Waterway system and coffee machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a waterway system and a coffee machine, and belongs to the technical field of waterway systems. A water inlet of the water pump is communicated with the water tank; a water inlet of the first heater is communicated with a water outlet of the water pump; a water inlet of the three-way electromagnetic valve is communicated with a water outlet of the first heater, and a water outlet of the three-way electromagnetic valve is controlled to be communicated with a first water outlet end of the coffee machine; the water inlet of the first one-way valve is communicated with the long-pass water outlet of the three-way electromagnetic valve, the water outlet of the first one-way valve is communicated with the second water outlet end of the coffee machine, the second one-way valve is arranged in a pipeline between the three-way electromagnetic valve and the first water outlet end of the coffee machine, and the resistance value of the first one-way valve is larger than that of the second one-way valve. According to the waterway system and the coffee machine disclosed by the invention, the use problem that the structures of a waterway and a control circuit are complicated due to the fact that the current coffee machine is provided with two electromagnetic valves to respectively control hot water output of two water outlet ends in order to realize two functions of direct hot water output and coffee making and coffee extraction can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of waterway systems, and particularly to a waterway system and a coffee machine. Background Art

[0002] A coffee machine, as a common household appliance in modern life, can provide users with a convenient coffee brewing experience through a precise waterway system design. It is usually equipped with a water tank, a heating element, a pump, and a series of control components to achieve the heating and function distribution of hot water. However, in the current pursuit of diversified functions, many coffee machines often set two solenoid valves to separately control the water flow direction in order to simultaneously meet the two different requirements of directly dispensing hot water for making coffee and coffee extraction. Although this design improves the functionality of the coffee machine to a certain extent, it also brings problems in the use of complex circuit and waterway structures, not only increasing the difficulty of manufacturing and maintenance, but also potentially increasing the failure points due to the increase in solenoid valves. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to overcome the defects of the prior art, the present invention provides a waterway system and a coffee machine, which can solve the problem of the complex structure of the circuit and waterway caused by setting two solenoid valves in the current coffee machine to achieve the two functions of directly dispensing hot water for making coffee and coffee extraction.

[0004] To achieve this purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] A waterway system provided by the present invention includes:

[0006] A water tank;

[0007] A water pump, whose water inlet is connected to the water tank;

[0008] A first heater, whose water inlet is connected to the water outlet of the water pump;

[0009] A three-way solenoid valve, whose water inlet is connected to the water outlet of the first heater, and its controlled water outlet is connected to the first water outlet end of the coffee machine; a first one-way valve, whose water inlet is connected to the long-through water outlet of the three-way solenoid valve, and its water outlet is connected to the second water outlet end of the coffee machine; a second one-way valve, which is arranged in the pipeline between the controlled water outlet of the three-way solenoid valve and the first water outlet end of the coffee machine, and the resistance value of the first one-way valve is greater than that of the second one-way valve.

[0010] Preferably, the resistance value of the first one-way valve is greater than that of the second one-way valve by at least 1.5 Bar.

[0011] Preferably, the resistance value of the first one-way valve is 8.3 - 8.8 Bar.

[0012] Preferably, in the technical solution of the present invention, the resistance value of the second one-way valve is 6.3 - 6.8 Bar.

[0013] Preferably, in the technical solution of the present invention, it further includes a first three-way joint and a pressure gauge. The water inlet of the first three-way joint is communicated with the long-through water outlet of the three-way solenoid valve. The first water outlet of the first three-way joint is communicated with the water inlet of the first one-way valve. The second water outlet of the first three-way joint is communicated with the detection inlet of the pressure gauge.

[0014] Preferably, in the technical solution of the present invention, it further includes a safety valve. The water inlet of the safety valve is communicated with the water outlet of the water pump. The first water outlet of the safety valve is communicated with the water inlet of the first heater. The first water outlet of the safety valve is communicated with the water tank.

[0015] Preferably, in the technical solution of the present invention, a flow meter is further provided in the pipeline between the water tank and the water pump.

[0016] Preferably, in the technical solution of the present invention, it further includes a second three-way joint, a second heater and a steam switch. The water inlet of the second three-way joint is communicated with the water outlet of the first heater. The first water outlet of the second three-way joint is communicated with the water inlet of the three-way solenoid valve. The second water outlet of the second three-way joint is communicated with the water inlet of the second heater. The outlet of the second heater is communicated with the inlet of the steam switch. The outlet of the steam switch is communicated with the steam end of the coffee machine.

[0017] Preferably, in the technical solution of the present invention, the first one-way valve includes an inlet and an outlet. A valve body for blocking the channel and a back pressure spring are provided in the channel between the inlet and the outlet. One end of the back pressure spring abuts against the valve body, and the other end of the back pressure spring abuts against the second water outlet end of the coffee machine.

[0018] The present invention also provides a coffee machine, including the waterway system of the above technical solution.

[0019] Preferably, in the technical solution of the present invention, the first water outlet end is the hot water outlet end, and the second water outlet end is the extraction end.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0021] The present invention provides a waterway system and a coffee machine. By arranging a three-way solenoid valve, a first one-way valve, and a second one-way valve in the waterway system, when the second water outlet needs to discharge water, the water pump and the first heater of the waterway system work, and the hot water passes through the long-through pipeline of the three-way solenoid valve and passes through the first one-way valve to discharge water from the second water outlet. When the first water outlet needs to discharge water, the water pump, the first heater, and the three-way solenoid valve of the waterway system work. At this time, on the two pipelines of the three-way solenoid valve, since the pipeline leading to the second water outlet is provided with a first one-way valve with greater resistance, the water flow will pass through the pipeline with less resistance leading to the first water outlet, and the second water outlet will not discharge water. The setting of the second one-way valve ensures that when the first water outlet is in a non-operating state or a closed state, even if the internal pressure of the coffee machine changes, the heated water will not flow back to the three-way solenoid valve or the waterway part more upstream, effectively preventing waterway pollution and potential damage. Through the above waterway system and operation method, the control of the functions of two different water outlets is realized, which not only simplifies the waterway structure, but also reduces the number of solenoid valves, thereby reducing the complexity of the control circuit, achieving the optimization of the overall design of the system while maintaining comprehensive functions, and improving the reliability and maintenance convenience of the equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the waterway system of a coffee machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the first one-way valve according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 is a top view of the first one-way valve according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view taken along the A-A direction in

[0027] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the first one-way valve according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0028] In the figure:

[0029] 1 - water tank; 2 - water pump; 31 - first heater; 32 - second heater; 4 - three - way solenoid valve; 51 - first one - way valve; 511 - inlet; 512 - outlet; 513 - valve body; 514 - back - pressure spring; 52 - second one - way valve; 61 - first three - way joint; 62 - second three - way joint; 7 - pressure gauge; 8 - safety valve; 9 - steam switch; 101 - first water outlet end; 102 - second water outlet end. Detailed implementation mode

[0030] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and through specific implementation modes.

[0031] Embodiment 1

[0032] As Figures 1-5 shown, a coffee machine provided in this embodiment includes a water circuit system described as follows. The water circuit system includes a water tank 1; a water pump 2, whose water inlet is connected to the water tank 1; a first heater 31, whose water inlet is connected to the water outlet of the water pump 2; a three - way solenoid valve 4, whose water inlet is connected to the water outlet of the first heater 31, and its controlled water outlet is connected to the first water outlet end 101 of the coffee machine; a first one - way valve 51, whose water inlet is connected to the long - through water outlet of the three - way solenoid valve 4, and its water outlet is connected to the second water outlet end 102 of the coffee machine. Among them, the first water outlet end is the hot - water outlet end, and the second water outlet end is the extraction end. The hot - water outlet end is mainly used to directly output hot water to brew American coffee, while the extraction end is used to brew Italian espresso coffee by pressing and extracting coffee powder. The working principle of this coffee machine and its water circuit system is as follows: When the user needs to brew Italian espresso coffee, when the user presses the button at the extraction end, the control circuit in the coffee machine will drive the water pump and the first heater to work. The water in the water tank first flows through the pipeline into the water pump and then into the first heater to form hot water. The temperature of the hot water controlled by the first heater is about 90 degrees Celsius. At this time, the three - way solenoid valve is in the closed state, and the water only flows out through the long - through water outlet and enters the extraction end through the one - way valve; When the user needs to brew American coffee, when the user presses the button at the hot - water outlet end, the control circuit in the coffee machine will drive the water pump, the first heater and the three - way solenoid valve to work. However, since there is a one - way valve with resistance on the pipeline leading to the extraction end on the two passages of the three - way solenoid valve at this time, the water flow will flow through the pipeline leading to the hot - water outlet end with less resistance, and no water will come out from the extraction end. And when it is not in use usually, since the water pump does not work, due to the existence of the resistance of the first one - way valve, the water flow in the pipeline cannot flow out through the first one - way valve. Through the above method, the water circuit system of this embodiment can control the functions of two different water outlet ends with only one three - way solenoid valve, which not only simplifies the water circuit structure but also reduces the number of solenoid valves, thereby reducing the complexity of the control circuit, achieving the optimization of the overall design of the system while maintaining comprehensive functions, and improving the reliability and maintenance convenience of the equipment.

[0033] Preferably, a second one-way valve 52 is further included. The second one-way valve 52 is arranged in the pipeline between the control water outlet of the three-way solenoid valve 4 and the first water outlet end 101 of the coffee machine. The resistance value of the first one-way valve 51 is greater than that of the second one-way valve 52. On the basis of the original water circuit system technical solution, a second one-way valve is introduced into the pipeline between the control water outlet of the three-way solenoid valve and the first water outlet end of the coffee machine. This improvement not only enhances the stability and functionality of the system, but also reflects a high degree of creativity. The addition of the second one-way valve ensures that when the first water outlet end (such as the nozzle for directly discharging hot water) is in a non-working state or closed state, even if the internal pressure of the coffee machine changes, the heated water will not flow back to the three-way solenoid valve or the water circuit part upstream, effectively preventing water circuit pollution and potential damage. After multiple tests by the inventor, setting the second one-way valve in the pipeline can make the water outlet at the first water outlet end smoother, and the user experience is good.

[0034] Preferably, the resistance value of the first one-way valve 51 is greater than that of the second one-way valve 52 by at least 1.5 Bar. This design difference ensures the precise water flow pressure required for the coffee extraction process. During coffee extraction, usually a relatively high water pressure is required to fully extract the flavor substances in the coffee powder. The first one-way valve cooperates with the three-way solenoid valve to maintain this high-pressure water flow. In contrast, functions such as directly discharging hot water for making coffee do not require such a high water pressure, otherwise it may cause the water temperature to be too high or the water flow to be too strong, affecting the user experience.

[0035] Preferably, the resistance value of the first one-way valve 51 is 8.3 - 8.8 Bar. This precise selection of technical parameters is an optimized solution based on in-depth research on the water flow dynamics and pressure during the coffee extraction process, reflecting a high degree of technical creativity and practicality. During the coffee extraction process, appropriate water flow pressure is crucial for evenly wetting the coffee powder and fully releasing the coffee flavor. The first one-way valve plays a crucial role in this path. It not only prevents the water flow from flowing back, but also ensures that a stable and appropriate water flow pressure can be provided during extraction. The resistance value is set within the range of 8.3 - 8.8 Bar, which not only ensures that the water flow can pass smoothly, but also does not cause the coffee powder layer to be overly compacted due to excessive pressure, affecting the extraction efficiency and coffee quality. This design not only improves the stability and consistency of coffee extraction, but also makes the coffee flavor more plump and distinct by finely regulating the water flow pressure, greatly meeting the demands of coffee lovers and professionals for coffee quality. Therefore, the selection of this technical parameter is not only an accurate control of the coffee extraction process, but also an important innovation and optimization of the existing water circuit system. Further, the resistance value of the second one-way valve 52 is 6.3 - 6.8 Bar. This resistance value setting can preferably ensure that the water in the pipeline is not easily discharged when the hot water outlet end is not in use.

[0036] Further, the first one-way valve 51 includes an inlet 511 and an outlet 512. A valve body 513 and a back-pressure spring 514 for blocking the channel are provided in the channel between the inlet 511 and the outlet 512. One end of the back-pressure spring 514 abuts against the valve body 513, and the other end of the back-pressure spring 514 abuts against the second water outlet end 102 of the coffee machine. Specifically, the first one-way valve includes an inlet and an outlet, and a valve body and a back-pressure spring are ingeniously arranged in the channel between them. As a key component directly acting on the channel, the design and material selection of the valve body have been strictly considered to ensure that it can open and close the channel stably and reliably under the action of water flow. When the water flow flows from the inlet to the outlet, the valve body is pushed open by the water flow and allows the water flow to pass through smoothly; when the water flow direction is opposite, the valve body will closely fit the channel wall under the action of the back-pressure spring, effectively preventing the reverse flow of water and protecting the internal components of the system from damage. The design of the back-pressure spring is a major highlight of this one-way valve. One end of it abuts against the valve body, and the other end abuts against the second water outlet end of the coffee machine. Such a layout not only ensures that the spring can always provide a stable back pressure for the valve body, but also enables the elastic force of the spring to be adjusted according to the specific requirements and working environment of the coffee machine. The setting of the back pressure is beneficial to filtering the low-pressure water at the extraction end, and coffee with richer oil extraction can be obtained. In the above technical solution, the valve body adopts a structural design of connecting a hemispherical shape and a cylindrical shape. After tests by the inventor, this unique shape has significant advantages for high-pressure water to pass through the valve body and then flow through the compacted coffee powder, and can brew coffee with a relatively thick foam layer on the surface. The design of the hemispherical part helps to guide the high-pressure water flow to form a more uniform and concentrated jet flow. When the water flow passes through the hemispherical structure, its streamlined outer surface can reduce the water flow resistance and keep the water flow at a higher speed and pressure when passing through the valve body. The cylindrical part plays a role in stabilizing the water flow, ensuring that the water flow can flow smoothly towards the compacted coffee powder layer after leaving the valve body. This design avoids the generation of turbulent flow or eddy current when the water flow passes through the valve body, thus ensuring the stability and uniformity of the water flow. Due to the small pressure loss, when the high-pressure water flow passes through this valve body, its impact force is still relatively strong. This enhanced impact force helps the water flow to penetrate the compacted coffee powder layer more effectively and extract more coffee essence. At the same time, when the water flow flows smoothly towards the coffee powder layer, its speed and pressure are better maintained. This enables the water flow to penetrate the compacted coffee powder layer more effectively and generate more uniform and fine bubbles when penetrating the coffee powder layer. These bubbles intertwine and merge with each other during the rising process and finally form a relatively thick foam layer. The relatively thick foam layer not only enhances the visual beauty of the coffee, but also enhances the taste and aroma of the coffee. The tiny bubbles in the foam layer can carry a large amount of coffee essence and oil, making the taste of the coffee richer and smoother.After experimental tests, it is more appropriate that the ratio of the diameter d1 of the cross-section of the hemisphere to the diameter d2 of the cross-section of the outlet 512 is 3:(3.5 - 4.5), and the ratio of the diameter d3 of the cross-section of the cylinder to the diameter d2 of the cross-section of the outlet 512 is 1:(1.8 - 2.5). In this way, a thicker foam layer can be obtained, and the taste and aroma of coffee can be enhanced. In addition, by optimizing the shape and impact force of the water flow, the waterway system can adopt a more concise and direct waterway layout while ensuring comprehensive functions, reducing unnecessary pipe connections and branches, reducing the complexity and failure rate of the waterway system, and thus improving the overall stability and reliability of the system.

[0037] Preferably, it further includes a first three-way valve 61 and a pressure gauge 7; the water inlet of the first three-way valve 61 is communicated with the long-through water outlet of the three-way solenoid valve 4, the first water outlet of the first three-way valve 61 is communicated with the water inlet of the first one-way valve 51, and the second water outlet of the first three-way valve 61 is communicated with the detection inlet of the pressure gauge 7. In the waterway system, the combination of the first three-way valve and the pressure gauge is introduced to facilitate the user to adjust the coffee water pressure for extraction. Coffees made from coffee powder extracted at different pressures have different flavors, and users can choose to drink coffee made at different pressures according to their own preferences.

[0038] Preferably, it further includes a safety valve 8. The water inlet of the safety valve 8 is communicated with the water outlet of the water pump 2, the first water outlet of the safety valve 8 is communicated with the water inlet of the first heater 31, and the first water outlet of the safety valve 8 is communicated with the water tank 1. The addition of the safety valve is another important guarantee for the system safety. Its water inlet is directly connected to the water pump outlet, ensuring that when the output pressure of the water pump abnormally increases, the safety valve can quickly respond and direct the excess water flow to the water inlet of the first heater or the water tank, effectively preventing system damage or explosion risks caused by overpressure. This design not only reflects in-depth consideration for system safety but also cleverly utilizes internal resources of the system, such as directing the excess water flow to the heater, which not only relieves the pressure problem but also improves the water heating efficiency. At the same time, the connection of the safety valve to the water tank provides an additional water flow buffer for the system, further enhancing the stability and fault tolerance of the system.

[0039] In order to further enrich the functions of the coffee machine and provide the function of frothing milk, preferably, it further includes a second three-way valve 62, a second heater 32 and a steam switch 9; the water inlet of the second three-way valve 62 is communicated with the water outlet of the first heater 31, the first water outlet of the second three-way valve 62 is communicated with the water inlet of the three-way solenoid valve 4, the second water outlet of the second three-way valve 62 is communicated with the water inlet of the second heater 32, the outlet of the second heater 32 is communicated with the inlet of the steam switch 9, and the outlet of the steam switch 9 is communicated with the steam end of the coffee machine. Through secondary heating, the temperature of the water can be further increased, providing more sufficient energy for the generation of steam. At the same time, the close cooperation between the second heater and the steam switch enables the system to precisely control the generation and output of steam according to the state of the steam switch. This design not only improves the efficiency of steam generation but also makes the output of steam more stable and continuous, providing strong support for the steam end of the coffee machine.

[0040] In addition, a flow meter is added to the pipeline between the water tank and the water pump and is electrically connected to the monitoring through a control circuit. The flow meter can accurately measure and record the water flow entering the water pump, providing valuable data support for the system. By monitoring the flow data, the operator can timely understand the operating state of the system, and thus take corresponding maintenance measures to ensure the normal operation of the system.

[0041] In order to further optimize the intelligent functions of the coffee machine, the coffee machine is internally provided with an intelligent water path distribution system. According to the set water outlet end (the first water outlet end or the second water outlet end) and the preset water outlet parameters (such as temperature, flow rate) by the user, it automatically adjusts the power of the water pump, the three-way solenoid valve and the first heater to ensure that the required water flow is accurately distributed to the target water outlet end. In addition, the first heater adopts intelligent temperature control technology, which can quickly adjust the heating power according to the set water outlet temperature by the user, ensuring that the water outlet temperature is accurately controlled within the preset range and reducing energy waste at the same time. In the standby or low-flow state, the system automatically reduces the power of the first heater and enters the energy-saving mode. When it is detected that the user is ready to use the coffee machine, the system quickly returns to the normal working state, reducing energy consumption and improving the response speed.

[0042] Furthermore, the coffee machine is equipped with an intelligent sensing system. When the user places a cup under any of the water outlets, the system automatically recognizes and initiates the corresponding water flow process. Based on advanced sensor technology and intelligent control system. When the user places a cup under any of the water outlets of the coffee machine, the intelligent sensing system will immediately recognize the presence of the cup and automatically initiate the corresponding water flow process to prepare for water discharge. This function can further simplify the buttons of the coffee machine, not only improving the operation convenience of the user, but also ensuring the response speed and water discharge accuracy of the coffee machine. In a specific implementation, an infrared sensor or a weight sensor is usually adopted. The infrared sensor detects the presence of the cup by emitting infrared light and receiving the reflected light; the weight sensor judges whether a cup is placed by detecting the change in weight under the water outlet. The sensor in the intelligent sensing system immediately detects the presence of the cup and sends a signal to the signal processor. According to the analysis result of the signal processor, the intelligent control system will make corresponding decisions, such as initiating the water flow process, adjusting the water discharge temperature, controlling the water discharge flow rate, etc. When the preset water discharge conditions are met (such as reaching the set temperature, flow rate, etc.), the coffee machine automatically stops water discharge and completes the entire intelligent startup process.

[0043] The present invention is described by way of preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes or equivalent replacements can be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and other embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A waterway system, characterized in that: include: Water tank (1); A water pump (2), the water inlet of which is connected to the water tank (1); A first heater (31), whose water inlet is connected to the water outlet of the water pump (2); A three-way solenoid valve (4), whose water inlet is connected to the water outlet of the first heater (31), and whose control water outlet is connected to the first water outlet end (101) of the coffee machine; A first one-way valve (51), whose water inlet is connected to the long-through water outlet of the three-way solenoid valve (4), and whose water outlet is connected to the second water outlet end (102) of the coffee machine; A second one-way valve (52), the second one-way valve (52) is arranged in a pipeline between a control water outlet of the three-way solenoid valve (4) and a first water outlet end (101) of the coffee machine, and the resistance value of the first one-way valve (51) is greater than the resistance value of the second one-way valve (52).

2. The waterway system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The resistance value of the first one-way valve (51) is greater than the resistance value of the second one-way valve (52) by at least 1.5 Bar.

3. The waterway system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The resistance of the first one-way valve (51) is 8.3-8.8 Bar.

4. The waterway system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The resistance of the second one-way valve (52) is 6.3-6.8 Bar.

5. The waterway system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a first three-way valve (61) and a pressure gauge (7); The water inlet of the first three-way connection (61) is connected to the long-through water outlet of the three-way solenoid valve (4), the first water outlet of the first three-way connection (61) is connected to the water inlet of the first one-way valve (51), and the second water outlet of the first three-way connection (61) is connected to the detection inlet of the pressure gauge (7).

6. The waterway system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also comprises a safety valve (8), the water inlet of the safety valve (8) is connected to the water outlet of the water pump (2), the first water outlet of the safety valve (8) is connected to the water inlet of the first heater (31), and the first water outlet of the safety valve (8) is connected to the water tank (1).

7. The waterway system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a second three-way valve (62), a second heater (32) and a steam switch (9); The water inlet of the second three-way connection (62) is connected to the water outlet of the first heater (31), the first water outlet of the second three-way connection (62) is connected to the water inlet of the three-way solenoid valve (4), the second water outlet of the second three-way connection (62) is connected to the water inlet of the second heater (32), the outlet of the second heater (32) is connected to the inlet of the steam switch (9), and the outlet of the steam switch (9) is connected to the steam end of the coffee machine.

8. The waterway system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first one-way valve (51) comprises an inlet (511) and an outlet (512); a valve body (513) and a back pressure spring (514) for blocking the channel are provided in the channel between the inlet (511) and the outlet (512); one end of the back pressure spring (514) abuts against the valve body (513), and the other end of the back pressure spring (514) abuts against the second water outlet (102) of the coffee machine.

9. A coffee machine, characterized in that: Comprising the water channel system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The coffee machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first water outlet end (101) is a hot water outlet end, and the second water outlet end (102) is an extraction end.

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