An integrated flow meter water valve structure and water supply control method for coffee machines

Abstract

This invention discloses an integrated flow meter water valve structure for coffee machines, belonging to the field of coffee machine technology. This water valve aims to solve the problems of complex structure, easy leakage, and inconsistent flow resistance in various branches caused by the dispersed layout of components in existing coffee machine water supply systems. The technical solution provided by this invention includes an integrated base; the integrated base integrally forms a main water inlet channel, a first metering water supply channel, a second metering water supply channel, a boiler water supply channel, and a pressure stabilizing and releasing channel, and each channel is connected to the main water inlet channel. The integrated base also has a pump inlet interface, a first flow meter installation interface, a second flow meter installation interface, a boiler water supply solenoid valve installation interface, and a pressure stabilizing valve installation interface corresponding to each channel. By integrating multiple water supply channels and functional component installation interfaces onto an integrated base, this patent allows for the use of high-performance solenoid valves and high-precision flow meters adapted for multiple scenarios, resulting in better control. This patent also features a more compact structure and simplifies assembly and maintenance.

Description

Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of coffee machine technology, and in particular to an integrated flow meter water valve structure for coffee machines. Background Technology

[0003] Semi-automatic coffee machines require a complete water supply system to ensure a stable water supply to core components such as the coffee heater, hot water boiler, and steam boiler. For models with dual coffee water supply branches, the system needs to be equipped with two independent metering water supply structures and integrate boiler water replenishment and pressure stabilization / relief mechanisms.

[0004] However, the water supply structure design commonly used in the industry today has significant flaws. Its core components, including water pumps, check valves, flow meters, boiler feedwater solenoid valves, and pressure regulators, are all installed inside the coffee machine in a decentralized layout, relying on numerous external pipes and connectors for physical connection. While this decentralized design achieves basic functionality, it creates multiple technical obstacles: First, the dispersed arrangement of functional components leads to a surge in the number of connection nodes in the water system, each becoming a potential leak point. This not only increases the risk of leakage but also makes the assembly process exceptionally cumbersome, significantly increasing production costs. Second, the actual length, bending angle, and connection techniques of the external pipes are difficult to maintain with high consistency during assembly, causing significant deviations in fluid resistance between the first coffee water supply branch, the second coffee water supply branch, and the boiler feedwater branch. This inconsistency directly interferes with the uniform distribution and accurate metering of water flow, affecting the stability of beverage quality. Finally, the excessive number of sealing points and pipe interfaces not only increases the system's potential failure rate but also makes daily maintenance and component replacement extremely difficult, significantly reducing the maintainability and space efficiency of the equipment. The aforementioned issues collectively constrain the reliability, compactness, and performance consistency of coffee machine water supply systems, highlighting the fundamental inadequacy of existing decentralized structures in meeting the demands for high-precision, multi-functional water supply. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide an integrated flow meter water valve structure and water supply control method for coffee machines, in order to solve the technical problems of existing coffee machine water supply systems caused by the use of distributed component layout, such as complex structure, many connection points, easy leakage, inconsistent flow resistance of each branch, difficult maintenance and large space occupation.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an integrated flow meter water valve structure for a coffee machine, comprising: an integrated base; wherein, the integrated base integrally forms a main water inlet channel, a first metering water supply channel, a second metering water supply channel, a boiler water supply channel, and a pressure stabilizing and relieving channel; the first metering water supply channel, the second metering water supply channel, the boiler water supply channel, and the pressure stabilizing and relieving channel are respectively connected to the main water inlet channel; and the integrated base is provided with a pump inlet interface, a first flow meter mounting interface, a second flow meter mounting interface, a boiler water supply solenoid valve mounting interface, and a pressure stabilizing valve mounting interface; the pump inlet interface is connected to the main water inlet channel, the first flow meter mounting interface is connected to the first metering water supply channel, the second flow meter mounting interface is connected to the second metering water supply channel, the boiler water supply solenoid valve mounting interface is connected to the boiler water supply channel, and the pressure stabilizing valve mounting interface is connected to the pressure stabilizing and relieving channel.

[0007] Optionally, the inlet end of the main water inlet channel is equipped with a one-way valve.

[0008] Optionally, the integrated base is also provided with a water inlet interface; it also includes a water pump, the water inlet of which is connected to the water inlet interface, and its outlet is connected to the water inlet interface after the pump.

[0009] Optionally, it further includes: a first flow meter assembly installed at the first flow meter mounting interface; a second flow meter assembly installed at the second flow meter mounting interface; a boiler water supply solenoid valve installed at the boiler water supply solenoid valve mounting interface; and a pressure regulating valve installed at the pressure regulating valve mounting interface.

[0010] Optionally, the integrated base is also provided with a water outlet interface that communicates with the main water inlet channel, and a pressure gauge or electronic pressure sensor is installed at the water outlet interface.

[0011] Optionally, the integrated base is also provided with a drain interface that communicates with the pressure stabilization and relief channel, and a manual drain switch is installed at the drain interface.

[0012] Optionally, the integrated base is made of engineering plastic by injection molding or of metal alloy by precision casting.

[0013] The present invention also provides a water supply control method using the integrated coffee machine control water valve as described above, comprising the following steps: allowing water to flow through the pump inlet interface into the main water inlet channel; diverting the water in the main water inlet channel to a first metering water supply channel, a second metering water supply channel, and a boiler makeup water channel respectively; measuring the water supply flow rate through the first metering water supply channel using the first flow meter assembly; measuring the water supply flow rate through the second metering water supply channel using the second flow meter assembly; controlling the water supply through the boiler makeup water channel using the boiler makeup water solenoid valve; and adjusting the system pressure using the pressure regulating valve.

[0014] Optionally, when the inlet end of the main water inlet channel is equipped with a one-way valve, before the water flows into the main water inlet channel, the method further includes a step of allowing the water to flow through the one-way valve to limit its backflow.

[0015] Optionally, when the integrated base is provided with a water outlet interface communicating with the main water inlet channel, and a pressure gauge or electronic pressure sensor is installed at the interface, the method further includes: using the pressure gauge or electronic pressure sensor to detect the pressure in the main water inlet channel.

[0016] Compared with existing technologies, the technical solution provided by this invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. Compact structure and reduced leakage: By integrating multiple water supply channels and functional component installation interfaces into an integrated base, the number of external pipes and connection points is significantly reduced, making the internal structure of the coffee machine more compact and significantly reducing the risk of leakage caused by too many connection points, thus improving the reliability of the system. 2. Improved water flow distribution accuracy: Since each functional branch originates from a fixed channel designed inside the integrated base, the fluid resistance deviation caused by differences in the length and curvature of external pipes is effectively eliminated, ensuring a high degree of consistency in the flow resistance of each branch, thereby improving the accuracy and repeatability of water flow distribution and ensuring the stability of coffee output quality. 3. Simplified assembly and easy maintenance: The modular integrated design simplifies the originally complex water system into the installation of a single core component, greatly simplifying the production assembly process and reducing labor costs. At the same time, when maintenance or replacement of parts is required, the operation is more centralized and convenient, greatly improving the maintainability of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the integrated coffee machine's water valve control, showing the finished product after all functional components are installed on the integrated base.

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the integrated coffee machine's water valve control, showing the corresponding installation relationship between each independent component and the integrated base in an exploded manner.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the integrated base, showing the integrated base separately and clearly indicating the various mounting interfaces on its upper surface.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of a water pump, showing the pump and its inlet and outlet connectors.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the integrated coffee machine's control water valve, revealing the connection and positional relationship between the water pump, check valve, and main water inlet channel.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the main water inlet channel, boiler water supply channel, and pressure stabilization and depressurization channel in the integrated base, showing the internal flow path structure.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the first and second metering water supply channels in the integrated base, showing the internal flow path structure.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the water supply control method for an integrated coffee machine's water valve, showing all the steps of the method.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. Integrated base; 2. Water pump; 3. Check valve; 4. First flow meter assembly; 5. Second flow meter assembly; 6. Boiler water supply solenoid valve; 7. Pressure stabilizing valve; 11. Main water inlet channel; 12. First metering water supply channel; 13. Second metering water supply channel; 14. Boiler water supply channel; 15. Pressure stabilizing and relieving channel; 21. Water pump inlet connector; 22. Water pump outlet connector; 101. Pump inlet interface; 102. First flow meter installation interface; 103. Second flow meter installation interface; 104. Boiler water supply solenoid valve installation interface; 105. Pressure stabilizing valve installation interface; 106. Water source inlet interface; 107. Outlet interface; 108. Drainage interface. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments should not be considered as limitations on this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in the embodiments of this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing the embodiments of this application only and is not intended to limit this application. Before further detailed description of the embodiments of this application, some nouns and terms involved in the embodiments of this application are explained, and the nouns and terms involved in the embodiments of this application are subject to the following interpretations.

[0028] 1. Integrated Base 1: This refers to a single, integrated structural component with multiple pre-designed water flow channels and various interfaces for installing external functional parts. As the core carrier, this integrated base 1 consolidates the previously dispersed water supply modules, simplifying the overall structure, reducing external pipe connections, and effectively lowering the number of connection points and the risk of leakage.

[0029] 2. One-way valve 3: Also known as a check valve, it is a mechanical device that allows fluid to flow in only one direction. It automatically opens or closes based on the pressure difference of the fluid itself, without external drive. When the water pump stops working or the system pressure fluctuates, it can automatically close to prevent water from flowing back from the main inlet channel 11 to the water pump 2 side, thereby effectively maintaining the stability of the system pressure and protecting the water pump 2.

[0030] 3. Flow meter components 4 and 5: These are devices used to accurately measure the flow rate of fluid. They may contain components such as impellers, shafts, nozzles, and sensors. The water flow rate is calculated by detecting the rotational speed of the impeller as water flows through it, and the measurement result is fed back to the coffee machine's control system in the form of an electrical signal to achieve precise control of the water volume for coffee brewing.

[0031] Please see Figures 1 to 8 This application aims to provide an integrated flow meter valve structure for coffee machines and a corresponding water supply control method. Its core objective is to solve a series of technical problems in existing coffee machine water supply systems caused by the distributed component layout, such as complex structure, numerous connection points, susceptibility to leakage, inconsistent flow resistance in each branch, difficult maintenance, and large space occupation. Through a highly integrated design, the complex water network is internalized into a single base, thereby effectively improving system performance.

[0032] This application provides an integrated flow meter water valve structure for a coffee machine, whose basic components include an integrated base 1. This integrated base 1 is not a simple support component, but a highly integrated core module. Its design aims to replace the messy pipe connections inside traditional coffee machines, effectively optimizing the water system by directly forming predetermined flow paths within the structural components. Specifically, within the integrated base 1, five key water channels are integrally formed through processes such as injection molding or casting: a main water inlet channel 11, a first metering water supply channel 12, a second metering water supply channel 13, a boiler water supply channel 14, and a pressure stabilizing and relieving channel 15. This internal channel design aims to centrally manage the functions of water flow distribution, metering, replenishment, and pressure stabilization. Through fixed, precisely formed internal flow channels, it solves the problem of inconsistent flow resistance caused by different lengths and curvatures in traditional hose connections, laying the physical foundation for precise water volume control.

[0033] To enable these internal channels to interact with external functional components, five standardized mounting interfaces are correspondingly provided on the external surface of the integrated base 1. These interfaces include: a post-pump water inlet interface 101, a first flow meter mounting interface 102, a second flow meter mounting interface 103, a boiler feedwater solenoid valve mounting interface 104, and a pressure regulating valve mounting interface 105. Each interface is precisely connected to a specific internal channel. For example, the post-pump water inlet interface 101 serves as the inlet of the entire integrated water circuit and is connected to the main water inlet channel 11; the first flow meter mounting interface 102 and the second flow meter mounting interface 103 are respectively connected to the first metering water supply channel 12 and the second metering water supply channel 13 for installing flow metering equipment; the boiler feedwater solenoid valve mounting interface 104 is connected to the boiler feedwater channel 14 for installing a valve that controls boiler feedwater; and the pressure regulating valve mounting interface 105 is connected to the pressure stabilizing and relieving channel 15 for installing a pressure regulating device. This structure transforms the various functional components that originally required multiple pipes and connectors to connect into modular installations directly on the integrated base 1, greatly simplifying assembly, reducing potential leakage points, and achieving a balance between compact structure and high reliability.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, to prevent backflow of water when the water pump 2 stops working or when the system pressure fluctuates, a one-way valve 3 is added to the inlet end of the main water inlet channel 11, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 5As shown, the one-way valve 3 allows water to flow from the pump's inlet port 101 into the main inlet channel 11. This design prevents reverse flow. This design, by automatically closing the valve, effectively isolates the pressure between the main inlet channel 11 and the pump 2 side, solving the problems of unstable water pressure and impact on the pump 2 caused by backflow. This achieves initial stabilization of the system pressure, providing a more reliable pressure environment for subsequent accurate metering.

[0035] In another preferred embodiment, to form a complete, self-powered water supply system, the integrated base 1 is further provided with a water inlet interface 106, and a water pump 2 is used in conjunction with it, as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown. The water pump 2's inlet is connected to the water source inlet interface 106 via the water pump inlet connector 21, for drawing water from an external water source such as a water tank or tap water pipe; its outlet is connected to the pump outlet interface 101 via the water pump outlet connector 22, sending the pressurized water into the main water inlet channel 11. By integrating the water pump 2, the control water valve transforms from a passive fluid distribution device into an active, complete water supply control unit, solving the system's dependence on an external high-pressure water source and realizing full-process control from water intake to precise distribution.

[0036] Furthermore, in order to achieve complete control over the waterway functions, embodiments of this application also provide a fully functional product form, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, in this configuration, a first flow meter assembly 4 is installed at the first flow meter mounting interface 102; a second flow meter assembly 5 is installed at the second flow meter mounting interface 103; a boiler water supply solenoid valve 6 is installed at the boiler water supply solenoid valve mounting interface 104; and a pressure regulating valve 7 is installed at the pressure regulating valve mounting interface 105. By directly mounting these core functional components onto the integrated base 1, a water circuit control assembly that is easy to install and use is formed. This design not only achieves independent and accurate metering of dual-channel coffee, automatic boiler water supply, and dynamic stability of the entire system pressure, but also greatly simplifies the production and assembly process of the coffee machine through modularization, and provides convenience for subsequent maintenance and replacement, solving the problems of cumbersome assembly and difficult maintenance caused by traditional decentralized layouts.

[0037] This application also provides a water supply control method using the integrated coffee machine control valve described above, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 8As shown in the diagram, this method first directs water through the pump inlet 101 into the main inlet channel 11. Then, the water in the main inlet channel 11 is diverted through internal channels to the first metering water supply channel 12, the second metering water supply channel 13, and the boiler makeup water channel 14. After diversion, the first flow meter assembly 4 and the second flow meter assembly 5, installed on the interfaces, measure the water flow through the first and second metering water supply channels 12 and 13 in real time, respectively, to achieve precise control of the water volume for coffee brewing. Simultaneously, the boiler makeup water solenoid valve 6 controls the on / off flow of water through the boiler makeup water channel 14, achieving automatic boiler makeup water supply. Finally, the pressure regulating valve 7 adjusts the pressure of the entire system, safely releasing excess pressure through the pressure stabilizing and relieving channel 15. This method translates the functionality of the product structure into specific operational steps, solving the technical problem of how to achieve multi-channel, multi-functional, and high-precision water supply control using an integrated structure through the coordinated work of measurement, control, and regulation.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, when the control water valve incorporates a check valve 3, a step is included before the water flows into the main inlet channel 11 to restrict backflow by allowing the water to pass through the check valve 3. This step, corresponding to the structure of the check valve 3, ensures the stability of the pressure in the main inlet channel 11 during the process through physical isolation, thus guaranteeing the accurate execution of subsequent precise metering steps.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment, when the control valve incorporates a pressure monitoring device, the method further includes a step of using the pressure gauge or electronic pressure sensor to detect the pressure within the main inlet channel 11 in real time. This step makes the system pressure status known and controllable, allowing operators or the control system to adjust based on the monitored pressure value, thereby ensuring the entire water supply process operates under optimal pressure conditions and resolving the quality fluctuation problem that may result from blindly operating the pressure.

[0040] In an optional implementation, to enable real-time monitoring of system pressure, the integrated base 1 is further provided with a water outlet 107 connected to the main water inlet channel 11, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 3 As shown. A mechanical pressure gauge or electronic pressure sensor can be installed at this interface. This design allows users or maintenance personnel to directly read or monitor the main pipeline pressure of the system via electrical signals, solving the problem of unstable coffee extraction or equipment damage caused by the inability to detect abnormal pressure in a timely manner, and achieving transparent management of the system's operating status.

[0041] In another optional embodiment, for ease of maintenance and upkeep, the integrated base 1 is further provided with a drain interface 108 communicating with the pressure stabilizing and relieving channel 15, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 3As shown, a manual drain switch can be installed at drain interface 108. When cleaning, maintenance, or long-term equipment shutdown is required, operators can easily open this switch to completely drain the water from the valve body and pipeline. This design solves the problems of scaling, bacterial growth, or freezing and cracking in winter caused by water retention in traditional water systems, significantly improving the hygiene and durability of the equipment.

[0042] Furthermore, the integrated base 1 can be manufactured using different materials and processes depending on the requirements of cost, performance, and production volume. For example, it can be made from engineering plastics such as glass fiber reinforced nylon or polyetheretherketone (PEEK) through injection molding. This method is low-cost, suitable for mass production, and has good insulation and corrosion resistance. Alternatively, it can be made from metal alloys such as food-grade 316L stainless steel or brass through precision casting or CNC machining. This method achieves higher mechanical strength, pressure resistance, and temperature resistance, making it suitable for equipment with higher requirements for mechanical strength and durability. By specifying the specific materials and processes, a clear implementation path is provided for the specific productization of this invention, and the reliability and safety of the product are ensured.

[0043] The technical solution of this application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific application scenarios. These embodiments are intended to more clearly demonstrate the core ideas and technical advantages of the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0044] In one specific embodiment, the present invention provides a fully functional integrated water control valve for a coffee machine. Its core lies in an integrated base 1 made of 316L stainless steel using a precision casting process. This material ensures excellent corrosion resistance and high-pressure resistance, meeting food safety standards. This integrated base 1 integrates all the water circuit functions required for a dual-head semi-automatic coffee machine, including dual independent metering water supply, boiler water replenishment, system pressure stabilization, pressure monitoring, and manual drainage. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 7 The control water valve fully includes an integrated base 1, a water pump 2, a check valve 3, a first flow meter assembly 4, a second flow meter assembly 5, a boiler water supply solenoid valve 6, and a pressure regulating valve 7.

[0045] Structurally, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7The integrated base 1 has a main water inlet channel 11 integrally formed inside, and branching from the main water inlet channel 11 are a first metering water supply channel 12, a second metering water supply channel 13, a boiler water supply channel 14, and a pressure stabilizing and depressurizing channel 15. Meanwhile, on the outer surface of the integrated base 1, installation interfaces connecting to each channel are precisely set, including a pump inlet interface 101, a first flow meter installation interface 102, a second flow meter installation interface 103, a boiler water supply solenoid valve installation interface 104, a pressure stabilizing valve installation interface 105, a water source inlet interface 106, an outlet interface 107 for installing a pressure gauge, and a drain interface 108 for installing a manual drain switch. Each functional component is directly and securely mounted on the integrated base 1 in a modular manner through these standard interfaces, forming a highly integrated, compact, and reliable water circuit control core module.

[0046] The working process is as follows: First, an external water source, such as a purified water tank, is connected to the water inlet interface 106 via a hose. After the water pump 2 starts, water is drawn in through its water pump inlet connector 21 and pressurized to a working pressure of approximately 9 bar. The pressurized water flows out from the water pump outlet connector 22 and enters the integrated base 1 through the pump inlet interface 101. The water flow first passes through the one-way valve 3 located at the inlet of the main water inlet channel 11. This one-way valve 3 effectively prevents backflow of high-pressure water when the water pump 2 stops. Subsequently, the stable high-pressure water flow is distributed to various functional channels within the main water inlet channel 11. When the user needs to make coffee, the control system commands the corresponding brewing head to open, and the water flow enters the first metering water supply channel 12 or the second metering water supply channel 13, and flows through the first flow meter assembly 4 or the second flow meter assembly 5 installed on the interface 102 or 103. The flow meter components 4 and 5 have an accuracy of ±1%. By measuring the number of impeller rotations, they accurately calculate, for example, 50 ml of water and send a signal to the main control board to stop water supply, thus ensuring consistent water volume for coffee extraction. Simultaneously, when the water level sensor inside the boiler detects that the water level is below the set value, the main control board drives the boiler water supply solenoid valve 6 installed on interface 104 to open, allowing water to flow into the boiler through the boiler water supply channel 14 until the water level returns to normal. Throughout this process, the pressure regulating valve 7 installed on interface 105 monitors the pressure of the main water inlet channel 11 in real time. Once the pressure exceeds the preset 12 bar safety threshold, the pressure regulating valve 7 automatically opens, discharging excess water through the pressure relief channel 15 to the wastewater pan, ensuring system safety. Operators can check the system pressure in real time using the pressure gauge installed on the outlet interface 107. During maintenance, the manual switch on the drain interface 108 can be opened to easily drain residual water from the system. In this way, a fully functional, compact, and stable water circuit control for the coffee machine is achieved. Compared with traditional solutions, the number of leakage points is significantly reduced, the assembly time is greatly shortened, and the consistency of water supply flow in both channels is effectively guaranteed.

[0047] In another preferred embodiment, the material and manufacturing process of the integrated base 1 can be optimized to adapt to different cost and performance requirements. For example, in an embodiment suitable for mass production, the integrated base 1 can be manufactured using high-performance engineering plastics such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) through injection molding. This process can precisely form a complex internal channel structure in a mold in one step, including a main water inlet channel 11, first and second metering water supply channels 12 and 13, a boiler water supply channel 14, and a pressure stabilizing and relieving channel 15. The plastic material itself has excellent insulation and corrosion resistance, which can effectively avoid the rust problems that may occur with metal materials. Its working process is exactly the same as the aforementioned embodiments, but the technical effects it brings are different. The integrated base 1, which is injection molded using engineering plastics, is lighter in weight, and the production cost is significantly reduced in mass production. In addition, the thermal conductivity of engineering plastics is much lower than that of metals, and its inherent heat insulation properties can also reduce the heat exchange between the water system and other heat sources inside the coffee machine, such as the boiler and motor, to a certain extent. This helps to maintain the stability of the water temperature entering the brewing head, thereby indirectly improving the quality of coffee extraction.

[0048] Furthermore, the integrated base 1 platform of the present invention has good scalability and can be configured with different types of functional components to achieve more advanced monitoring and control functions. In a high-end professional-grade embodiment, the structure of the integrated base 1 is consistent with the basic embodiment, but the functional components thereon have been comprehensively upgraded. Specifically, at the water outlet 107, an electronic pressure sensor with a range of 0-16 bar is used to replace the traditional mechanical pressure gauge. This sensor directly sends the real-time pressure signal to the main control board of the coffee machine in the form of a 4-20mA current signal. At the same time, the flow meter components 4 and 5 installed on the first and second flow meter mounting interfaces 102 and 103 are clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters, which perform non-contact measurement through probes installed outside the interface. There are no moving parts inside, thus effectively solving the problem of decreased accuracy caused by impeller wear or scale, and extending service life. The pressure regulating valve 7 installed at the pressure regulating valve mounting interface 105 is upgraded to an electronically controlled proportional pressure regulating valve. Its basic working process is the same as the basic embodiment, but the control precision is greatly improved. The control system can use real-time data from electronic pressure sensors and ultrasonic flow meters to control the speed of water pump 2 and the opening of the electronically controlled proportional pressure regulator valve through a PID algorithm. This enables precise dynamic contouring of brewing pressure and flow, such as executing complex extraction curves like "low-pressure pre-infusion - high-pressure extraction - pressure reduction finishing" to extract coffee with different flavors. This upgrade solution achieves digital and intelligent control of the coffee machine's water circuit system, providing strong hardware support for more precise extraction process control.

[0049] In an alternative embodiment, the integrated design concept of the present invention is also applicable to devices with simplified structures, such as single-head coffee machines or small home coffee machines. In such applications, the internal structure of the integrated base 1 can be simplified accordingly. For example, only a first metering water supply channel 12 is formed internally, so only a first flow meter mounting interface 102 is provided on the base, and the second metering water supply channel 13 and the second flow meter mounting interface 103 are correspondingly eliminated. However, its core main water inlet channel 11, boiler water supply channel 14, and pressure stabilizing and depressurizing channel 15, as well as their corresponding pump inlet interface 101, boiler water supply solenoid valve mounting interface 104, and pressure stabilizing valve mounting interface 105, remain unchanged. Compared with the aforementioned embodiments, its operation can only perform a single-channel coffee brewing task, but the core functions such as boiler water supply and pressure stabilizing and depressurizing are fully retained. This embodiment demonstrates that the integrated design of the present invention has good scalability and modularity. It can flexibly adapt to the design requirements of single-head, double-head, or even multi-head coffee machines by increasing or decreasing the number of metering water supply channels, while fully retaining the core advantages of integration, such as compact structure, high reliability, and ease of maintenance.

[0050] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An integrated flow meter water valve structure for a coffee machine, characterized in that, include: An integrated base (1); the integrated base (1) integrally forms a main water inlet channel (11), a first metering water supply channel (12), a second metering water supply channel (13), a boiler water supply channel (14), and a pressure stabilizing and depressurizing channel (15); the first metering water supply channel (12), the second metering water supply channel (13), the boiler water supply channel (14), and the pressure stabilizing and depressurizing channel (15) are respectively connected to the main water inlet channel (11); The integrated base (1) is provided with a pump inlet (101), a first flow meter installation interface (102), a second flow meter installation interface (103), a boiler water supply solenoid valve installation interface (104), and a pressure stabilizing valve installation interface (105). The pump inlet (101) is connected to the main inlet channel (11), the first flow meter installation interface (102) is connected to the first metering water supply channel (12), the second flow meter installation interface (103) is connected to the second metering water supply channel (13), the boiler water supply solenoid valve installation interface (104) is connected to the boiler water supply channel (14), and the pressure stabilizing valve installation interface (105) is connected to the pressure stabilizing and relieving channel (15).

2. The integrated coffee machine water control valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main water inlet channel (11) is equipped with a one-way valve (3) at the water inlet end.

3. The integrated coffee machine control water valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The integrated base (1) is also provided with a water inlet interface (106). It also includes a water pump (2), the water inlet of which is connected to the water source inlet interface (106), and its outlet is connected to the pump outlet interface (101).

4. The integrated coffee machine water control valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The first flow meter assembly (4) is installed at the first flow meter mounting interface (102); The second flow meter assembly (5) is installed at the second flow meter mounting interface (103); The boiler feedwater solenoid valve (6) is installed at the boiler feedwater solenoid valve mounting interface (104); and The pressure regulator (7) is installed at the pressure regulator mounting interface (105).

5. The integrated coffee machine water control valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The integrated base (1) is also provided with a water outlet (107) that communicates with the main water inlet channel (11), and a pressure gauge or electronic pressure sensor is installed at the water outlet (107).

6. The integrated coffee machine water control valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The integrated base (1) is also provided with a drain interface (108) that is connected to the pressure stabilization and pressure relief channel (15), and a manual drain switch is installed at the drain interface (108).

7. The integrated coffee machine control water valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The integrated base (1) is made of engineering plastic by injection molding or of metal alloy by precision casting.

8. A water supply control method using the integrated coffee machine control valve as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Water flows through the pump inlet (101) and enters the main inlet channel (11). The water in the main water inlet channel (11) is diverted to the first metering water supply channel (12), the second metering water supply channel (13) and the boiler water supply channel (14). The water flow rate via the first metering water supply channel (12) is measured by the first flow meter assembly (4); The water flow rate via the second metering water supply channel (13) is measured by the second flow meter assembly (5); The water supply through the boiler water supply channel (14) is controlled by the boiler water supply solenoid valve (6); The system pressure is regulated by the pressure regulating valve (7).

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the integrated coffee machine control water valve is as defined in claim 2. Before the water flows into the main inlet channel (11), the process includes a step of allowing the water to flow through the one-way valve (3) to restrict its backflow.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the integrated coffee machine control water valve is as defined in claim 5, it further includes: The step of detecting the pressure inside the main water inlet channel (11) using the pressure gauge or electronic pressure sensor.

Images