Water dispenser with extraction accessory assembly and control method

Abstract

The application discloses a water dispenser with an extraction accessory assembly and a control method, and relates to the technical field of beverage brewing equipment. The water dispenser comprises a machine body, an extraction accessory assembly which is detachably arranged on the machine body and is provided with an extraction cavity, a receiving container which is located below the extraction accessory assembly and is internally provided with a filter screen, an inductive detection assembly whose detection end faces the inside of the receiving container, a water supply assembly whose water outlet end is located above the extraction accessory assembly, and a magnetic attraction structure for magnetically attracting and fixing the extraction accessory assembly to the machine body. The output parameter of the water supply assembly is adjusted according to the detection signal of the inductive detection assembly. The closed-loop cooperative regulation of the extraction water level and temperature is realized, the taste consistency of the beverage is ensured, and the accessory can be easily disassembled and cleaned.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of beverage brewing equipment technology, specifically to a water dispenser with an extraction accessory assembly and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, instant hot water dispensers typically use a fixed flow rate or fixed heating power to inject water into the filter or extraction chamber for tea or coffee brewing. However, due to factors such as differences in material bulk density, water temperature variations, and fluctuations in pipeline resistance, the actual amount and temperature of water entering the filter often deviate from the preset values. Furthermore, existing technology lacks real-time sensing of the filter's internal soaking state, making it impossible to dynamically adjust water supply parameters based on actual operating conditions. This results in insufficient or over-extraction, leading to poor consistency in the beverage's taste. In addition, existing extraction components are mostly fixed to the machine body using mechanical snap-fit ​​or threaded connections, making disassembly and assembly cumbersome. The sealing structure and magnetic components are also prone to corrosion or detachment due to direct contact with liquid, and cleaning and maintenance are inconvenient. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and proposes a water dispenser with an extraction accessory assembly and its control method, so as to realize closed-loop coordinated adjustment of the soaking water level and temperature in the filter and convenient disassembly and assembly of the extraction accessory.

[0004] This invention proposes a water dispenser with an extraction accessory assembly, comprising a body, and:

[0005] An extraction accessory assembly, which is detachably mounted on the machine body, is provided with an extraction chamber;

[0006] A receiving container is disposed on the machine body and located below the extraction accessory assembly. The receiving container is equipped with a filter screen inside, which is used to filter the extracted beverage.

[0007] A sensing and detection component is disposed on the machine body, with the detection end of the sensing and detection component facing the inside of the receiving container;

[0008] A water supply assembly is disposed inside the machine body, and the water outlet of the water supply assembly is located above the extraction accessory assembly;

[0009] A magnetic attraction structure, comprising a first magnetic attraction component and a second magnetic attraction component, wherein the first magnetic attraction component is disposed on the extraction accessory assembly, and the second magnetic attraction component is disposed on the machine body, and the first magnetic attraction component and the second magnetic attraction component attract each other to detachably fix the extraction accessory assembly to the machine body;

[0010] The output parameters of the water supply component are adjusted according to the detection signal from the sensing component.

[0011] Furthermore, the extraction accessory assembly includes a cover plate and an extraction body. The cover plate covers the top opening of the extraction body, and the cover plate and the extraction body are detachably fixedly connected by a snap-fit ​​structure. The bottom of the extraction body has multiple water outlet holes.

[0012] Furthermore, the first magnetic suction member is embedded inside the cover plate, and the second magnetic suction member is disposed on the body of the machine corresponding to the cover plate. The cover plate is attached to the body of the machine and is fixed to the body of the machine by magnetic attraction between the first magnetic suction member and the second magnetic suction member.

[0013] Furthermore, the inner wall of the receiving container is provided with a supporting step, the filter screen is placed on the supporting step, the edge of the filter screen is in contact with the inner wall of the receiving container, and the filter screen divides the inner cavity of the receiving container into an upper space and a lower space.

[0014] Furthermore, the water supply assembly includes a pump, a heating element, an outlet pipe, an inlet pipe, and a water outlet. One end of the inlet pipe is connected to an external water source, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the pump. The outlet of the pump is connected to the inlet of the heating element through a pipe, and the outlet of the heating element is connected to the water outlet through the outlet pipe. The water outlet is located directly above the extraction accessory assembly.

[0015] Furthermore, the bottom of the machine body is provided with a water inlet, the water inlet pipe is connected to the water inlet, the pump and the heating element are respectively clamped between the rib structures inside the machine body, and the joints of the water outlet pipe, the water inlet pipe and the connecting pipe between the pump and the heating element are respectively provided with seals.

[0016] Furthermore, the sensing and detection component includes an infrared LED bead and a lamp cover. The lamp cover is disposed on the machine body, and the infrared LED bead is housed inside the lamp cover. The emitting end and receiving end of the infrared LED bead face the light-transmitting surface of the lamp cover, and the infrared LED bead is arranged towards the extraction chamber through the lamp cover.

[0017] Furthermore, the infrared lamp bead includes an infrared emitting tube and an infrared receiving tube, which are arranged side by side on the same substrate. A light-shielding partition is provided on the inner side of the lamp cover, and the light-shielding partition is located between the infrared emitting tube and the infrared receiving tube.

[0018] The present invention also provides a control method for a water dispenser with an extraction accessory assembly, the control method being applicable to the water dispenser, comprising:

[0019] The sensing and detection component detects the water level and temperature signals at the filter screen inside the funnel assembly in real time, and feeds the water level and temperature signals back to the control unit of the water dispenser.

[0020] The control unit determines whether the current water level is lower than the preset lower limit or higher than the preset upper limit based on the water level signal.

[0021] When the current water level is lower than the preset lower water level limit, the control unit controls the water pump to increase the output flow rate; when the current water level is higher than the preset upper water level limit, the control unit controls the water pump to decrease the output flow rate or stop output.

[0022] The control unit determines whether the current water temperature is lower than the preset lower limit or higher than the preset upper limit based on the temperature signal.

[0023] When the current water temperature is lower than the preset lower limit, the control unit controls the heating element to increase the heating power; when the current water temperature is higher than the preset upper limit, the control unit controls the heating element to decrease the heating power or stop heating.

[0024] The control unit simultaneously adjusts the output flow rate of the water pump and the heating power of the heating element, so that the soaking water level and soaking water temperature inside the filter screen are maintained within the target brewing range.

[0025] Furthermore, the control unit simultaneously adjusts the output flow rate of the water pump and the heating power of the heating element to maintain the soaking water level and temperature inside the filter screen within the target brewing range, including:

[0026] The control unit compares the current water level with the preset lower water level limit and the preset upper water level limit to generate a water level deviation value; at the same time, it compares the current water temperature with the preset lower water temperature limit and the preset upper temperature limit to generate a temperature deviation value.

[0027] The control unit generates a flow rate adjustment amount based on the water level deviation value, and outputs a corresponding flow control signal to the water pump based on the flow rate adjustment amount to adjust the water outlet rate.

[0028] The control unit generates a power adjustment amount based on the temperature deviation value, and outputs a corresponding power control signal to the heating element based on the power adjustment amount, so as to adjust the heating power of the heating element.

[0029] The control unit also performs feedforward compensation on the power adjustment amount based on the flow rate adjustment amount. When the output flow rate of the water pump increases, the control unit synchronously adjusts the heating power of the heating element to offset the fluctuation of the internal water temperature of the filter screen caused by the change in the inlet water flow rate.

[0030] The control unit continuously acquires the water level signal and the temperature signal at a preset sampling period to form a closed-loop feedback control until the current water level and the current water temperature converge to the preset lower limit of water level and the preset upper limit of water level, and the preset lower limit of temperature and the preset upper limit of temperature, respectively.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0032] By installing a sensing component on the machine body with its sensing end facing the inside of the receiving container, and combining this with a mechanism where the output parameters of the water supply component are adjusted according to the sensing signal, a closed-loop feedback system is constructed to monitor the actual soaking state within the extraction chamber. Compared to existing technologies that rely on open-loop control with preset programs, this solution can sense the water level and temperature within the filter area in real time, and dynamically adjust the water pump flow and heating element power accordingly. This effectively eliminates deviations in extraction parameters caused by material differences, environmental temperature drift, or pipeline fluctuations, thereby ensuring the consistency of beverage concentration and taste. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the water dispenser according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the overall structure of the water dispenser according to an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the water dispenser according to an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 4 This is an appendix to the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point A;

[0037] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the extraction accessory component structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a water dispenser control method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure label:

[0040] 10. Body; 11. Inlet; 12. Outlet; 13. First magnetic suction component; 14. Water pump; 15. Heating element; 16. Pipe; 20. Receiving container; 30. Extraction accessory assembly; 31. Cover plate; 32. Extraction body; 33. Second magnetic suction component; 34. Extraction chamber; 40. Sensing and detection component; 41. Infrared lamp bead; 42. Lamp cover; 50. Filter screen; 60. Water tank. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by this application to achieve its intended purpose, the specific implementation methods, structures, features, and effects according to this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. In the following description, different "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, specific features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments can be combined in any suitable form.

[0042] Example 1:

[0043] refer to Figures 1 to 5 This embodiment provides a water dispenser with an extraction accessory assembly. The water dispenser includes a body 10, an extraction accessory assembly 30, a receiving container 20, a sensing and detection assembly 40, a water supply assembly, and a magnetic suction structure.

[0044] The extraction accessory assembly 30 is detachably mounted on the body 10, and the extraction accessory assembly 30 has an extraction chamber 34 for holding brewing materials such as coffee powder or tea leaves. As the core area for material carrying and extraction, the detachable design of the extraction accessory assembly 30 allows users to remove it for cleaning and maintenance after brewing, preventing the growth of bacteria from residues.

[0045] The receiving container 20 is mounted on the main body 10 and located below the extraction accessory assembly 30. The receiving container 20 contains a filter screen for filtering the extracted beverage. In this embodiment, the receiving container 20 is typically a glass pitcher or a food-grade plastic cup, placed on a support base at the bottom of the main body 10, directly opposite the outlet of the extraction accessory assembly 30. The filter screen inside the receiving container 20 separates the liquid flowing from the extraction chamber 34, ensuring the purity of the final beverage. This modular design allows users to directly remove the receiving container 20 for drinking or sharing, enhancing ease of use.

[0046] The sensing and detection component 40 is mounted on the body 10, with its detection end facing the inside of the receiving container 20. (Combined with...) Figure 2As can be seen, the sensing and detection component 40 is located on the front of the body 10, and its detection optical path or detection field directly covers the liquid level and material area inside the receiving container 20. Through this non-contact orientation arrangement, the sensing and detection component can obtain real-time information on the actual working conditions inside the receiving container 20, such as the current water level or water temperature, without the need to install any probes or floats inside the container, thereby avoiding sanitary dead zones and invasive modifications to the container structure.

[0047] The water supply component is located inside the main body 10, with its outlet positioned above the extraction accessory component 30. The water supply component is responsible for delivering and heating external water before injecting it into the extraction accessory component 30. The outlet of the water supply component is precisely aligned with the inlet of the extraction accessory component 30, ensuring that hot water can smoothly enter the extraction chamber 34 to participate in the soaking process. The specific details of the pump, heating element 15, and piping connections within the water supply component will be elaborated in subsequent embodiments; here, only their positional relationships and basic water supply functions are specified.

[0048] A water tank 60 is mounted on the unit body 10 and stores room-temperature water to be supplied to the water supply components, forming the water source of the entire water supply system. Specifically, the water tank 60 is connected to the water inlet 11 on the unit body 10 via its bottom outlet, providing a continuous and stable reserve of raw water for the water supply components. In the instantaneous water circuit architecture, the water tank 60 serves as the atmospheric pressure water source upstream of the water pump 14, ensuring that the suction end of the water pump 14 always has a sufficient water supply, avoiding the risk of the pump running dry or burning out due to water shortage. The volume of the water tank 60 can be adapted to the overall size of the unit and the usage scenario, typically set to 1 to 2 liters to meet the needs of multiple consecutive brewing sessions. The water tank 60 is preferably made of food-grade transparent or semi-transparent plastic material, such as AS (acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer) or ABS material, allowing users to easily observe the remaining water level and replenish water in a timely manner. The water tank 60 features an openable filling cap on top, allowing users to easily add tap water or purified water directly from the top. It also facilitates regular disassembly and cleaning, preventing the growth of scale or microorganisms from long-term water storage. A food-grade silicone sealing ring is installed at the connection between the bottom of the water tank 60 and the water inlet 11 of the main body 10, ensuring no leakage under normal use and slight shaking. This external, removable water tank design, compared to a built-in fixed water tank, not only facilitates thorough cleaning and maintenance but also makes the overall structure more compact and the water circuit layout more flexible.

[0049] A magnetic attraction structure is installed at the connection point between the main body 10 and the extraction accessory assembly 30. The magnetic attraction structure includes a first magnetic element 33 and a second magnetic element 13. The first magnetic element 33 is disposed on the extraction accessory assembly 30, and the second magnetic element 13 is disposed on the main body 10. The first magnetic element 33 and the second magnetic element 13 attract each other, thereby detachably fixing the extraction accessory assembly 30 to the main body 10. Figure 4As shown, using magnetic adsorption instead of traditional mechanical clips or screw threads not only simplifies the user's assembly and disassembly operations, but also leverages the automatic alignment properties of magnetism to quickly return the extraction accessory assembly 30 to the preset correct posture during installation, ensuring the alignment accuracy between the water outlet and the extraction chamber 34. Simultaneously, while ensuring stability during operation, the magnetic connection allows for easy separation by applying moderate external force, balancing connection reliability and operational convenience.

[0050] Furthermore, the output parameters of the water supply component are adjusted based on the detection signal from the sensing component. The sensing component 40 collects real-time status information (such as water level and temperature) inside the receiving container 20 and feeds it back to the control unit. The control unit then dynamically adjusts the operating status of the water supply component accordingly, such as changing the flow rate of the water pump or the power of the heating element 15. This closed-loop feedback mechanism based on real-time sensing overcomes the shortcomings of open-loop control in existing technologies, which cannot cope with material differences, environmental temperature drift, or pipeline fluctuations. For example, when the water level in the extraction chamber 34 is detected to be too low, the system can automatically increase the water flow rate to maintain the optimal soaking liquid level; when the water temperature is detected to deviate from the target range, the system can immediately correct the heating power. Through this dynamic adjustment, it is ensured that each brewing is carried out under stable water level and temperature conditions, thereby significantly improving the consistency of the beverage's taste and the stability of the extraction quality.

[0051] Specifically, the extraction accessory assembly 30 includes a cover plate 31 and an extraction body 32. The cover plate 31 covers the top opening of the extraction body 32, and the cover plate 31 and the extraction body 32 are detachably fixedly connected by a snap-fit ​​structure. Multiple water outlet holes are provided at the bottom of the extraction body 32. Specifically, both the cover plate 31 and the extraction body 32 are food-grade plastic injection molded parts, and they are assembled and fixed by circumferentially distributed snaps and fasteners. This snap-fit ​​structure design allows users to complete the disassembly and assembly by hand without any tools, greatly improving the convenience of daily cleaning. After brewing, users can easily separate the cover plate 31 from the extraction body 32 to thoroughly clean any residual coffee powder or tea leaves inside, effectively avoiding unsanitary areas.

[0052] Furthermore, in other embodiments, the cover plate 31 and the extraction body 32 can be detachably connected by means of threaded engagement, magnetic snap-fit, or interference fit, as long as the functional requirement of easy disassembly and cleaning is met.

[0053] Furthermore, the first magnetic clasp 33 is embedded inside the cover plate 31, and the second magnetic clasp 13 is positioned on the body 10 at a corresponding position to the cover plate 31. The cover plate 31 is attached to the body 10 and is fixed to the body 10 by magnetic attraction between the first magnetic clasp 33 and the second magnetic clasp 13. The first magnetic clasp 33 can be completely encapsulated inside the plastic substrate of the cover plate 31 through in-mold injection molding. This embedding method has multiple technical advantages: First, the plastic substrate forms a comprehensive physical isolation and protection for the magnet, completely eliminating the risk of rust caused by direct contact between the magnet and the liquid, thus ensuring food safety; second, the injection-molded substrate provides reliable circumferential and axial restraint for the magnet, preventing the magnet from falling off and failing under long-term disassembly or vibration conditions, significantly improving the durability of the entire machine; third, the embedding design keeps the surface of the cover plate 31 flat and smooth, without exposed protrusions or gaps, further reducing cleaning difficulty and improving product quality.

[0054] During installation, the first magnetic component 33 and the second magnetic component 13 on the body 10 attract each other, which not only enables the quick fixation of the extraction accessory assembly 30, but also ensures the precise alignment of the water outlet and the extraction chamber 34 by utilizing the automatic alignment characteristics of magnetic force.

[0055] Furthermore, the inner wall of the receiving container 20 is provided with supporting steps, and the filter screen is placed on the supporting steps. The edge of the filter screen fits against the inner wall of the receiving container 20, and the filter screen divides the inner cavity of the receiving container 20 into an upper space and a lower space. Specifically, the supporting steps extend circumferentially along the inner wall of the receiving container 20, providing a stable axial limiting reference for the filter screen 50. When the filter screen 50 is placed on the supporting steps, its edge fits tightly against the inner wall of the receiving container 20 under the action of gravity or its own elasticity, forming an effective sealing interface. This fitted sealing structure can prevent unfiltered liquid from short-circuiting into the lower space through the edge gaps, ensuring that all extract must pass through the filter screen to complete solid-liquid separation, thereby ensuring the purity and taste of the beverage. At the same time, the filter screen clearly divides the inner cavity into an upper space for containing materials and soaking liquid and a lower space for collecting the finished beverage, which not only optimizes the liquid level control accuracy during the extraction process, but also facilitates the user's observation and use of the extract. This step-based support structure is simple and reliable, and is compatible with filters of different specifications, providing users with a flexible user experience.

[0056] Specifically, the water supply assembly includes a water pump 14, a heating element 15, an outlet pipe, an inlet pipe, and a water outlet. One end of the inlet pipe is connected to an external water source, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the water pump 14. The outlet of the water pump 14 is connected to the inlet of the heating element 15 via a pipe, and the outlet of the heating element 15 is connected to the water outlet via an outlet pipe. The water outlet is located directly above the extraction accessory assembly 30. Specifically, in conjunction with... Figure 2As shown, the water circuit of the entire machine forms a series path along the water flow direction, consisting of an inlet 11, a water pump 14, a heating element 15, and an outlet 12. Drinking water stored in the water tank 60 is introduced through the inlet 11 at the bottom of the machine body 10 and then transported to the water pump 14 via the inlet pipe. The water pump 14 provides a stable fluid driving force, pressurizing the water and sending it into the heating element 15 for immediate heating. The heated water is then guided through the outlet pipe and finally flows out from the outlet 12. This series water circuit topology ensures continuous water flow in a closed pipe system, avoiding the repeated boiling and water aging problems associated with storage-type heating systems. It also provides a precise physical basis for subsequent dynamic adjustment of flow rate and power based on sensor signals. It is particularly important to emphasize that the water outlet is precisely positioned above the central axis of the extraction accessory assembly 30 in terms of spatial layout. This vertical alignment ensures that hot water can be accurately and without deviation injected into the extraction chamber 34, avoiding uneven wetting of materials or water splashing onto the outer wall of the container due to water injection position deviation, thereby ensuring the consistency and cleanliness of the extraction process.

[0057] Furthermore, the bottom of the body 10 is provided with a water inlet 11, and the water inlet pipe is connected to the water inlet 11. The water pump 14 and the heating element 15 are respectively clamped between the rib structures inside the body 10. The joints of the water outlet pipe, the water inlet pipe, and the connecting pipe 16 between the water pump 14 and the heating element 15 are respectively provided with seals. Specifically, the inner wall of the body 10 has multiple sets of positioning ribs. These ribs are designed to fit the outline of the water pump 14 and the heating element 15, forming a semi-enclosed or fully enclosed groove structure. During assembly, the water pump 14 and the heating element 15 are directly embedded between the corresponding ribs, and the elastic deformation of the plastic ribs achieves interference fit, without the need for additional screws or metal brackets for fixation. This rib clamping method not only greatly simplifies the assembly process and improves production efficiency, but also uses the damping characteristics of the plastic ribs themselves to absorb the high-frequency vibration generated by the water pump 14 during operation, effectively reducing the overall machine noise and preventing fasteners from loosening due to long-term vibration. Of course, in other embodiments, the water pump 14 and the heating element 15 can also be fixed inside the body 10 by screws, metal clamps, or shock-absorbing pads, as long as a stable installation and vibration reduction function are achieved. At each pipe connection node, including key interfaces such as the inlet pipe and the inlet of the water pump 14, the outlet of the water pump 14 and the inlet of the heating element 15, and the outlet of the heating element 15 and the outlet pipe, food-grade seals, such as silicone sealing rings, fluororubber gaskets, or O-rings, are installed. The seals undergo elastic deformation under the tightness of the joint, filling the microscopic gaps between the mating surfaces to form a reliable liquid-tight barrier, completely eliminating the risk of leakage under high temperature and high pressure conditions. At the same time, the material selection of the seals takes into account both temperature resistance and food safety, ensuring that long-term contact with hot water will not result in the release of harmful substances or aging and hardening failure. The pipe body is preferably made of food-grade silicone tubing, whose flexibility facilitates wiring within a compact body and can withstand instantaneous high temperature and pressure fluctuations; in other embodiments, PTFE tubing, PEX tubing, and other high-temperature resistant tubing that meets food hygiene standards can also be used. Through the coordinated design of the above-mentioned rib-mounted clamping and multiple sealing, the water supply component achieves high reliability and long service life while ensuring compact structure and low cost, laying a solid hardware foundation for precise water supply control driven by sensing detection signals.

[0058] Specifically, the sensing and detection component 40 includes an infrared LED bead 41 and a lamp cover 42. The lamp cover 42 is disposed on the body 10, and the infrared LED bead 41 is housed inside the lamp cover 42. The emitting and receiving ends of the infrared LED bead 41 face the light-transmitting surface of the lamp cover 42, and the infrared LED bead 41 is arranged through the lamp cover 42 toward the extraction chamber 34. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the lamp cover 42 is made of a semi-transparent plastic material, such as polycarbonate or acrylic. This provides physical protection and a sealed isolation for the internal infrared LED beads 41, preventing moisture, dust, or splashes from bathing from entering and damaging the device. It also allows infrared light of a specific wavelength to penetrate efficiently, ensuring efficient transmission of the detection signal. The infrared LED beads 41 are fixed to a bracket or circuit board inside the main body 10. The optical axes of their emitting and receiving ends are precisely calibrated so that they face the filter 50 area below the extraction accessory assembly 30 or the liquid level interface inside the receiving container 20. This non-contact orientation arrangement allows the sensing and detection components to complete status acquisition without immersing themselves in the liquid, completely avoiding the problems of scaling, difficulty in cleaning, and impact on food hygiene associated with traditional probe-type sensors.

[0059] Furthermore, the infrared lamp bead 41 includes an infrared emitting tube and an infrared receiving tube, which are arranged side by side on the same substrate. The inner side of the lamp cover 42 is provided with a light-shielding partition, which is located between the infrared emitting tube and the infrared receiving tube.

[0060] Specifically, the infrared emitting tube is responsible for radiating an infrared detection beam outward, while the infrared receiving tube is responsible for receiving the echo signal reflected back from the liquid surface or material. The two are integrated on the same PCB substrate to reduce the module size and ensure the parallelism of the optical axis.

[0061] Furthermore, a light-shielding partition can be provided inside the lampshade 42. This partition extends along the line connecting the infrared emitting tube and the infrared receiving tube, and its height is sufficient to block the direct light path between the two tubes. The light-shielding partition is usually made of black light-absorbing material or is integrally formed with the lampshade body and then treated with a matte finish. Its physical blocking effect cuts off the direct propagation path of the emitted light to the receiving tube, forcing the receiving tube to only receive the effective signal diffusely reflected back from external targets (such as the water surface or coffee powder layer). This ensures the accuracy and stability of water level and temperature judgment, providing a reliable data basis for the precise adjustment of the subsequent control unit.

[0062] Example 2:

[0063] Please refer to Figure 6 This embodiment provides a control method for a water dispenser with an extraction accessory assembly. This control method is applicable to the water dispenser and is used to achieve precise control of the soaking state during the extraction process. The control method mainly includes the following steps.

[0064] In step S100, the sensing and detection component 40 detects the water level and temperature signals at the filter screen 50 inside the funnel assembly in real time, and feeds these signals back to the control unit of the water dispenser. Specifically, as described in the aforementioned embodiment 4, the sensing and detection component 40 uses a built-in infrared emitting and receiving tube to perform a non-contact scan of the filter screen 50 area through an independent light path formed by the semi-transparent lampshade 42 and the light-shielding partition. The control unit continuously reads the analog or digital signals fed back by the sensor at a preset sampling period (e.g., 100ms to 500ms) and converts them into water level and temperature values ​​representing the current actual operating conditions. This real-time feedback mechanism forms the perception basis of the entire closed-loop control system, ensuring that subsequent adjustment actions are based on the actual state within the extraction chamber 34 rather than a preset fixed program, thereby effectively overcoming the problem of deviations in actual extraction conditions caused by differences in coffee powder grind size, changes in tea leaf fluffiness, or fluctuations in ambient temperature.

[0065] In step S200, the control unit determines whether the current water level is below the preset lower limit or above the preset upper limit based on the water level signal. Specifically, the control unit stores a water level safety window set for the current brewing mode, which is defined by the preset lower and upper limits. When the detected current water level falls outside this window, the system determines that the water level is abnormal and triggers the corresponding flow regulation logic. Setting upper and lower limits instead of a single target value essentially introduces a hysteresis range or dead zone into the control loop, which can effectively avoid frequent pump start-stops or violent speed fluctuations caused by natural liquid level fluctuations or sensor noise, ensuring the stability of the water filling process and the lifespan of the components.

[0066] In step S300, when the current water level is lower than the preset lower limit, the control unit controls the water pump to increase the output flow rate; when the current water level is higher than the preset upper limit, the control unit controls the water pump to decrease the output flow rate or stop output. Specifically, when the water level is determined to be too low, it indicates that the amount of water immersed in the filter screen 50 is insufficient or the drainage speed is too fast. The control unit then sends a PWM drive signal with an increased duty cycle to the water pump 14 or increases the stepper motor steps to increase the instantaneous water injection rate and quickly replenish the missing water. Conversely, when the water level is too high, it indicates that the water injection is excessive or the filter screen 50 is clogged, resulting in poor drainage. The control unit then reduces the output power of the water pump 14 or even stops the pump completely to prevent liquid from overflowing the extraction chamber 34 or causing excessive soaking.

[0067] In step S400, the control unit determines whether the current water temperature is below the preset lower limit or above the preset upper limit based on the temperature signal. Specifically, similar to the water level control logic, the temperature control also employs a dual-threshold judgment strategy. The preset lower limit and the preset upper limit define the allowable fluctuation range of the optimal extraction temperature. The control unit compares the real-time collected temperature signal with this range to determine whether the current thermal equilibrium state meets the process requirements. This range-based judgment method also serves as a filter and anti-jitter mechanism, avoiding repeated switching of the heating element near the critical point and helping to maintain the stability of the thermal field.

[0068] In step S500, when the current water temperature is lower than the preset lower limit, the control unit controls the heating element 15 to increase the heating power; when the current water temperature is higher than the preset upper limit, the control unit controls the heating element 15 to decrease the heating power or stop heating. Specifically, the heating element 15 here is the same as the heating element 15 in the aforementioned embodiment 3. When the water temperature is detected to be too low, the control unit increases the electrical energy supplied to the heating element 15 (e.g., by increasing the conduction angle of the thyristor or connecting more heating wires) to compensate for heat loss or increase the water temperature rise; when the water temperature is too high, the energy input is reduced or waste heat inertia is used to cool down, preventing high temperature from damaging the flavor substances of the beverage. Through this dynamic power adjustment, the system can adapt to changes in heat load at different flow rates, ensuring that the water temperature flowing through the filter 50 is always within a suitable range.

[0069] In step S600, the control unit simultaneously adjusts the output flow rate of the water pump 14 and the heating power of the heating element 15, so that the soaking water level and soaking water temperature inside the filter 50 are maintained within the target brewing range. Specifically, "simultaneous adjustment" here refers to the parallel execution and independent response of the water level control loop and the temperature control loop in the time dimension. In the basic architecture of this embodiment, the two loops independently calculate and output control quantities based on their own deviation signals, which together act on the controlled object, the extraction system. For example, in the initial stage of brewing, the system may simultaneously execute "high flow rate water injection" and "full power heating" to quickly establish a steady state; while in the middle stage of brewing, if the water level is stable but the temperature drops slightly, the system may fine-tune the heating power while maintaining a constant flow rate. This dual-channel independent closed-loop mechanism initially realizes the leap from "open-loop fixed" to "closed-loop adaptive" extraction parameters, ensuring that no matter how the external conditions change, the soaking environment inside the filter 50 can be forcibly converged and maintained within the preset target brewing range, thereby ensuring the consistency of taste and the stability of quality of each cup of beverage.

[0070] Specifically, the control unit simultaneously adjusts the output flow of the water pump 14 and the heating power of the heating element 15, so that the soaking water level and soaking water temperature inside the filter screen 50 are maintained within the target brewing range. This process is not a simple parallel operation of two independent loops, but includes a deep collaborative mechanism based on feedforward compensation.

[0071] Specifically, the control unit compares the current water level with the preset lower and upper water level limits to generate a water level deviation value; simultaneously, it compares the current water temperature with the preset lower and upper temperature limits to generate a temperature deviation value. The deviation value referred to here is not only the algebraic difference between the current measured value and the target threshold, but can also be a weighted error, normalized error, or interval mapping value defined according to the control strategy requirements. For example, when the current water level is between the preset lower and upper water level limits, the water level deviation value can be defined as zero or a minimum, forming a control dead zone to prevent frequent actuator movements; while when the water level exceeds this range, the deviation value increases linearly or non-linearly with the degree of deviation. This deviation value generation logic provides a quantitative benchmark for subsequent precise adjustment, avoiding erroneous adjustments caused by sensor noise or natural fluctuations in the liquid level.

[0072] The control unit generates a flow rate adjustment based on the water level deviation and outputs a corresponding flow control signal to the water pump 14 to adjust the water outlet rate. Specifically, the flow rate adjustment can be an increment of the PWM duty cycle, a change in the number of steps of the stepper motor, or a percentage change in the valve opening. The control unit internally stores a correspondence between the water level deviation and the flow rate adjustment. This relationship can be a linear proportional relationship, or a piecewise function or lookup table based on experimental calibration. For example, when the water level deviation indicates severe water shortage, the system outputs a large positive flow rate adjustment to drive the water pump 14 to quickly replenish water; when the water level approaches the target range, the flow rate adjustment gradually decreases to achieve a smooth approach. This deviation-based dynamic flow distribution ensures that the liquid level within the filter screen 50 can quickly and stably converge to the ideal immersion height.

[0073] The control unit generates a power adjustment amount based on the temperature deviation value and outputs a corresponding power control signal to the heating element 15 to adjust the heating power of the heating element 15. Similar to flow regulation, the power adjustment amount reflects the change in energy input required to maintain or correct the current water temperature. Based on the magnitude and direction of the temperature deviation, the control unit calculates the thyristor conduction angle, relay on / off ratio, or heating wire group switching state to ensure that the output heat of the heating element 15 accurately matches the current heat load demand.

[0074] A key feedforward compensation mechanism is introduced: the control unit also performs feedforward compensation on the power adjustment based on the flow rate adjustment. When the output flow rate of the water pump 14 increases, the control unit synchronously adjusts the heating power of the heating element 15 to offset the water temperature fluctuation inside the filter 50 caused by the change in the inlet water flow rate. The physical essence of this mechanism is that in an instantaneous water circuit system, an increase in water flow rate means an increase in the mass of cold water flowing through the heating element 15 per unit time. If the heating power remains unchanged, according to the law of conservation of energy, the outlet water temperature will inevitably decrease; conversely, when the flow rate decreases, the outlet water temperature will increase. Since the temperature sensor is usually located near the outlet of the heating element 15 or near the filter 50, the temperature change it senses has a significant time lag (i.e., thermal hysteresis) relative to the flow rate change. If the power is adjusted solely based on temperature deviation feedback, the system often only begins to respond after the water temperature has already deviated significantly, resulting in significant temperature overshoot or under-adjustment during the extraction process. Feedforward compensation, by calculating the required additional heating power based on the flow rate change at the same time (or even earlier) as the flow rate adjustment command is issued, and adding it to the base power adjustment, is equivalent to "preventative" energy compensation before thermal disturbances occur. For example, when the system determines that the flow rate needs to be increased by 20% to replenish the water level, the control unit immediately increases the heating power by approximately 18%-22% (considering thermal efficiency factors) according to a preset thermal balance model or calibration curve. This ensures that the newly flowing cold water is heated to the target temperature just as it reaches the filter screen 50, thus maintaining a constant water temperature even under dynamic flow rate conditions. This "flow-power" linked feedforward compensation essentially achieves dynamic decoupling between the water level control loop and the temperature control loop, allowing them to respond quickly to their respective targets without interfering with each other, significantly improving the steady-state accuracy and dynamic quality of the extraction process.

[0075] The control unit continuously acquires water level and temperature signals at a preset sampling period, forming a closed-loop feedback control until the current water level and temperature converge to between the preset lower and upper limits of the water level and the preset lower and upper limits of the temperature, respectively. Specifically, the sampling period setting needs to balance system response speed and processor load, typically selected between 50ms and 500ms. A shorter sampling period is beneficial for capturing rapidly changing operating conditions and making timely corrections, but it places higher demands on sensor signal-to-noise ratio and algorithm real-time performance; a longer sampling period helps with filtering and noise reduction, but may sacrifice some dynamic performance. In this embodiment, a sampling period of 100ms to 200ms is preferred, ensuring both precise control of the water injection and heating processes and sufficient computational margin for feedforward compensation calculations. The closed-loop convergence judgment conditions include not only the deviation value entering the allowable range, but also the deviation change rate or duration, to avoid premature termination of regulation due to instantaneous interference. Only when the water level and temperature both stabilize within the target window and remain stable for a certain period of time will the system determine that the coordinated adjustment is complete and switch to heat preservation or standby mode.

[0076] Specifically, in this embodiment, focusing on coffee brewing, during the pour-over coffee brewing process, the user first places the filter on the support step inside the receiving container 20. Under gravity, the edge of the filter adheres tightly to the inner wall of the receiving container 20, forming an effective sealed filtration interface. Then, the ground coffee powder is poured into the filter. Next, the user holds the extraction accessory assembly 30 close to the area below the water outlet on the front of the machine body 10. The first magnetic 33 embedded inside the cover plate 31 attracts the second magnetic 13 on the machine body 10, automatically aligning and fixing itself under magnetic guidance. This magnetic connection method not only eliminates the need for traditional mechanical snap-fit ​​alignment and locking but also ensures that the water outlet array at the bottom of the extraction accessory assembly 30 is precisely positioned above the center of the filter, laying a physical foundation for subsequent even water injection. Simultaneously, since the first magnetic 33 is completely encased in the injection-molded matrix of the cover plate 31, direct contact between the magnet and coffee powder or moisture is avoided, ensuring food safety and device durability.

[0077] After installation, the user selects the pour-over coffee mode and starts the brewing program via the control panel on the top of the machine 10. The water supply component then begins to work; water is pressurized by the water pump 14, heated by the heating element 15, and then vertically injected from the spout into the extraction chamber 34 of the extraction accessory assembly 30. During this process, the sensing component continuously collects the actual water level and temperature in the filter area in real time through an independent light path formed by the semi-transparent lampshade and the internal light-shielding partition. Unlike traditional water dispensers with fixed flow rates or fixed power, the control system of this application does not simply execute a preset program, but rather dynamically and collaboratively adjusts based on real-time feedback. For example, in the initial stage of water injection, when the sensing and detection component 40 detects that the water level in the filter 50 has not yet reached the preset lower limit, the control unit drives the water pump 14 to inject water quickly at a larger flow rate. According to the feedforward compensation mechanism described in Example 6, the heating power of the heating tube 15 is increased simultaneously to offset the increase in heat load caused by the increase in cold water flow rate. This ensures that the water temperature entering the extraction chamber 34 is always maintained within the target extraction temperature range (such as 90°C to 94°C), avoiding insufficient pre-infusion of coffee powder or excessive precipitation of acidic substances due to the low water temperature in the initial water injection stage.

[0078] As water is poured, when the water level inside filter 50 approaches the preset upper limit, the control unit gradually reduces the output flow of pump 14 based on the water level deviation value, allowing the liquid level to rise steadily to the ideal soaking height without overflow or violent disturbance. At this time, if the discharge speed slows down due to differences in the compaction of the coffee grounds or blockage by fine powder, the sensing component will immediately detect the abnormal water level rise rate or the water level exceeding the limit. The control unit will then further reduce the flow rate or even briefly stop the pump to prevent excessive release of bitter substances due to over-soaking. Conversely, if the coffee grounds are loose, causing the discharge to be too fast and the water level to be too low, the system will automatically increase the flow rate to replenish water and increase the heating power in advance through feedforward compensation to avoid a sudden drop in water temperature due to a sudden increase in the water flow rate. This closed-loop coordinated regulation based on real-time sensing essentially dynamically decouples and precisely matches the two strongly coupled variables of water level and temperature during the extraction process. This ensures that regardless of changes in the grind size, freshness of the coffee grounds, or ambient temperature and humidity, the soaking state inside filter 50 can be forcibly converged and stably maintained within the optimal extraction window.

[0079] After brewing, users can directly remove the receiving container 20 to enjoy the beverage, or they can use one hand to separate the extraction accessory assembly 30 from the main body 10 and disassemble the cover 31 from the extraction body 32 using the snap-fit ​​structure, allowing for a thorough water wash and cleaning of all components. Compared to the taste fluctuations that often occur in different batches of traditional fixed-parameter equipment, this application effectively eliminates the impact of material differences and environmental interference on extraction quality through a dynamic water supply parameter adjustment mechanism driven by sensor detection signals, significantly improving the consistency and stability of beverage flavor. Simultaneously, the magnetic detachable structure and in-mold injection molding protection design greatly simplify daily maintenance operations while ensuring functional reliability, balancing professional extraction performance with home convenience.

[0080] Furthermore, the specific temperature threshold, flow curve, and feedforward compensation coefficient in the above-mentioned hand-drip coffee scenario can be adaptively adjusted according to different beverage types or user taste preferences.

[0081] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A water dispenser with an extraction accessory assembly, comprising a body, characterized in that, Also includes: An extraction accessory assembly, which is detachably mounted on the machine body, is provided with an extraction chamber; A receiving container is disposed on the machine body and located below the extraction accessory assembly. The receiving container is equipped with a filter screen inside, which is used to filter the extracted beverage. A sensing and detection component is disposed on the machine body, with the detection end of the sensing and detection component facing the inside of the receiving container; A water supply assembly is disposed inside the machine body, and the water outlet of the water supply assembly is located above the extraction accessory assembly; A magnetic attraction structure, comprising a first magnetic attraction component and a second magnetic attraction component, wherein the first magnetic attraction component is disposed on the extraction accessory assembly, and the second magnetic attraction component is disposed on the machine body, and the first magnetic attraction component and the second magnetic attraction component attract each other to detachably fix the extraction accessory assembly to the machine body; The output parameters of the water supply component are adjusted according to the detection signal from the sensing component.

2. The water dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extraction accessory assembly includes a cover plate and an extraction body. The cover plate covers the top opening of the extraction body and is detachably fixed to the extraction body by a snap-fit ​​structure. The bottom of the extraction body has multiple water outlet holes.

3. The water dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first magnetic suction member is embedded inside the cover plate, and the second magnetic suction member is disposed on the body of the machine corresponding to the cover plate. The cover plate is attached to the body of the machine and is fixed to the body of the machine by magnetic attraction between the first magnetic suction member and the second magnetic suction member.

4. The water dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the receiving container is provided with a support step, the filter screen is placed on the support step, the edge of the filter screen is in contact with the inner wall of the receiving container, and the filter screen divides the inner cavity of the receiving container into an upper space and a lower space.

5. The water dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water supply assembly includes a pump, a heating element, an outlet pipe, an inlet pipe, and a water outlet. One end of the inlet pipe is connected to an external water source, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the pump. The outlet of the pump is connected to the inlet of the heating element through a pipe. The outlet of the heating element is connected to the water outlet through the outlet pipe. The water outlet is located directly above the extraction accessory assembly.

6. The water dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bottom of the machine body is provided with a water inlet, and the water inlet pipe is connected to the water inlet. The pump and the heating element are respectively installed between the rib structures inside the machine body. The joints of the water outlet pipe, the water inlet pipe, and the connecting pipe between the pump and the heating element are respectively provided with seals.

7. The water dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sensing and detection component includes an infrared LED and a lampshade. The lampshade is disposed on the machine body, and the infrared LED is housed inside the lampshade. The emitting end and receiving end of the infrared LED face the light-transmitting surface of the lampshade, and the infrared LED is arranged through the lampshade toward the extraction chamber.

8. The water dispenser according to claim 7, characterized in that, The infrared lamp bead includes an infrared emitting tube and an infrared receiving tube, which are arranged side by side on the same substrate. A light-shielding partition is provided on the inner side of the lamp cover, and the light-shielding partition is located between the infrared emitting tube and the infrared receiving tube.

9. A control method for a water dispenser with an extraction accessory assembly, characterized in that, The control method is applicable to the water dispenser as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: The sensing and detection component detects the water level and temperature signals at the filter screen inside the funnel assembly in real time, and feeds the water level and temperature signals back to the control unit of the water dispenser. The control unit determines whether the current water level is lower than the preset lower limit or higher than the preset upper limit based on the water level signal. When the current water level is lower than the preset lower limit, the control unit controls the water pump to increase the output flow rate; when the current water level is higher than the preset upper limit, the control unit controls the water pump to decrease the output flow rate or stop output. The control unit determines whether the current water temperature is lower than the preset lower limit or higher than the preset upper limit based on the temperature signal. When the current water temperature is lower than the preset lower limit, the control unit controls the heating element to increase the heating power; when the current water temperature is higher than the preset upper limit, the control unit controls the heating element to decrease the heating power or stop heating. The control unit simultaneously adjusts the output flow rate of the water pump and the heating power of the heating element, so that the soaking water level and soaking water temperature inside the filter screen are maintained within the target brewing range.

10. The control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control unit simultaneously adjusts the output flow rate of the water pump and the heating power of the heating element to maintain the soaking water level and soaking water temperature inside the filter screen within the target brewing range, including: The control unit compares the current water level with the preset lower water level limit and the preset upper water level limit to generate a water level deviation value; at the same time, it compares the current water temperature with the preset lower water temperature limit and the preset upper temperature limit to generate a temperature deviation value. The control unit generates a flow rate adjustment amount based on the water level deviation value, and outputs a corresponding flow control signal to the water pump based on the flow rate adjustment amount to adjust the water outlet rate. The control unit generates a power adjustment amount based on the temperature deviation value, and outputs a corresponding power control signal to the heating element based on the power adjustment amount, so as to adjust the heating power of the heating element. The control unit also performs feedforward compensation on the power adjustment amount based on the flow rate adjustment amount. When the output flow rate of the water pump increases, the control unit synchronously adjusts the heating power of the heating element to offset the fluctuation of the internal water temperature of the filter screen caused by the change in the inlet water flow rate. The control unit continuously acquires the water level signal and the temperature signal at a preset sampling period to form a closed-loop feedback control until the current water level and the current water temperature converge to the preset lower limit of water level and the preset upper limit of water level, and the preset lower limit of temperature and the preset upper limit of temperature, respectively.

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