the ice storage time from the next time the ice making module completes ice making. This setting allows the user to obtain the required number of ice cubes with one input, simplifying the operation. It is also possible to deliver the ice cubes to the ice storage box in time through the ice delivery module when the ice making is completed, reducing the waiting time of the user. And when the number of ice cubes required by the user is greater than the single ice making quantity and the device needs to make ice multiple times, it is avoided that the first batch of ice cubes in this ice making task are not fresh and contaminate the subsequent ice cubes, so as to always provide the user with the freshest ice cubes.

[0020] Exemplarily, the target ice quantity is less than the maximum ice storage capacity of the ice storage box, so as to ensure that the target ice quantity is appropriate and ice cubes will not overflow from the ice storage box, causing waste or damaging the device.

[0021] Exemplarily, the control device is further configured to control the prompt module to issue a prompt message about emptying the ice storage box when receiving the target ice quantity information from the input module, if the ice storage box is not emptied according to the current ice quantity information. Prompting the user to empty the ice storage box before making ice is also to avoid ice cubes overflowing from the ice storage box, causing waste or damaging the device.

[0022] Exemplarily, the control device is also used to: when it is determined according to the current ice quantity information that there is no ice in the ice storage box and the ice making module stops making ice, the control prompt module sends a prompt message about the lack of ice at this time. By setting the ice quantity detection function, it is convenient for the user to know the ice information and make ice in time; on the other hand, if the ice information prompted by the machine is inconsistent with the actual situation, the user can be reminded of the equipment failure and handle it in time to avoid the beverage machine working in abnormal conditions for a long time.

[0023] Exemplarily, the beverage machine further includes an installation position detector for detecting whether the ice storage box is installed in place, wherein the control device controls the ice delivery module to deliver ice cubes to the ice storage box when the ice storage box is installed in place. This can prevent the ice delivery module from delivering ice cubes to the ice storage box when the ice storage box is not placed or the ice storage box is tilted, thereby avoiding the occurrence of ice cubes falling and wasting.

[0024] Exemplarily, the control device is also used to: when the ice making module completes ice making each time and determines that the ice storage box is not installed in place, control the ice making module to stop making ice. The above technical solution can make the size of ice cubes within a controllable range, facilitate the storage and transportation of ice cubes, reduce energy waste, avoid damage to the beverage machine, and improve user experience.

[0025] Exemplarily, the ice-making module includes: one or more ice-making heads; a refrigeration assembly, the refrigeration assembly is used to cool the ice-making heads; and an ice-making water storage box, the ice-making water storage box has an ice-making position, when the ice-making water storage box is in the ice-making position, the ice-making head extends into the ice-making water storage box to form ice cubes on the ice-making head. The above technical solution makes it easy to separate the ice cubes from the ice-making head, thereby simplifying the control logic. In addition, the ice-making water storage box can be easily refilled with water.

[0026] Exemplarily, the control device is used to: control the working time of the refrigeration component so that there is water left in the ice making water storage box each time ice making is completed. This can prevent all the water from freezing into ice cubes, causing the ice making head and the ice making water storage box to freeze completely, and can also prevent the ice making water storage box from being unable to leave the ice making position and the ice cubes being too large to be transported by the ice delivery module.

[0027] Exemplarily, the ice delivery module includes: an ice delivery track, an ice receiving portion of the ice delivery track is located directly below the ice making head, and an ice output portion of the ice delivery track is located directly above the ice storage box; and a driver, the ice making water storage box can be moved between an ice making position and a demoulding position under the action of the driver, wherein the ice making water storage box is located outside the ice falling path between the ice making head and the ice receiving portion when in the demoulding position. This design allows the ice cubes to enter the ice receiving portion by gravity after being made, and the ice making water storage box can be immediately put into the next ice making operation after the ice cubes in the ice making head are emptied, thereby improving the ice making efficiency when the user needs a large amount of ice cubes, simplifying the structure of the beverage machine, reducing costs, and making it more reliable.

[0028] Exemplarily, the driver is used to drive the ice-making water storage box to rotate around a horizontal axis so that the ice-making water storage box moves between an ice-making position and a demoulding position. The above technical solution has a simple structure, low cost, and is more stable and reliable.

[0029] Exemplarily, at least the ice receiving portion of the ice transport track is provided with a first drainage hole, and the first drainage hole is connected to the water inlet of the cold tank through a return pipe. In the above technical solution, the first drainage hole can prevent water from entering the ice storage box, and can also prevent the ice and water from being transported on the ice transport track, resulting in the ice cubes possibly freezing on the ice transport track. The remaining water from ice making can also be recycled to avoid waste of resources.

[0030] Exemplarily, a second sterilization component is arranged on the return line. In the above technical solution, the second sterilization component is arranged on the return line to prevent bacteria from multiplying in the cold tank and ensure that the ice cubes and cold water are fresh and have no odor.

[0031] Exemplarily, a second sterilization component is provided in the cold tank. In the above technical solution, the second sterilization component is provided in the cold tank to prevent bacteria from multiplying in the cold tank and ensure that the ice cubes and cold water are fresh and have no odor.

[0032] For example, the ice transport track is inclined downward from the ice receiving part to the ice output part. In this way, ice can slide from the ice receiving part of the ice transport track to the ice output part under the action of gravity, which can further simplify the structure of the product and reduce the cost.

[0033] Exemplarily, the control device is also used to: when the ice-making module completes ice-making, control the refrigeration component to reduce the intensity of refrigeration on the ice-making head so that the ice cubes can be separated from the ice-making head. The above technical solution can save energy, and can enable the ice-making module to quickly make ice and demold ice cubes, thereby improving user experience.

[0034] Exemplarily, the beverage machine has a drainage end for communicating with the outside, and the small-flux water-making device includes a concentrated water pipeline connected to the drainage end, and the concentrated water pipeline and the heat release section of the refrigeration component can be heat-exchanged. In the above technical solution, the heat generated by refrigeration can be taken away by the discarded concentrated water, thereby improving the efficiency of refrigeration and ice making, reducing energy consumption, and reducing the impact on room temperature to a certain extent, thereby improving user experience.

[0035] For example, a second drainage hole is provided at the bottom of the ice storage box, the beverage machine has a drainage end for communicating with the outside, and the second drainage hole is connected to the drainage end. In the above technical solution, the cleanliness of ice cubes can be ensured, and bacterial growth caused by accumulated water can be avoided, thereby preventing the shelf life of ice cubes from being further shortened.

[0036] Exemplarily, the cold tank is located below the ice delivery module. In the above technical solution, the cold tank is arranged below the ice delivery module, so that the residual ice water after ice making can flow back into the cold tank by gravity, saving resources and energy.

[0037] Exemplarily, a water pump is provided on the pipeline between the cold tank and the ice making module. In the above technical solution, the cold water in the cold tank is pumped to the refrigeration assembly by the water pump, and the approximate amount of the pumped cold water can be controlled. The cold water temperature is low, and the ice making speed is faster, which reduces the waiting time of users.

[0038] Exemplarily, the cold tank is arranged below the water storage container so that the clean water in the water storage container flows into the cold tank under the action of gravity. In the above technical solution, water can be added to the cold tank by gravity, and no additional pumping device is required, which reduces the cost and makes the beverage machine more compact.

[0039] Exemplarily, the beverage machine further includes a bubble water module, which is connected between the cold tank and the water outlet, and is used to obtain purified water from the cold tank and make bubble water. In the above technical solution, the bubble water module is provided and cold water is provided from the cold tank to the bubble water module, so that the user can be provided with bubble water with a lower temperature, better taste and sufficient bubbles, thereby enriching the user experience.

[0040] Exemplarily, the bubble water module includes: a bubble water pipeline connected between the cold tank and the water outlet, on which a bubble water booster pump and a water-gas mixing tank are sequentially arranged; and a gas storage device, which is connected to the water-gas mixing tank via a gas transmission pipeline, on which a pressure reducing valve is arranged. In the above technical scheme, bubble water is made by a water-gas mixing tank, and a pressure reducing valve is arranged on the gas transmission pipeline, so that the water and gas in the bubble water can be fully mixed, and the water-gas mixing tank will not be damaged or the bubble water will not be sprayed out due to excessive pressure when it is taken, which is safe and reliable. The gas usage speed can also be maintained within an appropriate range, and a sufficient amount of bubble water can be produced using one gas cylinder, and the bubble water can be taken out immediately, and users do not need to wait for freshly made bubble water, thereby improving user experience.

[0041] Exemplarily, the beverage machine further includes a prompt module, a pressure detector is provided on the gas pipeline and downstream of the pressure reducing valve, and the control device is used to control the prompt module to issue a prompt about insufficient gas in the gas storage device when the gas pressure in the gas pipeline is lower than a first preset threshold value according to the detection result of the pressure detector. In the above technical solution, the pressure detector and the prompt module can be provided to timely remind the user to replace the gas cylinder.

[0042] Exemplarily, the water-gas mixing tank is also connected to a pressure relief valve, which opens when the pressure in the water-gas mixing tank is greater than a second preset threshold. In the above technical solution, the pressure relief valve can maintain the pressure within a suitable range to avoid damaging the water-gas mixing tank.

[0043] Exemplarily, a bubble water one-way valve is provided on the bubble water pipeline between the bubble water booster pump and the water-gas mixing tank. In the above technical solution, the bubble water one-way valve can prevent the bubble water from flowing back to the cold tank.

[0044] Exemplarily, a bubble water solenoid valve is provided between the water-gas mixing tank and the water outlet on the bubble water pipeline, and the control device is also used to control the opening and closing of the bubble water solenoid valve according to the user's water intake information. In the above technical solution, the bubble water solenoid valve can control whether to output bubble water and the amount of bubble water output.

[0045] For example, a throttle valve is provided between the water-gas mixing tank and the water outlet on the bubble water pipeline, and the difference between the flow rate of the throttle valve and the flow rate of the bubble water booster pump is within a predetermined range. The above technical solution can prevent the bubble water flow rate from being too large, resulting in a serious imbalance in the water-gas ratio in the mixing tank, which affects the taste of the bubble water.

[0046] Exemplarily, the water-gas mixing tank is embedded in the cold tank. In the above technical solution, the water-gas mixing tank is embedded in the cold tank, and the cold tank and the water-gas mixing tank can be cooled by a refrigeration component at the same time, which is more cost-effective and can also reduce the volume of the beverage machine.

[0047] A series of simplified concepts are introduced in the summary of the invention, which will be further described in detail in the detailed description. The summary of the invention does not mean to attempt to define the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor does it mean to attempt to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0048] The advantages and features of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The following drawings of the present invention are used as part of the present invention for understanding the present invention. The drawings show the embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions, and are used to explain the principles of the present invention. In the drawings,

[0050] Figure 1 A water circuit diagram of a beverage machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The water circuit diagram of the small-throughput water-making device and water storage container of the beverage machine shown;

[0052] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The water circuit diagram of the hot water pipeline of the beverage machine shown;

[0053] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The water circuit diagram of the cold water pipeline of the beverage machine shown;

[0054] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of the cold water pipeline in another direction shown;

[0055] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The water circuit diagram of the sparkling water module of the beverage machine shown.

[0056] The above drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0057] 10. Beverage machine; 11. Water inlet; 12. Water outlet; 12a. Normal temperature water / cold water outlet; 12b. Hot water outlet; 12c. Bubble water outlet; 14. Drainage end; 15. Pressure relief port; 100. Small flux water production device; 101. Pre-filter element; 102. Booster pump; 103. Reverse osmosis filter element; 110. Concentrated water pipeline; 120. Clean water outlet; 130. Raw water inlet; 200. Water storage container; 210. Water filter 230, pouring spout; 240, water level detector; 250, first sterilization component; 300, normal temperature water pipeline; 301, pumping device; 302, normal temperature water check valve; 400, hot water pipeline; 410, heating device; 411, heating faucet; 412, hot tank; 420, diaphragm pump; 430, flow meter; 500, cold water pipeline; 501, second solenoid valve; 510, cold tank; 512, water inlet of cold tank; 520, Ice delivery module; 521, ice delivery track; 5211, first drain hole; 530, return pipe; 522, driver; 530, ice storage box; 531, second drain hole; 540, ice quantity detector; 550, ice making head; 560, ice making water storage box; 570, water pump; 571, pipe; 572, first solenoid valve; 581, heat dissipation device; 582, compressor; 583, defrosting solenoid valve; 584, first heat absorption section; 58 5. Heat release section; 586. First pipeline section; 587. Second pipeline section; 588. Second heat absorption section; 600. Bubble water module; 610. Bubble water pipeline; 611. Bubble water booster pump; 612. Water-gas mixing tank; 6121. Pressure relief valve; 613. Bubble water solenoid valve; 614. Throttle valve; 615. Bubble water one-way valve; 620. Gas storage device; 630. Gas transmission pipeline; 631. Pressure reducing valve; 632. Gas one-way valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] In the following description, a large amount of details are provided so that the present invention can be thoroughly understood. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the following description only exemplarily illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention can be implemented without one or more such details. In addition, in order to avoid confusion with the present invention, some technical features well known in the art are not described in detail.

[0059] In order to fully understand the embodiments of the present invention, detailed structures will be presented in the following description. Obviously, the implementation of the embodiments of the present invention is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art. The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, but in addition to these detailed descriptions, the present invention may also have other embodiments.

[0060] The embodiment of the present invention provides a beverage machine. The beverage machine 10 has a water inlet end 11 and a water outlet end 12. Figure 1As shown. The beverage machine 10 may include a small-flux water-making device 100 and a control device. The small-flux water-making device 100 has a purified water outlet 120 and a raw water inlet 130 connected to the water inlet end 11. Exemplarily, the central filter element of the small-flux water-purifying device may include a reverse osmosis filter element. The pore size of the reverse osmosis filter element is one-millionth of a hair (0.0001 micron), which is generally invisible to the naked eye, and bacteria and viruses are 5000 times larger than it. Therefore, only water molecules and some mineral ions that are beneficial to the human body can pass through, and other impurities and heavy metals are discharged from the wastewater pipe to provide users with high-quality purified water. According to the difference in the daily water production of the central filter element, the central filter element with a daily water production of greater than or equal to 400 gallons is a large-flux central filter element, and the rest is considered to be a small-flux central filter element. For the central filter element including the reverse osmosis filter element, the water needs to be pressurized before entering the filter element. Therefore, the small-flux water-making device 100 may also include a booster pump. The daily water output of the water purification device is limited by the central filter element. As long as the daily water output of the water purification device is less than 400 gallons, it is a small-flux water purification device. Optionally, the small-flux water production device 100 may also include a pre-filter element, which is located before the central filter element and is used to perform preliminary filtration on the water entering the central filter element to extend the service life of the central filter element. The reverse osmosis filter element or the nanofiltration filter element will produce a certain proportion of concentrated water during the filtration process, and the concentrated water produced is discharged from the concentrated water outlet 110. Figure 2 The water circuit diagram shown includes a small flux water production device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The small flux water production device 100 may include a pre-filter element 101, a booster pump 102 and a reverse osmosis filter element 103 arranged in series. Optionally, a water inlet solenoid valve 104 may be provided between the pre-filter element 101 and the booster pump 102. The concentrated water produced by the reverse osmosis filter element during the water production process is discharged to the concentrated water outlet 110 through the concentrated water solenoid valve 105.

[0061] The lifespan of large-flux central filter elements and small-flux central filter elements is similar, and the former is relatively expensive. The use of small-flux water purification devices can significantly reduce manufacturing costs and the cost of replacing filter elements in the later stage, and provide a better user experience. Of course, with the development of technology, the cost of filter elements may decrease, or users may have higher and higher requirements for water production rates. The division of large-flux and small-flux water purification devices may change as a result, and the definition of small-flux mentioned in this article should also be adaptively changed according to the general consensus in this field.

[0062] The beverage machine 10 may further include a water storage container 200, wherein the water outlet 210 of the water storage container 200 is connected to the purified water outlet 120. The water storage container 200 may receive and store purified water produced by the small-flux water production device 100. The control device is used to control the small-flux water production device 100 to start producing water when there is a lack of water in the water storage container 200. The water shortage condition of the water storage container 200 may be set as required, for example: 1) when the liquid level in the water storage container 200 is lower than its upper limit, it may be considered that the water storage container 200 is short of water; or, 2) when the liquid level in the water storage container 200 is lower than its upper limit by a predetermined value, for example, reaching 1 / 2, 1 / 3 or 2 / 3 of the upper limit, it may be considered that the water storage container 200 is short of water; or, 3) when the liquid level in the water storage container 200 is lower than its lower limit, it may be considered that the water storage container 200 is short of water. The above three water shortage conditions each have their own advantages. Under condition 1), water can be added to the water storage container 200 in time, but the small-flux water production device 100 may be repeatedly started and stopped. Under condition 3), the number of starts and stops of the small-flux water production device 100 can be reduced, but when the user's water demand is greater than the volume of the water storage container 200, it may be necessary to wait for the small-flux water production device 100 to produce water. Condition 2) is between the two. Those skilled in the art can set the water shortage conditions based on a comprehensive consideration of factors such as the daily water intake of users, the volume of the water storage container 200, and the water production rate of the small-flux water production device 100.

[0063] Return to reference Figure 1 , the beverage machine 10 may further include a normal temperature water pipeline 300 connected between the water outlet 210 and the water outlet 12, and a hot water pipeline 400 connected between the water outlet 210 and the water outlet 12. In other words, the normal temperature water pipeline 300 and the hot water pipeline 400 are connected in parallel. A pumping device 301 may be provided on the normal temperature water pipeline 300, which can provide normal temperature water to the user through the water outlet 12. Optionally, a normal temperature water check valve 302 may be provided on the normal temperature water pipeline 300. Of course, in other embodiments, if the water storage container 200 is higher than the water outlet 12, a normal temperature water solenoid valve may be provided on the normal temperature water pipeline 300, and the normal temperature water may flow to the water outlet 12 by gravity when the normal temperature water solenoid valve is opened.

[0064] In some embodiments not shown, the water inlet 210 of the water storage container 200 may include a water inlet and a water outlet, the purified water outlet 120 is connected to the water inlet, and the normal temperature water pipeline 300, the hot water pipeline 400 and the cold water pipeline 500 may be connected to the water outlet. However, the water inlet and the water outlet may share one opening, which can reduce the processing cost and the number of parts without changing its function, and can also reduce the leakage points. In addition, the water inlet and the water outlet can share one opening, and in the subsequent embodiment where the water storage container 200 is detachable, it is more convenient to connect the water storage container 200 with the joint water channel on the installation part of the water dispenser 10.

[0065] The water outlet 12 may include a normal temperature water / cold water outlet 12a and a hot water outlet 12b, the normal temperature water pipeline 300 may be connected to the normal temperature water / cold water outlet 12a, and the hot water pipeline 400 may be connected to the hot water outlet 12b. In this way, normal temperature water and hot water may not interfere with each other, and when the user has just finished taking hot water, if he wants to take normal temperature water or cold water, the remaining hot water will not be provided to the user to avoid scalding. A heating device 410 may be provided on the hot water pipeline 400, which can heat the purified water provided by the water storage container 200 and then deliver it to the user. The beverage machine 10 may also include a cold water pipeline 500 connected between the water outlet 210 and the water outlet 12. The cold water pipeline 500 may also be connected to the normal temperature water / cold water outlet 12a. Of course, cold water and normal temperature water may also be discharged through different outlets respectively. A cold tank 510 may be provided on the cold water pipeline 500 to refrigerate the stored water, so that a large amount of cold water can be obtained in a short time when the user needs cold water.

[0066] In the above technical solution, the beverage machine 10 can purify the raw water from the water inlet 11, and the purified water can be stored in the water storage container 200. The stored purified water can be directly provided to the user through the normal temperature water pipeline 300, and can also be provided to the user after being heated by the heating device 410. The hot tank 412 included in the heating device 410 can provide hot water with a large flow rate, and can also be provided to the user after being cooled by the cold water pipeline 500, so that a variety of water can be provided to the user. The normal temperature water, hot water and cold water provided by the beverage machine 10 are all purified water. This beverage machine 10 is particularly suitable for a small-flux water-making device 100 with a small flux (for example, a daily water production of less than 400 gallons). The small-flux water-making device 100 can make water in advance and store it in the water storage container 200. The control device replenishes water to the water storage container 200 in time when there is a shortage of water in the water storage container 200. Therefore, the cost of the beverage machine 10 can be reduced. Of course, the beverage machine 10 can also be applied to a large-flux and small-flux water-making device, so that when the user takes multiple types of water at the same time, the desired water-taking speed may be achieved.

[0067] Exemplarily, the beverage machine 10 further includes a front panel. When the beverage machine 10 is installed in a cabinet, the front panel is exposed from the cabinet and faces the user. A support portion may be provided on the front panel, and the water storage container 200 may be detachably provided on the support portion. The support portion may be a groove or a boss provided on the front panel, etc., as long as the water storage container 200 can be placed on the support portion. When the water storage container 200 is provided on the support portion, the water inlet 210 of the water storage container 200 is connected to the purified water outlet 120. In addition, the water storage container 200 also has a water pouring port 230, such as Figure 2 The pouring spout 230 is usually located at the top of the water storage container 200 .

[0068] In the above-mentioned beverage machine 10, the water storage container 200 is detachably arranged on the support part, and the support part is located on the front panel of the beverage machine 10, so that the user can easily take away the water storage container 200; the user can also directly take water through the pouring spout 230 on the water storage container 200, and there will be no flow restriction. The pouring spout 230 can be a larger opening, which can facilitate the user to clean the water storage container 200; in addition, since water can be taken directly from the water storage container 200, water can also be taken from the water outlet 12 through the normal temperature water pipeline 300, which is convenient for the user to flexibly choose the water taking method.

[0069] Exemplarily, the beverage machine 10 may also include a first joint and a second joint that are detachably connected to each other, the first joint being arranged at the water outlet 210 of the water storage container 200, and the second joint being arranged on the support portion and being connected to the clean water outlet 120, the water inlet of the normal temperature water pipeline 300, the water inlet of the hot water pipeline 400, and the water inlet of the cold water pipeline 500. The first joint and the second joint can be plugged into each other, and in the plugged state, the two are connected to each other. At this time, the clean water output by the water making component 100 can enter the water storage container 200 through the first joint and the second joint, or the clean water flows out of the water storage container 200. When the user stops taking water and other water-using components in the beverage machine 10 do not need water, when the small-flux water making device 100 is working, the clean water output by the small-flux water making device 100 can flow into the water storage container 200. When the user takes water and / or other water-using components in the beverage machine 10 do not need water, even if the small-flux water-making device 100 is working, the purified water output by it may be transported to the water outlet 12 or other water-using components in the beverage machine 10 together with the purified water output by the water storage container 200.

[0070] In the above technical solution, by providing the first joint and the second joint, the water storage container 200 can be easily connected to and separated from the support portion without complicated disassembly and assembly steps, and can also prevent water leakage when the water storage container 200 is installed on the support portion.

[0071] As not shown, a first one-way valve is provided on the first joint, and a second one-way valve is provided on the second joint. The first one-way valve and the second one-way valve are in a conducting state when the water storage container 200 is installed on the support portion, and the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve are in a cut-off state when the water storage container 200 is separated from the support portion. The first one-way valve and the second one-way valve can push each other through a structure such as a protrusion, or can be pushed by magnetic parts such as a magnet without contacting each other. When the water storage container 200 is separated from the support portion, the first joint and the second joint are also separated. The first one-way valve and the second one-way valve are in a cut-off state, the first one-way valve prevents the water storage container 200 from leaking water outward, and the second one-way valve prevents the clean water outlet 120 connected to the support portion from leaking water outward.

[0072] For example, Figure 2 As shown, the beverage machine 10 may also include a water level detector 240, which is used to detect the water level information in the water storage container 200, and the control device is used to determine that the water level in the water storage container 200 is lower than the preset water level lower limit according to the water level information. Then, the control device can control the small-flux water production device 100 to start water production. Exemplarily and not restrictively, the water level detector 240 may include a magnetic float and a magnetic induction switch. The magnetic float can be set in the water storage container 200 and can be raised and lowered synchronously with the water level in the water storage container 200. The magnetic induction switch can be set at a position of the support part close to the water storage container 200, and the height is at the preset water level lower limit. When the water storage container 200 is installed in place, when the water level drops to the preset water level lower limit, the magnetic induction switch on the support part is actuated, and the control device obtains a signal that the water level has reached the preset water level lower limit, thereby controlling the small-flux water production device 100 to start water production. The water level detector 240 may also be a liquid level detector such as an infrared liquid level meter or an ultrasonic liquid level meter, which may be completely disposed on the support portion to perform non-contact measurement of the water level in the water storage container 200. In this way, water can be replenished in the water storage container 200 in a timely manner.

[0073] Optionally, the water production time of the small-flux water production device 100 can be timed to determine whether the water level in the water storage container 200 reaches the upper limit of the liquid level. Alternatively, an upper limit water level detector similar to the water level detector 240 can be provided to control the small-flux water production device 100 to stop water production when the water level in the water storage container 200 reaches the preset upper limit of the water level, thereby preventing overflow.

[0074] Exemplarily, the support portion may be provided with an installation position detector for detecting whether the water storage container 200 is installed in place on the installation portion. The installation position detector may include one or more of an infrared transmitter and receiver, various types of contact switches and proximity switches, and any other suitable sensors, etc., to detect whether the water storage container 200 is installed in place. The control device is used to control the small flux water production device 100 to stop making water when the water storage container 200 is not installed in place. It can be understood that when the water storage container 200 is not installed in place, it may be skewed, and the connection between the first joint on the water storage container 200 and the second joint connected to the clean water outlet 120 may not be reliable, so that leakage, overflow, etc. may occur. Inadequate installation may also affect the water level detector 240, so that when the water level in the water storage container 200 reaches the preset water level upper limit, it is not detected, and continued water production causes overflow. The controller can control the small flux water production device 100 to stop making water when the water storage container 200 is not installed in place, which can effectively prevent leakage and overflow and improve user experience.

[0075] As previously mentioned, the daily water production of the small-flux water-making device 100 is preferably not greater than 400 gallons. The small-flux water-making device 100 may include a reverse osmosis filter element, and its water production capacity is limited by the reverse osmosis filter element. The pore size of the reverse osmosis filter element is one-millionth of a hair (0.1 micron), which is generally invisible to the naked eye, and bacteria and viruses are 0 times larger than it. Therefore, only water molecules and some mineral ions that are beneficial to the human body can pass through, and other impurities and heavy metals are discharged from the wastewater pipe to provide users with high-quality clean water. The daily water production of the reverse osmosis filter element is positively correlated with its price. The beverage machine 10 of the present invention uses a small-flux reverse osmosis filter element, which can significantly reduce costs and reduce the volume of the beverage machine 10 while meeting the basic needs of users.

[0076] Continue to refer Figure 2 The beverage machine 10 may also include a first sterilization component 250, which is used to sterilize the water in the water storage container 200. Although the bacteria content in the newly produced purified water by the small-flux water production device 100 is low, the water storage container 200 is connected to the air, which may cause bacteria to multiply rapidly. The first sterilization component 250 can be arranged on the water storage container 200, or on the body of the beverage machine 10. The first sterilization component 250 may include one or more of any elements suitable for sterilizing water, such as an ultraviolet sterilization lamp and an ozone generator. In this way, bacteria can be killed and their reproduction can be inhibited, and bacteria can be prevented from multiplying in large quantities to produce odors and toxins, thereby ensuring the safety and hygiene of water quality.

[0077] For example, Figure 3 As shown, the heating device 410 on the hot water pipeline 400 may include a hot tank 412. The hot tank 412 is disposed below the water storage container 200, and in order to maintain an appropriate internal pressure of the water storage container 200, the water storage container 200 may be connected to the atmosphere, and the purified water in the water storage container 200 may flow directly into the hot tank 412 at a relatively lower position by gravity. In the above technical solution, no additional pumping device is required to replenish the hot tank 412. At the same time, such an arrangement makes the structure of the beverage machine 10 relatively compact and more space-saving.

[0078] For example, continue to refer to Figure 3, the heating device 410 may further include a heating faucet 411 disposed downstream of the hot tank 412. The control device is used to adjust the heating power of the heating faucet 411 according to the desired water intake temperature and the hot tank temperature of the hot tank 412. Since the heating power of the heating faucet 411 is limited, directly heating the normal temperature water will result in a smaller output flow rate when the user expects the water intake temperature to be higher. The output water can be preheated in the hot tank 412. When the user expects the water intake temperature to be higher, the preheated hot water can be directly obtained from the hot tank 412, and then reheated at the heating faucet 411, thereby increasing the water output flow rate of the hot water and improving the user experience. Since the heating faucet 411 has a faster response speed, the water temperature can be quickly adjusted by adjusting the heating power of the heating faucet 411, and hot water with an accurate desired water intake temperature can be output.

[0079] Exemplarily, a diaphragm pump 420 and a flow meter 430 may also be provided on the hot water pipeline 400 and between the hot tank 412 and the heating faucet 411, and the control device is also used to control the heating power of the heating faucet 411 and / or the output flow of the diaphragm pump 420 according to the detection result of the flow meter 430. The diaphragm pump 420 is a flow-controllable pumping device, and the flow rate of the pumped liquid can be changed by changing the voltage or current. However, the liquid flow rate delivered by the diaphragm pump 420 under different voltages may not be linear, and the consistency of the diaphragm pumps 420 of the same or different batches may not be consistent. Moreover, the diaphragm pump 420 is a volumetric pump, which generates negative pressure by the movement of the diaphragm to one side to suck in the liquid, and then discharges the liquid by the movement of the diaphragm to the other side. It can be understood that when the pressure of the front water circuit increases, the diaphragm pump 420 will suck in more liquid, and when the pressure of the front water circuit decreases, the diaphragm pump 420 will suck in less liquid. Only when the pressure of the front water circuit is constant can the diaphragm pump 420 accurately control its pumping flow rate. Therefore, a flow meter 430 is provided on the pipeline, and the flow rate of the liquid pumped by the diaphragm pump 420 can be detected and transmitted to the control device. When the flow rate of the liquid pumped by the diaphragm pump 420 deviates, calibration can be performed to achieve closed-loop control. Furthermore, the control device can calculate the heating power required to heat the water at the current flow rate and current temperature to the desired water intake temperature according to the built-in program based on the current flow rate detected by the flow meter 430, so as to make the output water temperature more accurate. When the user expects a higher water temperature, the heating power may reach the rated power. At this time, the output flow rate of the diaphragm pump 420 can be reduced, so that the output hot water temperature reaches the water temperature expected by the user, so as to meet the user's requirement for a higher water temperature.

[0080] In the above technical solution, a diaphragm pump 420 and a flow meter 430 are arranged between the hot tank 412 and the heating faucet 411, which can accurately detect the flow of hot water output from the hot tank 412 to the heating faucet 411, and control the heating power of the heating faucet 411 and / or the output flow of the diaphragm pump 420, thereby accurately controlling the water temperature of the output hot water and improving the user experience.

[0081] For example, Figure 4 As shown, the beverage machine 10 may also include an ice making module, an ice delivery module 520 and an ice storage box 530. The ice making module is connected to the cold tank 510, and is used to receive water from the cold tank 510 and make ice cubes. The ice delivery module 520 is used to deliver the ice cubes to the ice storage box 530. In an exemplary embodiment, the water in the cold tank 510 is cooled by a refrigeration assembly, and when ice making is required, the cold water with a temperature lower than normal temperature is delivered to the ice making module. The ice making module further cools the cold water to produce ice cubes. The ice delivery module 520 is used to deliver the produced ice cubes to the ice storage box 530. The ice delivery module 520 may include one or more of a manipulator and a conveyor belt. The ice cubes produced by the ice making module are delivered to the ice storage box 530 by the ice delivery module 520 for temporary storage.

[0082] The ice storage box 530 may have a heat preservation function. It is understood that the ice making device is usually used in a room temperature environment, and the ice storage box 530 does not have a refrigeration function. At room temperature, ice cubes will melt quickly. Therefore, materials such as heat insulation cotton are usually provided to keep the ice storage box 530 warm. The heat insulation material may be provided on the ice storage box 530, or may be provided outside the ice storage box 530 and separated from the ice storage box 530. This can delay the melting of ice cubes.

[0083] The control device can control the ice delivery module 520 to deliver ice cubes to the ice storage box 530 when the ice making module completes ice making. In one embodiment, the ice making module may include an ice cube mold and a refrigeration component, and the refrigeration component refrigerates the ice cube mold to obtain ice cubes that are consistent with the shape of the ice cube mold. The start and stop of the ice making module can be controlled by the control device. For example, when the control device obtains information that the user needs to take ice, the refrigeration component can be controlled to start, so that the ice making module starts to make ice. When the refrigeration time reaches a preset time, the refrigeration component is controlled to stop working, so that the ice making module stops making ice. Optionally, the temperature around the ice cube mold can be monitored, and when the temperature reaches a preset value, the ice making module is controlled to stop making ice. At this time, the ice cubes are made, and the ice storage time starts to be counted. At the same time, the ice cubes are delivered to the ice storage box 530 through the ice delivery module 520.

[0084] In the above technical solution, such a beverage machine 10 can also provide ice cubes for the user, and use the cold water in the cold tank 510 to make ice, which can shorten the waiting time of the user.

[0085] Exemplarily, the beverage machine 10 may further include an ice quantity detector 540 and a prompt module for detecting the current ice quantity information in the ice storage box 530. The ice quantity detector 540 may include any suitable sensor such as an infrared detector, an ultrasonic detector, etc. The current ice quantity information may include one or all of information such as whether there are ice cubes in the ice storage box 530 and the specific amount of ice in the ice storage box 530. Exemplarily, the ice quantity detector 540 may detect the current ice quantity information in the ice storage box 530 and transmit it to the control device.

[0086] The control device is used to control the ice delivery module 520 to deliver ice cubes to the ice storage box 530 and time the ice storage time when the ice making module completes ice making. The ice quantity detector 540 can detect the current ice quantity information in the ice storage box 530 in real time and send it to the control device. Optionally, the ice quantity detector 540 can also start to detect the current ice quantity information in the ice storage box 530 and send it to the control device after the ice delivery module 520 delivers the ice cubes to the ice storage box 530 for a predetermined time. The predetermined time can be greater than or equal to the time it takes for the ice cubes to reach the ice storage box 530 from the ice making module. The control device can control the prompt module to send a prompt message about the ice cubes being not fresh when the ice storage time reaches a preset threshold and it is determined that there are still ice cubes in the ice storage box 530 according to the current ice quantity information in the ice storage box 530 detected by the ice quantity detector 540. Under normal use conditions, the time from making ice cubes to being not fresh can be several hours to more than ten hours, or more.

[0087] The preset threshold value of the ice storage time is usually not greater than the melting time of the ice. It is understandable that when the ice has completely melted or most of it has melted and can no longer be used, it is not very meaningful to remind the user that the ice is not fresh. Moreover, when the size of the ice does not change much, the ice may not be fresh enough and is not suitable for consumption due to the growth of bacteria. Therefore, the preset threshold value can be the time when the designer considers the user's usage scenario and other conditions when designing the product, and the ice is not suitable for use. It can also be the time when the user judges that the ice is not suitable for use according to his own needs. The preset threshold value may also need to be appropriately modified according to the season and environment. For example, in winter and summer, or indoors and outdoors, the change of the outside temperature will affect the temperature in the ice storage box 530 to a certain extent, and then affect the bacterial reproduction rate of the ice, resulting in different times when the ice has a peculiar smell, and the preset threshold value needs to be adjusted. The prompt module can use one or more prompt methods such as sound prompts, light prompts, and electronic prompts. Users can also choose appropriate prompt methods according to their own needs, or block unnecessary prompt methods.

[0088] Excessive breeding of ice bacteria and the production of odor will affect the user's experience and even cause poisoning. By setting a preset threshold for the storage time of ice cubes, users can be reminded in time when the ice cubes are not fresh, which can ensure the freshness of the ice cubes provided to users to a certain extent and improve the user experience. Moreover, in the beverage machine 10 provided in the present application, the ice cubes are immediately transported to the ice storage box 530 after being made, so that users can use them at any time, thereby ensuring the freshness of the ice cubes. Furthermore, the ice cubes will not be repeatedly frozen whether in the ice storage box 530 or in the ice making module, which not only ensures the freshness of the ice cubes, but also avoids the freezing of a large amount of ice cubes. After freezing in large quantities, it is not only difficult to remove them from the ice making module, but there may also be a serious consequence of a large amount of ice forming in the device, resulting in damage to the ice making module.

[0089] Exemplarily, the beverage machine 10 may further include an input module. The input module may include one or more of a touch screen and a keypad. Optionally, the input module may also include a receiver for receiving a target ice amount input by a user through a user operation interface on the electronic device. In short, the input module may be used to receive a target ice amount input by a user, generate and send target ice amount information to the control device. The control device may control the beverage machine 10 to make a required number of ice cubes according to the target ice amount information. Since the single ice making amount of the ice making module is limited, the number of ice cubes required by the user may be greater than the single ice making amount. At this time, the control device will control the ice making module to make ice multiple times. Usually, from a cost perspective, the single ice making amount of the ice making module is fixed, so the target ice amount is n times the single ice making amount of the ice making module, and n is a positive integer, that is, an integer multiple of the single ice making amount of the ice making module. The aforementioned "the control device controls the ice delivery module 520 to deliver ice cubes to the ice storage box 530 and times the ice storage time when the ice making module completes ice making" includes the following operations: the control device controls the ice delivery module 520 to deliver ice cubes of a single ice making amount to the ice storage box 530 each time the ice making module completes ice making; and when it is determined that the ice storage box 530 is emptied according to the current ice quantity information, the ice storage time is re-timed from the next time the ice making module completes ice making. Starting the timing from the time when the ice cubes are made by the ice making module can better judge the freshness of the ice cubes. It is understandable that the preparation of ice cubes takes a certain amount of time, and the user may take out all or part of the ice cubes in the ice storage box 530 before the required amount of ice cubes are fully prepared. Specifically, when the target ice quantity required by the user is 2 times or more than the single ice quantity of the ice making module, it is possible that after the first ice making is completed, the user did not take away all the ice cubes made for the first time. Therefore, whether the ice cubes in the ice storage box 530 are fresh should be timed from the time when the ice making module produces the first batch of ice cubes after the user starts making ice, because if the first batch of ice cubes are not fresh, they may contaminate the subsequent ice cubes. If the user takes away all the ice cubes, that is, when it is determined that the ice storage box 530 is emptied based on the current ice quantity information, the ice storage time is re-timed from the next time the ice making module completes ice making.

[0090] This arrangement allows the user to obtain the required number of ice cubes with one input, thus simplifying the operation. When the ice cubes are made, they can be promptly delivered to the ice storage box 530 through the ice delivery module 520, thus reducing the waiting time of the user. Furthermore, when the number of ice cubes required by the user is greater than the single ice making amount and the device needs to make ice multiple times, it is avoided that the first batch of ice cubes in this ice making task is not fresh and contaminates the subsequent ice cubes, thereby always providing the user with the freshest ice cubes.

[0091] The single ice-making time of the ice-making module usually does not exceed 10 minutes. Therefore, for the target ice amount set by the user, even if multiple ice-making is completed, the time from the first ice-making completion to the last ice-making completion will not exceed the preset threshold, making the ice cubes stale.

[0092] In the above scheme, when the ice-making module needs to make ice multiple times, the present application does not exclude the embodiment in which the ice cubes are temporarily stored in the ice-making module or temporarily stored on the ice delivery module 520 after each ice making, and after all the ice cubes required by the user are made, they are transported to the ice storage box 530 through the ice delivery module 520.

[0093] For example, the target ice quantity input by the user is less than the maximum ice storage capacity of the ice storage box 530. If the target ice quantity is greater than the maximum ice storage capacity of the ice storage box 530, ice cubes will overflow from the ice storage box 530, and even get stuck in the ice delivery module 520 or the ice making module, resulting in malfunction or even damage to the beverage machine 10. To avoid the above situation, a protection logic is set in the control device, which can ensure that the target ice quantity is appropriate and ice cubes will not overflow from the ice storage box 530, causing waste or damage to the device.

[0094] Exemplarily, the control device is also used for, when receiving the target ice quantity information from the input module, controlling the prompt module to send a prompt message about emptying the ice storage box 530, in the case where it is determined based on the current ice quantity information that the ice storage box 530 has not been emptied. Each time the input module receives the target ice quantity information from the user, the control device will determine whether the ice storage box 530 has been emptied based on the current ice quantity information. If the ice storage box 530 has not been emptied, the control device controls the prompt module to send a prompt message about emptying the ice storage box 530. Before the user empties the ice storage box 530, the control device will not control the ice-making module to make ice. As described above, the volume of the ice storage box 530 is limited, and ice is made after the user empties the ice storage box 530, also to avoid ice cubes overflowing from the ice storage box 530, causing waste or damage to the device.

[0095] For example, when the control device determines that there is no ice in the ice storage box 530 and the ice making module stops making ice according to the current ice amount information, the control prompt module sends a prompt message about no ice at this time to prompt the user that there is no ice in the ice storage box 530, and the user can decide whether to make ice according to actual needs. If the user takes away the ice in the interval between two ice making times, or the ice making function has been started but the ice has not been made, it is obviously not necessary to prompt the user to make ice.

[0096] In order to slow down the melting speed of ice cubes in the ice storage box 530 and further keep the ice cubes warm, a movable cover plate can be set on the top of the ice storage box 530, or a push-pull drawer-type ice storage box 530 can be set. Before the movable cover plate is opened or the ice storage box 530 is pulled out from the main body of the beverage machine 10, it is not convenient to know the information of the ice cubes therein. By setting the ice quantity detection function, it is convenient for the user to know whether there are ice cubes at present, so as to make ice in time as needed; on the other hand, if the ice cube information prompted by the machine is inconsistent with the actual situation, the user can be reminded of the equipment failure and handle it in time to avoid the beverage machine 10 working in an abnormal situation for a long time.

[0097] Exemplarily, the beverage machine 10 may further include an installation position detector for detecting whether the ice storage box 530 is installed in place and sending the detection result to the control device. The detection result may indicate that the ice storage box 530 is installed in place or the ice storage box 530 is not installed in place. The installation position sensor may include one or more of an infrared transmitter and receiver, various types of contact switches and proximity switches, and any other suitable sensors, etc., to detect whether the ice storage box 530 is installed in place. The control device controls the ice delivery module 520 to deliver ice cubes to the ice storage box 530 when the ice storage box 530 is installed in place. Only when the ice storage box 530 is installed in place, the control device will control the ice delivery module 520 to deliver ice cubes to the ice storage box 530, otherwise the control ice delivery module 520 does not work. In this way, it can be avoided that the ice delivery module 520 delivers ice cubes to the ice storage box 530 when the ice storage box 530 is not placed or the ice storage box 530 is skewed, thereby avoiding the occurrence of ice cubes falling and wasting.

[0098] Since the ice delivery module 520 delivers ice cubes to the ice storage box 530 only when the ice storage box 530 is installed in place, the ice may still remain in the beverage machine 10. Exemplarily, the control device is also used to control the ice making module to stop making ice each time the ice making module completes ice making and determines that the ice storage box 530 is not installed in place. When the ice storage box 530 is not in place, if the ice making module continues to make ice at this time, a large amount of ice cubes may be formed in the ice making module, making it difficult to separate the ice cubes from the ice making module, or the ice delivery module 520 cannot be transmitted due to the large ice cubes, or even damage the ice making module. Therefore, when the ice storage box 530 is not in place, when the ice making head 550 completes the current ice making process, it stops making ice, so that the size of the ice cubes can be within a controllable range, which is convenient for the storage and transmission of ice cubes, reduces energy waste, and can also avoid damage to the beverage machine 10, thereby improving the user experience. At this time, the ice cubes may melt. As will be described later, the beverage machine 10 is provided with a good water recovery component, so that no water leakage will occur even if the ice cubes melt.

[0099] As previously mentioned, the ice-making module may include an ice cube mold and a refrigeration assembly. In this embodiment, ice cubes are formed in the ice cube mold. This type of ice cube mold is usually provided with a plurality of ice grooves, and the position of each water injection into the ice groove may be fixed, so that the structure of the device is relatively simple. In order to allow water to reach all ice grooves, the tops of the ice grooves are connected to each other, and the volume of the ice cubes will increase after freezing, which may cause the final frozen ice cubes to be connected into one piece. The transmission of the entire piece of ice requires that the ice transport module 520 and the ice storage box 530 are both of sufficiently large size, and it is not convenient for users to use. In addition, before the ice cubes are transported, the ice cubes need to be demolded first. This type of ice cube has a large contact area with the ice cube mold, and demolding is very laborious. Based on this, in another set of embodiments, the ice-making module may include one or more ice-making heads 550, a refrigeration assembly for cooling the ice-making head 550, and an ice-making water storage box 560, in conjunction with reference to Figure 4-5 The ice-making water storage box 560 has an ice-making position (as shown in the figure). When the ice-making water storage box 560 is in the ice-making position, the ice-making head 550 extends into the ice-making water storage box 560. When making ice, water for making ice will be injected into the ice-making water storage box 560. The ice-making head 550 is arranged above the ice-making water storage box 560. The water submerges the ice-making part of the ice-making head 550. As the temperature of the ice-making head 550 gradually decreases, the ice-making part is gradually covered by ice cubes, thereby generating ice cubes on the ice-making head 550. In this way, by controlling the spacing between the multiple ice-making heads 550 and the refrigeration time of the refrigeration assembly, it can be ensured that two adjacent ice cubes will not be connected to each other. Moreover, each ice cube only contacts its own ice-making head 550, so the contact area is small, which facilitates the separation of the ice cube from the ice-making head 550. In addition, when the refrigeration assembly stops refrigeration, the temperature of the ice making head 550 can be quickly increased compared to the temperature of the ice cube mold, so that the ice cubes are easily separated from the ice making head 550, thereby simplifying the control logic. In addition, this ice making water storage box 560 can be easily replenished with water.

[0100] For example, the control device controls the working time of the refrigeration assembly so that water remains in the ice making water storage box 560 each time ice making is completed. This can prevent all the water from freezing into ice cubes, causing the ice making head 550 and the ice making water storage box 560 to freeze completely, and can also prevent the ice making water storage box 560 from being unable to leave the ice making position and the ice cubes being too large to be transported by the ice delivery module 520.

[0101] For example, continue to refer to Figure 4, the ice delivery module 520 may include an ice delivery track 521, and the ice receiving portion of the ice delivery track 521 is located directly below the ice making head 550. That is, the projection of the ice making head 550 in the horizontal plane falls within the projection of the ice receiving portion in the horizontal plane. In this way, the ice cubes dropped from the ice making head 550 can fall into the ice receiving portion of the ice delivery track 521. The ice receiving portion can be any part of the ice delivery track 521, as long as it can receive the ice cubes dropped from the ice making head 550. In this way, when the temperature of the ice making head 550 rises, the part of the ice cube that contacts the ice making head 550 melts, and the ice cube falls into the ice receiving portion of the ice delivery track 521 after falling. Optionally, the ice output portion of the ice delivery track 521 is located directly above the ice storage box 530. The projection of the ice cube output part in the plane where the opening of the ice storage box 530 is located falls into the opening of the ice storage box 530, so that the ice cubes output by the ice cube output part can fall into the ice storage box 530. In this way, after the ice cubes fall on the ice delivery track 521 under the action of gravity, when they are transported to the ice cube output part by the ice delivery track 521, they can directly slide or roll into the ice storage box 530. Optionally, the ice delivery track 521 can also include a conveyor belt, etc. Preferably, the ice delivery track 521 is inclined downward in the direction from the ice cube receiving part to the ice cube output part. In this way, the ice cubes can slide from the ice cube receiving part of the ice delivery track 521 to the ice cube output part under the action of gravity, and fall into the ice storage box 530. In this way, the structure of the product can be further simplified and the cost can be reduced. The ice delivery module 520 can also include a driver 522, and the ice-making water storage box 560 can move between the ice-making position and the demoulding position under the action of the driver 522. When the ice making water storage box 560 is in the demolding position, it is outside the ice falling path between the ice making head 550 and the ice receiving part. In other words, there is no shielding between the ice making head 550 and the ice receiving part of the ice delivery track 521. This design allows the ice to enter the ice receiving part by gravity after being made, and the ice making water storage box 560 can be used for the next ice making work immediately after the ice in the ice making head 550 is emptied, which improves the ice making efficiency when the user needs a large amount of ice, and can also simplify the structure of the beverage machine 10, reduce costs, and make it more reliable.

[0102] The ice-making water storage box 560 can move between the ice-making position and the demoulding position by one or more translations under the action of the driver 522, or can rotate along its axis to avoid the falling track of ice cubes and reach the demoulding position. The ice-making water storage box 560 may not completely avoid the falling track of ice cubes. When reaching the demoulding position, the ice cubes may fall into the ice-making water storage box 560, and then be guided by the box wall and fall into the ice cube receiving part of the ice delivery track 521 below; or when in the ice-making position, the ice cubes may fall into the ice-making water storage box 560, and when the ice-making water storage box 560 moves from the ice-making position to the demoulding position, the ice cubes may be dumped into the ice cube receiving part of the ice delivery track 521, or any other suitable method.

[0103] Exemplarily, the driver 522 is used to drive the ice-making water storage box 560 to rotate around the horizontal axis so that the ice-making water storage box 560 moves between the ice-making position and the demoulding position. When it is located directly below the ice-making head 550, it is the ice-making position, at which time the ice-making water storage box 560 can store the most water. When it rotates to the demoulding position, ice cubes of the ice-making head 550 can fall below. The ice-making water storage box 560 can rotate to the demoulding position, which has a simple structure, low cost, and is more stable and reliable.

[0104] The ice-making heads 550 may be multiple and arranged in one or more rows along the horizontal axis, so that when making ice, multiple ice cubes can be made at one time. The cross section of the ice-making water storage box 560 perpendicular to the horizontal axis may be a semicircle, with the horizontal axis as the axis of the semicircle. The semicircle may include 1 / 2 circle or slightly larger than 1 / 2 circle or slightly smaller than 1 / 2 circle, etc. In this way, when pouring out the ice cubes and residual water at the demoulding position, there will be no residue, and the design is easier. When the cross section of the ice-making water storage box 560 is larger than 1 / 2 circle, its water storage capacity is large, and a larger angle needs to be rotated to ensure that the ice cubes fall below; and when the cross section is 1 / 2 circle or less than 1 / 2 circle, the ice cubes can be guided by the ice-making water storage box 560 when falling, and a smaller angle can be rotated to make the ice cubes fall below. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the demoulding position according to the shape of the cross section of the ice-making water storage box 560 to ensure that the ice cubes will not be unable to be poured out in the ice-making water storage box 560. The cross section of the ice-making water storage box 560 is semicircular, which can facilitate its rotation to the demoulding position. This has a simple structure, low cost, and is more stable and reliable.

[0105] For example, reference Figure 5 As shown, at least the ice receiving portion of the ice delivery track 521 is provided with a first drain hole 5211, and the residual liquid water poured out can be discharged through the first drain hole 5211 when the ice making water storage box 560 reaches the demoulding position. The first drain hole 5211 is connected to the water inlet 512 of the cold tank 510 through the return pipeline 530, so that the water with a lower temperature after ice making can be collected for the next ice making, without repeatedly refrigerating the water at room temperature. The cold tank 510 can include two water inlets, one of which is connected to the water outlet 210 of the water storage container 200, and a float assembly can be provided on the water inlet, so that the cold tank 510 is replenished and stopped in time when it is short of water or full of water. The other water inlet of the cold tank 510 can be connected to the water outlet of the return pipeline 530. In an embodiment not shown, the water inlet 512 of the cold tank 510 can also be one place, and the water inlet and the first drain hole 5211 are both connected here.

[0106] The first drainage hole 5211 is provided to prevent water from entering the ice storage box 530, and also to prevent ice and water from being transported on the ice delivery track 521, so that ice cubes may freeze on the ice delivery track 521. In addition, as mentioned above, in order to prevent ice cubes and the ice-making water storage box 560 from freezing, after each ice cube is made, there is water left in the ice-making water storage box 560, and the first drainage hole 5211 and the return pipe 530 can facilitate this part of water to flow back into the cold tank 510, so that this part of water can be recycled and utilized to avoid waste of resources.

[0107] Exemplarily, a second sterilization component may be provided on the return line 530. A second sterilization component may also be provided in the cold tank 510. The return line 530 and the second sterilization component in the cold tank 510 may be provided at one or both places, and no limitation is made here. Since the ice water may be contaminated by bacteria in the air during ice making, when the residual ice water of ice making flows back into the cold tank 510, the bacteria will be brought into the cold tank 510, causing the cold water outputted and the ice cubes produced to have peculiar smell. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the bacteria in the water entering the cold tank 510 are sufficiently few. An over-flow sterilization component may be provided on the return line 530, so as to eliminate the bacteria in the water contaminated during the ice making process, and ensure that no peculiar smell is generated in the cold tank 510. Optionally, a second sterilization component may be provided in the cold tank 510, and the second sterilization component may directly sterilize the water in the cold tank 510 to prevent bacteria from breeding and contaminating the cold water. The second sterilization component can be any component suitable for sterilizing cold water, such as an ultraviolet sterilization lamp, an ozone generator, etc., which basically does not cause the cold water temperature to rise. Compared with the overflow type sterilization component arranged on the return line 530, the second sterilization component is arranged in the cold tank 510, which can also sterilize the cold water continuously, ensuring the sanitation and reliability of the ice making water and ice cubes; while the overflow type sterilization component sterilizes less water per unit time, and can stop working when ice making stops, which is energy-saving and environmentally friendly.

[0108] In the above technical solution, the second sterilization component is provided to prevent the growth of bacteria in the cold tank 510 and ensure that the ice cubes and cold water are fresh and have no odor.

[0109] For example, the control device can control the refrigeration component to reduce the refrigeration intensity of the ice-making head 550 when the ice-making module completes ice-making, so that the ice cubes are separated from the ice-making head 550. The refrigeration component reduces the refrigeration intensity, including the refrigeration component stopping working or working at a lower power. The ice-making module may include: a refrigerant circulation pipeline, a compressor 582, a heat sink 581 and a defrosting solenoid valve 583, such as Figure 4As shown. The refrigerant circulation pipeline may include a first heat absorbing section 584 and a heat releasing section 585. The outlet of the first heat absorbing section 584 and the inlet of the heat releasing section 585 are connected by a first pipeline section 586, and the outlet of the heat releasing section 585 and the inlet of the first heat absorbing section 584 are connected by a second pipeline section 587, so that the refrigerant circulates in the pipeline. The first heat absorbing section 584 and the ice making head 550 can exchange heat. The refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipeline absorbs heat at the first heat absorbing section 584 and turns into a gaseous state, is compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas at the compressor 582 on the first pipeline section 586, and is cooled and turned into a liquid state by the heat dissipation device 581 provided at the heat releasing section 585. The ice making head 550 and the first heat absorbing section 584 may be integrated, and the refrigerant evaporates inside the ice making head 550, thereby reducing the temperature of the ice making head 550. Of course, the ice-making head 550 and the first heat-absorbing section 584 can also be separate components, and the first heat-absorbing section 584 can also run through the refrigeration head 550 or be arranged around the refrigeration head 550, as long as the temperature between the ice-making head 550 and the first heat-absorbing section 584 can be increased or decreased by heat exchange. The defrosting solenoid valve 583 is connected to the refrigerant circulation pipeline in parallel with the heat-releasing section 585. The control module can control the defrosting solenoid valve 583 to open, so that most of the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant does not pass through the heat-releasing section 585 to cool down, and directly returns to the first heat-absorbing section 584 through the defrosting solenoid valve 583, which can reduce the refrigeration intensity of the ice-making head 550. Under normal circumstances, starting and stopping the compressor 582 will consume more electrical energy. In contrast, reducing the refrigeration intensity through the defrosting solenoid valve 583 can save energy, and the ice-making module can quickly realize ice making and ice cube demoulding, thereby improving user experience.

[0110] like Figure 4 As shown, the refrigeration assembly may further include a second heat absorbing section 588. The second heat absorbing section 588 and the first heat absorbing section 584 may be connected in parallel to the refrigerant circulation pipeline through a three-way switching valve. The second heat absorbing section 588 and the cold tank may be heat exchanged to reduce the temperature of the water inside the cold tank. The control module may control the three-way switching valve to allow the refrigerant to pass only through the first heat absorbing section 584 when making ice, and to allow the refrigerant to pass only through the second heat absorbing section 588 when cooling water.

[0111] Exemplarily, the beverage machine 10 has a drain port 14 for communicating with the outside, and the small-flux water production device 100 includes a concentrated water pipeline 110 connected to the drain port 14, and the concentrated water pipeline 110 can exchange heat with the heat release section 585 of the refrigeration component. Figure 4As shown, the refrigeration component may also include a heat sink 581. When the refrigeration component is working, the heat generated by the heat release section 585 needs to be dissipated outwardly through the heat release device 581. The heat release device 581 can be air-cooled, that is, the heat is taken away by the air through a fan. As described above, the small-flux water-making device 100 will generate a certain proportion of concentrated water when making purified water, which needs to be discharged to the outside of the beverage machine 10 through the drainage end 14. Since the specific heat capacity of water is much greater than that of air, when the same mass of water and air receive the same amount of heat, the rising temperature of water is much lower than that of air. Therefore, when the heat release section 585 dissipates heat, the temperature difference with the water is greater than the temperature difference with the air, so that heat can be transferred to the water faster. And transferring heat to the water can avoid the increase of indoor temperature to a certain extent. The concentrated water with a higher temperature after passing through the heat release section 585 can take away the heat and be discharged through the drainage end 14.

[0112] In the above technical solution, the heat generated by refrigeration can be taken away by the discarded concentrated water, thereby improving the efficiency of refrigeration and ice making, reducing energy consumption, and reducing the impact on room temperature to a certain extent, thereby improving user experience.

[0113] Exemplarily, the beverage machine 10 has a drain port 14 for communicating with the outside, such as Figure 5 As shown, the bottom of the ice storage box 530 is provided with a second drain hole 531, and the second drain hole 531 is connected to the drain end 14. When the ice cubes stored in the ice storage box 530 melt, the second drain hole 531 can drain the water and drain it to the outside through the drain end 14 of the beverage machine 10. In this way, the ice cubes can be kept clean, and the accumulation of water can be avoided to cause bacterial growth, thereby further shortening the shelf life of the ice cubes. Exemplarily, the cold tank 510 can be located below the ice delivery module 520. In this way, the residual ice water of the ice making water storage box 560 after each ice making can flow directly into the cold tank 510 through the first drain hole 5211 and the return pipeline 530 under the action of gravity, without the need to set up an additional pumping device. At this time, since the ice making water storage box 560 is above the cold tank 510, a water pump 570 can be provided on the pipeline 571 between the cold tank 510 and the ice making module to pump the cold water in the cold tank 510 into the ice making water storage box 560. By controlling the working time of the water pump 570, the water pumping can be stopped after the ice making water storage box 560 is filled, so as to avoid the water in the ice making water storage box 560 being constantly replaced by the water with relatively high temperature pumped by the water pump 570, thereby extending the ice making time. Figure 4, the water pump 570 can be arranged on the cold water pipeline 500, so that the water pump 570 can also be used to pump cold water to the water outlet 12 (for example, the normal temperature water / cold water outlet 12a). At this time, the water inlet of the pipeline 571 is connected to the cold water pipeline 500 downstream of the water pump 570. A first solenoid valve 572 can be arranged on the pipeline 571, and the water replenishment into the ice-making water storage box 560 is controlled by the opening and closing of the first solenoid valve 572. On the cold water pipeline 500, a second solenoid valve 501 can be arranged downstream of the water pump 570. In this way, when the water pump 570 is working, the direction of the water flow can be controlled by controlling the opening and closing of the first solenoid valve 572 and the second solenoid valve 501. In other embodiments, the water storage container 200 can be arranged above the ice-making water storage box 560, and the ice-making water storage box 560 can be filled by gravity. At this time, the residual ice water can be pumped back to the cold tank 510 by other pumping devices. Of course, the present application does not exclude the embodiment that after making ice, the residual ice water is directly discharged into the drainage end 14 instead of flowing back into the cold tank 510. The cold tank 510 can be arranged below the water storage container 200 so that the clean water in the water storage container 200 flows into the cold tank 510 under the action of gravity. In this way, there is no need to set up an additional pumping device, which reduces the cost and makes the beverage machine 10 more compact.

[0114] The cold tank 510 is arranged below the ice delivery module 520, so that the residual ice water after ice making can flow back into the cold tank 510 by gravity, saving resources and energy. The cold tank 510 can be arranged below the water storage container 200, and no additional pumping device is required, which reduces the cost and makes the beverage machine 10 more compact. The cold water in the cold tank 510 is pumped to the refrigeration component by the water pump 570, and the approximate amount of cold water pumped can be controlled. The cold water temperature is lower, and the speed of ice making is faster, which reduces the waiting time for users.

[0115] Exemplarily, the beverage machine 10 may further include a bubble water module 600, such as Figure 5 As shown, the bubble water module 600 is connected between the cold tank 510 and the water outlet 12, and the water outlet 12 may also include a bubble water outlet 12c for providing bubble water to the user. Since the solubility of carbon dioxide used in bubble water decreases with increasing temperature, and for the taste of bubble water, the bubble water module 600 is used to obtain purified water from the cold tank 510 and make bubble water. In this way, the bubble water with a lower temperature has a better taste, and can dissolve more carbon dioxide and more bubbles.

[0116] In the above technical solution, a bubble water module 600 is provided and cold water is provided to the bubble water module 600 from the cold tank 510, so that bubble water with a lower temperature, better taste and sufficient bubbles can be provided to the user, thereby enriching the user experience.

[0117] For example, reference Figure 6, the bubble water module 600 may include a bubble water pipeline 610 connected between the cold tank 510 and the water outlet 12. A water-gas mixing tank 612 is provided on the bubble water pipeline 610. In order to dissolve more gas and allow water to be replenished in the water-gas mixing tank 612 when the water pressure is high, a bubble water booster pump 611 is also provided on the bubble water pipeline 610 upstream of the water-gas mixing tank 612. In order to facilitate the user to replenish carbon dioxide for the beverage machine 10, the bubble water module 600 may also include a gas storage device 620, which is connected to the water-gas mixing tank 612 through a gas transmission pipeline 630. A carbon dioxide gas cylinder may be provided in the gas storage device 620, which has a low cost and is easy to replace. The gas provided by the gas storage device 620 and the cold water provided by the cold tank 510 can be mixed in the water-gas mixing tank 612, so that the water and gas can have a larger contact area, so that the gas is better dissolved in the water. The prepared bubble water is stored in the water-gas mixing tank 612 and can be directly provided to the user when the user takes it. Since the solubility of gas in water increases with the increase of pressure, the water-gas mixing tank 612 is filled with carbon dioxide gas with a relatively high pressure, and the water-gas mixing tank 612 is a pressure-bearing container. In order to store a larger amount of carbon dioxide in a smaller gas cylinder, there is a relatively high pressure in the gas cylinder when it leaves the factory. Therefore, a pressure reducing valve 631 can be provided on the gas transmission pipeline 630. The pressure reducing valve 631 can control the pressure in the gas transmission pipeline 630 and the water-gas mixing tank 612 connected to the gas transmission pipeline 630, so that the pressure is maintained within a more appropriate range to avoid damaging the water-gas mixing tank 612. Usually, the pressure of the pressure reducing valve 631 is set at 0.6Mpa, so that the bubble water produced has the best taste. In addition, there is enough pressure inside the water-gas mixing tank 612 to press the bubble water inside to the bubble water outlet 12c without the need for an additional pumping device.

[0118] In the above technical solution, the bubble water is made by the water-gas mixing tank 612, and the pressure reducing valve 631 is arranged on the gas transmission pipeline 630, so that the water and gas in the bubble water can be fully mixed, and the water-gas mixing tank 612 will not be damaged or the bubble water will be sprayed out due to excessive pressure when it is taken, which is safe and reliable. The gas usage speed can also be maintained within an appropriate range, and a sufficient amount of bubble water can be made using one gas cylinder, and the bubble water can be taken out immediately, and the user does not need to wait for the freshly made bubble water, thereby improving the user experience.

[0119] Exemplarily, the beverage machine 10 may further include a prompt module, and a pressure detector is provided on the gas pipeline 630 and downstream of the pressure reducing valve 631. As the amount of bubble water produced increases, the pressure in the gas cylinder will gradually decrease. When the pressure in the gas cylinder is lower than a certain limit, bubble water cannot be produced any more. The control device is used to determine the air pressure in the gas pipeline 630 according to the detection result of the pressure detector. When the air pressure in the gas pipeline 630 is lower than the first preset threshold, it can be considered that the gas in the gas cylinder is exhausted at this time, and the pressure is not enough to continue to produce bubble water. The first preset threshold can be slightly greater than the pressure of the gas cylinder when bubble water cannot be produced at all, or it can be set to be larger to ensure that when the gas cylinder is replaced, the bubble water produced can just meet the taste required by the user. In other words, the first preset threshold can also be set according to the needs of the user, or a default value can be set according to the feedback of most users, and no additional restrictions are made here. At this time, the control device can control the prompt module to issue a prompt about insufficient gas in the gas storage device 620.

[0120] Exemplarily, the water-gas mixing tank 612 may also be connected to a pressure relief valve 6121, which opens when the pressure in the water-gas mixing tank 612 is greater than a second preset threshold. Thus, the excess gas can be discharged through the pressure relief port 15. It can be understood that when the bubble water module 600 is designed, it will be avoided that the pressure in the water-gas mixing tank 612 is too high due to continuous water injection. However, the bubble water in the water-gas mixing tank 612 is not stable. When the ambient temperature rises or it is subjected to vibration and impact, the bubble water will decompose, causing the pressure in the water-gas mixing tank 612 to increase suddenly. In order to prevent the bubble water from flowing back to the cold tank 510, or the gas from being ejected from the gas cylinder mouth when the gas cylinder is replaced, a bubble water check valve 615 is provided between the bubble water booster pump 611 and the water-gas mixing tank 612 on the bubble water pipeline 610, and a gas check valve 632 is also provided between the pressure reducing valve 631 and the water-gas mixing tank 612. This will cause the sudden increase in pressure to have nowhere to be released, thereby causing an impact on the water-gas mixing tank 612, reducing the service life of the water-gas mixing tank 612, and even causing safety hazards. The pressure relief valve 6121 is set to release excess gas and pressure. The second threshold is less than the rated pressure of the water-gas mixing tank 612, and a certain margin can be reserved. It is greater than the normal working pressure, and a certain margin can also be reserved to consider the pressure fluctuations in normal use.

[0121] Exemplarily, a throttle valve 614 may be provided on the bubble water pipeline 610 between the water-gas mixing tank 612 and the water outlet 12. The difference between the flow rate of the throttle valve 614 and the flow rate of the bubble water booster pump 611 is within a predetermined range. In other words, the flow rate of the bubble water booster pump 611 replenishing water into the water-gas mixing tank 612 is roughly equal to the flow rate of the bubble water output through the throttle valve 614. Since it is only necessary to ensure that the amount of water in the water-gas mixing tank 612 is not too little, the above-mentioned water replenishment flow rate and output flow rate can be completely equal, or there can be a certain difference. As long as it does not cause the amount of water in the water-gas mixing tank 612 to be too little and thus affect the taste of the bubble water, then this difference can be considered to be within a predetermined range. This can prevent the bubble water flow rate from being too large, resulting in a serious imbalance in the water and gas ratio in the mixing tank, affecting the taste of the bubble water. A bubble water solenoid valve 613 is provided on the bubble water pipeline 610 between the water-gas mixing tank 612 and the water outlet 12, and the control device is also used to control the opening and closing of the bubble water solenoid valve 613 according to the user's water taking information. In this way, when the user takes bubble water, the required amount of bubble water can be input, and the control device can control the time of opening and closing the bubble water solenoid valve 613, whether to output bubble water, and the amount of bubble water output. Of course, in an embodiment not shown, a mechanical faucet can also be provided, and the user can open and take bubble water by himself.

[0122] Exemplarily, a refrigeration component may be provided in the water-gas mixing tank 612, so that the user can be provided with sparkling water with the best taste. Preferably, the water-gas mixing tank 612 may be embedded in the cold tank 510, so that the contact area with the cold tank can be increased, the heat can be fully transferred to the cold tank, and then the temperature is reduced through the second heat absorption section provided in the cold tank.

[0123] In the above technical solution, the water-gas mixing tank 612 is embedded in the cold tank 510 , and the cold tank and the water-gas mixing tank 612 can be cooled simultaneously by a refrigeration component, which is more cost-effective and can also reduce the volume of the beverage machine 10 .

[0124] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional words such as "front", "back", "up", "down", "left", "right", "lateral", "vertical", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", etc. is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise specified, these directional words 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 cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention; the directional words "inside" and "outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the contour of each component itself.

[0125] For ease of description, regional relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface", "above", etc. may be used here to describe the regional positional relationship between one or more components or features shown in the figure and other components or features. It should be understood that regional relative terms include not only the orientation of the components as described in the figure, but also different orientations in use or operation. For example, if the components in the accompanying drawings are inverted as a whole, the components "above other components or features" or "above other components or features" will include the situation where the components are "below other components or structures" or "below other components or structures". Therefore, the exemplary term "above" may include both "above" and "below". In addition, these components or features may also be positioned at other different angles (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other angles), and this article is intended to include all of these situations.

[0126] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of features, steps, operations, parts, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0127] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the numbers used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0128] The present invention has been described by the above embodiments, but it should be understood that the above embodiments are only for the purpose of example and description, and are not intended to limit the present invention to the scope of the described embodiments. In addition, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and more variations and modifications can be made according to the teachings of the present invention, and these variations and modifications all fall within the scope of the protection claimed by the present invention. The protection scope of the present invention is defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A beverage machine, the beverage machine having a water inlet end and a water outlet end, characterized in that: The beverage machine comprises: A small-flux water production device, the small-flux water production device having a clean water outlet and a raw water inlet connected to the water inlet end; A water storage container, wherein the water outlet of the water storage container is connected to the purified water outlet; A normal temperature water pipeline connected between the water outlet of the water storage container and the water outlet; A hot water pipeline connected between the water outlet and the water outlet of the water storage container, wherein a heating device is provided on the hot water pipeline; A cold water pipeline connected between the water outlet and the water outlet of the water storage container, wherein a cold tank is provided on the cold water pipeline; and A control device is used to control the small-flux water-making device to start making water when there is a lack of water in the water storage container.

2. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The beverage machine also includes a front panel, on which a support portion is provided, on which the water storage container is detachably provided, and when the water storage container is in an installed state on the support portion, a water outlet of the water storage container is connected to the purified water outlet, and the water storage container also has a pouring port.

3. The beverage machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The beverage machine also includes a first joint and a second joint that are detachably connected to each other, the first joint being arranged at the water outlet of the water storage container, and the second joint being arranged on the supporting portion and being connected to the purified water outlet, the water inlet of the normal temperature water pipeline, the water inlet of the hot water pipeline and the water inlet of the cold water pipeline.

4. The beverage machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: A first one-way valve is arranged on the first joint, and a second one-way valve is arranged on the second joint. The first one-way valve and the second one-way valve are in a conducting state when the water storage container is in the installed state, and the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve are in a cut-off state when the water storage container is separated from the supporting part.

5. The beverage machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The beverage machine also includes a water level detector, which is used to detect water level information in the water storage container. The control device is used to determine that there is a lack of water in the water storage container when the water level in the water storage container is lower than a preset water level lower limit based on the water level information.

6. The beverage machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The support portion is provided with an installation position detector for detecting whether the water storage container is installed in place on the support portion, and the control device is used to control the small-flux water production device to stop water production when the water storage container is not installed in place.

7. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The beverage machine further comprises a first sterilization component, and the first sterilization component is used for sterilizing the water in the water storage container.

8. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating device comprises a heat tank, and the heat tank is arranged below the water storage container so that the clean water in the water storage container flows into the heat tank under the action of gravity.

9. The beverage machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: The heating device also includes a heating tap arranged downstream of the hot tank, The control device is used to adjust the heating power of the heating faucet according to the desired water intake temperature and the hot tank temperature of the hot tank.

10. The beverage machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: A diaphragm pump and a flow meter are also provided on the hot water pipeline and between the hot tank and the heating faucet. The control device is also used to control the heating power of the heating faucet and / or the output flow of the diaphragm pump according to the detection result of the flow meter.

11. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The beverage machine also includes an ice making module, an ice delivery module and an ice storage box. The ice making module is in communication with the cold tank and is used for receiving water from the cold tank and making ice cubes. The ice transport module is used for transporting the ice cubes to the ice storage box.

12. The beverage machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The beverage machine also includes an ice quantity detector and a prompt module for detecting the current ice quantity information in the ice storage box. The control device is used for controlling the ice delivery module to deliver the ice cubes to the ice storage box and timing the ice storage time when the ice making module completes ice making, and for controlling the prompt module to issue a prompt message that the ice cubes are not fresh when the ice storage time reaches a preset threshold and it is determined according to the current ice quantity information that there are still ice cubes in the ice storage box.

13. The beverage machine according to claim 12, characterized in that: The beverage machine further includes an input module, which is used to receive a target ice quantity input by a user, generate and send target ice quantity information to the control device, wherein the target ice quantity is n times the single ice making quantity of the ice making module, where n is a positive integer, wherein: When the ice making module completes ice making, the control device controls the ice delivery module to deliver the ice cubes to the ice storage box and times the ice cube storage time, including the following operations: Controlling the ice delivery module to deliver the ice cubes of the single ice-making amount to the ice storage box each time the ice-making module completes ice-making; and When it is determined according to the current ice quantity information that the ice storage box is emptied, the ice storage time is re-timed from the time when the ice-making module completes ice-making next time.

14. The beverage machine according to claim 13, characterized in that: The target ice amount is less than a maximum ice storage amount of the ice storage box.

15. The beverage machine according to claim 13, characterized in that: The control device is further configured to, when receiving the target ice quantity information from the input module, control the prompt module to issue a prompt message about emptying the ice storage box in the case where it is determined according to the current ice quantity information that the ice storage box is not emptied.

16. The beverage machine according to claim 12, characterized in that: The control device is also used for: when it is determined according to the current ice amount information that there is no ice in the ice storage box and the ice-making module stops making ice, controlling the prompt module to issue a prompt message that there is no ice at this time.

17. The beverage machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The beverage machine further comprises an installation position detector for detecting whether the ice storage box is installed in place. The control device controls the ice delivery module to deliver the ice cubes to the ice storage box when the ice storage box is installed in place.

18. The beverage machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The control device is further used for controlling the ice-making module to stop making ice each time the ice-making module completes making ice and determines that the ice storage box is not installed in place.

19. The beverage machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The ice making module comprises: One or more ice making heads; a refrigeration assembly, the refrigeration assembly being used to refrigerate the ice-making head; and An ice-making water storage box is provided with an ice-making position. When the ice-making water storage box is in the ice-making position, the ice-making head extends into the ice-making water storage box to form the ice cubes on the ice-making head.

20. The beverage machine according to claim 19, characterized in that The control device is used to control the working time of the refrigeration component so that water remains in the ice-making water storage box when ice making is completed each time.

21. The beverage machine according to claim 19, characterized in that The ice transport module comprises: an ice transport track, wherein an ice receiving portion of the ice transport track is located directly below the ice making head, and an ice output portion of the ice transport track is located directly above the ice storage box; and A driver, wherein the ice-making water storage box is movable between the ice-making position and the demoulding position under the action of the driver, Wherein, when the ice-making water storage box is in the demoulding position, it is located outside the ice-cube falling path between the ice-making head and the ice-cube receiving portion.

22. The beverage machine according to claim 21, characterized in that The driver is used for driving the ice-making water storage box to rotate around a horizontal axis so that the ice-making water storage box moves between the ice-making position and the demoulding position.

23. The beverage machine according to claim 21, characterized in that At least the ice receiving portion of the ice transport track is provided with a first drainage hole, and the first drainage hole is communicated with the water inlet of the cold tank through a reflux pipeline.

24. The beverage machine according to claim 23, characterized in that A second sterilization component is arranged on the return pipeline and / or in the cold tank.

25. The beverage machine according to claim 21, characterized in that The ice transport track is inclined downward in a direction from the ice receiving portion to the ice output portion.

26. The beverage machine according to claim 19, characterized in that The control device is also used to control the refrigeration assembly to reduce the intensity of refrigeration on the ice-making head when the ice-making module completes ice-making, so that the ice cubes are separated from the ice-making head.

27. The beverage machine according to claim 19, characterized in that The beverage machine has a drainage end for communicating with the outside, and the small-flux water production device includes a concentrated water pipeline connected to the drainage end, and the concentrated water pipeline can exchange heat with the heat release section of the refrigeration component.

28. The beverage machine according to claim 11, characterized in that The bottom of the ice storage box is provided with a second drainage hole, the beverage machine has a drainage end for communicating with the outside, and the second drainage hole is communicated with the drainage end; and / or The cold tank is located below the ice transport module; and / or A water pump is provided on the pipeline between the cold tank and the ice-making module; and / or The cold tank is arranged below the water storage container so that the purified water in the water storage container flows into the cold tank under the action of gravity.

29. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that The beverage machine further comprises a bubble water module, which is connected between the cold tank and the water outlet, and is used to obtain purified water from the cold tank and make bubble water.

30. The beverage machine according to claim 29, characterized in that The bubble water module comprises: A bubble water pipeline is connected between the cold tank and the water outlet, and a bubble water booster pump and a water-gas mixing tank are sequentially arranged on the bubble water pipeline; and A gas storage device is connected to the water-gas mixing tank through a gas pipeline, and a pressure reducing valve is provided on the gas pipeline.

31. The beverage machine according to claim 30, characterized in that The beverage machine further comprises a prompt module, a pressure detector is provided on the gas supply pipeline and downstream of the pressure reducing valve, and the control device is used to control the prompt module to issue a prompt about insufficient gas in the gas storage device when it is determined according to the detection result of the pressure detector that the gas pressure in the gas supply pipeline is lower than a first preset threshold value; and / or The water-gas mixing tank is also connected to a pressure relief valve, and the pressure relief valve opens when the pressure in the water-gas mixing tank is greater than a second preset threshold; and / or A bubble water one-way valve is provided on the bubble water pipeline between the bubble water booster pump and the water-gas mixing tank; and / or A bubble water solenoid valve is provided on the bubble water pipeline between the water-gas mixing tank and the water outlet, and the control device is further used to control the opening and closing of the bubble water solenoid valve according to the user's water intake information; and / or A throttle valve is provided on the bubble water pipeline between the water-gas mixing tank and the water outlet, and the difference between the flow rate of the throttle valve and the flow rate of the bubble water booster pump is within a predetermined range; and / or The water-gas mixing tank is embedded in the cold tank.

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