Beverage machine, method of detecting a water reservoir of a beverage machine

Abstract

The application discloses a beverage machine and a method for detecting a water storage tray of the beverage machine. The beverage machine comprises a water storage tray configured to carry a container, a weighing assembly located below the water storage tray and configured to weigh a weight value of the water storage tray, and a control unit communicatively connected to the weighing assembly. The weighing assembly is configured to send the weight value to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to determine whether the water storage tray is located at a preset position according to the weight value. The technical scheme of the application can timely detect whether the water storage tray is located at the preset position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of beverage machine technology, specifically to a beverage machine and a method for detecting the water storage tray of the beverage machine. Background Technology

[0002] The water reservoir is an important component of beverage machines. Its main purpose is to collect and store excess water, including wastewater, dripping water, and splashes, generated during operation to prevent damage to the machine's internal components due to water accumulation. However, most beverage machines on the market, especially semi-automatic ones (such as semi-automatic coffee machines), lack a water reservoir location detection function, meaning they cannot confirm whether the water reservoir is in its preset position.

[0003] Therefore, how to realize the in-situ detection function of the water storage pan has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present application provides a beverage machine and a method for detecting the water storage tray of the beverage machine, which can detect in a timely manner whether the water storage tray is located in a preset position, and realize the in-situ detection function of the water storage tray.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a beverage machine, including: a water storage tray for carrying a container; a weighing component located below the water storage tray for weighing the weight of the water storage tray; and a control unit communicatively connected to the weighing component, wherein the weighing component is used to send the weight value to the control unit, and the control unit is used to determine whether the water storage tray is located at a preset position based on the weight value.

[0006] In one embodiment of this application, the weighing component includes a weighing sensor, which is used to weigh the weight value and send the weight value to the control unit, wherein the control unit is used to determine whether the weight value is greater than or equal to a weight threshold; if the weight value is less than the weight threshold, it is determined that the water storage pan is not located at a preset position.

[0007] In one embodiment of this application, the control unit is used to determine whether the weight value falls within a preset weight range within a preset time period when the weight value is greater than or equal to a weight threshold; if the weight value does not fall within the preset weight range within the preset time period, it is determined that the water storage pan is not located at a preset position; or, if the weight value falls within the preset weight range within the preset time period, it is determined that the water storage pan is located at a preset position.

[0008] In one embodiment of this application, the weighing component includes a weighing sensor, which is used to weigh the weight value and send the weight value to the control unit. The control unit is also used to determine whether the weight value is less than the weight difference between the preset weight of the beverage and the weight compensation amount, wherein the weight compensation amount is the weight of the beverage that has not yet flowed into the container after the beverage machine stops working. If the weight value is greater than the weight difference, the beverage making is stopped.

[0009] In one embodiment of this application, the beverage machine includes a base and a support located below the base. The base is fixedly connected to the main body of the beverage machine, and the support extends below the main body to support the beverage machine.

[0010] In one embodiment of this application, the weighing component includes a weighing pan and a weighing sensor. The weighing pan is located above the base and is used to support a water storage pan. The weighing sensor is located between the base and the support and is used to measure the weight value.

[0011] In one embodiment of this application, the base is provided with a through hole, the detection end of the weighing sensor is exposed in the through hole, the weighing assembly also includes a support member located in the through hole, and the weighing pan is fixed to the detection end of the weighing sensor by the support member.

[0012] In one embodiment of this application, one of the weighing pan and the base is provided with a positioning post, and the other is provided with a positioning hole that matches the positioning post. The positioning post is located in the positioning hole to prevent the weighing pan from tilting excessively.

[0013] In one embodiment of this application, a limiting hole is provided on one of the weighing pan and the water storage pan, and a limiting block is provided on the other. The limiting hole and the limiting block cooperate to restrict the movement of the water storage pan relative to the weighing pan.

[0014] In one embodiment of this application, the water storage tray includes a water storage box and a tray located above the water storage box. The water storage box has a recessed portion that is recessed towards the tray. The recessed portion forms an opening that faces the main body and the weighing component. The water storage tray is installed on the weighing component through the opening.

[0015] In one embodiment of this application, a water storage box surrounds the weighing component. The water storage box is provided with an operating part, which has an opening away from the main body. The operating part is used for the user to hold and remove the water storage tray.

[0016] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a method for detecting the water storage tray of a beverage machine. The beverage machine includes a water storage tray, a weighing component, and a control unit. The method is executed by the control unit and includes: obtaining the weight value measured by the weighing component; and determining whether the water storage tray is located at a preset position based on the weight value.

[0017] In one embodiment of this application, determining whether a water storage pan is located at a preset position based on a weight value includes: determining whether the weight value is greater than or equal to a weight threshold; and determining that the water storage pan is not located at the preset position if the weight value is less than the weight threshold.

[0018] In one embodiment of this application, the method further includes: if the weight value is greater than or equal to a weight threshold, determining whether the weight value falls within a preset weight range within a preset time period; if the weight value does not fall within the preset weight range within a preset time period, determining that the water storage pan is not located at a preset position; or, if the weight value falls within the preset weight range within a preset time period, determining that the water storage pan is located at a preset position.

[0019] In one embodiment of this application, the method further includes: determining whether the weight value is less than the weight difference between the preset weight of the beverage and the weight compensation amount, wherein the weight compensation amount is the weight of the beverage that has not yet flowed into the container after the beverage machine stops working; if the weight value is greater than the weight difference, the beverage making is stopped.

[0020] In one embodiment of this application, the beverage machine includes a base and a support located below the base. The weighing component includes a weighing pan and a weighing sensor. The weighing pan is located above the base and is used to support a water storage pan. The weighing sensor is located between the base and the support and is used to measure the weight value.

[0021] In one embodiment of this application, the base is provided with a through hole, the detection end of the weighing sensor is exposed in the through hole, the weighing assembly also includes a support member located in the through hole, and the weighing pan is fixed to the detection end of the weighing sensor by the support member.

[0022] This application provides a beverage machine and a method for detecting the water storage tray of the beverage machine. By placing a weighing component below the water storage tray and communicating with the control unit, the weighing component can send the weighed weight value to the control unit. The control unit then determines whether the water storage tray is in a preset position based on the weight value. In this way, this application embodiment can promptly detect whether the water storage tray is in the preset position (i.e., whether the water storage tray is in place), thereby realizing the water storage tray's presence detection function. It also prevents wastewater from being discharged to other parts of the beverage machine when the water storage tray is not in the preset position (i.e., not in place). Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present disclosure to explain the disclosure and do not constitute a limitation thereof. The above and other features and advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a beverage machine provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the base and weighing pan provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of the position of the limiting hole provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 3b This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the water storage tray provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting the water storage tray of a beverage machine according to an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting the water storage tray of a beverage machine, provided in another exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting the water storage tray of a beverage machine, provided in yet another exemplary embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] Most beverage machines on the market, especially semi-automatic ones, are equipped with a water storage tray to ensure that waste liquid can be collected during beverage preparation or self-cleaning, preventing damage caused by water accumulation inside the semi-automatic beverage machine. However, semi-automatic beverage machines (such as semi-automatic coffee machines) generally lack a water storage tray location detection function, meaning that semi-automatic beverage machines cannot detect whether the water storage tray is in the preset position. This may cause some unforeseen consequences. For example, if the water storage tray is not installed in the preset position, waste liquid may be directly discharged into other parts of the semi-automatic beverage machine, causing hygiene problems.

[0033] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a beverage machine. Various non-limiting embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a beverage machine provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The beverage machine includes a water storage tray 110, a weighing component 120, and a control unit (not shown). The water storage tray 110 can be used to hold a container, which can be an item for holding beverages (e.g., coffee or milk) prepared by the beverage machine; for example, the container can be a cup. The weighing component 120 is located below the water storage tray 110 and is used to weigh the water storage tray 110. The control unit is located inside the main body 150 of the beverage machine and is communicatively connected to the weighing component 120. The weighing component 120 is used to send the weighed weight value to the control unit, and then the control unit is used to determine whether the water storage tray 110 is in a preset position, i.e., whether the water storage tray 110 is in a present state, wherein when the water storage tray 110 is in the preset position, the state of the water storage tray 110 is in a present state; or, when the water storage tray 110 is not in the preset position, the state of the water storage tray 110 is not in a present state.

[0035] In one embodiment of this application, the weighing component includes a weighing sensor, which is used to weigh the weight value and send the weight value to the control unit, wherein the control unit is used to determine whether the weight value is greater than or equal to a weight threshold; if the weight value is less than the weight threshold, it is determined that the water storage pan is not located at a preset position.

[0036] Specifically, see Figure 1 The weighing assembly 120 may include a weighing pan 121 and a load cell 123. The weighing pan 121 is located above the base 130 and is used to support the water storage pan 110. The load cell 123 can detect weight changes and thus measure the weight value. After the load cell 123 obtains the weight value, it can send the weight value to the control unit. The control unit can use the weight value to determine whether the water storage pan 110 is in position.

[0037] In one embodiment, the control unit can first determine whether the weight value is greater than or equal to a weight threshold, where the weight threshold can be the standard weight of the water storage pan 110. Then, if the detected weight value is less than the weight threshold, it determines that the water storage pan 110 is not in a preset position, i.e., it determines that the water storage pan 110 is out of position and sends a warning command to the alarm module to control the alarm module to issue an alarm and remind the user. In another embodiment, the weight threshold can also be the sum of the weight of the weighing pan 121 and the standard weight of the water storage pan 110. Accordingly, the weight value detected by the weighing sensor 123 is the total weight of both the weighing pan 121 and the water storage pan 110.

[0038] In one embodiment, if the weight value is greater than or equal to a weight threshold, the control unit can continue to determine whether the weight value falls within a preset weight range within a preset time period. The preset time period can be 1 second or 2 seconds, and the preset weight range can be the range obtained after the weight value fluctuates by a certain amount (e.g., 2g). Then, if the weight value does not fall within the preset weight range within the preset time period, it is determined that the water storage pan 110 is not located at a preset position, and a warning command is sent to the alarm module; or, if the weight value falls within the preset weight range within the preset time period, it is determined that the water storage pan 110 is located at the preset position.

[0039] In one embodiment of this application, the weighing component includes a weighing sensor, which is used to weigh the weight of the beverage flowing into the container and send the weight of the beverage to the control unit. The control unit is also used to determine whether the weight of the beverage flowing into the container is less than the weight difference between the preset weight of the beverage and the weight compensation amount, wherein the weight compensation amount is the weight of the beverage that has not yet flowed into the container after the beverage machine stops working. If the weight of the beverage flowing into the container is greater than the weight difference, the beverage making is stopped.

[0040] Specifically, the weight of the beverage flowing into the container can be the weight measured by the weighing sensor during the beverage making process, that is, the weight measured by the weighing sensor when the beverage machine is stable and the water tank is in the preset position. In this case, the weight value can be obtained by first obtaining the sum of the weight of the container and the weight of the liquid dispensed by the beverage machine inside the container, and then subtracting the weight of the container, which is the weight of the beverage flowing into the container.

[0041] The weight difference is the preset weight of the beverage that should flow into the container. It is the difference between the preset weight of the beverage (i.e., the total weight required to make the beverage) and the weight compensation amount (i.e., the beverage that flows out of the beverage machine's outlet but has not yet flowed into the container).

[0042] For example, the control unit is also used to determine whether the weight value is less than the weight difference. If the weight value is greater than the weight difference, it indicates that the container has contained the preset weight of beverage, that is, the beverage is ready, and the beverage machine stops making beverage at this time.

[0043] It should be noted that the details of the method executed by the control unit are described in the following embodiments.

[0044] Therefore, the weighing sensor 123 in this embodiment can both determine whether the water storage tray 110 is in place and weigh the liquid dispensed from the beverage machine. In other words, this embodiment solves two problems by setting up a weighing sensor 123 (i.e., determining whether the water storage tray 110 is in place and determining the liquid dispensed from the beverage machine).

[0045] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 The beverage machine includes a base 130 and a support 160 located below the base 130. The base 130 is fixedly connected to the main body 150 of the beverage machine, and the support 160 extends below the main body 150 to support the beverage machine.

[0046] Specifically, a base 130 protrudes from the front of the main body 150 of the beverage machine. The base 130 and the main body 150 can be fixedly connected by means of bolts, snap-fit ​​connections, welding, sealant, or slot connections. In other words, the base 130 can be directly connected to the main body 150, which improves the connection strength while also preventing gaps between the base 130 and the main body 150 that could lead to dirt residue.

[0047] Since the front of a semi-automatic beverage machine typically protrudes to form a brewing spout, and a handle filled with beverage powder (e.g., coffee powder) is then attached to the brewing spout to extract the beverage (e.g., coffee), the forward protrusion of the brewing spout combined with the weight of the handle can easily cause the semi-automatic beverage machine to tilt forward, or even tip over. To address this, a support 160 can be provided below the base 130. The support 160 can be made of sheet metal, meaning it is a sheet metal part. This sheet metal material can be cold-rolled steel, stainless steel, or aluminum alloy, etc. This embodiment does not specifically limit the sheet metal material.

[0048] Therefore, it can be seen that by fixing the base 130 to the main body 150 of the beverage machine in this embodiment, the support of the coffee machine can be improved and the forward tilting of the coffee machine can be prevented. In addition, the bracket 160 is a sheet metal part, which gives the bracket 160 itself a certain degree of toughness, so that it can provide sufficient support even if there is a slight forward tilt.

[0049] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 The weighing assembly 120 includes a weighing pan 121 and a weighing sensor 123. The weighing pan 121 is located above the base 130 and is used to support the water storage pan 110. The weighing sensor 123 is located between the base 130 and the bracket 160 and is used to measure the weight value.

[0050] Specifically, the weighing sensor 123 is disposed in the space between the bracket 160 and the base 130. A weighing pan 121 is also disposed above the base 130, which supports the water storage pan 110. When the water storage pan 110 is positioned on the weighing pan 121, the weighing sensor 123 can detect weight changes, thereby identifying whether the water storage pan 110 is in place. Furthermore, when the beverage machine is making drinks, and the container is placed on the water storage pan 110, the weighing sensor 123 can also detect and obtain the weight of the liquid dispensed by the beverage machine. In other words, the weighing sensor 123 can not only detect whether the water storage pan 110 is in place, but also weigh the beverage made by the beverage machine, thereby providing accurate cup sizes and ensuring consistent beverage taste.

[0051] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 The base 130 has a through hole 170, and the detection end of the load cell 123 is exposed in the through hole 170.

[0052] Specifically, the through hole 170 can be located in a suitable position on the base 130 to ensure that it cooperates with the load cell 123 and accurately exposes the detection end of the load cell 123 so that it can accurately detect and sense changes in external weight during use.

[0053] The detection end of the load cell 123 is exposed to the outside through the through hole 170, allowing it to directly contact the object or surface being weighed, thereby achieving accurate weight sensing and data acquisition. This design not only ensures the efficient operation of the load cell 123 but also effectively prevents weighing errors caused by external factors, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the entire weighing environment.

[0054] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 The weighing assembly 120 also includes a support member 122, which is exposed in the through hole 170, and the weighing pan 121 is fixed to the detection end of the weighing sensor 123 by means of the support member 122.

[0055] Specifically, the weighing assembly 120 may further include a support member 122 (also referred to as a support plate), which is located in the through hole 170 on the base 130, providing more fixing points, thereby making the weighing pan 121 more evenly fixed and less prone to lateral deformation. Furthermore, the support member 122 also ensures accurate alignment between the sensing end of the load cell 123 and the weighing pan 121, ensuring that the weighing pan 121 can be stably fixed on the load cell 123 during use. This allows the load cell 123 to accurately sense the weight of the object on the weighing pan 121 and feed the weighed weight value back to the control unit.

[0056] It should be noted that the support 122 not only provides a robust fixation function, but also effectively distributes the weight on the weighing pan 121, avoiding potential damage to the load cell 123 caused by concentrated load. Through this design, the detection end of the load cell 123 can accurately sense weight changes, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the weighing results.

[0057] In one embodiment, see Figure 2 One of the weighing pan 121 and the base 130 is provided with a positioning post 1211, and the other is provided with a positioning hole 1301 that matches the positioning post 1211. The positioning post 1211 is located in the positioning hole 1301 to prevent the weighing pan 121 from tilting excessively.

[0058] Specifically, the weighing pan 121 may be provided with positioning posts 1211, and the number of positioning posts 1211 may be multiple (e.g., Figure 2 The diagram shows four positioning posts 1211, and the positions of these positioning posts 1211 can be flexibly configured according to actual needs. The base 130 may have positioning holes 1301, the number of which is the same as the number of positioning posts 1211. The positioning posts 1211 can be matched with the positioning holes 1301, meaning they can be inserted into or located within the positioning holes 1301 to ensure precise alignment.

[0059] The positioning post 1211 can be disposed on the weighing pan 121 or on the base 130. Similarly, the positioning hole 1301 can be disposed on the base 130 or on the weighing pan 121; this embodiment does not specifically limit its placement. For example, Figure 2 The positioning pin 1211 shown is set on the weighing pan 121, and the positioning hole 1301 is set on the base 130.

[0060] For example, positioning posts 1211 are provided around the weighing pan 121, and positioning holes 1301 are provided around the base 130.

[0061] It should be noted that when an object is placed on one side of the water storage pan 110, the weight accumulates on one side, which can easily cause the weighing pan 121 to tilt. In severe cases, it can even cause the support member 122 to deform, making normal weighing impossible. Therefore, this embodiment of the application limits the tilting of the weighing pan 121 by setting mutually cooperating positioning posts 1211 and positioning holes 1301.

[0062] In one embodiment, see Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown, one of the weighing pan 121 and the water storage pan 110 is provided with a limiting hole 1212, and the other is provided with a limiting block 11011 that matches the limiting hole 1212. The limiting hole 1212 and the limiting block 11011 cooperate to restrict the movement of the water storage pan 110 relative to the weighing pan 121.

[0063] Specifically, a limiting hole 1212 is provided on the weighing pan 121, and a limiting block 11011 matching the limiting hole 1212 is provided below the water storage pan 110. Thus, when the water storage pan 110 is installed on the weighing pan 121, the limiting block 11011 and the limiting hole 1212 can cooperate with each other to restrict the movement of the water storage pan 110.

[0064] The limiting hole 1212 can be disposed on the weighing pan 121 or on the water storage pan 110. Similarly, the limiting block 11011 can be disposed on either the water storage pan 110 or the weighing pan 121. This embodiment of the application does not specifically limit this. For example, see... Figure 3a and Figure 3b The limiting hole 1212 shown is provided on the weighing pan 121, and the limiting block 11011 is provided on the water storage pan 110.

[0065] In one embodiment, see Figure 3a and 3b The water storage tray 110 includes a water storage box 1101 and a tray 1102 located above the water storage box 1101. The water storage tray 110 has a recess 11012 that is recessed towards the tray 1102. The recess 11012 forms an opening facing the main body 150 and the weighing component 120. The water storage tray 110 is installed on the weighing component 120 through the opening. In this way, the recess 11012 and the opening in this embodiment of the application facilitate the installation of the water storage tray 110 on the weighing component 120.

[0066] In one embodiment, the tray 1102 may be a metal tray, and the material of the tray 1102 is not specifically limited in this application embodiment. Furthermore, the tray 1102 may be provided with multiple through holes to ensure that excess wastewater overflowing from the container can flow smoothly into the water storage tray 110.

[0067] Specifically, the water storage tray 110 may have a recess 11012 that is recessed towards the tray 1102 (i.e., upwards in the figure). This recess 11012 may have an opening facing the main body 150 of the beverage machine and the weighing component 120, through which the water storage tray 110 can be installed on the weighing component 120. Furthermore, when disassembling the water storage tray 110, it can move along the mating path between the recess 11012 and the base 130, making the disassembly of the water storage tray 110 more stable and preventing liquid from spilling out of the water storage tray 110.

[0068] In one embodiment, see Figure 3bThe water storage box 1101 surrounds the weighing assembly 120. The water storage box 1101 has an operating part 11013, which has a notch away from the main body 150 of the beverage machine. This notch makes it easier for the user to manually remove the water storage tray 110 through the operating part 11013. Specifically, to facilitate the removal of the water storage tray 110, an operating part 11013 is also provided on the front side of the water storage tray 110. The user can remove the water storage tray 110 forward or upward by holding the operating part 11013. The arrangement of the water storage box 1101 surrounding the weighing assembly 120 not only restricts the movement of the water storage tray 110 relative to the weighing pan 121 in the lateral direction, but also further increases the volume of the water storage box 1101, effectively reducing the frequency of emptying the water storage tray 110. Simultaneously, it increases the weight of the water storage tray 110, further improving the support effect and ensuring the stability of the beverage machine.

[0069] It should be noted that the operating part 11013 can be designed as a structure that is easy for the user to hold, designed to help the user easily remove or move the water tray 110. The operating part 11013 typically has an ergonomic shape and size to provide a comfortable grip experience and ensure that the user can lift or place the water tray 110 stably and smoothly during operation.

[0070] Therefore, this embodiment of the application, by placing the weighing component 120 below the water storage tray 110 and communicating with the control unit, enables the weighing component 120 to send the weighed weight value to the control unit. The control unit then determines whether the water storage tray 110 is in a preset position based on the weight value. In this way, this embodiment of the application can promptly detect whether the water storage tray 110 is in a preset position (i.e., whether the water storage tray is in place), thereby achieving the presence detection function of the water storage tray 110. Simultaneously, it avoids wastewater being discharged to other locations on the beverage machine when the water storage tray 110 is not in the preset position (i.e., not in place).

[0071] By setting a position detection function for the water reservoir 110, some functions of the beverage machine can be restricted when the water reservoir 110 is not in the preset position. For example, it can restrict the making of coffee or the self-cleaning function of the beverage machine. Therefore, it can effectively prevent liquid discharge caused by improper operation, thereby avoiding hygiene and performance problems of the beverage machine. When the water reservoir 110 is in the preset position, the beverage machine can work normally.

[0072] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting the water storage tray of a beverage machine according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 4 The method is executed by a computing device, for example, by the control unit of a beverage machine. Figure 4 As shown, the method for testing the water storage tray of the beverage machine includes the following:

[0073] In one embodiment, the beverage machine includes a water storage tray, a weighing component, and a control unit. The weighing component includes a weighing pan and a weighing sensor.

[0074] S410: Obtain the weight value measured by the weighing component.

[0075] Specifically, the weighing component is used to measure the weight value. The control unit is communicatively connected to the weighing component, which can send the measured weight value to the control unit.

[0076] The weight value is the weight of the item weighed by the weighing sensor. For example, if a water tank is provided on the weighing pan, the weight value is the sum of the weight of the water tank and the weight of the weighing pan; or, if a water tank is provided on the weighing pan, the weight value is the weight of the water tank obtained after tareing the weight of the weighing pan; or, if a water tank and a container for holding beverages are placed on the weighing pan, the weight value is the sum of the weight of the water tank and the weight of the container.

[0077] It should be noted that the weighing sensor in the weighing component can continuously weigh and read the weight value, or it can read the value at preset intervals (e.g., 1 second or 1.5 seconds). This application embodiment does not specifically limit the reading method.

[0078] S420: Determines whether the water storage pan is in the preset position based on the weight value.

[0079] Specifically, it is determined whether the weight value is greater than or equal to a weight threshold, where the weight threshold is the sum of the weight of the weighing pan and the weight of the water storage pan. This embodiment does not specifically limit the weight threshold. The preset position can be the bottom of the beverage machine, or the front position of the bottom of the beverage machine (i.e., the position where the lower main body of the beverage machine protrudes forward).

[0080] In one embodiment, if the weight value is less than a weight threshold, it is determined that the water storage tray is not located in a preset position, and a missing warning is issued. It should be noted that "the water storage tray is not located in a preset position" can be understood as the water storage tray being out of place.

[0081] In one embodiment, if the weight value is greater than or equal to a weight threshold, it is further determined whether the weight value falls within a preset weight range within a preset time period. If the weight value does not fall within the preset weight range within the preset time period, it is determined that the water storage tray is not located at a preset position, and a missing warning is issued; or, if the weight value falls within the preset weight range within the preset time period, it is determined that the water storage tray is located at the preset position. It should be noted that the water storage tray being located at the preset position can be understood as the water storage tray being in place, which can be used to collect and store wastewater generated during the operation of the beverage machine.

[0082] In another embodiment, determining whether a weight fluctuation has occurred can be done by comparing the current weight with an initial weight (e.g., a weight of 0) to determine if the water storage tray is in a preset position. Significant weight fluctuations (e.g., exceeding a preset range) may indicate that the water storage tray is in the preset position. Furthermore, during the beverage making process, if significant weight fluctuations occur, time-series analysis can be used to identify anomalies in the weight fluctuations (e.g., a sudden drop in weight), thereby determining whether the water storage tray is not in place.

[0083] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application can be understood as a method for detecting whether the water storage tray of a beverage machine is in place.

[0084] Therefore, this embodiment of the application determines whether the water storage pan is located in the preset position based on the weight value measured by the weighing component, so that this embodiment of the application can detect in time whether the water storage pan is located in the preset position (i.e., in place), and prevent wastewater from being discharged to other positions of the beverage machine when the water storage pan is not in the preset position (i.e., not in place).

[0085] In one embodiment of this application, determining whether a water storage pan is located at a preset position based on a weight value includes: determining whether the weight value is greater than or equal to a weight threshold; and determining that the water storage pan is not located at the preset position if the weight value is less than the weight threshold.

[0086] Specifically, the weight threshold can be the sum of the weight of the weighing pan and the weight of the water tank. For example, for detecting whether the water tank is in place, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5 First, the weight value measured by the weighing component is obtained (step S510). Then, it is determined whether the weight value is greater than or equal to the sum of the weight of the weighing pan and the weight of the water storage pan (step S520). If the weight value is less than the weight threshold, it is determined that the water storage pan is not located at the preset position, that is, it is determined that the water storage pan is not in place and an alarm is issued (step S530).

[0087] In one embodiment, the warning method may be to pop up a prompt window on the user's operating interface, to play a warning sound (e.g., no water tank is placed), or to flash a warning light, etc.

[0088] Therefore, the embodiments of this application determine whether the water storage pan is located in the preset position by comparing the weighed weight with the preset weight threshold, making the on-position determination more accurate and intuitive.

[0089] In one embodiment of this application, it further includes: when the weight value is greater than or equal to a weight threshold, determining whether the weight value falls within a preset weight range within a preset time period.

[0090] It should be noted that the process of determining whether the weight value continuously falls within the preset weight range within the preset time period can be understood as the process of determining whether the real-time weight is stable within the preset time period.

[0091] Specifically, the preset time period can be 1 second, 1.5 seconds, or 2 seconds, etc. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the specific value and unit of the preset time period. The preset weight range can be a range obtained by fluctuating (i.e., increasing and decreasing) the weight value obtained by weighing by a certain value, where the value can be 1g, 2g, or 2.5g, etc. For example, when the weight value is 400g, the preset weight range can be 399g to 401g.

[0092] In one embodiment, for detecting whether the water storage pan is in place, see [link to documentation]. Figure 5 It also includes: when the detected weight value is greater than or equal to the weight threshold, continue to determine whether the weight value falls within the preset weight range within the preset time period (step S540), wherein when the weight value does not continuously fall within the preset weight range within the preset time period, it is determined that the water storage pan is not located at the preset position, that is, it is determined that the water storage pan is not in place and an alarm is issued (step S530).

[0093] In one embodiment of this application, see Figure 5 It also includes: when the weight value falls within a preset weight range within a preset time period, it is determined that the water storage pan is located at a preset position, that is, the water storage pan is determined to be in place (step S550).

[0094] Therefore, it can be seen that in the embodiments of this application, when the detected weight value is greater than or equal to the weight threshold, the judgment will continue and the status of the water storage pan will be detected in real time to avoid misjudgment that the water storage pan is in place.

[0095] It should be noted that when the beverage machine is in its initial state, such as when it is turned on, the control unit of the beverage machine will identify whether the water storage tray is in place, and if the water storage tray is in place, it will continue to make the judgment.

[0096] In one embodiment, see further. Figure 5 Step S560: When the water storage pan is in the in-position state (i.e., in the preset position), obtain the weight value, which can be understood as the real-time weight value measured by the weighing component when the water storage pan is in the in-position state. Step S570: Determine whether the weight value is greater than or equal to the sum of the weight of the weighing pan and the weight of the water storage pan. If the weight value is greater than or equal to the sum of the weight of the weighing pan and the weight of the water storage pan, execute step S550: determine that the water storage pan is in the in-position state; or, if the weight value is less than the sum of the weight of the weighing pan and the weight of the water storage pan, execute step S530: determine that the water storage pan is not in the in-position state and issue an alarm.

[0097] In one embodiment of this application, the method further includes: determining whether the weight value is less than the weight difference between the preset weight of the beverage and the weight compensation amount, wherein the weight compensation amount is the weight of the beverage that has not yet flowed into the container after the beverage machine stops working; if the weight value is greater than the weight difference, the beverage making is stopped.

[0098] Specifically, the weight value is the weight of the beverage measured by the weighing sensor during the beverage making process. At this time, the beverage machine can be understood as being in the default state, that is, the beverage machine is stable and the water tank is in the preset position (i.e., in place). The weight recorded by the weighing sensor can be the weight after deducting the weight of the weighing pan and the water tank. That is, when no container is placed and the beverage is made, the weight recorded by the weighing component is 0. The weight value can be obtained by first obtaining the sum of the weight of the container and the weight of the liquid dispensed by the beverage machine inside the container, and then subtracting the weight of the container. Alternatively, the weight value can also be obtained by placing a container on the water tank and tareing the weight of the container to directly obtain the weight of the beverage flowing into the container.

[0099] The weight compensation amount is the weight of the beverage that has not yet flowed into the container after the beverage machine stops working (i.e., stops making beverages). In other words, the weight compensation amount can be understood as the beverage that flows out of the beverage machine's outlet but has not yet flowed into the cup (e.g., coffee or milk), which can be understood as the beverage in the air.

[0100] The weight difference is the difference between the preset weight of the beverage (i.e., the total weight required to make the beverage) and the weight compensation amount. In other words, the weight difference is the preset weight of the beverage that should flow into the container.

[0101] For example, see Figure 6 Step S610: Start weighing the beverage; Step S620: Receive the preset weight of the beverage set by the user; Step S630: Detect that the container holding the beverage is placed on the tray; Step S640: Record the weight of the container; Step S650: Read the weight value in real time while the beverage machine is making the beverage; Step S661: Determine whether the weight value is less than the weight difference between the preset weight of the beverage and the weight compensation amount. If the weight value is less than the weight difference, repeat steps S650 and S660; or, if the weight value is greater than the weight difference, execute step S670: Stop making the beverage.

[0102] Therefore, it can be seen that by setting a weighing sensor in the weighing component, this embodiment of the application can both determine whether the water storage tray is in place and weigh the liquid output of the beverage machine.

[0103] In one embodiment of this application, see Figure 1The beverage machine includes a base 130 and a support 160 located below the base 130. The weighing component 120 includes a weighing pan 121 and a weighing sensor 123. The weighing pan 121 is located above the base 130 and is used to support the water storage pan 110. The weighing sensor 123 is located between the base 130 and the support 160 and is used to measure the weight value.

[0104] In one embodiment of this application, see Figure 1 The base 130 has a through hole 170, and the detection end of the load cell 123 is exposed in the through hole 170. The weighing assembly 120 also includes a support member 122, which is located in the through hole 170. The weighing pan 121 is fixed to the detection end of the load cell 123 by the support member 122.

[0105] It should be noted that for detailed structural information about the beverage machine, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figures 1 to 3b The description will not be repeated here to avoid repetition.

[0106] All of the above-mentioned optional technical solutions can be combined in any way to form optional embodiments of this application, and will not be described in detail here.

[0107] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0108] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A beverage machine, characterized in that, include: A water storage tray is used to hold containers. A weighing component, located below the water storage pan, is used to weigh the water storage pan. The control unit is communicatively connected to the weighing component, wherein the weighing component is used to send the weight value to the control unit, and the control unit is used to determine whether the water storage pan is located at a preset position based on the weight value.

2. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weighing component includes a weighing sensor, which is used to weigh the weight value and send the weight value to the control unit. The control unit is used to determine whether the weight value is greater than or equal to a weight threshold; if the weight value is less than the weight threshold, it is determined that the water storage pan is not located at the preset position.

3. The beverage machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit is used to determine whether the weight value falls within a preset weight range within a preset time period when the weight value is greater than or equal to the weight threshold. If the weight value does not fall within the preset weight range within the preset time period, it is determined that the water storage pan is not located at the preset position; or, if the weight value falls within the preset weight range within the preset time period, it is determined that the water storage pan is located at the preset position.

4. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weighing component includes a weighing sensor, which is used to weigh the beverage flowing into the container and send the weight of the beverage to the control unit. The control unit is also used to determine whether the weight of the beverage is less than the weight difference between a preset weight of the beverage and a weight compensation amount, wherein the weight compensation amount is the weight of the beverage that has not yet flowed into the container after the beverage machine stops working. If the weight of the beverage is greater than the weight difference, the beverage production is stopped.

5. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The beverage machine includes a base and a support located below the base. The base is fixedly connected to the main body of the beverage machine, and the support extends below the main body to support the beverage machine.

6. The beverage machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The weighing assembly includes a weighing pan and a weighing sensor. The weighing pan is located above the base and is used to support the water storage pan. The weighing sensor is located between the base and the support and is used to measure the weight value.

7. The beverage machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The base has a through hole, and the detection end of the weighing sensor is exposed in the through hole. The weighing assembly also includes a support member, which is located in the through hole. The weighing pan is fixed to the detection end of the weighing sensor by the support member.

8. The beverage machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, One of the weighing pan and the base is provided with a positioning post, and the other is provided with a positioning hole that matches the positioning post. The positioning post is located in the positioning hole to prevent the weighing pan from tilting excessively.

9. The beverage machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, One of the weighing pan and the water storage pan is provided with a limiting hole, and the other is provided with a limiting block that matches the limiting hole. The limiting hole and the limiting block cooperate to restrict the movement of the water storage pan relative to the weighing pan.

10. The beverage machine according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that, The water storage tray includes a water storage box and a tray located above the water storage box. The water storage box has a recessed portion that is recessed towards the tray. The recessed portion forms an opening facing the main body and the weighing component. The water storage tray is installed on the weighing component through the opening.

11. The beverage machine according to claim 10, characterized in that, The water storage box surrounds the weighing component and has an operating part with an opening away from the main body. The operating part is used for the user to manually remove the water storage tray.

12. A method for detecting the water storage tray of a beverage machine, characterized in that, The beverage machine includes a water storage tray, a weighing component, and a control unit, wherein the method is executed by the control unit and includes: Obtain the weight value measured by the weighing component; The weight value is used to determine whether the water storage pan is located in the preset position.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The step of determining whether the water storage pan is located at a preset position based on the weight value includes: Determine whether the weight value is greater than or equal to a weight threshold; If the weight value is less than the weight threshold, it is determined that the water storage tray is not located at the preset position.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Also includes: If the weight value is greater than or equal to the weight threshold, determine whether the weight value falls within a preset weight range within a preset time period; If the weight value does not fall within the preset weight range within the preset time period, it is determined that the water storage pan is not located at the preset position. or, If the weight value falls within the preset weight range within the preset time period, the water storage pan is determined to be located at the preset position.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Also includes: Determine whether the weight value is less than the weight difference between the preset weight of the beverage and the weight compensation amount, wherein the weight compensation amount is the weight of the beverage that has not yet flowed into the container after the beverage machine stops working; If the weight value is greater than the weight difference, the production of the beverage shall be stopped.

16. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The beverage machine includes a base and a support located below the base. The weighing component includes a weighing pan and a weighing sensor. The weighing pan is located above the base and is used to support the water storage pan. The weighing sensor is located between the base and the support and is used to weigh the weight value.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The base has a through hole, and the detection end of the weighing sensor is exposed in the through hole. The weighing assembly also includes a support member, which is located in the through hole. The weighing pan is fixed to the detection end of the weighing sensor by the support member.

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