Coffee machine for the direct preparation of cold coffee at low temperature

Abstract

The application discloses a coffee machine capable of directly preparing low-temperature cold coffee, and relates to the technical field of coffee preparation equipment. The coffee machine capable of directly preparing low-temperature cold coffee comprises a shell, an extraction mechanism, a coffee cavity, a refrigeration and ice-making module, a heat exchange device and a liquid outlet assembly. The extraction mechanism, the coffee cavity, the refrigeration and ice-making module and the heat exchange device are arranged in the shell. The outlet of the extraction mechanism is communicated with the coffee cavity. The heat exchange device is arranged on the outer wall of the coffee cavity and is connected with the refrigeration and ice-making module. The coffee cavity is communicated with the liquid outlet assembly through a pipeline. The hot coffee prepared by the extraction mechanism is temporarily stored in the coffee cavity. The refrigeration and ice-making module provides a cold source for the heat exchange device. The hot coffee in the coffee cavity is indirectly cooled through the heat exchange mode. The low-temperature cold coffee can be prepared without adding ice blocks or cold water. The coffee original liquid can be effectively prevented from being diluted and oxidized, and the original flavor of the coffee is completely preserved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of coffee preparation equipment technology, and in particular to a coffee machine that can directly prepare low-temperature cold coffee. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing popularity of coffee beverages, cold coffee, with its refreshing taste and low irritation, has become a popular choice for more and more consumers, especially during hot seasons when market demand for cold coffee continues to rise. There are two main ways to prepare cold coffee with existing coffee machines: one is to add ice or cold water to cool the brewed hot coffee, and the other is to use a dedicated cold brew unit for long-term steeping extraction. However, the first method dilutes the coffee concentrate, leading to flavor loss and easy oxidation and off-flavors. The second method suffers from low extraction efficiency, inability to dispense coffee immediately, limited functionality, and difficulty in simultaneously preparing hot coffee. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide a coffee machine that can directly prepare low-temperature cold coffee without the need for adding ice or mixing with cold water, thus effectively preserving the original flavor of the coffee.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a coffee machine capable of directly preparing low-temperature cold coffee. The coffee machine includes a housing, an extraction mechanism, a coffee chamber, a refrigeration and ice-making module, a heat exchange device, and a dispensing assembly. The extraction mechanism is located within the housing and is used to extract hot coffee. The coffee chamber is located within the housing and is connected to the outlet end of the extraction mechanism; the coffee chamber is used to hold the hot coffee extracted by the extraction mechanism. The refrigeration and ice-making module is located within the housing. The heat exchange device is located within the housing and on the outer wall of the coffee chamber; the heat exchange device is connected to the refrigeration and ice-making module, which provides a cold source to the heat exchange device, and the heat exchange device is used to cool the hot coffee in the coffee chamber. The dispensing assembly is located within the housing; the inlet end of the dispensing assembly is connected to the coffee chamber via a pipe, and the outlet end is connected to the outside.

[0005] In one embodiment, the heat exchange device includes a condenser heat exchange tube wound around the outer wall of the coffee chamber, the condenser heat exchange tube being connected to the refrigeration and ice-making module and being in contact with the outer wall of the coffee chamber.

[0006] In one embodiment, the condenser heat exchange tube has a heat exchange plane that is in contact with the outer wall of the coffee chamber.

[0007] In one embodiment, the heat exchange device further includes heat-conducting fins, which are integrally formed with the condenser heat exchange tube and are uniformly distributed along the axial direction of the coffee chamber.

[0008] In one embodiment, the outer wall of the condenser heat exchange tube is provided with a condensate drain groove and a hydrophobic coating. The condensate drain groove is used to collect condensate generated during the heat exchange process, and the hydrophobic coating is used to prevent condensate from adhering. The bottom of the condensate drain groove is provided with a drain pipe, which extends to a wastewater box outside the shell.

[0009] In one embodiment, the heat exchange device further includes a condenser coil, which is connected to a condenser heat exchange tube or the refrigeration ice-making module, and the condenser coil is located inside the coffee chamber.

[0010] In one embodiment, the condenser coil is spirally wound inside the coffee chamber, the spiral spacing of the condenser coil is 10mm-15mm, and the distance between the outer diameter of the condenser coil and the inner wall of the coffee chamber is not less than 5mm.

[0011] In one embodiment, the heat exchange device employs a tube-fin heat exchanger, which includes a base tube and fins. The base tube is connected to the cooling end of the refrigeration ice-making module to form a heat exchange medium circulation loop. The fins include an outer wall fitting portion and an inner extension portion. The outer wall fitting portion fits against the outer wall of the coffee chamber, and the inner extension portion is located inside the coffee chamber.

[0012] In one embodiment, the heat exchange device is a plate heat exchanger, which has an independent first channel and a second channel. The first channel is connected to the coffee chamber through a sealed pipeline to form a coffee liquid circulation loop, and the second channel is connected to the refrigeration and ice-making module through a connecting pipeline to form a heat exchange medium circulation loop.

[0013] In one embodiment, the coffee chamber is a double-layered sealed pressure-bearing cavity. The inner layer of the double-layered sealed pressure-bearing cavity is used to hold coffee liquid, and a sealed gap is formed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The sealed gap is filled with heat-insulating material, and the heat exchange device is located in the sealed gap.

[0014] The technical solution of this invention integrates an extraction mechanism, a coffee chamber, a refrigeration and ice-making module, a heat exchange device, and a liquid dispensing component within a housing. Hot coffee extracted by the extraction mechanism directly enters the dedicated coffee chamber. The refrigeration and ice-making module provides a cold source for the heat exchange device, which is in close contact with the outer wall of the coffee chamber for indirect refrigeration. This eliminates the need for adding ice or cold water later, effectively preventing dilution of the coffee concentrate. Simultaneously, the sealed structure of the coffee chamber reduces contact between the coffee liquid and air, preventing oxidation and flavor spoilage, and preserving the original coffee flavor. The refrigeration and ice-making module links refrigeration and ice-making functions, saving energy and installation space. All components are integrated within the housing, resulting in a rational layout and compact structure. This solves the shortcomings of existing coffee machines in preparing cold coffee, such as flavor loss, low extraction efficiency, limited functionality, and chaotic structure. It can quickly prepare low-temperature cold coffee while also meeting the needs of hot coffee preparation, making it suitable for various scenarios, including home and commercial use. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of a coffee machine that can directly prepare low-temperature cold coffee provided by the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the coffee chamber and heat exchange device.

[0017] Explanation of icon numbers: 10. Shell; 20. Extraction mechanism; 30. Coffee chamber; 40. Refrigeration and ice-making module; 50. Heat exchange device; 51. Condensation heat exchange tube; 52. Condensation coil; 60. Liquid outlet assembly.

[0018] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0021] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0022] With the increasing popularity of coffee beverages, cold coffee, with its refreshing taste and low irritation, has become the choice of more and more consumers, especially during hot seasons when market demand for cold coffee continues to rise. Currently, existing coffee machines mainly prepare cold coffee in two ways: one is to first prepare hot coffee through an extraction mechanism, and then cool it down by adding ice cubes and mixing with cold water; the other is to use a dedicated cold brew mechanism to extract cold coffee by steeping coffee grounds in room temperature water for a long time.

[0023] However, both of the above-mentioned existing preparation methods have obvious drawbacks: For the first method, adding ice or cold water later will directly dilute the original coffee liquid, resulting in a decrease in coffee concentration and a weaker flavor. At the same time, hot coffee will undergo an oxidation reaction when it comes into full contact with air during the natural cooling process or when ice / water is added, producing off-flavors such as astringency and sourness, which seriously affects the taste of cold coffee. In addition, the melting of ice will further dilute the coffee, resulting in poor taste stability of cold coffee, which cannot meet consumers' demand for authentic cold coffee.

[0024] The second type of dedicated cold brew method typically requires 12-24 hours of extraction time, resulting in extremely low extraction efficiency and an inability to produce instant cups. Furthermore, dedicated cold brew machines have complex structures and can usually only prepare cold coffee, making them limited in function and unable to meet the needs of preparing hot coffee, thus restricting their applicability.

[0025] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, there is an urgent need for a coffee machine with a reasonable structural design that can directly prepare low-temperature cold coffee without the need to add ice cubes or mix cold water later, effectively preserve the original flavor of coffee, and integrate refrigeration and ice-making functions to solve the problems existing in the current technology.

[0026] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the coffee machine capable of directly preparing low-temperature cold coffee includes a housing 10, an extraction mechanism 20, a coffee chamber 30, a refrigeration and ice-making module 40, a heat exchange device 50, and a liquid dispensing assembly 60. The extraction mechanism 20 is disposed within the housing 10 and is used to extract hot coffee. The coffee chamber 30 is disposed within the housing 10 and is connected to the outlet end of the extraction mechanism 20. The coffee chamber 30 is used to hold the hot coffee extracted by the extraction mechanism 20. The refrigeration and ice-making module 40 is disposed within the housing 10. The heat exchange device 50 is disposed within the housing 10 and is located on the outer wall of the coffee chamber 30. The heat exchange device 50 is connected to the refrigeration and ice-making module 40 and is used to provide a cold source for the heat exchange device 50. The heat exchange device 50 is used to cool the hot coffee in the coffee chamber 30. The liquid dispensing assembly 60 is disposed within the housing 10. The inlet end of the liquid dispensing assembly 60 is connected to the coffee chamber 30 through a pipe, and the outlet end is connected to the outside.

[0027] Specifically, this embodiment provides a coffee machine capable of directly preparing low-temperature cold coffee, including a housing 10, an extraction mechanism 20, a coffee chamber 30, a refrigeration and ice-making module 40, a heat exchange device 50, and a liquid dispensing assembly 60. The housing 10 is made of ABS engineering plastic or metal and has an overall rectangular structure, the size of which can be designed according to home or commercial scenarios. The surface of the housing 10 is provided with an operation panel and a liquid dispensing port mounting position, and the interior is reserved with mounting chambers for each component, which play a role in overall support, protection, and sealing, preventing the internal components from being corroded by external dust and moisture, while separating the functional areas to reduce mutual interference.

[0028] The extraction mechanism 20 is installed in the upper part of the housing 10 and adopts a conventional espresso extraction structure, including a coffee powder hopper, a high-pressure water pump, a heating element, and an extraction head. The coffee powder hopper is used to hold coffee powder, and the high-pressure water pump is used to deliver clean water to the heating element. The heating element heats the clean water to 85-90°C and then delivers it to the extraction head. The extraction head performs high-pressure extraction on the coffee powder to form hot coffee. The outlet end of the extraction mechanism 20 is connected to the coffee chamber 30 through a food-grade silicone tube to ensure that the hot coffee can flow smoothly into the coffee chamber 30 without leakage.

[0029] The coffee chamber 30 is installed in the middle of the housing 10, below the extraction mechanism 20. It is made of food-grade 316 stainless steel in one piece and is cylindrical in shape with a volume of 150-350ml, suitable for holding single or large cups of coffee. The top of the coffee chamber 30 has an inlet that is sealed to the silicone tube at the outlet of the extraction mechanism 20, and the bottom has an outlet that is connected to the inlet tube of the liquid dispensing component 60. The coffee chamber 30 is a sealed structure that can isolate it from the outside air, prevent hot coffee from oxidizing and spoiling, and stably hold the extracted hot coffee, providing a stable container for subsequent cooling.

[0030] The refrigeration and ice-making module 40 is installed in the lower part of the housing 10, located on one side of the coffee chamber 30. It has a compact integrated structure. The cold end of the refrigeration and ice-making module 40 is connected to the heat exchange device 50 through a metal pipe. It can provide a stable cold source for the heat exchange device 50 and make ice. The ice water after the ice melts can help dissipate heat from the hot end of the refrigeration unit, realizing the linkage and reuse of refrigeration and ice-making functions, reducing energy consumption and saving installation space inside the housing 10.

[0031] The heat exchange device 50 is installed inside the housing 10 and is fixed to the outer wall of the coffee chamber 30. It is made of a metal heat-conducting material, such as stainless steel heat exchange tubes or aluminum heat exchange fins. One end of the heat exchange device 50 is connected to the cold end of the refrigeration and ice-making module 40 through a sealed pipeline, and the other end forms a closed loop back to the refrigeration and ice-making module 40. The cold energy generated by the refrigeration and ice-making module 40 is transferred to the coffee chamber 30 through the heat exchange device 50, thereby indirectly cooling the hot coffee in the coffee chamber 30 and avoiding direct contact between the cold source and the coffee liquid, thus preventing the coffee liquid from being contaminated or diluted.

[0032] The liquid dispensing assembly 60 is installed at the mounting position at the front of the housing 10, and includes an inlet pipe, a dispensing nozzle, and a control valve. One end of the inlet pipe is sealed to the outlet at the bottom of the coffee chamber 30, and the other end is connected to the dispensing nozzle, which extends to the outside of the housing 10 for easy access to coffee. The control valve is installed on the inlet pipe and is electrically connected to the control module, which can control the start and stop of the dispensing and the dispensing volume, ensuring that users can access cold coffee as needed.

[0033] The working process of this embodiment is as follows: the extraction mechanism 20 is started, and hot coffee is extracted under high pressure. The hot coffee flows into the coffee chamber 30 through the pipeline. The refrigeration and ice-making module 40 is started to generate cold energy, which is transferred to the coffee chamber 30 through the heat exchange device 50 to indirectly cool the hot coffee in the coffee chamber 30. After the coffee liquid cools down to the set temperature, the user controls the control valve of the liquid dispensing component 60 to open through the operation panel. The low-temperature cold coffee flows out through the liquid dispensing nozzle. No ice or cold water needs to be added throughout the process.

[0034] The technical solution of this invention integrates an extraction mechanism 20, a coffee chamber 30, a refrigeration and ice-making module 40, a heat exchange device 50, and a liquid dispensing component 60 within a housing 10. Hot coffee extracted by the extraction mechanism 20 directly enters the dedicated coffee chamber 30. The refrigeration and ice-making module 40 provides a cold source for the heat exchange device 50, which is in close contact with the outer wall of the coffee chamber 30 to achieve indirect refrigeration. This eliminates the need for adding ice or cold water later, effectively preventing dilution of the original coffee liquid. Simultaneously, the sealed structure of the coffee chamber 30 reduces contact between the coffee liquid and air, preventing oxidation and flavor spoilage, and preserving the original coffee flavor. The refrigeration and ice-making module 40 achieves linkage between refrigeration and ice-making functions, saving energy and installation space. All components are integrated within the housing 10, resulting in a reasonable layout and compact structure. This solves the defects of existing coffee machines in preparing cold coffee, such as flavor loss, low extraction efficiency, limited functionality, and chaotic structure. It can quickly prepare low-temperature cold coffee while also meeting the needs of hot coffee preparation, making it suitable for various scenarios, both home and commercial.

[0035] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the heat exchange device 50 includes a condenser heat exchange tube 51 that is wound around the outer wall of the coffee chamber 30. The condenser heat exchange tube 51 is connected to the refrigeration ice-making module 40 and is attached to the outer wall of the coffee chamber 30.

[0036] Specifically, the heat exchange device 50 includes a condenser heat exchange tube 51, which is made of food-grade 316L stainless steel. This tube has good thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for acidic and alkaline environments and alternating hot and cold conditions in coffee. The condenser heat exchange tube 51 is spirally shaped with a diameter of 8-12mm and 5-8 spiral turns. It is wound around the outer wall of the coffee chamber 30, ensuring a tight fit. The condenser heat exchange tube 51 can be directly attached to the outer wall of the coffee chamber 30, or it can be fixed at the joint using a high-temperature, acid- and alkali-resistant food-grade sealant. This ensures there are no gaps between the condenser heat exchange tube 51 and the outer wall of the coffee chamber 30, improving heat conduction efficiency. One end of the condenser heat exchange tube 51 is connected to the cold end of the refrigeration ice-making module 40 through a sealed metal pipe, while the other end flows back to the refrigeration ice-making module 40 through a pipe, forming a closed-loop heat exchange circuit. The cold energy generated by the refrigeration ice-making module 40 is quickly transferred to the coffee chamber 30 through the condenser heat exchange tube 51, achieving rapid cooling of hot coffee. In this embodiment, the spiral condenser heat exchange tube 51 is wound around and fits against the outer wall of the coffee chamber 30, increasing the heat exchange area. At the same time, the tightly fitted structure reduces cold energy loss and improves heat exchange efficiency, enabling rapid cooling of hot coffee in the coffee chamber 30 to the set temperature. Moreover, the structure is simple, the cost is low, and it is easy to mass-produce and assemble.

[0037] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2In one embodiment, the condenser heat exchange tube 51 has a heat exchange plane that is in contact with the outer wall of the coffee chamber 30. Specifically, the condenser heat exchange tube 51 has a heat exchange plane that is fully in contact with the outer wall of the coffee chamber 30. The arrangement of the heat exchange plane further increases the contact area between the condenser heat exchange tube 51 and the outer wall of the coffee chamber 30. Compared with the circular tube wall, the heat conduction efficiency is greatly improved, and the cold energy can be transferred to the coffee chamber 30 more quickly and evenly, shortening the cooling time of the coffee liquid. At the same time, the tighter fit reduces the loss of cold energy and lowers the energy consumption of the refrigeration and ice-making module 40.

[0038] In one embodiment, the heat exchange device 50 further includes heat-conducting fins (not shown in the figure), which are integrally formed with the condenser heat exchange tube 51 and are uniformly distributed along the axial direction of the coffee chamber 30.

[0039] Specifically, the heat exchange device 50 also includes heat-conducting fins made of food-grade aluminum, which are lightweight and have high thermal conductivity. These fins are integrally formed with the condenser heat exchange tube 51 and are fixed to the outer wall of the condenser heat exchange tube 51 by welding, and are evenly distributed along the axial direction of the coffee chamber 30. The heat-conducting fins are perpendicular to the tube wall of the condenser heat exchange tube 51 and have a 1-2mm gap with the outer wall of the coffee chamber 30 to avoid affecting the fit between the condenser heat exchange tube 51 and the coffee chamber 30. The heat-conducting fins further expand the heat exchange area, accelerate the transfer and diffusion of cold energy, reduce heat exchange dead zones, and ensure uniform temperature in all areas of the coffee chamber 30. This avoids uneven coffee flavor caused by excessively rapid local cooling. Furthermore, the lightweight aluminum heat-conducting fins do not increase the overall weight of the equipment, and the simple molding process facilitates mass production.

[0040] In one embodiment, the outer wall of the condenser heat exchange tube 51 is provided with a condensate drain and a hydrophobic coating (not shown in the figure). The condensate drain is used to collect condensate generated during the heat exchange process, and the hydrophobic coating is used to prevent condensate from adhering. The bottom of the condensate drain is provided with a drain pipe that extends to a wastewater box outside the housing 10.

[0041] Specifically, the outer wall of the condenser heat exchanger tube 51 is provided with a condensate drain groove and a hydrophobic coating. The condensate drain groove is arranged along the axial direction of the condenser heat exchanger tube 51, forming a U-shaped groove structure, and is evenly distributed on the outer wall of the condenser heat exchanger tube 51 to collect condensate generated during heat exchange and prevent condensate from accumulating on the surface of the condenser heat exchanger tube 51. The hydrophobic coating can be made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and is applied to the outer wall of the condenser heat exchanger tube 51 and the inner wall of the condensate drain groove through a spraying process. The coating thickness is 0.1-0.2 mm, and it has good hydrophobicity, which can prevent condensate from adhering to the surface of the condenser heat exchanger tube 51 and reduce the impact of condensate on heat exchange efficiency. A drain pipe is provided at the bottom of the condensate drain groove. The drain pipe is made of food-grade silicone tubing, with one end connected to the condensate drain groove and the other end extending to a wastewater box outside the shell 10, to guide the collected condensate into the wastewater box for easy cleaning by the user. The condensate drain and hydrophobic coating effectively collect and drain the condensate generated during the heat exchange process, preventing condensate from corroding the condenser heat exchange tube 51 and surrounding components, extending the service life of the equipment, reducing the cooling loss caused by condensate adhesion, ensuring stable heat exchange efficiency, and improving the safety and reliability of the equipment.

[0042] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the heat exchange device 50 further includes a condenser coil 52, which is connected to the condenser heat exchange tube 51 or the refrigeration ice-making module 40. The condenser coil 52 is located inside the coffee chamber 30. Specifically, the condenser coil 52 is made of food-grade 316L stainless steel capillary tube with a diameter of 4-6mm. It has good thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, and is compact in size, so it does not occupy too much space in the coffee chamber 30. The condenser coil 52 can be connected to the condenser heat exchange tube 51 or directly to the cold end of the refrigeration ice-making module 40 to form an independent heat exchange branch. The condenser coil 52 is located inside the coffee chamber 30, with one end penetrating through the side wall of the coffee chamber 30 and sealed to the external pipeline. The other end also penetrates through the side wall of the coffee chamber 30 and is connected to the return pipeline. The penetration is sealed with a high-temperature resistant sealant to ensure no leakage of coffee liquid. The condenser coil 52 extends into the coffee chamber 30 and comes into direct contact with the coffee liquid. Combined with the heat exchange on the outer wall of the condenser heat exchange tube 51, it forms a dual heat exchange structure, which greatly improves heat exchange efficiency and shortens the cooling time of the coffee liquid. At the same time, the condenser coil 52 is small in size and will not affect the holding capacity of the coffee chamber 30, nor will it damage the crema on the surface of the coffee liquid, thus ensuring the taste of cold coffee.

[0043] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the condenser coil 52 is spirally coiled inside the coffee chamber 30, the spiral spacing of the condenser coil 52 is 10mm-15mm, and the distance between the outer diameter of the condenser coil 52 and the inner wall of the coffee chamber 30 is not less than 5mm.

[0044] Specifically, the condenser coil 52 is spirally coiled inside the coffee chamber 30, with a spiral spacing of 10mm-15mm, preferably 12mm. This spacing ensures the distribution density of the condenser coil 52, improving heat exchange efficiency, while preventing the coils from being too dense, which could hinder coffee circulation. The distance between the outer diameter of the condenser coil 52 and the inner wall of the coffee chamber 30 is not less than 5mm, preferably 6mm. This avoids rigid contact between the condenser coil 52 and the inner wall of the coffee chamber 30, preventing scratching of the inner wall, while also providing space for coffee circulation, allowing the coffee to fully contact the condenser coil 52 and achieve uniform cooling. The spiral diameter of the condenser coil 52 is 1 / 2-2 / 3 of the inner diameter of the coffee chamber 30, ensuring that the coils are evenly distributed inside the coffee chamber 30 without any dead zones in heat exchange. The spirally coiled condenser coil 52 further increases the contact area with the coffee liquid. The evenly distributed structure ensures uniform cooling of the coffee liquid in all areas, avoiding uneven flavor caused by local temperature differences. At the same time, the reasonable spacing and diameter settings not only ensure heat exchange efficiency but also protect the inner wall of the coffee chamber 30 and the flavor of the coffee liquid, improving the practicality and reliability of the equipment.

[0045] In one embodiment, the heat exchange device 50 adopts a tube-fin heat exchanger (not shown in the figure). The tube-fin heat exchanger includes a base tube and fins. The base tube is connected to the cooling end of the refrigeration ice-making module 40 to form a heat exchange medium circulation loop. The fins include an outer wall fitting part and an inner extension part. The outer wall fitting part is fitted with the outer wall of the coffee chamber 30, and the inner extension part is located inside the coffee chamber 30.

[0046] Specifically, the heat exchange device 50 can be a tube-fin heat exchanger, which includes a base tube and fins. The base tube is made of food-grade 316L stainless steel with a diameter of 8-10mm, and the fins are made of food-grade aluminum with a thickness of 0.8-1.2mm. They are fixedly connected to the base tube by brazing to form an integrated structure. The two ends of the base tube are connected to the cooling end of the refrigeration ice-making module 40 through sealed metal pipes, forming a closed heat exchange medium circulation loop. The heat exchange medium circulates within the base tube, transferring cooling capacity. The fins include an outer wall fitting part and an inner extension part. The outer wall fitting part has an arc-shaped structure and fits against the outer wall of the coffee chamber 30. The fitting is fixed with high-temperature resistant sealant to ensure a tight fit and increase the heat conduction area. The inner extension part has a strip-shaped low-turbulence structure that extends into the coffee chamber 30. The distance between the inner wall of the coffee chamber 30 and the inner wall of the coffee chamber 30 is not less than 5mm, and it does not contact the bottom of the coffee chamber 30 to avoid damaging the crema on the surface of the coffee liquid. The tube-fin heat exchanger has a high fin ratio and high heat exchange efficiency, which can quickly cool down the coffee liquid. The structural design of the outer wall fitting part and the inner extension part forms a double heat exchange inside and outside, further improving the heat exchange effect. At the same time, the fin structure is compact, occupies little space, is suitable for the installation layout within the shell 10, and the material meets food safety standards and will not contaminate the coffee liquid, making it suitable for coffee preparation scenarios.

[0047] In one embodiment, the heat exchange device 50 adopts a plate heat exchanger (not shown in the figure). The plate heat exchanger has an independent first channel and a second channel. The first channel is connected to the coffee chamber 30 through a sealed pipeline to form a coffee liquid circulation loop. The second channel is connected to the refrigeration ice-making module 40 through a connecting pipeline to form a heat exchange medium circulation loop.

[0048] Specifically, the heat exchange device 50 can be a plate heat exchanger. The plate heat exchanger has a high-pressure, detachable structure and is made entirely of food-grade 316L stainless steel. It can withstand the pressure after coffee extraction, prevent leakage, and its detachable design facilitates later cleaning and maintenance. The plate heat exchanger has independent first and second channels inside. The two channels are isolated from each other and do not communicate. The first channel is connected to the coffee chamber 30 through a sealed food-grade silicone tube, forming a coffee liquid circulation loop. The coffee liquid circulates in the first channel and receives cooling. The second channel is connected to the refrigeration and ice-making module 40 through a metal connecting pipe, forming a heat exchange medium circulation loop. The heat exchange medium circulates in the second channel and transfers cooling. The plate heat exchanger is fixed inside the housing 10 on one side of the coffee chamber 30, maintaining a distance of 5-10mm from the coffee chamber 30 to avoid mutual interference. The pipeline connecting the plate heat exchanger to the coffee chamber 30 is equipped with a filter structure and a one-way valve. The filter structure filters out small amounts of residue in the coffee liquid, preventing blockage of the plate heat exchanger's channels. The one-way valve prevents backflow of the coffee liquid, ensuring smooth circulation. The plate heat exchanger has a high heat transfer coefficient and superior heat exchange efficiency compared to traditional heat exchange structures, enabling rapid cooling of the coffee liquid to the set temperature. Two independent channels ensure that the coffee liquid does not come into contact with the heat exchange medium, avoiding contamination and dilution. The high-pressure detachable design adapts to the pressure requirements of the coffee chamber 30 and facilitates cleaning and maintenance, improving the equipment's lifespan and practicality.

[0049] In one embodiment, the coffee chamber 30 is a double-layered sealed pressure-bearing chamber (not shown in the figure). The inner layer of the double-layered sealed pressure-bearing chamber is used to hold coffee liquid, and a sealed gap is formed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The sealed gap is filled with heat insulation material, and the heat exchange device 50 is disposed in the sealed gap.

[0050] Specifically, the coffee chamber 30 is a double-layered, sealed pressure-bearing cavity, integrally stretched and formed from food-grade 316 stainless steel. The inner layer holds the coffee liquid, with a thickness of 1.5-2mm, capable of withstanding the pressure of extracted coffee and preventing deformation or leakage. A sealed gap is formed between the outer and inner layers, with a gap width of 5-8mm. This gap can be filled with heat-insulating material, such as glass wool, rock wool, or polyurethane foam, with glass wool being preferred due to its excellent insulation effect, non-toxicity, and odorlessness, meeting food equipment safety standards. The heat exchange device 50 is located within the sealed gap. Specifically, the condenser heat exchange tube 51, the base tube of the tube-fin heat exchanger, or the contact surface of the plate heat exchanger can be placed within the sealed gap, fitting against the outer wall of the inner layer of the coffee chamber 30. The sealed gap is sealed by a sealing element to prevent outside air from entering and reduce cooling loss. The double-layered sealed pressure chamber enhances the pressure resistance and sealing of the coffee chamber 30, preventing coffee leakage and oxidation. The heat insulation material in the sealed gap reduces heat exchange between the coffee chamber 30 and the outside, reducing heat loss of hot coffee before cooling and reducing cold loss during the refrigeration process, thus lowering the energy consumption of the refrigeration and ice-making module 40. Meanwhile, the heat exchange device 50 is located in the sealed gap and is protected by the outer chamber, preventing damage from collisions with external components and extending the service life of the equipment.

[0051] In one embodiment, the coffee machine capable of directly preparing low-temperature cold coffee further includes a control module and a temperature detection component. The temperature detection component includes a first temperature sensor disposed in the coffee chamber 30, a third temperature sensor disposed in the closed-loop heat exchange circuit of the heat exchange device 50, and a second temperature sensor disposed on the refrigeration ice-making module 40. The first temperature sensor is used to detect the real-time temperature of the coffee liquid, the third temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the heat exchange medium, and the second temperature sensor is used to detect the operating temperature of the refrigeration ice-making module 40, thereby achieving triple temperature monitoring. The control module is electrically connected to the extraction mechanism 20, the refrigeration ice-making module 40, the temperature detection component, and the micro circulation pump of the heat exchange device 50, respectively, for controlling the coordinated operation of each component.

[0052] Specifically, the control module can be a microcontroller or PLC controller, installed in the control cavity inside the housing 10, and electrically connected to the operation panel on the surface of the housing 10 for easy user operation and parameter setting. The temperature detection component includes a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, and a third temperature sensor, all of which are high-precision thermistor sensors with a measurement accuracy of ±0.5℃. The first temperature sensor is installed inside the coffee chamber 30, fixed in the middle of the inner wall of the coffee chamber 30, and is used to detect the temperature of the coffee liquid in real time and transmit the temperature signal to the control module; the third temperature sensor is installed in the closed-loop heat exchange circuit of the heat exchange device 50, connected in series on the connecting pipe, and is used to detect the temperature of the heat exchange medium in real time and provide feedback on the heat exchange effect; the second temperature sensor is installed on the refrigeration unit of the refrigeration ice-making module 40, and is used to detect the operating temperature of the refrigeration ice-making module 40 to prevent the refrigeration unit from being damaged by overheating or overcooling.

[0053] The control module is electrically connected to the extraction mechanism 20, the refrigeration and ice-making module 40, the temperature detection component, and the miniature circulating pump of the heat exchange device 50. It receives signals from three temperature sensors and controls the coordinated operation of each component according to a preset program. For example, when the first temperature sensor detects that the coffee liquid temperature is higher than the set value, the control module controls the refrigeration and ice-making module 40 to increase its cooling power and accelerate the cooling rate. When the coffee liquid temperature reaches the set value, the control module controls the refrigeration and ice-making module 40 to enter a constant temperature mode to maintain a stable coffee liquid temperature. This triple temperature monitoring accurately tracks the temperature status of the coffee liquid, the heat exchange medium, and the refrigeration and ice-making module 40. The control module achieves coordinated control of each component, ensuring a stable and precise cooling process, preventing insufficient or excessive cooling of the coffee liquid, preserving the taste of the cold coffee, and promptly detecting equipment malfunctions, thus improving the equipment's operational stability and reliability.

[0054] Furthermore, the control module has at least three preset low temperature settings: a slightly cold setting of 15℃±1℃, an icy setting of 8~10℃, and a deep cold setting of 5~6℃. Users can select the corresponding setting through the control panel on the main body of the coffee machine. The control module adjusts the cooling power of the refrigeration and ice-making module 40 and the speed of the micro circulation pump of the heat exchange device 50 according to the selected setting, so that the coffee liquid is precisely cooled to the corresponding temperature.

[0055] Specifically, the control module has at least three preset low-temperature settings: a slightly chilled setting (15℃±1℃), an icy setting (8~10℃), and a deep chilled setting (5~6℃). Users can select the corresponding setting via the operation panel on the surface of the housing 10. The operation panel has a setting button and a temperature display screen that shows the currently selected setting and the real-time temperature of the coffee liquid. The control module automatically adjusts the cooling power of the refrigeration and ice-making module 40 according to the user's selected setting to achieve different low-temperature coffee brewing. This multi-setting design can meet the taste preferences of different users. Users can choose the appropriate low-temperature setting according to their own preferences, and the precise adjustment of the control module ensures that the coffee liquid consistently reaches the set temperature, enhancing the user experience.

[0056] In one embodiment, the coffee machine body is provided with a heat-insulating partition (not shown in the figure). The heat-insulating partition separates the high-temperature zone where the extraction mechanism 20 is located from the low-temperature zone where the refrigeration ice-making module 40, coffee chamber 30, and heat exchange device 50 are located, so as to avoid mutual temperature interference between the two zones and reduce the cooling loss of the heat exchange device 50.

[0057] Specifically, the heat-insulating partition plate can be made of heat-insulating ceramic material, which has good heat insulation effect. Installed inside the housing 10, it divides the interior of the housing 10 into two independent areas: a high-temperature zone and a low-temperature zone. The extraction mechanism 20 is installed in the high-temperature zone, while the refrigeration ice-making module 40, coffee chamber 30, and heat exchange device 50 are installed in the low-temperature zone. The heat-insulating partition plate is sealed to the inner wall of the housing 10, ensuring no heat exchange between the two zones. Pre-drilled pipe holes are provided on the heat-insulating partition plate for connecting pipes between components. These holes are sealed to prevent heat transfer. In this embodiment, the heat-insulating partition plate effectively separates the high-temperature and low-temperature zones, preventing heat generated by the extraction mechanism 20 from being transferred to the low-temperature zone, reducing the cooling loss of the heat exchange device 50, lowering the energy consumption of the refrigeration ice-making module 40, and preventing the low temperature in the low-temperature zone from affecting the operational stability of the extraction mechanism 20. This ensures that all components can operate in a suitable temperature environment, extending the equipment's service life and improving its efficiency.

[0058] In one embodiment, the coffee chamber 30 is also provided with an automatic cleaning pipeline. One end of the automatic cleaning pipeline is connected to the water supply component of the coffee machine body, and the other end extends into the coffee chamber 30 and faces the built-in condenser coil 52 and the inner wall of the coffee chamber 30. It is used to rinse the inner wall of the coffee chamber 30 and the condenser coil 52 to avoid coffee residue affecting the heat exchange efficiency. The bottom of the coffee chamber 30 is provided with a wastewater drain for discharging cleaning wastewater.

[0059] Specifically, the coffee chamber 30 is also equipped with an automatic cleaning pipeline. The automatic cleaning pipeline uses food-grade silicone tubing. One end is connected to the water supply component of the coffee machine body. The water supply component includes a water tank and a micro water pump. The micro water pump is electrically connected to the control module and is used to deliver water from the water tank to the automatic cleaning pipeline. The other end of the automatic cleaning pipeline extends into the interior of the coffee chamber 30 and is equipped with multiple spray nozzles at the end. The spray nozzles face the inner wall of the coffee chamber 30 and the condenser coil 52 (if installed), which can rinse the inner wall of the coffee chamber 30 and the surface of the condenser coil 52 from all directions.

[0060] The coffee chamber 30 has a wastewater outlet at its bottom, which is connected to a wastewater box outside the housing 10 via a pipe. A control valve at the outlet is electrically connected to the control module to control the discharge of wastewater. Users can activate the automatic cleaning function via the operation panel. The control module then activates a micro water pump, and clean water flows through the spray nozzles of the automatic cleaning pipeline to rinse the coffee chamber 30 and the condenser coil 52. The rinsed wastewater flows into the wastewater box through the wastewater outlet, completing the cleaning process. This embodiment's automatic cleaning pipeline allows users to easily clean the coffee chamber 30 and heat exchange device 50 periodically, preventing coffee residue from adhering to the chamber walls and heat exchange components, which could affect heat exchange efficiency and coffee taste. It also reduces manual cleaning workload and improves the ease of use of the equipment. The wastewater outlet promptly discharges cleaning wastewater, keeping the equipment clean and preventing bacterial growth caused by wastewater residue, thus improving the hygiene and safety of the equipment.

[0061] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present invention and the contents of the specification and drawings of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A coffee machine capable of directly preparing low-temperature cold coffee, characterized in that, include case; An extraction mechanism is disposed within the housing, and the extraction mechanism is used to extract hot coffee; A coffee chamber is located inside the housing and is connected to the outlet end of the extraction mechanism. The coffee chamber is used to hold the hot coffee extracted by the extraction mechanism. A refrigeration and ice-making module is located inside the housing; A heat exchange device is disposed inside the housing and located on the outer wall of the coffee chamber. The heat exchange device is connected to the refrigeration and ice-making module. The refrigeration and ice-making module is used to provide a cold source for the heat exchange device. The heat exchange device is used to cool the hot coffee in the coffee chamber. as well as A liquid dispensing assembly is located in the housing. The inlet end of the liquid dispensing assembly is connected to the coffee chamber via a pipeline, and the outlet end is connected to the outside.

2. The coffee machine capable of directly preparing low-temperature cold coffee according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange device includes a condenser heat exchange tube wound around the outer wall of the coffee chamber. The condenser heat exchange tube is connected to the refrigeration and ice-making module and is in contact with the outer wall of the coffee chamber.

3. The coffee machine capable of directly preparing low-temperature cold coffee according to claim 2, characterized in that, The condenser heat exchange tube has a heat exchange plane, which is in contact with the outer wall of the coffee chamber.

4. The coffee machine capable of directly preparing low-temperature cold coffee according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat exchange device also includes heat-conducting fins, which are integrally formed with the condenser heat exchange tube and are evenly distributed along the axial direction of the coffee chamber.

5. The coffee machine capable of directly preparing low-temperature cold coffee according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer wall of the condenser heat exchange tube is provided with a condensate drain groove and a hydrophobic coating. The condensate drain groove is used to collect condensate generated during the heat exchange process, and the hydrophobic coating is used to prevent condensate from adhering. The bottom of the condensate drain groove is provided with a drain pipe, which extends to a wastewater box outside the shell.

6. The coffee machine capable of directly preparing low-temperature cold coffee according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat exchange device also includes a condenser coil, which is connected to a condenser heat exchange tube or the refrigeration ice-making module, and the condenser coil is located inside the coffee chamber.

7. The coffee machine capable of directly preparing low-temperature cold coffee according to claim 6, characterized in that, The condenser coil is spirally wound inside the coffee chamber, with a spiral spacing of 10mm-15mm and a distance of not less than 5mm between the outer diameter of the condenser coil and the inner wall of the coffee chamber.

8. The coffee machine capable of directly preparing low-temperature cold coffee according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange device adopts a tube-fin heat exchanger, which includes a base tube and fins. The base tube is connected to the cooling end of the refrigeration and ice-making module to form a heat exchange medium circulation loop. The fins include an outer wall fitting part and an inner extension part. The outer wall fitting part is fitted to the outer wall of the coffee cavity, and the inner extension part is located inside the coffee cavity.

9. The coffee machine capable of directly preparing low-temperature cold coffee according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange device adopts a plate heat exchanger, which has an independent first channel and a second channel. The first channel is connected to the coffee chamber through a sealed pipeline to form a coffee liquid circulation loop, and the second channel is connected to the refrigeration and ice-making module through a connecting pipeline to form a heat exchange medium circulation loop.

10. A coffee machine capable of directly preparing low-temperature cold coffee according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The coffee chamber is a double-layered sealed pressure-bearing cavity. The inner layer of the double-layered sealed pressure-bearing cavity is used to hold coffee liquid, and a sealed gap is formed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The sealed gap is filled with heat insulation material, and the heat exchange device is located in the sealed gap.

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