Beverage machine and beverage brewing method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a beverage machine, comprising: a brewing device having a brewing chamber and a brewing outlet; a brewing water supply line connected to the brewer and leading to the brewing chamber; the beverage distribution pipeline is connected between the brewing outlet and the beverage outlet; the heater is connected between the water supply source and the brewing water supply pipeline; the heat exchanger is provided with a heat exchange channel, a part of the beverage distribution pipeline penetrates through the heat exchanger, the heat exchange channel is arranged around the beverage distribution pipeline, the beverage distribution pipeline is in fluid isolation and heat conduction contact with the heat exchange channel, the heat exchange channel is provided with a channel inlet and a channel outlet, and a high-temperature pipeline is arranged between the channel inlet and the heater; the channel inlet is also connected with a low-temperature pipeline; the device further comprises a controller, and the controller responds to an adjusting signal representing the temperature of the output beverage and controls one of the high-temperature pipeline and the low-temperature pipeline to be communicated with the channel inlet so as to heat or cool the brewed beverage. The beverage machine provides cold and hot replacement for the beverage distribution pipeline so as to quickly prepare beverages at different temperatures.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the existing beverage preparation field, beverage machines are increasingly used in home and commercial scenarios, such as mixing coffee particles, tea particles, etc. with water at a suitable temperature to produce beverages for users. Users' requirements for beverage temperature are also becoming more and more diverse. For example, in summer, users want to quickly make low-temperature coffee or cold brewed drinks, while in winter, they need to be able to provide a first cup of hot drinks at a high temperature.

[0003] Traditional beverage machines mostly use a simple heating and brewing process. Although they can meet basic beverage making needs, they have certain deficiencies in terms of precise temperature control and energy saving. For example, the water temperature control in beverage machines usually relies on a single heater or temperature control system, which causes large temperature fluctuations during the brewing process, resulting in unstable taste of the beverage and affecting the user experience. In addition, due to the lack of effective heat exchange devices, some beverage machines consume high energy when making high-temperature or low-temperature beverages and cannot meet the efficient conversion of different temperature requirements.

[0004] In response to market demand, some beverage machines try to achieve cooling effect by extending the beverage pipeline and immersing it in a cooling water tank. Although this method can reduce the temperature of the beverage to a certain extent, its design has great limitations and it is difficult to meet the requirements of modern users for efficiency and quality.

[0005] In addition, the heating and cooling functions in beverage machines are usually incompatible, requiring separate heating and cooling modules, which increases the size of the equipment and makes it expensive, and the function switching efficiency is low. At the same time, it is difficult to effectively solve the problem of insufficient temperature for the first cup of hot drink, which is particularly obvious when users turn on the machine for the first time in winter. Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a beverage machine with low cost and capable of outputting beverages at a temperature that meets user requirements.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for brewing beverages, wherein the temperature of the output beverage can meet the needs of users.

[0008] In order to achieve one of the above-mentioned objects, the present invention provides a beverage machine, comprising:

[0009] A brewer having a brewing chamber for accommodating beverage particles and a brewing outlet for outputting the brewed beverage;

[0010] a brewing water supply pipeline, connected to the brewer and leading to the brewing chamber, for supplying brewing water to the brewing chamber;

[0011] a beverage dispensing pipeline connected between the brewing outlet and the beverage outlet to transport the brewed beverage to the beverage outlet;

[0012] a heater connected between a water supply source and the brewing water supply pipeline;

[0013] The beverage machine further comprises a heat exchanger having a heat exchange channel, a portion of the beverage dispensing pipeline passing through the heat exchanger, the heat exchange channel being arranged around the beverage dispensing pipeline, the beverage dispensing pipeline being fluidically isolated from and in thermal contact with the heat exchange channel, the heat exchange channel having a channel inlet and a channel outlet, a high-temperature pipeline being arranged between the channel inlet and the heater, and a low-temperature pipeline being further connected to the channel inlet; the beverage machine further comprises a controller, the controller controlling the high-temperature pipeline and the low-temperature pipeline to selectively connect to the channel inlet in response to a regulating signal representing the output beverage temperature, so that the heat exchange channel selectively introduces a heating source through the high-temperature pipeline or introduces a cooling source through the low-temperature pipeline to heat the brewed beverage or cool the brewed beverage.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effect of the present invention is that the temperature of the beverage flowing out of the beverage dispensing pipeline is adjusted by controlling the selective opening and closing of the high-temperature pipeline and the low-temperature pipeline. The beverage machine can provide hot and cold replacement for the beverage dispensing pipeline, so that beverages with different temperature requirements can be quickly prepared, hot beverages can be reheated to form high-temperature beverages, and hot beverages can be cooled to form low-temperature beverages, so as to achieve temperature-adjustable beverage output, meet the needs of different scenarios, and improve the drinking experience.

[0015] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the low-temperature pipeline is connected between the water supply source and the channel inlet, one end of the high-temperature pipeline is connected to the brewing water supply pipeline, and the other end of the high-temperature pipeline is connected to the channel inlet, and the low-temperature water from the water supply source can be transported to the heater and / or the low-temperature pipeline.

[0016] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, a first three-way valve is provided on the high-temperature pipeline, and the first three-way valve includes a first inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet, the first inlet is connected to the brewing water supply pipeline, the first outlet is connected to the channel inlet, and the second outlet is connected to the beverage outlet or the independent hot water outlet, and the first inlet can be selectively connected to the first outlet or the second outlet.

[0017] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, a first water pump is provided between the water supply source and the heater, and the first water pump is used to supply water to the heater; a second water pump is provided on the low-temperature pipeline, and the second water pump is used to supply water or pressurize the heat exchange channel.

[0018] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the beverage dispensing pipeline includes a metal pipe section, the heat exchanger includes a pipe sleeve and an inlet joint and an outlet joint respectively connected to both ends of the pipe sleeve, the pipe sleeve is arranged on the outside of the metal pipe section, the heat exchange channel is formed between the pipe sleeve and the metal pipe section, the channel inlet is arranged at the inlet joint, the channel outlet is arranged at the outlet joint, and the channel outlet can be optionally connected to the wastewater outlet to discharge the heating source or the cooling source.

[0019] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, it also includes a refrigeration module and a cooling water tank, the cooling water tank contains the cooling source, the refrigeration module is used to supply cooling to the cooling water tank, the low-temperature pipeline is connected between the cooling water tank and the channel inlet, a reflux pipe is arranged between the cooling water tank and the channel outlet, and the cooling source circulates between the heat exchange channel and the cooling water tank through the low-temperature pipeline and the reflux pipe.

[0020] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, a second pipe joint is provided at the channel outlet, and the second pipe joint includes a first inlet, a first output port and a second output port, the first inlet is connected to the channel outlet, the first output port is connected to the reflux pipe, and the second output port is connected to the wastewater outlet; a shut-off valve is provided between the second output port and the wastewater outlet, and when the heating source of the high-temperature pipeline is introduced into the heat exchange channel, the shut-off valve is opened to connect the second output port and the wastewater outlet.

[0021] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, a circulating water circuit is arranged between the channel outlet and the brewer, and the controller responds to a cleaning signal to transport the heating source or the cooling source in the heat exchange channel to the brewing water supply pipeline through the circulating water circuit.

[0022] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the low-temperature pipeline is connected between the water supply source and the channel inlet, and a second water pump is provided on the low-temperature pipeline. The controller can selectively control the second water pump to be disconnected from the water supply source, and control the second water pump to pressurize the heat exchange channel.

[0023] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the circulating water circuit includes a circulating pipe and a water storage tank connected in series to the circulating pipe, and the heating source or the cooling source discharged from the heat exchange channel is stored in the water storage tank.

[0024] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the circulating water circuit includes a circulating pipe, one end of the circulating pipe is connected to the channel outlet, and the other end of the circulating pipe is connected to the brewing water supply pipeline. The circulating pipe is provided with a second three-way valve, and one port of the second three-way valve is connected to the wastewater outlet. The second three-way valve can selectively connect the circulating water circuit to the brewing water supply pipeline or to the wastewater outlet.

[0025] The present invention also provides a method for brewing beverages according to the beverage machine, comprising the following steps:

[0026] receiving a regulation signal indicative of an output beverage temperature;

[0027] When the adjustment signal corresponds to a heating signal, the heating source heated by the heater is supplied to the heat exchange channel through the high-temperature pipeline;

[0028] supplying brewing water from the water supply source to the brewing chamber through the brewing water supply pipeline; dispensing the brewed beverage heated by the heating source in the heat exchange channel at the beverage outlet;

[0029] or,

[0030] When the adjustment signal corresponds to a cooling signal, supplying the cooling source passing through the low-temperature pipeline to the heat exchange channel;

[0031] The brewing water from the water supply source is supplied to the brewing chamber through the brewing water supply pipeline; and the brewed beverage cooled by the cooling source in the heat exchange channel is distributed at the beverage outlet.

[0032] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the heating signal is triggered by at least one of the following features:

[0033] When the ambient temperature is lower than the preset ambient temperature, the beverage machine is turned on to prepare a first cup of high-temperature beverage;

[0034] The preset time has passed since the last high-temperature beverage was dispensed;

[0035] The last drink is the first hot drink after the cold brew;

[0036] The temperature of the beverage brewed in the brewing chamber is lower than the target temperature corresponding to the high-temperature beverage; and / or

[0037] The cooling signal is triggered by at least one of the following features:

[0038] The beverages currently being prepared are low-temperature beverages;

[0039] The last drink is the first cold brew drink after the hot drink;

[0040] The temperature of the beverage brewed in the brewing chamber is higher than the target temperature corresponding to the cold brew beverage.

[0041] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the step of supplying the heat source passing through the heater to the heat exchange channel through the high-temperature pipeline includes:

[0042] Starting a first water pump upstream of the heater to supply water to the heater;

[0043] Controlling the heater to heat water to form the heating source;

[0044] The flow path from the brewing water supply pipeline to the brewer is cut off, and the first three-way valve on the high-temperature pipeline is controlled to open the port leading to the heat exchange channel, so that the heating source enters the heat exchange channel.

[0045] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, supplying the cooling source passing through the low-temperature pipeline to the heat exchange channel includes:

[0046] Controlling the first three-way valve on the high-temperature pipeline to cut off the port leading to the heat exchange channel;

[0047] The second water pump on the low-temperature pipeline is started to allow low-temperature water from the water supply source to enter the heat exchange channel through the low-temperature pipeline.

[0048] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, after dispensing the brewed beverage at the beverage outlet, the method further comprises:

[0049] Control the three-way valve on the brewing water supply pipeline to cut off the port to the brewer;

[0050] Starting the second water pump to allow the heating source or the cooling source in the heat exchange channel to enter the brewing chamber through a circulating water path;

[0051] The pressure relief valve of the brewer is opened to discharge the heating source or the cooling source in the brewing chamber.

[0052] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, starting the second water pump to allow the heating source or the cooling source in the heat exchange channel to enter the brewing chamber through a circulating water path includes:

[0053] Controlling the first three-way valve on the high-temperature pipeline to cut off the port leading to the heat exchange channel, and controlling the first three-way valve to open the port leading to the beverage outlet or the independent hot water outlet;

[0054] Controlling the high-temperature pipeline to communicate with the low-temperature pipeline, and cutting off the low-temperature pipeline from the water supply source, and cutting off the high-temperature pipeline from the brewing water supply pipeline;

[0055] The second water pump is started to pressurize the heat exchange channel.

[0056] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, starting the second water pump so that the heating source or the cooling source in the heat exchange channel enters the brewing device through the circulating water path further comprises:

[0057] Cut off the port from the second three-way valve on the circulating water circuit to the brewer, and open the port from the second three-way valve on the circulating water circuit to the waste water outlet;

[0058] Starting the second water pump to discharge part of the heating source or the cooling source in the heat exchange channel from the wastewater outlet through the circulating water path;

[0059] Cut off the port from the second three-way valve on the circulating water circuit to the wastewater outlet, and open the port from the second three-way valve on the circulating water circuit to the brewer; allow the remaining heating source or cooling source in the heat exchange channel to enter the brewer through the circulating water circuit.

[0060] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, before supplying the brewing water from the water supply source to the brewing chamber through the brewing water supply pipeline, the method further includes:

[0061] Controlling the heating source in the heat exchange channel to enter the brewing chamber through a circulating water path;

[0062] Opening the pressure relief valve of the brewer to discharge the heating source in the brewing chamber;

[0063] or,

[0064] Starting the second water pump on the low-temperature pipeline to allow the cooling source entering the heat exchange channel to enter the brewing chamber through the circulating water circuit;

[0065] The pressure relief valve of the brewer is opened to discharge the cooling source in the brewing chamber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a beverage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 2yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a heat exchanger of a beverage machine.

[0068] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a cross-section of a heat exchanger.

[0069] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of another structural form of a beverage machine in FIG.

[0070] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of another structural form of the beverage machine in FIG.

[0071] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of another structural form of a beverage machine in FIG.

[0072] Figure 7 Detailed description of the invention The invention is a flow chart of a method for brewing a beverage according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A flowchart of an example of a method for brewing a beverage.

[0074] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A flowchart of another example of a method of brewing a beverage.

[0075] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] 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.

[0077] It should be understood that the terms used herein, such as "upper", "above", "lower", "below", etc., indicating spatial relative positions, 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 drawings. The terms of spatial relative positions may be intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation other than the orientation shown in the drawings.

[0078] As used herein, the terms "first", "second", and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and these terms are not intended to indicate the location or importance of the respective components. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the relative direction with respect to the flow of a fluid in a fluid passage. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid is flowing, while "downstream" refers to the direction to which the fluid is flowing.

[0079] The beverage machine in the specific implementation manner of the present invention is described by taking a coffee machine as an example.

[0080] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the beverage machine 100 includes a brewer 20, a brewing water supply pipeline 31, a beverage dispensing pipeline 25 and a heater 35. The brewer 20 has a brewing chamber 21 for accommodating beverage particles and a brewing outlet for outputting brewed beverages. The beverage particles can be filled into the brewing chamber 21. The brewing water supply pipeline 31 is connected to the brewer 20 and leads to the brewing chamber 21, and is used to supply brewing water to the brewing chamber 21. The brewing water is transported into the brewing chamber 21 to extract the beverage particles to form a beverage. The beverage dispensing pipeline 25 is connected between the brewing outlet and the beverage outlet 51, and is used to transport the extracted beverage to the beverage outlet 51. The heater 35 is connected between the water supply source 32 and the brewing water supply pipeline 31. The brewing water supply pipeline 31 is connected to the water supply source 32 through the heater 35. The heater 35 is used to heat water to a suitable temperature, and the water heated by the heater 35 can be supplied to the brewing chamber 21 through the brewing water supply pipeline 31.

[0081] Further, the beverage machine 100 also includes a heat exchanger 40, the heat exchanger 40 has a heat exchange channel 41, a portion of the beverage dispensing pipeline 25 passes through the heat exchanger 40, the heat exchange channel 41 is arranged around the beverage dispensing pipeline 25, the beverage dispensing pipeline 25 is fluidically isolated from the heat exchange channel 41 and in thermal contact, the heat exchange channel 41 has a channel inlet 411 and a channel outlet 412, a high-temperature pipeline 36 is arranged between the channel inlet 411 and the heater 35, and the channel inlet 411 is also connected to the low-temperature pipeline 37; the beverage machine 100 also includes a controller 60, the controller 60 controls the high-temperature pipeline 36 and the low-temperature pipeline 37 to selectively connect to the channel inlet 411 in response to a regulation signal representing the output beverage temperature, so that the heat exchange channel 41 selectively introduces a heating source through the high-temperature pipeline 36 or introduces a cooling source through the low-temperature pipeline 37 to heat the brewed beverage or cool the brewed beverage.

[0082] The beverage dispensing pipeline 25 and the heat exchange channel 41 are fluid-isolated, that is, there is no direct liquid flow between the two, but through good heat-conducting materials and structural design, the beverage in the beverage dispensing pipeline 25 can effectively exchange heat with the heating source or cooling source in the heat exchange channel 41. The design of the heat exchanger 40 can significantly improve the heat exchange efficiency, ensure that the beverage reaches the expected temperature, and reduce the energy waste generated during the heating process.

[0083] The temperature of the beverage flowing out of the beverage dispensing pipeline 25 is adjusted by controlling the selective opening and closing of the high temperature pipeline 36 and the low temperature pipeline 37. The beverage machine 100 can provide hot and cold replacement for the beverage dispensing pipeline 25, so that beverages with different temperature requirements can be quickly prepared, hot beverages can be reheated to form high temperature beverages, and hot beverages can be cooled to form low temperature beverages, so as to achieve temperature-adjustable beverage output and meet the needs of different scenarios.

[0084] In addition, the brewing water supply pipeline 31 is provided with a three-way valve 311, one port of which is connected to the high-temperature pipeline 36, so that the connection and cutoff of the brewing water supply pipeline 31 to the high-temperature pipeline 36 can be selectively controlled by the three-way valve 311. The channel outlet 412 can be directly connected to the wastewater outlet 413, and the water used as a heating source or cooling source in the heat exchange channel 41 can be directly discharged from the wastewater outlet 413, for example, to the water receiving tray 53. The beverage dispensing pipeline 25 is provided with an emptying pump 27, and an emptying pipeline 271 is provided between the emptying pump 27 and the water receiving tray 53. After the brewer 20 completes the output of the beverage, the emptying pump 27 can be started to transport the residual liquid in the beverage dispensing pipeline 25 to the water receiving tray 53 through the emptying pipeline 271.

[0085] In some embodiments, the low-temperature pipe 37 is connected between the water supply source 32 and the channel inlet 411, one end of the high-temperature pipe 36 is connected to the brewing water supply pipe 31, and the other end of the high-temperature pipe 36 is connected to the channel inlet 411. The low-temperature water from the water supply source 32 can be delivered to the heater 35 and / or the low-temperature pipe 37. The low-temperature water from the water supply source 32 can be used as a water source for making beverages or as a cooling source to cool beverages. The low-temperature water from the water supply source 32 can also be supplied to the heater 35, and the low-temperature water is heated to form hot water or steam to form the above-mentioned heating source.

[0086] The heater 35 and the low-temperature pipeline 37 can both be supplied with water through the water supply source 32. Under the action of the heater 35, the water is heated to the required high temperature to form a heating source and transported to the high-temperature pipeline 36, while the low-temperature water of the water supply source 32 can be directly used as a cooling source and transported to the low-temperature pipeline 37, so as to provide a heating source or a cooling source for the heat exchange channel 41, so as to achieve heating or cooling of the liquid in the beverage dispensing pipeline 25, without adding an additional water supply source 32, thereby not increasing the volume of the beverage machine 100. The water supply source 32 can be a water tank provided by the beverage machine 100, or an external bottled water, or an external municipal water pipeline.

[0087] A first water pump 321 is provided between the water supply source 32 and the heater 35. The first water pump 321 is used to transport water from the water supply source 32 to the heater 35. The water heated by the heater 35 can be transported to the brewing chamber 21 through the brewing water supply pipeline 31. The hot water in the brewing water supply pipeline 31 can be transported to the heat exchange channel 41 through the high-temperature pipeline 36. As a heating source in the heat exchange channel 41, it can perform heat exchange with the beverage dispensing pipeline 25 to increase the temperature of the beverage in the beverage dispensing pipeline 25. More preferably, the water supplied to the heater 35 by the first water pump 321 can be heated into steam, and the steam is transported to the heat exchange channel 41 through the brewing water supply pipeline 31 and the high-temperature pipeline 36. Using steam as the heating source in the heat exchange channel 41 has a higher heating efficiency. At the same time, since only a small amount of condensed water is produced after the steam is condensed, water resources will not be wasted. The low-temperature water from the water supply source 32 can be transported to the heat exchange channel 41 through the low-temperature channel, and as a cooling source in the heat exchange channel 41 , can perform heat exchange with the beverage dispensing pipeline 25 to reduce the temperature of the beverage in the beverage dispensing pipeline 25 .

[0088] The above high and low temperatures are only relative. For example, a drink extracted from normal hot water is about 90 degrees, which can be considered a high-temperature drink; while the low-temperature drink or cold drink here is, for example, more than 40 degrees. Therefore, relative to the drink extracted from hot water, it is a low-temperature drink or cold drink.

[0089] In some embodiments, the steam from the heater 35 is first transported to the heat exchange channel 41 through the high-temperature pipeline 36, and then the hot water from the heater 35 is supplied to the brewing chamber 21 through the brewing water supply pipeline 31, that is, the heating source supplied to the heat exchange channel 41 and the hot water supplied to the brewing chamber 21 are heated by the same heater 35.

[0090] In other embodiments, an additional water pump and a heater may be provided, which are combined with the first water pump 371 and the heater 35 to provide a heating source for the heat exchange channel 41 and hot water for the brewing chamber 21, respectively. In this way, the heating source provided to the heat exchange channel 41 may be steam or hot water. Moreover, beverages can be prepared and heated at the same time, thereby ensuring the efficiency of beverage preparation.

[0091] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The high temperature pipeline 36 is provided with a first three-way valve 360, which includes a first inlet 361, a first outlet 362 and a second outlet 363. The first inlet 361 is connected to the brewing water supply pipeline 31, the first outlet 362 is connected to the channel inlet 411, and the second outlet 363 is connected to the beverage outlet 51 or the independent hot water outlet. The first inlet 361 can be selectively communicated with the first outlet 362 or the second outlet 363. The hot water pipeline 38 is connected between the second outlet 363 and the beverage outlet 51 or the independent hot water outlet to output hot water to the beverage outlet 51 or the independent hot water outlet.

[0092] When the regulation signal representing the output beverage temperature is a heating signal, for example, for heating the beverage in the beverage dispensing pipeline 25, the controller 60 adjusts the first three-way valve 360 ​​so that the first inlet 361 and the first outlet 362 are connected, so that steam can be introduced into the heat exchange channel 41, and the heat is transferred to the beverage in the beverage dispensing pipeline 25, so as to ensure that the temperature of the beverage can reach the target temperature of the corresponding high-temperature beverage. When hot water needs to be output, the controller 60 adjusts the first three-way valve 360 ​​so that the first inlet 361 and the second outlet 363 are connected, so that hot water can be output from the high-temperature pipeline 36 to the beverage outlet 51 or the independent hot water outlet. The output of hot water from the independent hot water outlet can improve the efficiency of beverage production, for example, hot water is outputted at one side and beverage is outputted at the same time.

[0093] The first three-way valve 360 ​​can be provided to deliver the hot water in the brewing water supply pipeline 31 to the beverage outlet 51 or an independent hot water outlet, so as to facilitate the user to take hot water or prepare specific beverages, such as American coffee. The high-temperature pipeline 36 and the first three-way valve 360 ​​simplify the arrangement of the pipeline, and the overall pipeline of the beverage machine 100 is more compact. In addition, the connection from the first inlet 361 to the second outlet 363 can be based on the hot water output of the heater 35, and the connection from the first inlet 361 to the first outlet 362 can be based on the steam output of the heater 35. Steam is used as the heating source of the heat exchange channel 41, and the heat exchange efficiency is high, which can quickly increase the temperature of the beverage output in the beverage dispensing pipeline 25 and reduce the waste of water resources.

[0094] In some embodiments, a first water pump 321 is provided between the water supply source 32 and the heater 35 , and the first water pump 321 is used to supply water to the heater 35 ; a second water pump 372 is provided on the low-temperature pipeline 37 , and the second water pump 372 is used to supply water or pressurize the heat exchange channel 41 .

[0095] The water supply to the heater 35 and the low-temperature water supply to the heat exchange channel 41 are independently controlled by the first water pump 321 and the second water pump 372. When the beverage dispensing pipeline 25 needs to be cooled, the second water pump 372 can quickly provide the heat exchange channel 41 with low-temperature water as a cooling source, thereby improving the efficiency of hot and cold conversion. At the same time, by providing the second water pump 372, the first water pump 321 can be used exclusively for extracting beverages without generating diversion, thereby ensuring the extraction efficiency of the beverage and enabling the beverage machine 100 to complete the preparation of low-temperature beverages in a shorter time.

[0096] The second water pump 372 is constructed as a diaphragm pump. The diaphragm pump has a strong self-priming ability. It does not need to draw water when sucking liquid. Based on the reciprocating deformation of the diaphragm, the volume is changed to achieve the suction and discharge of the liquid. When the diaphragm pump sucks liquid, when the diaphragm moves to form a negative pressure in the diaphragm pump chamber, the liquid or gas is sucked in through the inlet. When the diaphragm pump discharges liquid, the diaphragm moves to form a positive pressure in the diaphragm pump chamber, and the liquid or gas is discharged through the outlet. The diaphragm pump is arranged in the low-temperature pipeline 37 to make the low-temperature water transport to the heat exchange channel 41 more reliable.

[0097] In addition, a bypass line 33 is connected between the upstream side of the heater 35 and the downstream side of the heater 35. The bypass line 33 is used to allow the water from the water supply source 32 to bypass the heater 35 and be provided to the brewing water supply line 31, so that low-temperature water can be provided to the brewing chamber 21 to extract beverages, and the beverage distribution line 25 can directly output cold-brewed beverages extracted by normal temperature water. The low-temperature water here is also relative to high temperature. For example, the beverage extracted by normal hot water is about 90 degrees, which can be considered as a high-temperature beverage; and the cold-brewed beverage here is a beverage extracted by normal temperature water, which is about 25°. Therefore, compared with the beverage extracted by hot water, the cold-brewed beverage extracted by normal temperature water is a beverage with a lower temperature.

[0098] In some embodiments, a first pipe joint 43 is provided at the channel inlet 411, and the first pipe joint 43 includes a first liquid inlet 431, a second liquid inlet 432 and a liquid outlet 433. The first liquid inlet 431 is connected to the high-temperature pipeline 36, the second liquid inlet 432 is connected to the low-temperature pipeline 37, and the liquid outlet 433 is connected to the channel inlet 411. The high-temperature pipeline 36 introduces a heating source into the heat exchange channel 41 through the first liquid inlet 431, and the cooling source is hot water or steam; the low-temperature pipeline 37 introduces a cooling source into the heat exchange channel 41 through the second liquid inlet 432, and the cooling source is low-temperature water.

[0099] The first pipe joint 43 is provided to facilitate the connection between the high-temperature pipe 36 and the low-temperature pipe 37 and the heat exchanger 40 , effectively realize the diversion and control of the hot and cold water flows, and ensure that the hot water and the cold water can be independently and accurately delivered to the heat exchange channel 41 .

[0100] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3The beverage dispensing pipeline 25 includes a metal pipe section 251, and a portion of the beverage dispensing pipeline 25 passing through the heat exchanger 40 is constructed as the above-mentioned metal pipe section 251. The heat exchanger 40 includes a pipe sleeve 42 and an inlet joint 441 and an outlet joint 442 respectively connected to both ends of the pipe sleeve 42. The pipe sleeve 42 is sleeved on the outside of the metal pipe section 251. A heat exchange channel 41 is formed between the pipe sleeve 42 and the metal pipe section 251. The channel inlet 411 is set at the inlet joint 441, and the channel outlet 412 is set at the outlet joint 442. The channel outlet 412 can be selectively connected to the wastewater outlet 413 to discharge the heating source or the cooling source.

[0101] The pipe sleeve 42 is sleeved on the outside of the metal pipe section 251 in the beverage dispensing pipeline 25, forming a heat exchange channel 41, so that the heating source or cooling source in the heat exchange channel 41 can exchange heat with the liquid in the metal pipe section 251. The design of the heat exchange channel 41 allows the beverage in the metal pipe section 251 to exchange heat with the external heat exchange channel 41 through the metal pipe section 251 when the beverage machine 100 is working, and the temperature can be quickly adjusted, thereby improving the efficiency of beverage temperature control. In addition, the inlet joint 441 and the outlet joint 442 are respectively arranged at the two ends of the pipe sleeve 42, which has a simple structure and can make the sealing between the pipe sleeve 42 and the metal pipe section 251 more convenient.

[0102] The two ends of the metal pipe section 251 can pass through the inlet joint 441 and the outlet joint 442 respectively, so as to seal the space between the metal pipe section 251 and the pipe sleeve 42 through the inlet joint 441 and the outlet joint 442 .

[0103] The metal pipe section 251 in the beverage dispensing pipeline 25 is usually made of a metal material with good thermal conductivity, such as stainless steel, copper pipe or aluminum alloy, etc. These materials can ensure rapid heat transfer during the heat exchange process. When the heating source is hot water and flows through the heat exchange channel 41, the liquid in the pipe sleeve 42 will exchange heat with the liquid in the metal pipe section 251, so that the temperature of the beverage can be adjusted in time; when the heating source is steam and passes through the heat exchange channel 41, the steam can heat the metal pipe section 251, so that the beverage is heated when flowing through the metal pipe section 251, so that the temperature of the beverage can be adjusted in time. The setting of the metal pipe section 251 effectively improves the thermal efficiency of the beverage machine 100 and avoids the problem of uneven temperature distribution or insufficient heat exchange.

[0104] Reference Figure 4The beverage machine 100 also includes a refrigeration module 46 and a cooling water tank 47. The cooling water tank 47 contains a cooling source. The refrigeration module 46 is used to supply cooling to the cooling water tank 47. The low-temperature pipeline 37 is connected between the cooling water tank 47 and the channel inlet 411. A return pipe 461 is arranged between the cooling water tank 47 and the channel outlet 412. The cooling source circulates between the heat exchange channel 41 and the cooling water tank 47 through the low-temperature pipeline 37 and the return pipe 461.

[0105] By circulating the cooling source between the heat exchange channel 41 and the cooling water tank 47, the refrigeration module 46 can cool down the cooling source in the cooling water tank 47, so as to provide a cooling medium with higher cooling efficiency for the low-temperature pipeline 37. Specifically, the refrigeration module 46 can be a compressor refrigeration system or a thermoelectric refrigeration module or a semiconductor refrigeration module, which can make the cooling source in the cooling water tank 47 reach the required low temperature through the temperature reduction operation, so as to provide a lower temperature cooling medium for the low-temperature pipeline 37 during the operation of the beverage machine 100. The cooling source in the cooling water tank 47 can be water or other liquids. At the same time, the cooling source can also be recycled to reduce the waste of the cooling source.

[0106] The cooling source in the cooling water tank 47 can flow to the heat exchange channel 41 under the action of the second water pump 372 on the low-temperature pipeline 37. The low-temperature pipeline 37 provides low-temperature water to the heat exchange channel 41 through the cooling water tank 47, so that when low-temperature beverages need to be made, a cooling source can be provided for the heat exchanger 40. Before entering the low-temperature pipeline 37, the liquid in the cooling water tank 47 is cooled by the refrigeration module 46 to ensure that the low-temperature water entering the heat exchange channel 41 is kept within the set low temperature range.

[0107] The capacity of the cooling water tank 47 and the power of the refrigeration module 46 can be adjusted according to actual needs to ensure the stability and efficiency of the heat exchanger 40. For example, the refrigeration module 46 can automatically adjust the operating power according to the change of the water temperature in the cooling water tank 47 to ensure that the liquid in the cooling water tank 47 is always at an optimal temperature.

[0108] In some embodiments, a second pipe joint 45 is provided at the channel outlet 412, and the second pipe joint 45 includes a first inlet 451, a first output port 452 and a second output port 453, the first inlet 451 is connected to the channel outlet 412, the first output port 452 is connected to the reflux pipe 461, and the second output port 453 is connected to the wastewater outlet 413; a shut-off valve 415 is provided between the second output port 453 and the wastewater outlet 413, and when the heating source of the high-temperature pipeline 36 is introduced into the heat exchange channel 41, the shut-off valve 415 is opened to connect the second output port 453 and the wastewater outlet 413.

[0109] The second pipe joint 45 is provided to realize efficient reflux and discharge of the fluid in the beverage machine 100, so as to ensure that the low-temperature water can be stably and efficiently circulated during the heat exchange process. At the same time, when it is not needed to be used further or a heating source is input into the heat exchange channel 41, the waste water can be discharged smoothly, thus avoiding the problem of temperature instability caused by water retention or mixing.

[0110] When the liquid in the heat exchange channel 41 is used for high-temperature heating, the second output port 453 of the second pipe joint 45 is connected to the wastewater outlet 413, so that the heating source in the heat exchange channel 41 will be discharged through the wastewater outlet 413. Specifically, during the heat exchange process, any wastewater that cannot be used for the next round of heat exchange will enter the wastewater outlet 413 through the second output port 453, and finally be discharged into the water receiving tray 53. When it is necessary to introduce the heating source heated by the heater 35, the controller 60 will automatically control the shutoff valve 415 to open, so that the heating source can enter the heat exchange channel 41 and flow out of the wastewater outlet 413 smoothly. Conversely, when the heating source no longer needs heat exchange, the shutoff valve 415 will be closed to prevent the heating source from flowing out of the wastewater outlet 413.

[0111] Reference Figure 5 In some embodiments, a circulating water circuit 48 is provided between the channel outlet 412 and the brewer 20 , and the controller 60 transmits the heating source or cooling source in the heat exchange channel 41 to the brewing water supply pipeline 31 through the circulating water circuit 48 in response to the cleaning signal.

[0112] The circulating water circuit 48 can provide storage space for the liquid flowing out of the heat exchange channel 41, so that it can be guided to the brewing chamber 21 for cleaning the brewing chamber 21 according to demand, avoiding waste of water resources. The circulating water circuit 48 includes a circulating pipe 481, which is connected between the channel outlet 412 and the brewing water supply pipeline 31 to transport the heating source or cooling source of the heat exchange channel 41 to the brewer 20, thereby achieving cleaning of the brewer 20. The heating source or cooling source for flushing the brewing chamber 21 can be discharged through the pressure relief valve 313, and the liquid in the brewer 20 can be quickly discharged through the pressure relief valve 313, without affecting the beverage making efficiency.

[0113] In some embodiments, the cleaning signal is a signal indicating that the brewed beverage in the brewing chamber 21 has been output. Therefore, when the beverage is made, the brewer 20 can be cleaned in time to ensure the hygiene of the brewer and avoid the hygiene problem caused by residual liquid in the heat exchange channel 41 and the circulation pipeline 48. Of course, the cleaning signal can also be a command signal manually controlled by the user.

[0114] Furthermore, the low-temperature pipeline 37 is connected between the water supply source 32 and the channel inlet 411 , and a second water pump 372 is provided on the low-temperature pipeline 37 . The controller 60 can selectively control the second water pump 372 to be disconnected from the water supply source 32 , and control the second water pump 372 to pressurize the heat exchange channel 41 .

[0115] When the low-temperature pipeline 37 is connected to the external environment, due to the pressure in the low-temperature pipeline 37, the second water pump 372 will not suck water in the low-temperature pipeline 37 when working, so that the second water pump 372 can provide power for the fluid transportation from the heat exchange channel 41 to the circulating water circuit 48, and there is no need to set a pressurizing device on the circulating water circuit 48, thereby simplifying the pipeline setting and reducing the cost of the beverage machine 100.

[0116] Specifically, when the second water pump 372 is needed to provide power for the fluid transportation from the heat exchange channel 41 to the circulating water circuit 48, the high temperature pipeline 36 and the low temperature pipeline 37 are controlled to be connected, the first three-way valve 360 ​​on the high temperature pipeline 36 cuts off the first outlet 362 and connects the first inlet 361 and the second outlet 363, and the second water pump 372 connects to the external environment from the beverage outlet 51 or the independent hot water outlet, so that the heat exchange channel 41 can be pressurized, so that the heating source or cooling source in the heat exchange channel 41 flows and enters the circulating water circuit 48, and is finally transported to the brewing chamber 21, so as to flush the brewing chamber 21, and avoid the heating source or cooling source after heat exchange being directly discharged and wasted. In some embodiments, the high temperature pipeline 36 and the low temperature pipeline 37 can be connected by a four-way joint 380, which has a simple structure and low cost.

[0117] Among them, the temperature of the heating source or cooling source delivered to the brewer 20 through the circulating water circuit 48 is different from the temperature directly delivered to the heat exchange channel 41. This is because the heating source or cooling source delivered to the brewer 20 has been used to heat or cool the beverage, and the temperature has been reduced or increased accordingly.

[0118] Of course, the connection between the high temperature pipeline 36 and the low temperature pipeline 37 can also be achieved in other ways, such as setting a four-way valve between the high temperature pipeline 36 and the low temperature pipeline 37; setting a three-way joint on the high temperature pipeline 36 and the low temperature pipeline 37 respectively, and connecting the two three-way joints through a pipeline. In this way, the connection between the high temperature pipeline 36 and the low temperature pipeline 37 can be achieved by controlling the high temperature pipeline 36 to be cut off from the brewing water supply pipeline 31 and the low temperature pipeline 37 to be cut off from the water supply source 32.

[0119] Continue to refer to Figure 5The circulating water circuit 48 includes a circulating pipe 481 and a water storage tank 482 connected in series to the circulating pipe 481. The water discharged from the heat exchange channel 41 is stored in the water storage tank 482. The water storage tank 482 is used to store the heating source or cooling source discharged from the heat exchange channel 41. These heating sources or cooling sources are temporarily stored for the subsequent cleaning of the brewer 20, thereby avoiding liquid waste. When the heating source is hot water, the water storage tank 482 stores hot water for heating the beverage; when the cooling source is steam, the water storage tank 482 generally does not store liquid. This is because when steam is used as a heating source to heat the beverage, there is only a small amount of liquid, about a few drops of liquid, after the steam condenses. Therefore, the heating source supplied to the brewer 20 through the circulating water circuit 48 is generally hot water; when the cooling source is low-temperature water, the water storage tank 482 stores low-temperature water for cooling the beverage.

[0120] The capacity of the water storage tank 482 can be designed according to the needs of the beverage machine 100, so that it can store the heating source or cooling source discharged from the heat exchange channel 41 during the heat exchange process, so that the heating source or cooling source after the heat exchange can be reused. Of course, the water storage tank 482 can be equipped with an automatic discharge device. When the stored liquid is too much or the stored water is for cleaning the pipeline, the controller 60 can control it to be discharged from the waste water outlet 413 to the water receiving tray 53.

[0121] Reference Figure 6 In other embodiments, the circulating water circuit 48 includes a circulating pipe 481, one end of which is connected to the channel outlet 412, and the other end of which is connected to the brewing water supply pipeline 31. A second three-way valve 483 is provided on the circulating pipe 481, and one port of the second three-way valve 483 is connected to the wastewater outlet 413. The second three-way valve 483 can selectively connect the circulating water circuit 48 to the brewing water supply pipeline 31 or the wastewater outlet 413. Before the brewer 20 is cleaned, the heating source or cooling source in the circulating water circuit 48 can be discharged from the wastewater outlet 413; when the brewer 20 is cleaned, the heating source or cooling source in the circulating water circuit 48 can be transported to the brewer 20 through the brewing water supply pipeline 31.

[0122] The volume of the brewing chamber 21 is relatively small, and the heating source or cooling source in the heat exchange channel 41 and the circulating water circuit 48 can completely realize the cleaning of the brewer 20, so there is no need to set up an additional container to accommodate the heating source or cooling source in the heat exchange channel 41, which can not only reduce the waste of water resources, but also reduce the volume and cost of the beverage machine 100.

[0123] In some embodiments, the regulation signal representing the output beverage temperature includes a heating signal and a cooling signal. Corresponding to the heating signal, before brewing the beverage, the controller 60 controls the heating source from the heater 35 to flow along the high-temperature pipeline 36, the heat exchange channel 41 and the circulating water circuit 48 to the brewing chamber 21; corresponding to the cooling signal, before brewing the beverage, the controller 60 controls the cooling source from the low-temperature pipeline 37 to flow through the heat exchange channel 41 and the circulating water circuit 48 to the brewing chamber 21. Before brewing the beverage, the heating signal indicates that the pipeline needs to be preheated, and the cooling signal indicates that the pipeline needs to be precooled.

[0124] During the brewing of a beverage, a heating signal indicates that the beverage output from the beverage dispensing pipeline 25 needs to be heated, and the controller 60 controls the heating source from the heater 35 to flow along the high-temperature pipeline 36 and the heat exchange channel 41 for heat exchange with the beverage dispensing pipeline 25, thereby increasing the temperature of the beverage to reach the desired high temperature state; a cooling signal indicates that the beverage output from the beverage dispensing pipeline 25 needs to be cooled, and the controller 60 controls the cooling source from the low-temperature pipeline 37 to flow through the heat exchange channel 41, thereby lowering the temperature of the beverage and providing the user with a low-temperature beverage.

[0125] Reference Figure 7 The present invention also relates to a method for brewing beverages using a beverage machine 100, comprising the following steps:

[0126] receiving a regulation signal indicative of an output beverage temperature;

[0127] When the adjustment signal corresponds to a heating signal, the heating source heated by the heater 35 is supplied to the heat exchange channel 41 through the high-temperature pipeline 36;

[0128] The brewing water from the water supply source 32 is supplied to the brewing chamber 21 through the brewing water supply pipeline 31; the brewing beverage heated by the heating source in the heat exchange channel 41 is dispensed at the beverage outlet 51;

[0129] or,

[0130] When the adjustment signal corresponds to a cooling signal, the cooling source passing through the low-temperature pipeline 37 is supplied to the heat exchange channel 41; the brewing water from the water supply source 32 is supplied to the brewing chamber 21 through the brewing water supply pipeline 31;

[0131] The brewed beverage cooled by the cooling source in the heat exchange channel 41 is dispensed at the beverage outlet 51 .

[0132] Mate Reference Figure 1 as well as Figures 4 to 6When the controller 60 receives the high temperature signal, during the brewing of the beverage, it indicates that the beverage needs to be heated to a higher temperature. At this time, the controller 60 controls the first water pump 321 and the heater 35 to start, controls the first three-way valve 360 ​​on the high temperature pipeline 36 to connect the brewing water supply pipeline 31 and the high temperature pipeline 36, and the first three-way valve 360 ​​connects the first inlet 361 and the first outlet 362, and supplies the heated heating source to the heat exchange channel 41 through the high temperature pipeline 36. In this process, the beverage brewed by the brewer 20 is output from the beverage dispensing pipeline 25, and the heating source from the heater 35 flows to the heat exchange channel 41 through the high temperature pipeline 36, and performs heat exchange with the beverage in the beverage dispensing pipeline 25, thereby transferring heat to the beverage and making it reach the required high temperature level, ensuring that the hot beverage can reach the target temperature in a short time, improving the heating efficiency, and ensuring that the temperature of the brewed beverage meets the high temperature requirement.

[0133] In some embodiments, the heating source from the heater 35 is first transported to the heat exchange channel 41 through the high-temperature pipeline 36, and then the hot water from the heater 35 is supplied to the brewing chamber 21 through the brewing water supply pipeline 31, that is, the heating source supplied to the heat exchange channel 41 and the hot water supplied to the brewing chamber 21 are heated by the same heater 35.

[0134] In other embodiments, an additional water pump and a heater may be provided, combined with the first water pump 371 and the heater 35, to provide a heating source to the heat exchange channel 41 and hot water to the brewing chamber 21, respectively. In this way, the heating source provided to the heat exchange channel 41 may be steam or hot water.

[0135] When the controller 60 receives a low temperature signal, it indicates that the beverage needs to be kept at a relatively low temperature during the brewing of the beverage. At this time, the controller 60 controls the second water pump 372 to start, and the cooling source is sent from the water supply source 32 or the cooling water tank 47 to the heat exchange channel 41 through the second water pump 372, and heat is exchanged with the beverage liquid to take away excess heat, thereby achieving a cooling function. Specifically, the cooling source enters the heat exchange channel 41 through the low temperature pipeline 37, and heat is exchanged with the liquid in the beverage dispensing pipeline 25 in the heat exchange channel 41 to ensure that the temperature of the beverage drops to the target temperature. This process ensures the temperature control accuracy of low-temperature beverages and avoids the problem of affecting the taste of the beverage due to excessively high temperature.

[0136] In addition, with reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 When the controller 60 receives a high temperature signal or a low temperature signal, the heat exchanger 40 can be used to preheat or precool the pipeline before brewing the beverage, thereby further ensuring that the temperature of the output beverage can meet the user's needs.

[0137] In this way, the beverage machine 100 can quickly adjust the temperature according to demand, ensuring that each cup of beverage can be provided to the user within the ideal temperature range after brewing.

[0138] In some embodiments, the heating signal is triggered by at least one of the following features:

[0139] When the ambient temperature is lower than the preset ambient temperature, the beverage machine 100 is turned on to prepare the first cup of high-temperature beverage;

[0140] The preset time has passed since the last high-temperature beverage was dispensed;

[0141] The last drink is the first hot drink after the cold brew;

[0142] The temperature of the beverage brewed in the brewing chamber 21 is lower than the target temperature corresponding to the high-temperature beverage; and / or

[0143] The cooling signal is triggered by at least one of the following features: the beverage currently being prepared is a low-temperature beverage;

[0144] The last drink is the first cold brew drink after the hot drink;

[0145] The temperature of the beverage brewed in the brewing chamber 21 is higher than the target temperature corresponding to the cold brew beverage.

[0146] Among them, low-temperature drinks are drinks with lower temperatures formed by high-temperature extraction and cooling with cold water; cold-brewed drinks are drinks with lower temperatures formed directly after extraction with room-temperature water. Normally, room-temperature water cold brewing does not require additional cold water cooling, but if the previous cup is a high-temperature drink and the next cup is room-temperature water cold brew, the temperature in the brewer will be relatively high and needs to be cooled again. That is, the cooling signal will only be triggered when making low-temperature drinks, or when making cold-brewed drinks and the previous cup output was a high-temperature drink.

[0147] The above trigger conditions can be set through the internal program of the beverage machine 100. For example, when the ambient temperature is set to 15°C, when the beverage machine 100 prepares the first cup of high-temperature beverage after being turned on, the heating source can be delivered to the heat exchanger 40 through the high-temperature pipeline 36 to heat the beverage in the beverage dispensing pipeline 25, thereby ensuring that the first cup of high-temperature beverage output reaches the target temperature.

[0148] When the last high-temperature beverage has been output for more than a preset time (for example, 30 minutes without use), the last beverage prepared is the first high-temperature beverage after the cold-brew beverage, and when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the beverage output by the brewer 20 is lower than the preset target temperature of the high-temperature beverage, as well as other situations where the temperature of the output beverage needs to be increased, the heating source can be delivered to the heat exchanger 40 through the high-temperature pipeline 36 to heat the beverage in the beverage dispensing pipeline 25, thereby ensuring that the output high-temperature beverage reaches the target temperature.

[0149] In addition, the currently prepared beverage is the first cold-brew beverage after the previous beverage was a high-temperature beverage, that is, when the currently received beverage preparation instruction indicates a cold-brew beverage and the previous beverage was a high-temperature beverage, or when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the beverage output by the brewer 20 is higher than the preset target temperature of the cold-brew beverage, the cooling source passing through the low-temperature pipeline 37 is supplied to the heat exchange channel 41 to cool the beverage in the beverage dispensing pipeline 25, thereby ensuring that the output cold-brew beverage reaches the target temperature.

[0150] In some embodiments, supplying the heat source passing through the heater 35 to the heat exchange channel 41 through the high temperature pipeline 36 includes:

[0151] Start the first water pump 321 upstream of the heater 35 to supply water to the heater 35;

[0152] Control the heater 35 to heat to form a heating source;

[0153] The flow path from the brewing water supply pipeline 31 to the brewer 20 is cut off, and the first three-way valve 360 ​​on the high-temperature pipeline 36 is controlled to open the port leading to the channel inlet 411 to allow the heating source to enter the heat exchange channel 41 .

[0154] Reference Figure 1 as well as Figures 4 to 6 When the controller 60 receives the high temperature signal, the controller 60 starts the first water pump 321 upstream of the heater 35 to ensure that the water from the water supply source 32 can smoothly enter the heater 35, and the water is converted into a heating source of hot water or steam in the heater 35. The temperature sensor of the heater 35 can monitor the water temperature in real time to ensure that the water is heated to the ideal target temperature range. The heated hot water or steam is then transported to the heat exchange channel 41 through the high temperature pipeline 36. After the steam enters the heat exchange channel 41 from the high temperature pipeline 36, it will quickly transfer heat to the beverage dispensing pipeline 25, heating or preheating the beverage dispensing pipeline 25, thereby ensuring that the beverage can be heated to the target temperature. During the heating process, the controller 60 accurately controls the heating time and temperature by adjusting the heating power of the heater 35, so that the hot water or steam can quickly and evenly reach the required temperature to achieve the best heat exchange effect and beverage temperature control. This precise control system not only ensures the temperature stability of the beverage, but also effectively improves the efficiency and taste of beverage making.

[0155] In some embodiments, supplying the cooling source through the low temperature pipeline 37 to the heat exchange channel 41 includes:

[0156] Control the first three-way valve 360 ​​on the high-temperature pipeline 36 to cut off the port leading to the heat exchange channel 41;

[0157] The second water pump 372 on the low-temperature pipeline 37 is started to allow the low-temperature water from the water supply source 32 to enter the heat exchange channel 41 through the low-temperature pipeline 37. The low-temperature water from the water supply source 32 is the cooling source.

[0158] Reference Figure 1 as well as Figure 5 to Figure 6 When a cooling source is required for the heat exchange channel 41, the controller 60 controls the first three-way valve 360 ​​to cut off the first inlet 361 and the first outlet 362, ensuring that the heating source flow from the high-temperature pipeline 36 to the heat exchange channel 41 is blocked, and the cooling source enters the heat exchange channel 41 through the low-temperature pipeline 37 to cool or pre-cool the beverage dispensing pipeline 25, thereby ensuring that the beverage can be cooled to the target temperature. At this time, the function of the first three-way valve 360 ​​is to prevent the heating source from flowing into the heat exchange channel 41, and to ensure that the cooling source is input into the heat exchange channel 41, thereby avoiding the mixing of hot and cold and causing unstable temperature control.

[0159] In other embodiments, supplying water passing through the low temperature pipeline 37 to the heat exchange channel 41 includes:

[0160] Control the first three-way valve 360 ​​on the high-temperature pipeline 36 to cut off the port leading to the heat exchange channel 41;

[0161] The cooling water tank 47 is in communication with the channel outlet 412;

[0162] Start the second water pump 372 on the low-temperature pipeline 37 to circulate the cooling source between the heat exchange channel 41 and the cooling water tank 47 through the low-temperature pipeline 37;

[0163] When the cooling source in the cooling water tank 47 is lower than a preset temperature, the refrigeration module 46 is controlled to supply cooling to the cooling water tank 47 .

[0164] Reference Figure 3 When a cooling source is needed for the beverage machine 100, the controller 60 controls the first three-way valve 360 ​​to cut off the first inlet 361 and the first outlet 362, so that the water flow from the high-temperature pipeline 36 to the heat exchange channel 41 is blocked, and the cooling source cooled by the refrigeration module 46 enters the heat exchange channel 41 through the low-temperature pipeline 37, so that the beverage dispensing pipeline 25 exchanges heat with the cooling source, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0165] Referring to 8, in the above method, after dispensing the brewed beverage at the beverage outlet 51, the method for brewing the beverage further includes:

[0166] Control the three-way valve 311 on the brewing water supply pipeline 31 to cut off the port to the brewer 20;

[0167] The second water pump 372 is started to allow the heating source or cooling source in the heat exchange channel 41 to enter the brewing chamber 21 through the circulating water path 48;

[0168] The pressure relief valve 313 of the brewer 20 is opened to discharge the heating source or cooling source in the brewing chamber 21 .

[0169] Mate Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 After the beverage is brewed and reaches the target temperature, the controller 60 cuts off the hot water supply from the heater 35 to prevent the hot water from continuing to enter the brewing chamber 21. At the same time, the controller 60 starts the second water pump 372 to send the heating source or cooling source in the heat exchange channel 41 back to the brewing chamber 21 through the circulating water path 48 to complete the cleaning of the brewing chamber 21. The heating source or cooling source used to flush the brewing chamber 21 can be discharged through the pressure relief valve 313. This process can utilize the heating source or cooling source of the heat exchange channel 41, avoid the waste of water resources, and ensure that the brewing chamber 21 is clean and ready for the next use.

[0170] In some embodiments, starting the second water pump 372 to allow the heating source or cooling source in the heat exchange channel 41 to enter the brewing chamber 21 through the circulating water path 48 includes:

[0171] Control the first three-way valve 360 ​​on the high-temperature pipeline 36 to cut off the port leading to the heat exchange channel 41, and control the first three-way valve 360 ​​on the high-temperature pipeline 36 to open the port leading to the beverage outlet 51 or the independent hot water outlet;

[0172] Control the high temperature pipeline 36 to communicate with the low temperature pipeline 37, cut off the low temperature pipeline 37 from the water supply source 32, and cut off the high temperature pipeline 36 from the brewing water supply pipeline 31;

[0173] The second water pump 372 is started to pressurize the heat exchange channel 41. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The high-temperature pipeline 36 and the low-temperature pipeline 37 can be connected through the four-way joint 380, and the second water pump 372 is connected to the external environment from the beverage outlet 51, so that the heat exchange channel 41 can be pressurized, so that the heating source or cooling source in the heat exchange channel 41 flows and enters the circulating water path 48, and is finally transported to the brewing chamber 21, so as to flush the brewing chamber 21 and avoid the heating source or cooling source after heat exchange being directly discharged and wasted.

[0174] In some other embodiments, the high-temperature pipeline 36 and the low-temperature pipeline 37 can be controlled to be cut off from the upstream brewing water supply pipeline 31 and the water supply source 32 respectively, so that the high-temperature pipeline 36 and the low-temperature pipeline 37 are connected, thereby making the second water pump 372 pressurize the heat exchange channel 41 more stable and efficient.

[0175] Reference Fig. 9 In some embodiments, starting the second water pump 372 to allow the heating source or the cooling source in the heat exchange channel 41 to enter the brewing device 20 through the circulating water path 48 further includes:

[0176] Cut off the port from the second three-way valve 483 on the circulating water circuit 48 to the brewer 20, and open the port from the second three-way valve 483 on the circulating water circuit 48 to the waste water outlet 413;

[0177] Start the second water pump 372 to discharge the heating source or cooling source in part of the heat exchange channel 41 from the waste water outlet 413 to the water receiving tray 53 through the circulating water path 48;

[0178] Then, the port from the second three-way valve 483 on the circulating water circuit 48 to the wastewater outlet 413 is cut off, and the port from the second three-way valve 483 on the circulating water circuit 48 to the brewer 20 is opened; so that the heating source or cooling source in the remaining heat exchange channel 41 enters the brewer 20 through the circulating water circuit 48.

[0179] Mate Reference Figure 6 The water used for heat exchange can be stored in the circulating water circuit 48. Before the beverage in the brewer 20 is output, the excess heating source or cooling source in the circulating water circuit 48 can be discharged from the waste water outlet 413 to the water receiving tray 53. There is no need to set up an additional container to store the water passing through the heat exchange channel 41, thereby reducing the volume and cost of the beverage machine 100.

[0180] In some embodiments, before supplying the brewing water from the water supply source 32 to the brewing chamber 21 through the brewing water supply line 31, the method for brewing a beverage further includes:

[0181] Control the heating source in the heat exchange channel 41 to enter the brewing chamber 21 through the circulating water path 48;

[0182] The pressure relief valve 313 of the brewer 20 is opened to discharge the heating source in the brewing chamber 21 .

[0183] Mate Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 Before brewing a beverage, the heat source heated by the heater 35 is transported to the brewing chamber 21 through the high-temperature pipeline 36, the heat exchange channel 41 and the circulation pipe 481 to preheat the heat exchange channel 41 and the brewing chamber 21 to prevent the low temperature of the brewer 20 from affecting the temperature of the high-temperature beverage brewed next.

[0184] That is, in the above method, the heating source heated by the heater 35 is supplied to the heat exchange channel 41 through the high-temperature pipeline 36, which can be used to preheat the brewer 20 before brewing the beverage, or to heat the beverage in the beverage dispensing pipeline 25 during brewing.

[0185] In some embodiments, before supplying the brewing water from the water supply source 32 to the brewing chamber 21 through the brewing water supply line 31, the method for brewing a beverage further includes:

[0186] Start the second water pump 372 on the low-temperature pipeline 37 to allow the cooling source entering the heat exchange channel 41 to enter the brewing chamber 21 through the circulating water path 48;

[0187] The pressure relief valve 313 of the brewer 20 is opened to discharge the cooling source in the brewing chamber 21 .

[0188] Mate Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 Before brewing a beverage, low-temperature water from the water supply source 32 is transported to the brewing chamber 21 through the low-temperature pipe 37, the heat exchange channel 41 and the circulation pipe 481 to pre-cool the heat exchange channel 41 and the brewing chamber 21 to prevent the high temperature of the brewer 20 from affecting the temperature of the cold brewed beverage to be brewed next.

[0189] That is, in the above method, the cooling source passing through the low temperature pipeline 37 is supplied to the heat exchange channel 41, which can be used to pre-cool the brewer 20 before brewing a beverage, or to cool the beverage in the beverage dispensing pipeline 25 during brewing a beverage.

[0190] The beverage machine and the method for brewing beverages, by introducing an efficient heat exchanger, enable the beverage machine to achieve more precise temperature control and more efficient heat exchange during the heating and cooling processes, thereby ensuring that each brewed beverage reaches the set ideal temperature, and reducing the waste of water resources by reusing the heating source or cooling source.

[0191] 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.

[0192] 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 beverage machine, comprising: A brewer having a brewing chamber for accommodating beverage particles and a brewing outlet for outputting the brewed beverage; a brewing water supply pipeline, connected to the brewer and leading to the brewing chamber, for supplying brewing water to the brewing chamber; a beverage dispensing pipeline connected between the brewing outlet and the beverage outlet to transport the brewed beverage to the beverage outlet; a heater connected between a water supply source and the brewing water supply pipeline; The beverage machine is characterized in that: it also includes a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger has a heat exchange channel, part of the beverage dispensing pipeline passes through the heat exchanger, the heat exchange channel is arranged around the beverage dispensing pipeline, the beverage dispensing pipeline is fluid-isolated from and in thermal contact with the heat exchange channel, the heat exchange channel has a channel inlet and a channel outlet, a high-temperature pipeline is arranged between the channel inlet and the heater, and the channel inlet is also connected to a low-temperature pipeline; the beverage machine also includes a controller, the controller controls the high-temperature pipeline and the low-temperature pipeline to selectively connect to the channel inlet in response to a regulation signal representing the output beverage temperature, so that the heat exchange channel selectively introduces a heating source through the high-temperature pipeline or introduces a cooling source through the low-temperature pipeline to heat the brewed beverage or cool the brewed beverage.

2. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The low-temperature pipeline is connected between the water supply source and the channel inlet, one end of the high-temperature pipeline is connected to the brewing water supply pipeline, and the other end of the high-temperature pipeline is connected to the channel inlet. Low-temperature water from the water supply source can be transported to the heater and / or the low-temperature pipeline.

3. The beverage machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: A first three-way valve is provided on the high-temperature pipeline, and the first three-way valve includes a first inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first inlet is connected to the brewing water supply pipeline, the first outlet is connected to the channel inlet, and the second outlet is connected to the beverage outlet or an independent hot water outlet. The first inlet can be selectively connected to the first outlet or the second outlet.

4. The beverage machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: A first water pump is provided between the water supply source and the heater, and the first water pump is used to supply water to the heater; a second water pump is provided on the low-temperature pipeline, and the second water pump is used to supply water or pressurize the heat exchange channel.

5. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The portion of the beverage dispensing pipeline passing through the heat exchanger is constructed as a metal pipe section. The heat exchanger includes a pipe sleeve and an inlet joint and an outlet joint respectively connected to the two ends of the pipe sleeve. The pipe sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the metal pipe section. The heat exchange channel is formed between the pipe sleeve and the metal pipe section. The channel inlet is arranged at the inlet joint, and the channel outlet is arranged at the outlet joint; the channel outlet can be optionally connected to a wastewater outlet to discharge the heating source or the cooling source.

6. The beverage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: It also includes a refrigeration module and a cooling water tank, the cooling water tank contains the cooling source, the refrigeration module is used to supply cooling to the cooling water tank, the low-temperature pipeline is connected between the cooling water tank and the channel inlet, a return pipe is arranged between the cooling water tank and the channel outlet, and the cooling source circulates between the heat exchange channel and the cooling water tank through the low-temperature pipeline and the return pipe.

7. The beverage machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: A second pipe joint is arranged between the channel outlet and the cooling water tank, the second pipe joint includes a first inlet, a first output port and a second output port, the first inlet is connected to the channel outlet, the first output port is connected to the reflux pipe, and the second output port is connected to the wastewater outlet; a shut-off valve is arranged between the second output port and the wastewater outlet, when the heating source of the high-temperature pipeline is introduced into the heat exchange channel, the shut-off valve is opened to connect the second output port and the wastewater outlet.

8. The beverage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: A circulating water circuit is provided between the channel outlet and the brewer, and the controller, in response to a cleaning signal, transports the heating source or the cooling source in the heat exchange channel to the brewing water supply pipeline through the circulating water circuit.

9. The beverage machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: The low-temperature pipeline is connected between the water supply source and the channel inlet. A second water pump is provided on the low-temperature pipeline. The controller can selectively control the second water pump to be disconnected from the water supply source and control the second water pump to pressurize the heat exchange channel.

10. The beverage machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: The circulating water circuit includes a circulating pipe and a water storage tank connected in series to the circulating pipe, and the heating source or the cooling source discharged from the heat exchange channel is stored in the water storage tank.

11. The beverage machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: The circulating water circuit includes a circulating pipe, one end of which is connected to the channel outlet, and the other end of which is connected to the brewing water supply pipeline. A second three-way valve is provided on the circulating pipe, and one port of the second three-way valve is connected to the wastewater outlet. The second three-way valve can selectively connect the circulating water circuit to the brewing water supply pipeline or to the wastewater outlet.

12. A method for brewing a beverage using the beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steps include: receiving a regulation signal indicative of an output beverage temperature; When the adjustment signal corresponds to a heating signal, the heating source heated by the heater is supplied to the heat exchange channel through the high-temperature pipeline; supplying brewing water from the water supply source to the brewing chamber through the brewing water supply pipeline; dispensing the brewed beverage heated by the heating source in the heat exchange channel at the beverage outlet; or, When the adjustment signal corresponds to a cooling signal, supplying the cooling source passing through the low-temperature pipeline to the heat exchange channel; The brewing water from the water supply source is supplied to the brewing chamber through the brewing water supply pipeline; and the brewed beverage cooled by the cooling source in the heat exchange channel is distributed at the beverage outlet.

13. The method for brewing beverages using a beverage machine according to claim 12, characterized in that: The heating signal is triggered by at least one of the following features: When the ambient temperature is lower than the preset ambient temperature, the beverage machine is turned on to prepare a first cup of high-temperature beverage; The preset time has passed since the last high-temperature beverage was dispensed; The last drink is the first hot drink after the cold brew; The temperature of the beverage brewed in the brewing chamber is lower than the target temperature corresponding to the high-temperature beverage; and / or The cooling signal is triggered by at least one of the following features: The beverage currently being prepared is a low-temperature beverage; The last drink is the first cold brew drink after the hot drink; The temperature of the beverage brewed in the brewing chamber is higher than the target temperature corresponding to the cold brew beverage.

14. The method for brewing beverages using a beverage machine according to claim 12, characterized in that: The step of supplying the heat source passing through the heater to the heat exchange channel through the high temperature pipeline comprises: Starting a first water pump upstream of the heater to supply water to the heater; Controlling the heater to heat water to form the heating source; The flow path from the brewing water supply pipeline to the brewer is cut off, and the first three-way valve on the high-temperature pipeline is controlled to open the port leading to the heat exchange channel, so that the heating source enters the heat exchange channel.

15. The method for brewing beverages using a beverage machine according to claim 12, characterized in that: The supplying the cooling source passing through the low temperature pipeline to the heat exchange channel comprises: Controlling the first three-way valve on the high-temperature pipeline to cut off the port leading to the heat exchange channel; The second water pump on the low-temperature pipeline is started to allow low-temperature water from the water supply source to enter the heat exchange channel through the low-temperature pipeline.

16. The method for brewing beverages using a beverage machine according to claim 12, characterized in that: After dispensing the brewed beverage at the beverage outlet, the method further comprises: Control the three-way valve on the brewing water supply pipeline to cut off the port to the brewer; Starting the second water pump to allow the heating source or the cooling source in the heat exchange channel to enter the brewing chamber through a circulating water path; The pressure relief valve of the brewer is opened to discharge the heating source or the cooling source in the brewing chamber.

17. The method for brewing beverages using a beverage machine according to claim 16, characterized in that: The starting of the second water pump to allow the heating source or the cooling source in the heat exchange channel to enter the brewing chamber through the circulating water path comprises: Controlling the first three-way valve on the high-temperature pipeline to cut off the port leading to the heat exchange channel, and controlling the first three-way valve to open the port leading to the beverage outlet or the independent hot water outlet; Controlling the high-temperature pipeline to communicate with the low-temperature pipeline, and cutting off the low-temperature pipeline from the water supply source, and cutting off the high-temperature pipeline from the brewing water supply pipeline; The second water pump is started to pressurize the heat exchange channel.

18. The method for brewing beverages using a beverage machine according to claim 16, characterized in that: Starting the second water pump so that the heating source or the cooling source in the heat exchange channel enters the brewing device through the circulating water path further comprises: Cut off the port from the second three-way valve on the circulating water circuit to the brewer, and open the port from the second three-way valve on the circulating water circuit to the waste water outlet; Starting the second water pump to discharge part of the heating source or the cooling source in the heat exchange channel from the wastewater outlet through the circulating water path; Cut off the port from the second three-way valve on the circulating water circuit to the wastewater outlet, and open the port from the second three-way valve on the circulating water circuit to the brewer; allow the remaining heating source or cooling source in the heat exchange channel to enter the brewer through the circulating water circuit.

19. The method for brewing beverages using a beverage machine according to claim 12, characterized in that: Before supplying the brewing water from the water supply source to the brewing chamber through the brewing water supply pipeline, the method further includes: Controlling the heating source in the heat exchange channel to enter the brewing chamber through a circulating water path; Opening the pressure relief valve of the brewer to discharge the heating source in the brewing chamber; or, Starting the second water pump on the low-temperature pipeline to allow the cooling source entering the heat exchange channel to enter the brewing chamber through the circulating water circuit; The pressure relief valve of the brewer is opened to discharge the cooling source in the brewing chamber.

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