Coffee machine and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a coffee machine and a control method thereof. The coffee machine comprises a water supply source; the brewing device is connected between the water supply source and the outlet assembly; the outlet assembly is used for outputting fluid; the first boiler is connected between the water supply source and the outlet assembly and used for outputting hot water; the second boiler is connected between the water supply source and the outlet assembly and used for outputting steam; a first water pump is connected between the first boiler and the water supply source, a water outlet of the first boiler is connected with a first hot water output end and a second hot water output end, and the first hot water output end is connected to a water inlet of the second boiler through a first multi-way valve. The second hot water output end is connected to one of the brewing device and the outlet assembly, and the first multi-way valve is selectively communicated with the first hot water output end and a water inlet of the second boiler, so that water in the first boiler is introduced into the second boiler through the first water pump.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of beverage preparation, and in particular to a coffee machine and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] In a device for preparing coffee, an internal or external water supply source may be used to provide water required for producing coffee. A brewing unit and a milk frother are provided inside the coffee machine. Hot water is supplied to the brewing unit, in which the hot water passes through coffee particles to brew coffee liquid. Beverages of the coffee machine often require a steam function, and steam is supplied to the milk frother to be mixed with milk or milk and air to make hot milk or hot milk foam, so that milk coffee can be made.

[0003] The coffee machines currently on the market will have no problem making a single cup of milk coffee when outputting steam, but if there is a requirement for continuous output of cups, the steam efficiency is low. In this case, it takes a long time to make a cup of drink, affecting the user experience. Summary of the invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a coffee machine with high steam efficiency and capable of improving user experience.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a coffee machine, which can improve the efficiency of extracting beverages. 。

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned object of the invention, the present invention provides a coffee machine, comprising:

[0007] Water supply source;

[0008] A brewer connected between the water supply source and the outlet assembly;

[0009] An outlet assembly, used for outputting fluid;

[0010] A first boiler connected between the water supply source and the outlet assembly for outputting hot water;

[0011] a second boiler connected between the water supply source and the outlet assembly for outputting steam;

[0012] A first water pump is connected between the first boiler and the water supply source, the water outlet of the first boiler is connected to a first hot water output end and a second hot water output end, the first hot water output end is connected to the water inlet of the second boiler through a first multi-way valve, the second hot water output end is connected to the brewer and one of the outlet components, and the first multi-way valve can selectively connect the first hot water output end and the water inlet of the second boiler to introduce water in the first boiler into the second boiler through the first water pump.

[0013] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the first multi-way valve includes a first inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet, the first water outlet is connected to the first inlet, the first outlet is connected to the water inlet of the second boiler, and the second outlet is connected to the other of the brewer and the outlet assembly.

[0014] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, a first hot water output pipeline is connected between the second hot water output end and the brewer, a second hot water output pipeline is connected between the second outlet and the outlet assembly, and the first multi-way valve can selectively connect the first inlet and the second outlet to deliver hot water to the outlet assembly through the second hot water output pipeline.

[0015] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the steam outlet of the second boiler is connected to a steam delivery pipeline, the coffee machine also includes a cold water delivery pipeline, the cold water delivery pipeline is connected to the output end of the water supply source, the cold water delivery pipeline and the steam delivery pipeline have an output connection point, the first multi-way valve also includes a second inlet, the output connection point is connected to the second inlet, and the first multi-way valve can selectively connect the second inlet and the second outlet.

[0016] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the coffee machine also includes a water mixing valve, the water supply source is connected to a first inlet of the water mixing valve, the first hot water output end is connected to a second inlet of the water mixing valve, the water outlet of the water mixing valve is connected to a water inlet of the second boiler, and the water mixing valve can selectively adjust the opening area of ​​the first inlet and / or the second inlet.

[0017] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the coffee machine further comprises a second water pump, wherein the second water pump is connected between the water supply source and the water inlet of the second boiler, and the second water pump can selectively supply water to the second boiler.

[0018] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, it also includes a second water pump and a cold water delivery pipeline, the input end of the second water pump is connected to the water supply source, the second water pump includes a first output port and a second output port, the first output port is connected to the water inlet of the first boiler, the second output port is connected to the cold water delivery pipeline, the steam outlet of the second boiler is connected to the steam delivery pipeline, the cold water delivery pipeline and the steam delivery pipeline have an output connection point, and the output connection point is connected to the outlet component; the second water outlet is connected to the brewer.

[0019] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the first multi-way valve includes a second inlet and a second outlet, the output connection point is connected to the upstream end of the second inlet, and the second outlet is connected to the outlet assembly.

[0020] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the steam delivery pipeline is connected to a second multi-way valve, the second multi-way valve includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a fluid supply pipeline is connected between the fluid outlet and the outlet component, and the output connection point is connected to the upstream end of the fluid inlet.

[0021] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the steam outlet of the second boiler is connected to a steam delivery pipeline, the outlet assembly includes a milk frother, the steam delivery pipeline is connected to the milk frother through a second multi-way valve, the second multi-way valve includes a fluid inlet connected to the steam delivery pipeline, and the first multi-way valve includes a second outlet, and the second outlet is connected to the fluid inlet.

[0022] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, it also includes a mixing valve, the second hot water output end is connected to the brewer, the outlet assembly includes a beverage outlet and a milk frother, the steam outlet of the second boiler is connected to the first inlet of the mixing valve, the water supply source is connected to the second inlet of the mixing valve, the water outlet of the mixing valve is connected to the beverage outlet, and the steam outlet of the second boiler is connected to the milk frother through a steam supply pipeline.

[0023] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, a first hot water output pipeline is connected between the second water outlet and the outlet assembly, the steam outlet of the second boiler is connected to a steam delivery pipeline, the coffee machine also includes a cold water delivery pipeline, the cold water delivery pipeline is connected to the output end of the water supply source, the cold water delivery pipeline and the steam delivery pipeline have an output connection point, the first multi-way valve also includes a second inlet, the output connection point is connected to the second inlet, a second hot water output pipeline is connected between the second outlet and the brewer, the first multi-way valve can selectively connect the second inlet and the second outlet to deliver hot water to the brewer through the second hot water output pipeline, and the second water outlet is connected to the outlet assembly.

[0024] The present invention further provides a method for controlling a coffee machine, comprising the following steps:

[0025] receiving a signal indicative of water replenishment to a second boiler, the second boiler being used to output steam;

[0026] Starting the first water pump to supply water to the first boiler, and opening the control valve between the water outlet of the first boiler and the water inlet of the second boiler, wherein the first boiler is used to output hot water;

[0027] When it is detected that the water level in the second boiler reaches a preset water level value, the water supply of the first water pump is stopped.

[0028] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, a water level probe is provided in the second boiler, and the control method further comprises:

[0029] The signal characterizing the water replenishment of the second boiler includes that a signal from a water level probe is not received; and detecting that the water level in the steam boiler reaches a preset water level value is the signal from the water level probe being received.

[0030] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, after receiving a signal indicating water replenishment of the steam boiler, it is determined whether the brewer is working, and the first water pump is started to supply water to the hot water boiler after the current work of the brewer is completed.

[0031] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, it also includes: detecting that the water level in the steam boiler reaches a preset water level value, continuing to replenish a preset amount of water, and then stopping the first water pump.

[0032] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, a beverage preparation signal indicative of two hot water outputs is received;

[0033] Controlling the first multi-way valve to deliver hot water from the first boiler to the brewing device;

[0034] The second multi-way valve is controlled to start the cold water pump so that the steam from the second boiler and the cold water from the water supply source are mixed at the delivery connection point and output to the outlet component.

[0035] The coffee machine and control method thereof provided by the present invention can improve the steam generation efficiency and reduce the beverage making time by directly replenishing hot water to the steam boiler through the hot water boiler, thereby improving the beverage making efficiency and improving the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the water system structure of the coffee machine in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the water system structure of a coffee machine in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the water system structure of a coffee machine in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the water system structure of a coffee machine in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the water system structure of a coffee machine in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 6Schematic diagram of the water system structure of a coffee machine in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the water system structure of a coffee machine in the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 8 It is a flow chart of the control method of the coffee machine of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of detecting the boiler water level in the control method of the coffee machine of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional changes made by a person skilled in the art based on these embodiments are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] It should be understood that the terms used herein to indicate spatial relative positions, such as "upper", "above", "lower", "below", "lateral", "longitudinal", etc., are used for the purpose of convenience to describe the relationship of one unit or feature relative to another unit or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings. Terms of spatial relative position may be intended to include different orientations of the device during use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. The terms "first", "second", and "third" used herein may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and these terms are not intended to indicate the position or importance of the various components. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the relative direction relative to the flow of fluid in a fluid pathway. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid is flowing, and "downstream" refers to the direction to which the fluid is flowing.

[0047] The coffee machine in the embodiment of the present invention is described by taking an automatic coffee machine as an example. The automatic coffee machine generally includes a water supply source for providing coffee brewing water, a brewer for mixing water and coffee particles for brewing, and a heater for heating the supplied brewing water, and forming a coffee drink through hot water extraction. It can also include a milk frother, and steam is provided to the milk frother through the heater, and the steam and milk are mixed to form hot milk or steam, air and milk are mixed to form hot milk foam. Among them, the liquid flow path from the water supply source to the user to extract various beverages can be considered as the water system of the automatic coffee machine, and each embodiment below describes the water system in detail.

[0048] Reference Figure 1As shown, in a preferred first embodiment of the present invention, the coffee machine includes a water system 100, and the water system 100 includes a water supply source 20, a brewer 61 and an outlet assembly 62. The brewer 61 is connected between the water supply source 20 and the outlet assembly 61, and the outlet assembly 62 is used to output fluid. The brewer 61 and the outlet assembly 62 can share the water supply source 20, or they can be different water supply sources. The water supply source 20 can be a detachable water tank connected to the main body of the automatic coffee machine. The user can add water to the water tank by himself or an external water purifier can automatically add water to the water tank; the water supply source 20 can also be directly set as an external water purifier, that is, there is no need to set a water tank in the main body of the automatic coffee machine to reduce the volume of the automatic coffee machine. Of course, the water tank can also be filled with other liquids by the user, such as beverages, carbonated water, etc., and drinkable water is used for illustration in the embodiment of the present application.

[0049] The water system 100 also includes a first boiler 31 and a second boiler 32, both of which are connected between the water supply source 20 and the outlet assembly 62, the first boiler 31 is used to output hot water, and the second boiler 32 is used to output steam. The first boiler 31 and the second boiler 32 can provide stable hot water and steam. Among them, a first water pump 301 is connected between the first boiler 31 and the water supply source 20, and the water outlet of the first boiler 31 is connected to a first hot water output end 311 and a second hot water output end 312, the first hot water output end 311 is connected to the water inlet of the second boiler 32 through a first multi-way valve 45, and the second hot water output end 312 is connected to one of the brewer 61 and the outlet assembly 62, and the first multi-way valve 45 can selectively connect the first hot water output end 311 and the water inlet of the second boiler 32 to introduce the water in the first boiler 31 into the second boiler 32 through the first water pump 301. By replenishing the hot water in the first boiler 31 to the second boiler 32, the heating time of the second boiler 32 is reduced, and the efficiency of the second boiler 32 to output steam is ensured, thereby meeting the user's needs for continuous cup production.

[0050] The first multi-way valve 45 includes a first inlet 451, a first outlet 452 and a second outlet 453. The first hot water output end 311 is connected to the first inlet 451, the first outlet 452 is connected to the water inlet of the second boiler 32, and the second outlet 453 is connected to the other of the brewer 61 and the outlet assembly 62. By providing the first multi-way valve 45, water can be replenished to the second boiler 32, and hot water can be delivered to the other of the brewer 61 and the outlet assembly 62, and the water path setting is more compact.

[0051] In this embodiment, the second hot water output end 312 of the first boiler 31 is connected to the brewer 61. The first boiler 31 provides hot water to the brewer 61, which can ensure the temperature and pressure of the hot water for brewing coffee. The steam outlet of the second boiler 32 is connected to the steam delivery pipeline 51. A steam supply pipeline 48 is also connected between the steam delivery pipeline 51 and the outlet component 62, which is used to provide steam to the outlet component 62. For example, steam is provided to the milk frother 622 of the outlet component 62 for making hot milk or hot milk foam. By providing hot water to the brewer through the first boiler 31 and steam to the milk frother through the second boiler 32, coffee extraction and hot milk / hot milk foam can be made at the same time, which reduces the time required for making milk coffee, thereby improving the user experience.

[0052] Preferably, the second outlet 453 is connected to the outlet assembly 62, the first hot water output pipeline 41 is connected between the second hot water output end 312 of the first boiler 31 and the brewer 61, the second hot water output pipeline 42 is connected between the second outlet 453 and the outlet assembly 62, the first hot water output end 311 and the first inlet 451 are connected to the hot water bypass pipeline 44, and the first multi-way valve 45 can selectively connect the first inlet 451 and the second outlet 453 to deliver hot water to the outlet assembly 62 through the second hot water output pipeline 42. In this way, the first boiler 31 can not only replenish water for the second boiler 32, but also provide hot water to the brewer 61, and can be selectively delivered to the second boiler 32 or the outlet assembly 62 through a multi-way valve, which can make the water system more compact, can realize the output of two hot water at the same time, and improve the efficiency of making American coffee.

[0053] In the following embodiments, components or features with the same reference numerals have the same or similar structures and functions, and are not described in detail here.

[0054] Reference Figure 2As shown, in the preferred second embodiment, the coffee machine includes a water system 200, the steam outlet of the second boiler 32 is connected to the steam delivery pipeline 51, and the water system 200 also includes a cold water delivery pipeline 52, and the cold water pipeline 52 can also be supplied with water through its independent cold water pump 303. The cold water delivery pipeline 52 is connected to the output end of the water supply source 20, and the cold water delivery pipeline 52 and the steam delivery pipeline 51 have an output connection point. The first multi-way valve 45a also includes a second inlet 454, and the output connection point is connected to the second inlet 454. The first multi-way valve 45a can selectively connect the second inlet 454 and the second outlet 453. Similar to the above embodiment, the first inlet 451 and the first outlet 452 of the first multi-way valve 45a are connected to the first hot water output end 311 of the first boiler 31 and the water inlet of the second boiler 32, respectively. In this way, the hot water in the first boiler 31 can be introduced into the second boiler 32 through the first multi-way valve 45a, and the hot water mixed with steam and cold water can also be output to the other of the brewer 61 and the outlet assembly 62, so as to realize two independent hot water outputs to the brewer 61 and the outlet assembly 62 at the same time, and the water temperature meets the requirements, thereby improving the user experience. Moreover, each boiler does not need to switch the heating function, and the two hot waters are provided by different boilers. For beverages that require two hot water outputs, the time for beverage preparation is reduced, and the hot water can be reliably and stably supplied when the cups are continuously discharged.

[0055] In this embodiment, the second hot water output end 312 of the first boiler 31 is preferably connected to the brewer 61, and the second outlet 454 of the first multi-way valve 45a is connected to the outlet assembly 62. The first boiler 31 provides hot water to the brewer 61, which can ensure the temperature and pressure of the hot water for brewing coffee. The mixed hot water of steam and cold water is delivered to the outlet assembly, which can more conveniently adjust the temperature of the mixed hot water, giving users more choices.

[0056] The output connection point is configured as a water mixing valve 54, the steam delivery pipeline 51 is connected to the first inlet 541 of the water mixing valve 54, the cold water pipeline 52 is connected to the second inlet 542 of the water mixing valve, and the water outlet 543 of the water mixing valve 54 is connected to the outlet assembly 62 through the second inlet 454 and the second outlet 453 of the first multi-way valve 45a. The provision of the water mixing valve 54 can more conveniently control the mixing of steam and cold water. The water mixing valve 54 can operably adjust the opening area of ​​the second inlet 542 to control the cold water flow rate. The mixing valve 54 includes a stepper motor 544 for controlling the size of the opening area of ​​the second inlet 542. When making American coffee, the stepper motor 544 is started, and cold water enters from the second inlet 542. The number of steps of the stepper motor 544 is controlled by a program to control the insertion depth of the valve core at the front end of the stepper motor 544, thereby controlling the flow rate of cold water; steam enters through the first inlet 541, and after mixing with the cold water inside the mixing valve 54, the cold water is heated by the steam to become hot water, and flows out through the outlet 543 of the mixing valve 54, so that the temperature of the output hot water can be adjusted by controlling the flow rate of cold water. The control is simple and the adjustment of the hot water temperature is more convenient.

[0057] Reference Figure 3 As shown, in the preferred third embodiment, the coffee machine includes a water system 300, and the water system 300 also includes a water mixing valve 54a. Unlike the above-mentioned water mixing valve 54, the water mixing valve 54a in this embodiment can be used to mix hot water and cold water. The water supply source 20 is connected to the first inlet 541 of the water mixing valve 54a, the first hot water output end 311 of the first boiler 31 is connected to the second inlet 542 of the water mixing valve 54a, and the water outlet 543 of the water mixing valve 54a is connected to the water inlet of the second boiler 32. The water mixing valve 54a can selectively adjust the opening area of ​​the first inlet 542 and / or the second inlet 542. By setting the water mixing valve 54a, it is possible to choose whether to add hot water or cold water to the second boiler 32, so that the type of water added to the second boiler 32 can be selected according to the working state of the coffee machine.

[0058] Among them, the first multi-way valve 45b includes a first inlet 451, a first outlet 452 and a second outlet 453, the first hot water output end 311 of the first boiler 31 is connected to the first inlet 451, the first outlet 452 is connected to the water inlet of the second boiler 320, the second outlet 453 is connected to the outlet assembly 62, and the second hot water output end 312 of the first boiler 31 is connected to the brewer 61 through the first hot water delivery pipeline 41.

[0059] In addition, the water system 300 further includes a second water pump 302, which is connected between the water supply source 20 and the water inlet of the second boiler 32, and the second water pump 302 can selectively supply water to the second boiler 32. By providing two water pumps, a more efficient water replenishment method can be selected according to the working state of the coffee machine.

[0060] Reference Figure 4 In a preferred fourth embodiment, the coffee machine includes a water system 400, which includes a second water pump 302a and a cold water delivery pipeline 52. The input end of the second water pump 302a is connected to the water supply source 20. The second water pump 302a includes a first output port 305 and a second output port 306. The first output port 305 is connected to the water inlet of the first boiler 31, and the second output port 306 is connected to the cold water delivery pipeline 52. The steam outlet of the second boiler 32 is connected to the steam delivery pipeline 51. The cold water delivery pipeline 52 and the steam delivery pipeline 51 have an output connection point, and the output connection point is also configured to be connected to the cold water delivery pipeline 52. Figure 2 The output connection point of the mixing valve 54 is connected to the outlet assembly 62, and the second hot water output end 312 is connected to the brewer 61. The second water pump 302a can be used to supply water to the cold water delivery pipeline 52 and also to replenish water to the first boiler 31, so that the first boiler 31 can be replenished with water through two water pumps, thereby improving the efficiency of boiler replenishment.

[0061] The structure of the first multi-way valve 45a is similar to that of the above Figure 2 The first multi-way valve 45a includes a first inlet 451, a first outlet 452, a second inlet 454 and a second outlet 453, the output connection point is connected to the upstream end of the second inlet 454, and the second outlet 453 is connected to the outlet assembly 62. The first inlet 451 and the first outlet 452 are respectively connected to the first hot water output end 311 of the first boiler 31 and the water inlet of the second boiler 32. The multi-way valve can be provided to transport hot water mixed with steam and cold water to the outlet assembly 62. In addition to generating hot water through the first boiler 31, the steam output by the second boiler 32 mixed with cold water can also generate hot water, thereby reducing the load of the first boiler 31.

[0062] The outlet assembly 62 includes a milk froth machine 622. The steam delivery line 51 is connected to the second multi-way valve 46. The second multi-way valve 46 includes a fluid inlet 462 and a fluid outlet 463. The fluid outlet 463 is connected to the steam inlet of the milk froth machine 622 through the steam supply line 48. The second multi-way valve 46 also includes an air outlet, which is connected to the air inlet of the milk froth machine through the air supply line 415.

[0063] Figure 2 and Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, the water system includes a water mixing valve 54, the second hot water output end 312 of the first boiler 31 is connected to the brewer 61, the outlet assembly 62 includes a beverage outlet 621 and a milk frother 622, the steam outlet of the second boiler 32 is connected to the first inlet 541 of the water mixing valve 54, the water supply source 20 is connected to the second inlet 542 of the water mixing valve 54, the water outlet 543 of the water mixing valve 54 is connected to the beverage outlet 621, and the steam outlet of the second boiler 32 is connected to the milk frother 622 via the steam supply line 48. The steam generated by the second boiler 32 can be supplied to the milk frother 622 for making hot milk or hot milk foam, and can also be supplied to the water mixing valve 54 for generating a second hot water.

[0064] Reference Figure 5 In a preferred fifth embodiment, the coffee machine includes a water system 500, wherein the steam delivery line 51 is connected to a second multi-way valve 46, the second multi-way valve 46 includes a fluid inlet 462 and a fluid outlet 463, and a fluid supply line is connected between the fluid outlet 463 and the outlet assembly 62, the fluid supply line is the second hot water delivery line 42a, and can also be a steam supply line 48. The output connection point is connected to the upstream end of the fluid inlet 462, and the output connection point can be configured as a three-way pipe 56. By connecting the output connection point to the upstream end of the fluid inlet 462, the second multi-way valve 46 can output steam to the outlet assembly 62, and can also output hot water to the outlet assembly 62, so as to realize multiple outputs of the outlet assembly 62, and can simplify the water circuit setting.

[0065] Reference Figure 6 In a preferred sixth embodiment, the coffee machine includes a water system 600, wherein the steam outlet of the second boiler 32 is connected to the steam delivery pipeline 51, the outlet assembly 62 includes a milk froth machine 622, the steam delivery pipeline 51 is connected to the milk froth machine 622 through the second multi-way valve 46, the second multi-way valve 46 includes a fluid inlet 462 connected to the steam delivery pipeline 51, and the first multi-way valve 45b also includes a second outlet 453b, and the second outlet 453b can be connected to the fluid inlet 462 through the hot water cleaning pipeline 413. The hot water flowing out of the first multi-way valve 45b can be delivered to the milk froth machine 622 through the second multi-way valve 46, so as to clean the milk froth machine 622 or output hot water.

[0066] Reference Figure 7In the preferred seventh embodiment, the coffee machine includes a water system 700, the first hot water output end 311 of the first boiler 31 is connected to the first inlet 451 of the first multi-way valve 45, the first hot water output pipeline 41b is connected between the second hot water output end 312 of the first boiler 31 and the outlet component 62, the first hot water delivery pipeline 41b is connected to the outlet component 62, and the second hot water output pipeline 42c is connected between the second outlet 453 of the first multi-way valve 45 and the brewer 61, that is, the second hot water delivery pipeline 42c is connected to the brewer 62. The steam outlet of the second boiler 32 is connected to the steam delivery pipeline 51, and also includes a cold water delivery pipeline 52, the cold water delivery pipeline 52 is connected to the output end of the water supply source 20, the cold water delivery pipeline 52 and the steam delivery pipeline 51 have an output connection point configured as a water mixing valve 54, and the output connection point is connected to the second inlet 454 of the first multi-way valve 45, the first multi-way valve 45 selectively connects the second inlet 454 and the second outlet 453 to deliver hot water to the brewer 61 through the second hot water output pipeline 42c, and the second hot water output end 312 is connected to the outlet assembly 62. That is, the mixed water of steam and cold water is delivered to the brewer 61 for coffee extraction, and the hot water heated by the first boiler 31 is delivered to the outlet assembly 62 to be mixed with the coffee liquid to produce American coffee. In this way, the water input to the brewer 61 can be selected at different temperatures to meet the diverse tastes of users.

[0067] In the above embodiment, various control valves, such as safety valves, one-way valves, etc., can be arranged at the water outlet of the boiler. The multi-way valve can be a disc-type diverter valve, or a three-way valve, a four-way valve, etc., and the type of valve is arranged according to the number of inputs and outputs. Each delivery pipeline is also provided with a control valve for controlling the on-off of the corresponding waterway, and the two pipelines can be connected by a three-way connector, a four-way connector, etc. The arrangement of two multi-way valves can make the waterway arrangement more free, such as a more compact waterway layout can be arranged according to the internal space of the coffee machine.

[0068] Next, based on the coffee machine in the above embodiment, Figure 8 As shown, the present application also provides a method for controlling a coffee machine, comprising the following steps:

[0069] receiving a signal indicative of water replenishment to the second boiler, the second boiler being used to output steam;

[0070] The first water pump is started to supply water to the first boiler, and the control valve between the water outlet of the first boiler and the water inlet of the second boiler is opened, so that the first boiler is used to output hot water;

[0071] When it is detected that the water level in the second boiler reaches a preset water level value, the water supply of the first water pump is stopped.

[0072] By controlling the first water pump, the hot water in the first boiler can be added to the second boiler, reducing the time for the second boiler to generate steam, thereby improving the efficiency of beverage making. Moreover, one water pump can be used to replenish water for two boilers, saving the cost of the coffee machine.

[0073] Reference Fig. 9 As shown, a water level probe 325 is provided in the second boiler 32, and the water level probe 325 is connected above the second boiler 32, that is, the water level probe 325 extends into the second boiler 32 from top to bottom. When the water level in the boiler is lower than the end of the water level probe 325, the signal representing the water replenishment of the second boiler 32 is that the signal of the water level probe is not received, and the first water pump is started to replenish water until the water level probe 325 detects the water level and sends a signal, and detecting that the water level in the second boiler 32 reaches the preset water level value is the signal of the water level probe 325 being received.

[0074] In addition, after receiving the signal indicating that the second boiler 32 is replenishing water, it is determined whether the brewer is working, and after the brewer completes the current work, the first water pump is started to supply water to the first boiler 31. In other words, the hot water boiler will not replenish water to the steam boiler during the coffee extraction stage. The reason for not replenishing water to the steam boiler is to ensure the stability of the system pressure. If the hot water boiler still replenishes water to the steam boiler during the coffee extraction stage, the coffee extraction pressure will be insufficient.

[0075] Furthermore, a flow meter is provided at the upstream end of the first water pump or the upstream end of the two water pumps supplying water to the first boiler. The flow meter detects the flow of the corresponding pipeline to monitor the total water intake. When it is detected that the water level inside the second boiler reaches the position of the water level probe, the system will continue to replenish the preset amount of water and then stop replenishing the water. Continuing to replenish the preset amount of water is mainly to leave a certain amount of hot water surplus to prevent the second boiler from needing to replenish water continuously. The flow meter is also used to monitor whether the surplus has been reached.

[0076] When making a drink, the following steps are also included:

[0077] receiving a beverage preparation signal indicative of two hot water outputs;

[0078] Controlling the first multi-way valve to deliver hot water from the first boiler to the brewing device;

[0079] The second multi-way valve is controlled to start the cold water pump so that the steam from the second boiler and the cold water from the water supply source are mixed at the delivery connection point and output to the outlet component.

[0080] The hot water in the hot water boiler is transported to the brewer to ensure the hot water temperature for extracting coffee. The hot water mixed with steam and cold water is transported to the outlet component. In American coffee, coffee and hot water are made at the same time, which improves the efficiency of American coffee and shortens the preparation time of American coffee.

[0081] The coffee machine and control method in the above embodiment can improve the steam generation efficiency and reduce the beverage making time by adding hot water from the hot water boiler to the steam boiler, thereby improving the beverage making efficiency and improving the user experience. It can also achieve the simultaneous production of coffee and hot water in American coffee and the simultaneous production of milk and coffee in milk coffee, thereby improving the efficiency of American coffee and milk coffee and shortening the production time of American coffee and milk coffee.

[0082] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to implementation modes, not every implementation mode contains only one independent technical solution. This description of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each implementation mode may also be appropriately combined to form other implementation modes that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0083] The series of detailed descriptions listed above are only specific descriptions of feasible implementation methods of the present invention. They are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent implementation methods or changes that do not deviate from the technical spirit of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A coffee machine, comprising: Water supply source; A brewer connected between the water supply source and the outlet assembly; An outlet assembly, used for outputting fluid; A first boiler connected between the water supply source and the outlet assembly for outputting hot water; a second boiler connected between the water supply source and the outlet assembly for outputting steam; It is characterized in that a first water pump is connected between the first boiler and the water supply source, the water outlet of the first boiler is connected to a first hot water output end and a second hot water output end, the first hot water output end is connected to the water inlet of the second boiler through a first multi-way valve, the second hot water output end is connected to the brewer and one of the outlet components, and the first multi-way valve can selectively connect the first hot water output end and the water inlet of the second boiler to introduce water in the first boiler into the second boiler through the first water pump.

2. The coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that The first multi-way valve includes a first inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet, the first water outlet is connected to the first inlet, the first outlet is connected to the water inlet of the second boiler, and the second outlet is connected to the other of the brewer and the outlet assembly.

3. The coffee machine according to claim 2, characterized in that A first hot water output pipeline is connected between the second water outlet and the brewer, a second hot water output pipeline is connected between the second outlet and the outlet assembly, and the first multi-way valve can selectively connect the first inlet and the second outlet to deliver hot water to the outlet assembly through the second hot water output pipeline.

4. The coffee machine according to claim 2, characterized in that The steam outlet of the second boiler is connected to the steam delivery pipeline, the coffee machine also includes a cold water delivery pipeline, the cold water delivery pipeline is connected to the output end of the water supply source, the cold water delivery pipeline and the steam delivery pipeline have an output connection point, the first multi-way valve also includes a second inlet, the output connection point is connected to the second inlet, and the first multi-way valve can selectively connect the second inlet and the second outlet.

5. The coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that It also includes a water mixing valve, wherein the water supply source is connected to a first inlet of the water mixing valve, the first hot water output end is connected to a second inlet of the water mixing valve, the water outlet of the water mixing valve is connected to a water inlet of the second boiler, and the water mixing valve can selectively adjust the opening area of ​​the first inlet and / or the second inlet.

6. The coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that It also includes a second water pump, which is connected between the water supply source and the water inlet of the second boiler, and the second water pump can selectively supply water to the second boiler.

7. The coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that The coffee machine also includes a second water pump and a cold water delivery pipeline, the input end of the second water pump is connected to the water supply source, the second water pump includes a first output port and a second output port, the first output port is connected to the water inlet of the first boiler, the second output port is connected to the cold water delivery pipeline, the steam outlet of the second boiler is connected to the steam delivery pipeline, the cold water delivery pipeline and the steam delivery pipeline have an output connection point, and the output connection point is connected to the outlet component; the second hot water output end is connected to the brewer.

8. The coffee machine according to claim 7, characterized in that The first multi-way valve includes a second inlet and a second outlet, the output communication point is connected to an upstream end of the second inlet, and the second outlet is connected to the outlet assembly.

9. The coffee machine according to claim 7, characterized in that The steam delivery pipeline is connected to a second multi-way valve, which includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A fluid supply pipeline is connected between the fluid outlet and the outlet assembly, and the output connection point is connected to the upstream end of the fluid inlet.

10. The coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that The steam outlet of the second boiler is connected to a steam delivery pipeline, the outlet assembly includes a milk frother, the steam delivery pipeline is connected to the milk frother through a second multi-way valve, the second multi-way valve includes a fluid inlet connected to the steam delivery pipeline, and the first multi-way valve includes a second outlet, and the second outlet is connected to the fluid inlet.

11. The coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that It also includes a water mixing valve, the second hot water output end is connected to the brewer, the outlet assembly includes a beverage outlet and a milk frother, the steam outlet of the second boiler is connected to the first inlet of the water mixing valve, the water supply source is connected to the second inlet of the water mixing valve, the water outlet of the water mixing valve is connected to the beverage outlet, and the steam outlet of the second boiler is connected to the milk frother through a steam supply line.

12. The coffee machine according to claim 2, characterized in that A first hot water output pipeline is connected between the second water outlet and the outlet assembly, a steam outlet of the second boiler is connected to a steam delivery pipeline, the coffee machine further comprises a cold water delivery pipeline, the cold water delivery pipeline is connected to the output end of the water supply source, the cold water delivery pipeline and the steam delivery pipeline have an output connection point, the first multi-way valve further comprises a second inlet, the output connection point is connected to the second inlet, a second hot water output pipeline is connected between the second outlet and the brewer, the first multi-way valve can selectively connect the second inlet and the second outlet to deliver hot water to the brewer through the second hot water output pipeline, and the second hot water output end is connected to the outlet assembly.

13. A method for controlling a coffee machine, comprising the following steps: receiving a signal indicative of water replenishment to a second boiler, the second boiler being used to output steam; Starting the first water pump to supply water to the first boiler, and opening the control valve between the water outlet of the first boiler and the water inlet of the second boiler, wherein the first boiler is used to output hot water; When it is detected that the water level in the second boiler reaches a preset water level value, the water supply of the first water pump is stopped.

14. The control method according to claim 13, characterized in that: The second boiler is provided with a water level probe, and the control method further comprises: The signal characterizing the water replenishment of the second boiler includes that a signal from a water level probe is not received; and detecting that the water level in the steam boiler reaches a preset water level value is the signal from the water level probe being received.

15. The control method according to claim 13, characterized in that: Also includes: After receiving the signal indicating that the steam boiler is replenished with water, it is determined whether the brewer is working, and after the current work of the brewer is completed, the first water pump is started to supply water to the hot water boiler.

16. The control method according to claim 13, characterized in that: Also includes: When it is detected that the water level in the steam boiler reaches a preset water level value, water replenishment of a preset amount continues, and then the first water pump is stopped.

17. The control method according to claim 13, characterized in that: Also includes: receiving a beverage preparation signal indicative of two hot water outputs; Controlling the first multi-way valve to deliver hot water from the first boiler to the brewing device; The second multi-way valve is controlled to start the cold water pump so that the steam from the second boiler and the cold water from the water supply source are mixed at the delivery connection point and output to the outlet component.

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