Espresso coffee machine with water purification and chewing ice production function and method of use thereof

Abstract

The application discloses an espresso coffee machine with water purification and chewable ice making functions and a use method thereof, and relates to the technical field of coffee machines. The espresso coffee machine with water purification and chewable ice making functions comprises a water purification system, an ice making system and a coffee extraction system integrated in the same machine body. The water purification system, the ice making system and the coffee extraction system adopt a shared water path architecture. The water purification system is communicated with the ice making system through a first water path in the shared water path architecture, and provides purified pure water to the ice making system for the ice making system to prepare chewable ice. The water purification system is communicated with the coffee extraction system through a second water path in the shared water path architecture, and provides purified pure water to the coffee extraction system for the coffee extraction system to complete coffee extraction. The application can integrate multiple functions of water purification, ice making and espresso coffee extraction into one.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of coffee machine technology, and more particularly to an espresso machine with water purification and ice-making functions, and its method of use. Background Technology

[0002] As living standards improve, coffee machines, water purifiers, and ice makers are increasingly used in both home and commercial settings, and users are demanding greater functionality and ease of use from beverage equipment. Traditional coffee machines typically use tap water to extract coffee, but impurities such as chlorine and minerals in tap water can affect the aroma and taste of the coffee. Furthermore, calcium and magnesium ions in tap water easily form scale inside boilers and pipes, reducing heating efficiency and potentially damaging heating components and shortening the equipment's lifespan. To improve coffee quality, users generally need to purify the water source using a separate water purifier; and to make cold brew or iced coffee, a separate ice maker is required. This results in users needing to place three separate units—a water purifier, an ice maker, and a coffee machine—which takes up considerable space. The lack of coordination between these units, with independent water lines and redundant piping, leads to high procurement, production, and maintenance costs. Multiple water lines are also prone to blockages and leaks, making equipment operation cumbersome and inconvenient.

[0003] Furthermore, the two types of integrated coffee devices in the existing technology still have obvious drawbacks, as follows: (1) The invention patent application with publication number CN105615655A and invention title "Pure Water and Coffee All-in-One Machine" discloses a combination of a reverse osmosis membrane water purifier or pure water machine and a coffee machine into an all-in-one machine. The reverse osmosis membrane water purifier or pure water machine is equipped with two pure water outlets. One outlet is connected to a gooseneck faucet for users to drink pure water directly, and the other outlet is connected to the water tank of the coffee machine through a pipe with a valve, which can supply pure water suitable for coffee extraction to the coffee machine and alleviate the problem of scale buildup in the coffee machine. However, this solution only integrates two functions: water purification and coffee extraction. It does not include refrigeration or ice-making structures, so it cannot make ice cubes and cannot meet the needs of making iced coffee or cold brew coffee. Its applicability to beverage scenarios is limited.

[0004] (2) The utility model patent with authorization announcement number CN224070198U and the name of the utility model is an Italian coffee machine with ice-making function. It discloses that the refrigeration system, ice shell and cold water tank are integrated into the coffee machine, which can make coffee and ordinary bullet ice in one piece, without the need to place a separate ice maker, thus saving space. However, the device is not equipped with a water purification and filtration system. Both ice making and coffee extraction use unpurified tap water directly, and the water quality problem is not solved. Moreover, the device can only make hard bullet ice. The ice melts quickly and easily dilutes the iced coffee drink. The taste is too hard and it cannot make chewy ice with a delicate taste and moderate melting speed, which is difficult to meet the needs of high-end iced drink making.

[0005] In summary, in the existing technology, water purifiers, ice makers, and coffee machines are either separate and independent, or can only integrate water purification and coffee making, or ice making and coffee making. There is no device that can integrate water purification, ice making, and espresso making into a single device with a shared water circuit. Users cannot obtain purified water, ice making, and espresso making from one device at the same time, which is inconvenient. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide an espresso machine with water purification and ice-making functions, and its usage method, which integrates multiple functions such as water purification, ice making, and espresso extraction.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides an espresso machine with water purification and ice-making functions, comprising: a water purification system, an ice-making system, and a coffee extraction system integrated in the same body; the water purification system, ice-making system, and coffee extraction system adopt a shared water circuit architecture; the water purification system is connected to the ice-making system through a first water circuit in the shared water circuit architecture, providing purified pure water to the ice-making system for preparing ice; the water purification system is connected to the coffee extraction system through a second water circuit in the shared water circuit architecture, providing purified pure water to the coffee extraction system for completing coffee extraction.

[0008] As described above, the water purification system includes: an inlet connector, a diaphragm pump, a purified water tee, a raw water tank, a pre-filter cartridge, a booster pump, an RO filter cartridge, a wastewater valve, and a pure water tank; the inlet connector is connected to the inlet of the diaphragm pump; the outlet of the diaphragm pump is connected to the first interface of the purified water tee; the second interface of the purified water tee is connected to the inlet of the raw water tank; the outlet of the raw water tank is connected to the inlet of the pre-filter cartridge; the outlet of the pre-filter cartridge is connected to the inlet of the booster pump; the booster pump... The outlet of the RO filter is connected to the inlet of the RO filter element; the wastewater outlet of the RO filter element is connected to the inlet of the wastewater valve; the pure water outlet of the RO filter element is connected to the inlet of the pure water tank; the outlet of the wastewater valve is connected to the third interface of the three-way pipe of the purified water circuit; the pure water tank is equipped with a first outlet and a second outlet. The first outlet of the pure water tank is connected to the ice-making system to form the first water circuit in the shared water circuit architecture, and the second outlet of the pure water tank is connected to the coffee extraction system to form the second water circuit in the shared water circuit architecture.

[0009] As mentioned above, the water purification system also includes: a raw water TDS sensor and a pure water TDS sensor; the raw water TDS sensor is installed between the raw water tank and the pre-filter cartridge, and is connected to both the raw water tank and the pre-filter cartridge respectively; the pure water TDS sensor is installed between the RO filter cartridge and the pure water tank, and is connected to both the RO filter cartridge and the pure water tank respectively.

[0010] As shown above, the pre-filter element is either a PCB filter element or a PAC filter element.

[0011] As described above, the coffee extraction system includes: a first solenoid valve, a high-pressure diaphragm pump, a second solenoid valve, a pressure relief valve, a boiler, a third solenoid valve, a first extraction water circuit tee, a fourth solenoid valve, a water outlet, a fifth solenoid valve, a sixth solenoid valve, a steam valve switch, a steam rod, and a brewing head; the first port of the first solenoid valve is connected to the second water circuit, the second port of the first solenoid valve is connected to the inlet of the high-pressure diaphragm pump, and the third port of the first solenoid valve is connected to the ice-making system; the first outlet of the high-pressure diaphragm pump is connected to the first port of the second solenoid valve; the second outlet of the high-pressure diaphragm pump is connected to the inlet of the pressure relief valve; the outlet of the pressure relief valve is connected to the water collection basin; the second port of the second solenoid valve is connected to the inlet of the boiler; the outlet of the boiler is connected to the first port of the third solenoid valve; the third solenoid valve... The second interface of the first extraction water circuit tee is connected to the first interface of the first extraction water circuit tee; the third interface of the third solenoid valve is connected to the water receiving basin; the second interface of the first extraction water circuit tee is connected to the third interface of the second solenoid valve; the third interface of the first extraction water circuit tee is connected to the first interface of the fourth solenoid valve; the second interface of the fourth solenoid valve is connected to the water outlet; the third interface of the fourth solenoid valve is connected to the first interface of the fifth solenoid valve; the second interface of the fifth solenoid valve is connected to the water receiving basin; the third interface of the fifth solenoid valve is connected to the first interface of the second extraction water circuit tee; the second interface of the second extraction water circuit tee is connected to the first interface of the sixth solenoid valve; the second interface of the sixth solenoid valve is connected to the steam valve switch, and the steam valve switch is connected to the steam rod; the third interface of the sixth solenoid valve is connected to the brewing head.

[0012] As mentioned above, the coffee extraction system also includes: a pressure gauge; the pressure gauge is connected to the third interface of the second extraction water tee.

[0013] As described above, the coffee extraction system also includes a flow meter; the flow meter is located between the first solenoid valve and the high-pressure diaphragm pump, and is connected to the second port of the first solenoid valve and the inlet of the high-pressure diaphragm pump, respectively.

[0014] As described above, the ice-making system includes: a cold water tank, a circulating water pump, a chewing ice making component, and a drain solenoid valve; the inlet of the cold water tank is connected to the first water circuit, the first outlet of the cold water tank is connected to the coffee extraction system, and the second outlet of the cold water tank is connected to the inlet of the circulating water pump; the outlet of the circulating water pump is connected to the refrigeration water circuit inlet of the chewing ice making component, and the return water outlet of the chewing ice making component is connected to the inlet of the drain solenoid valve; the outlet of the drain solenoid valve is connected to the water receiving basin.

[0015] As mentioned above, it also includes: a control system; the control system includes: a main controller and a touch screen; the main controller is connected to the touch screen, the water purification system, the ice-making system, and the coffee extraction system respectively; the touch screen is used to input operation commands and send the operation commands to the main controller; the main controller is used to receive operation commands and automatically control the water purification system, the ice-making system, and the coffee extraction system to work together according to the operation commands; it receives real-time monitoring data sent by the water purification system, the ice-making system, and the coffee extraction system, and adjusts the working status of the water purification system, the ice-making system, and the coffee extraction system based on the real-time monitoring data.

[0016] This application also provides a method of use for the aforementioned espresso machine with water purification and ice-making functions. The method includes the following steps: S1: Activating the water purification system to purify the introduced raw water, obtaining pure water, and storing it; S2: Receiving an operation command, and controlling the pure water obtained by the water purification system to supply the pure water to the ice-making system or coffee extraction system via a shared water circuit structure, whereby the ice-making system prepares the ice or the coffee extraction system extracts the coffee; wherein the operation command includes at least a beverage type selection command and an automatic equipment pipeline cleaning command; when the operation command is a beverage type selection command, matching the corresponding beverage preparation mode according to the selected beverage type, and controlling the working state of the solenoid valves in the ice-making system or coffee extraction system based on the beverage preparation mode, the beverage preparation modes include hot water mode, cold water mode, hot brew mode, cold brew mode, and steam mode; when the operation command is an automatic equipment pipeline cleaning command, adjusting the opening and closing states of all solenoid valves in the ice-making system and coffee extraction system to complete the flushing of the entire machine's pipelines. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of an espresso machine with water purification and ice-making functions; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of an espresso machine with water purification and ice-making functions; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of a water purification system and a coffee extraction system; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the water purification system and coffee extraction system; Figure 5A schematic diagram of one embodiment of an ice-making system; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of a pre-filter cartridge and an RO filter cartridge; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the ice-making system; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a structural embodiment of a component for making chewing ice; Figure 9 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of a component for making chewing ice; Figure 10 A water circuit diagram of one embodiment of an espresso machine with water purification and ice-making functions. Detailed Implementation

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

[0020] like Figure 1-10 As shown, this application provides an espresso machine with water purification and ice-making functions, including: a water purification system 2, an ice-making system 3, and a coffee extraction system 4 integrated in the same body 1; the water purification system 2, the ice-making system 3, and the coffee extraction system 4 adopt a shared water circuit architecture; the water purification system 2 is connected to the ice-making system 3 through a first water circuit in the shared water circuit architecture, providing purified pure water to the ice-making system 3 for making ice; the water purification system 2 is connected to the coffee extraction system 4 through a second water circuit in the shared water circuit architecture, providing purified pure water to the coffee extraction system 4 for completing coffee extraction.

[0021] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 10As shown, the water purification system 2 includes: an inlet connector, a diaphragm pump, a purified water tee pipe, a raw water tank 21, a pre-filter cartridge 22, a booster pump 23, an RO filter cartridge (reverse osmosis filter cartridge) 24, a wastewater valve 25, and a pure water tank 26; the inlet connector is connected to the inlet of the diaphragm pump; the outlet of the diaphragm pump is connected to the first interface of the purified water tee pipe; the second interface of the purified water tee pipe is connected to the inlet of the raw water tank 21; the outlet of the raw water tank 21 is connected to the inlet of the pre-filter cartridge 22; and the outlet of the pre-filter cartridge 22 is connected to the inlet of the booster pump 23. The outlet of the booster pump 23 is connected to the inlet of the RO filter element 24; the wastewater outlet of the RO filter element 24 is connected to the inlet of the wastewater valve 25; the pure water outlet of the RO filter element 24 is connected to the inlet of the pure water tank 26; the outlet of the wastewater valve 25 is connected to the third interface of the purified water circuit tee pipe; the pure water tank 26 is provided with a first outlet and a second outlet, the first outlet of the pure water tank 26 is connected to the ice-making system to form the first water circuit in the shared water circuit architecture, and the second outlet of the pure water tank 26 is connected to the coffee extraction system to form the second water circuit in the shared water circuit architecture.

[0022] Specifically, municipal water supply or external water sources flow into the raw water tank 26 through the inlet connector. The raw water tank 26 is used to store untreated raw water.

[0023] The pre-filter cartridge 22 is used for primary filtration to remove impurities such as particulate matter, residual chlorine, and odors from the water, which can reduce the probability of clogging of the subsequent RO filter cartridge 24 and extend the service life of the entire water purification system.

[0024] The booster pump 23 is used to pressurize the raw water to a preset suitable pressure to obtain pressurized raw water, which can ensure the reverse osmosis filtration efficiency of the RO filter element 24. Preferably, the preset suitable pressure is 0.3~0.5MPa, but not limited to 0.3~0.5MPa.

[0025] RO filter cartridge 24 utilizes reverse osmosis membrane technology to deeply filter out heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and other minute pollutants from pressurized raw water, achieving deep water purification and producing pure water. The TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) value of the pure water produced by RO filter cartridge 24 is less than or equal to 50 ppm.

[0026] Wastewater valve 25 is used to discharge wastewater generated during the filtration process of RO filter element 24. The wastewater contains impurities that have been trapped.

[0027] The pure water tank 26 stores purified pure water, thus providing a water source for the ice-making system 2 and the coffee extraction system 4. As a core water system node in the shared water system architecture, the pure water tank 26 supplies water to the cold water tank 31 of the ice-making system 2 via water pipes, and directly supplies water to the high-pressure diaphragm pump 42 of the coffee extraction system 4. This shared water system design avoids redundant construction of water lines, simplifies the piping structure, reduces equipment size and cost, and ensures that both ice making and coffee extraction use double-stage purified pure water, thus improving beverage quality.

[0028] Furthermore, the water purification system 2 also includes: a raw water TDS sensor and a pure water TDS sensor; the raw water TDS sensor is located between the raw water tank 21 and the pre-filter cartridge 22, and is connected to the raw water tank 21 and the pre-filter cartridge 22 respectively; the pure water TDS sensor is located between the RO filter cartridge 24 and the pure water tank 26, and is connected to the RO filter cartridge 24 and the pure water tank 26 respectively.

[0029] Specifically, the raw water TDS sensor is used to collect the TDS value of raw water. The pure water TDS sensor is used to collect the TDS value of pure water.

[0030] Furthermore, the specific type of the pre-filter cartridge 22 is determined comprehensively based on the raw water quality indicators, the rated water flow rate of the equipment, the inlet water pressure conditions, and the protection requirements of the downstream RO filter cartridge 24. In this application, it is preferred that the pre-filter cartridge 22 is a PCB filter cartridge (polypropylene composite scale inhibitor filter cartridge) or a PAC filter cartridge (polypropylene activated carbon composite filter cartridge).

[0031] Specifically, the PCB filter element has a multi-layer composite filtration structure, which can physically intercept large particles of impurities such as silt and rust in the water, while adsorbing residual chlorine, discoloration and odor substances in the water. It can also alleviate the problem of scaling in pipes and membrane elements, and is suitable for inlet water conditions with complex water quality and high impurity content. The PAC filter element is based on the activated carbon adsorption function, and is mainly used to remove residual chlorine and trace organic matter in the water and improve the taste of the water. It is suitable for inlet water environments with less impurities, such as municipal tap water.

[0032] Furthermore, the specific type of booster pump 23 is selected based on the inlet water pressure and the overall water flow requirements. In this application, it is preferred that the booster pump 23 be a self-priming booster pump.

[0033] Furthermore, the operating pressure range of the booster pump 23 is determined based on the rated operating conditions of the reverse osmosis membrane inside the RO filter element 24, and is preferably 0.4~0.6MPa in this application.

[0034] Furthermore, the capacity of the pure water tank 26 is determined according to the water consumption demand. In this application, the preferred capacity of the pure water tank 26 is 1L.

[0035] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 10 As shown, the coffee extraction system 4 includes: a first solenoid valve 41, a high-pressure diaphragm pump 42, a second solenoid valve 43, a pressure relief valve, a boiler 44, a third solenoid valve 45, a first extraction water circuit tee, a fourth solenoid valve 46, a water outlet, a fifth solenoid valve 47, a sixth solenoid valve, a steam valve switch, a steam rod, and a brewing head; the first port of the first solenoid valve 41 is connected to the second water circuit, the second port of the first solenoid valve 41 is connected to the inlet of the high-pressure diaphragm pump 42, and the third port of the first solenoid valve 41 is connected to the ice-making system 3; the first outlet of the high-pressure diaphragm pump 42 is connected to the first port of the second solenoid valve 43; the second outlet of the high-pressure diaphragm pump 42 is connected to the inlet of the pressure relief valve; the outlet of the pressure relief valve is connected to the water receiving basin; the second port of the second solenoid valve 43 is connected to the inlet of the boiler 44; and the outlet of the boiler 44 is connected to the first port of the third solenoid valve 45. The connection is as follows: the second port of the third solenoid valve 45 is connected to the first port of the first extraction water circuit tee; the third port of the third solenoid valve 45 is connected to the water receiving basin; the second port of the first extraction water circuit tee is connected to the third port of the second solenoid valve 43; the third port of the first extraction water circuit tee is connected to the first port of the fourth solenoid valve 46; the second port of the fourth solenoid valve 46 is connected to the water outlet; the third port of the fourth solenoid valve 46 is connected to the first port of the fifth solenoid valve 47; the second port of the fifth solenoid valve 47 is connected to the water receiving basin; the third port of the fifth solenoid valve 47 is connected to the first port of the second extraction water circuit tee; the second port of the second extraction water circuit tee is connected to the first port of the sixth solenoid valve; the second port of the sixth solenoid valve is connected to the steam valve switch, and the steam valve switch is connected to the steam rod; the third port of the sixth solenoid valve is connected to the brewing head.

[0036] Specifically, the coffee extraction system 4 adopts a single pump and single boiler structure, including a high-pressure diaphragm pump 42, a boiler 44, and six solenoid valves (i.e., the first solenoid valve to the sixth solenoid valve). Among them, all six solenoid valves are three-way solenoid valves.

[0037] The high-pressure diaphragm pump 42 is used to draw pure water from the pure water tank 26. The specific output pressure of the high-pressure diaphragm pump 42 is determined based on the overall flow resistance of the pipeline, the requirements of espresso extraction, and the pressure-resistant structural parameters of the pump body itself. In this application, the output pressure of the high-pressure diaphragm pump 42 is preferably ≥9 bar, which can meet the high-pressure requirements of espresso extraction.

[0038] Boiler 44 is used to heat pure water, thereby providing constant-temperature hot water for the extraction operation. The specific capacity, heating power, and other parameters of boiler 44 are selected comprehensively based on the water consumption per extraction, the hot water temperature rise rate, the overall size limit of the machine, and the water supply requirements for continuous extraction. In this application, the capacity of boiler 44 is preferably 0.3L, and the heating power of boiler 44 is set in the range of 1200W to 1350W. It can quickly heat water to the coffee extraction temperature of 90-96℃, or generate steam for milk foam making. Under the premise of controlling the space occupied by the equipment, it can not only ensure the water supply for a single espresso extraction, but also achieve rapid water temperature rise to meet the constant-temperature water supply requirements under continuous extraction conditions.

[0039] Furthermore, such as Figure 10 As shown, the coffee extraction system 4 also includes: a pressure gauge; the pressure gauge is connected to the third interface of the second extraction water channel tee.

[0040] Furthermore, the coffee extraction system 4 also includes a flow meter 48; the flow meter 48 is disposed between the first solenoid valve 41 and the high-pressure diaphragm pump 42, and is connected to the second interface of the first solenoid valve 41 and the inlet of the high-pressure diaphragm pump 42 respectively.

[0041] Specifically, such as Figure 3 and Figure 10 As shown, the flow meter 48 is used to monitor the pure water flow rate and cumulative water output in real time to ensure the metering accuracy of water usage in each module and avoid water waste.

[0042] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the coffee extraction system 4 also includes a horn funnel 49, which is detachably and sealingly fitted to the lower part of the brewing head, and the horn funnel 49 is connected to the internal water passage of the brewing head.

[0043] Specifically, the horn funnel 49 is a dedicated component for espresso extraction. It can hold a coffee bowl filled with coffee powder and, when locked with the brewing head, forms a sealed cavity. High-pressure, high-temperature hot water from the boiler 44 flows into the horn funnel 49 through the brewing head, penetrates the coffee powder, and completes the espresso extraction. The extracted coffee liquid is discharged from the bottom of the horn funnel 49. The horn funnel 49 can be disassembled and assembled as needed, and is only used in espresso extraction. It is not required for pour-over or normal pressure water extraction.

[0044] Furthermore, the coffee extraction system 4 also includes a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor's probe of which extends into the inner liner of the boiler 44 to directly monitor the real-time temperature of the water inside the boiler 44, and uses the real-time temperature of the water inside the boiler 44 as the boiler temperature.

[0045] Furthermore, the coffee extraction system 4 is also equipped with a pressure sensor, which is installed on the high-pressure water supply pipeline between the high-pressure diaphragm pump 42 and the brewing head to monitor the pipeline system pressure under extraction conditions.

[0046] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the ice-making system 3 includes: a cold water tank 31, a circulating water pump 32, a chewing ice making component 33, and a drain solenoid valve; the inlet of the cold water tank 31 is connected to the first water circuit, the first outlet of the cold water tank 31 is connected to the coffee extraction system 4, and the second outlet of the cold water tank 31 is connected to the inlet of the circulating water pump 32; the outlet of the circulating water pump 32 is connected to the refrigeration water circuit inlet of the chewing ice making component 33, and the return water outlet of the chewing ice making component 33 is connected to the inlet of the drain solenoid valve; the outlet of the drain solenoid valve is connected to the water receiving basin.

[0047] Specifically, the chewing ice making component 33 can be achieved using existing mature equipment. Preferably, the chewing ice making component 33 includes a compressor 331, a condenser 332, a throttling device, an evaporator, an ice-making surface, an ice-discharging screw 333, an ice-discharging door 334, and an ice-discharging motor 335. The compressor 331, condenser 332, throttling device, and evaporator are connected via refrigerant piping to form a refrigeration cycle. The heat exchange end of the evaporator in this refrigeration cycle is fixedly attached to the back of the ice-making surface to lower the temperature of the ice-making surface to a preset temperature range. The ice-discharging screw 333 is arranged parallel to and attached to the front of the ice-making surface. The ice-discharging motor 335 is linked to both the ice-discharging screw 333 and the ice-discharging door 334. The ice-discharging motor 335 drives the ice-discharging screw 333 to rotate around its own axis and simultaneously controls the opening and closing of the ice-discharging door 334, which is located at the discharge channel port below the ice-making surface. Water pump 32 delivers water to the upper edge of the ice-making surface and flows along its surface. Upon contact with the low-temperature ice-making surface, the water condenses to form a thin ice layer. Unfrozen water is returned to the cold water tank 31 for recycling. Ice dispensing motor 335 drives ice dispensing screw 333 to scrape the surface ice layer, forming fine granules of chewable ice. Ice dispensing gate 334 opens simultaneously, and the chewable ice is conveyed to the ice outlet via the discharge channel. Preferably, the preset temperature range is -8℃ to -12℃, but not limited to -8℃ to -12℃; the spiral angle of the ice dispensing screw 333 is 20° and the pitch is 10mm, but not limited to 20°; the temperature control range of the formed chewable ice is -8℃ to -5℃. This formed chewable ice has a delicate texture, is easy to chew, and melts at a moderate rate, making it suitable for producing high-quality iced drinks, but not limited to -8℃ to -5℃.

[0048] Furthermore, the chewing ice making component 33 also includes a storage refrigerator, which is located below the ice outlet, and the chewing ice is stored in the storage refrigerator through the ice outlet.

[0049] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 The first water path is located at the bottom of the pure water tank 26, and the inlet of the cold water tank 31 is located at the bottom of the cold water tank 31. The external pipeline of the first outlet is connected to the inlet of the cold water tank 31. A float water level monitoring component 311 is installed inside the cold water tank 31 to control the water levels of the cold water tank 31 and the pure water tank 26. If the float water level monitoring component 311 detects that the water level in the cold water tank 31 has not reached the preset upper water level (i.e., the float in the float water level monitoring component 311 is not at the preset upper water level of the cold water tank 31), the booster pump 23 is started to supply water to the pure water tank 26. When the float water level monitoring component 311 detects that the water level in the cold water tank 31 has risen to the preset upper water level, the booster pump 23 is turned off.

[0050] Specifically, the float level monitoring component 311 can be implemented using existing mature technologies, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0051] Furthermore, the external pipe in the first water circuit is a silicone pipe, and the first outlet is connected to the inlet of the cold water tank 31 through the silicone pipe. However, it is not limited to silicone pipes; it can also be food-grade plastic pipes, stainless steel corrugated pipes, or other pipes that meet the safety standards for drinking water use.

[0052] Furthermore, the espresso machine with water purification and ice-making functions also includes: a control system; the control system includes: a main controller and a touch screen; the main controller is connected to the touch screen, water purification system 2, ice-making system 3, and coffee extraction system 4 respectively; the touch screen is used to input operation commands and send them to the main controller; the main controller is used to receive operation commands and automatically control the water purification system 2, ice-making system 3, and coffee extraction system 4 to work together according to the operation commands; it receives real-time monitoring data sent by the water purification system 2, ice-making system 3, and coffee extraction system 4, and adjusts the working status of the water purification system 2, ice-making system 3, and coffee extraction system 4 based on the real-time monitoring data.

[0053] Specifically, the diaphragm pump, booster pump 23, raw water TDS sensor, pure water TDS sensor, first solenoid valve 41, high-pressure diaphragm pump 42, second solenoid valve 43, boiler 44, third solenoid valve 45, fourth solenoid valve 46, fifth solenoid valve 47, sixth solenoid valve, steam valve switch, flow meter 48, circulating water pump 32, chewing ice making component 33, and drain solenoid valve are all connected to the main controller. The main controller controls the working status of the diaphragm pump, booster pump 23, raw water TDS sensor, pure water TDS sensor, first solenoid valve 41, high-pressure diaphragm pump 42, second solenoid valve 43, boiler 44, third solenoid valve 45, fourth solenoid valve 46, fifth solenoid valve 47, sixth solenoid valve, steam valve switch, flow meter 48, circulating water pump 32, chewing ice making component 33, and drain solenoid valve.

[0054] The operating instructions include beverage type selection, machine start / stop, quantitative extraction, adjustment of extraction water temperature and pressure parameters, manual ice making, pure water preparation, filter cartridge reset, fault diagnosis, and automatic equipment pipeline cleaning. The main controller automatically controls the coordinated operation of the water purification system 2, ice making system 3, and coffee extraction system 4 based on the selected beverage type or manual control instructions. After beverage preparation, the main controller executes the automatic equipment pipeline cleaning instruction. By switching the opening and closing of each solenoid valve in the water purification system 2, ice making system 3, and coffee extraction system 4, pure water is sequentially passed through the pipelines, brewing head, and outlet to flush away residual coffee grounds and limescale, thereby maintaining the cleanliness of the equipment's interior and extending its service life.

[0055] Real-time monitoring data includes: raw water TDS value collected by the raw water TDS sensor, pure water TDS value collected by the pure water TDS sensor, boiler temperature collected by the temperature sensor, and pipeline system pressure collected by the pressure sensor.

[0056] Specifically, the main controller receives the raw water TDS value collected by the raw water TDS sensor and the pure water TDS value collected by the pure water TDS sensor. Based on the raw water TDS value and the pure water TDS value, it calculates the filter element desalination rate. If the filter element desalination rate is less than the preset desalination rate threshold, it is determined that the filtration efficiency of the RO filter element 24 has decreased, and the main controller outputs a prompt to replace the RO filter element 24 to the touch screen.

[0057] The main controller adjusts the output power of the high-pressure diaphragm pump 42 according to the pipeline system pressure collected by the pressure sensor to stabilize the extraction pressure and achieve overpressure protection.

[0058] The main controller receives the boiler temperature collected by the temperature sensor and uses it to control the heating start and stop of the boiler 44, maintaining the water temperature in the boiler 44 within the preset temperature range required for extraction, ensuring a constant water temperature during coffee extraction, and improving the taste of the extracted coffee; at the same time, it can trigger the temperature control protection mechanism when the water temperature is abnormally high or low.

[0059] Furthermore, the water purification system 2 also includes a water level sensor, which is installed inside the pure water tank 26 and connected to the main controller. The water level sensor is used to collect water level data inside the pure water tank 26. Based on the water level data collected by the water level sensor, the main controller starts the water purification system 2 to replenish water when the water level is lower than the lower limit, shuts down the water purification system 2 to produce water when the water level reaches the upper limit, and triggers water shortage protection and restricts water use when the water level is too low.

[0060] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, the refrigerator is equipped with an infrared receiving sensor 336, which is located at the full ice position of the refrigerator. The infrared receiving sensor 336 is connected to the main controller. The infrared receiving sensor 336 forms an infrared light path that runs through the inner cavity of the refrigerator. When chewed ice falling into the refrigerator from the ice outlet blocks the infrared light path, the infrared detection sensor sends a full ice signal to the main controller, and the main controller controls the ice-making system 3 to stop making ice. After the chewed ice in the refrigerator is taken out or melted, the infrared light path is restored, and the main controller restarts the ice-making system 3 to make ice.

[0061] All electrical components in the purification system, the ice-making system, the coffee extraction system, and the control system are electrically connected to the power supply system, which supplies power to these systems. The specific type of power supply system is selected based on actual requirements. The specific connection methods between the power supply system and all electrical components in the purification system, ice-making system, coffee extraction system, and control system can be achieved using existing technology, and therefore will not be elaborated further.

[0062] This application provides a method of use for the aforementioned espresso machine with water purification and ice-making functions, the method of use comprising the following steps: S1: Start the water purification system, which purifies the incoming raw water to obtain pure water and stores it.

[0063] S2: Receives operation instructions and controls the pure water obtained by the water purification system to be supplied to the ice-making system or coffee extraction system through the shared water circuit structure, so that the ice-making system can complete the preparation of chewing ice or the coffee extraction system can complete the coffee extraction.

[0064] The operation instructions include at least beverage type selection instructions and automatic equipment pipeline cleaning instructions.

[0065] Furthermore, when the operation command is a beverage type selection command, the corresponding beverage preparation mode is matched according to the selected beverage type. The working state of the solenoid valve in the ice-making system or coffee extraction system is controlled based on the beverage preparation mode to carry out the preparation. The beverage preparation modes include hot water mode, cold water mode, hot extraction mode, cold extraction mode and steam mode.

[0066] Specifically, each beverage type corresponds to a beverage preparation mode, and each beverage preparation mode corresponds to a solenoid valve operating state.

[0067] like Figure 10 As shown, the six solenoid valves achieve multiple operating states through different switching combinations, enabling switching between five beverage preparation modes: hot water, cold water, hot extraction, cold extraction, and steam. Specifically, the operating logic of the solenoid valves is as follows:

[0068] In hot water mode, the solenoid valves operate as follows: the first, second, third, and fourth solenoid valves are energized and open. The purified water in the tank flows sequentially through the first and second ports of the first solenoid valve, the high-pressure diaphragm pump, the first and second ports of the second solenoid valve, the boiler, the first and second ports of the third solenoid valve, the first extraction water path tee, and the first and second ports of the fourth solenoid valve before flowing out through the outlet. In hot water mode, the purified water needs to be heated by the boiler.

[0069] In cold water mode, the solenoid valves operate as follows: the first, second, and fourth solenoid valves are energized and open. The pure water in the cold water tank flows sequentially through the third and second ports of the first solenoid valve, the high-pressure diaphragm pump, the first and third ports of the second solenoid valve, the first extraction water tee, and the first and second ports of the fourth solenoid valve before flowing out through the outlet. The pure water in cold water mode is not heated by the boiler.

[0070] In hot extraction mode, the solenoid valves operate as follows: the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth solenoid valves are energized and opened. The pure water in the pure water tank flows sequentially through the first and second ports of the first solenoid valve, the high-pressure diaphragm pump, the first and second ports of the second solenoid valve, the boiler, the first and second ports of the third solenoid valve, the first extraction water tee pipe, the first and third ports of the fourth solenoid valve, the first and third ports of the fifth solenoid valve, the second extraction water tee pipe, and the first and third ports of the sixth solenoid valve before flowing out through the brewing head, thus achieving high-temperature extraction of coffee.

[0071] In cold brew mode, the solenoid valves operate as follows: the first, second, fourth, fifth, and sixth solenoid valves are energized and opened. The pure water in the cold water tank flows sequentially through the third and second ports of the first solenoid valve, the high-pressure diaphragm pump, the first and third ports of the second solenoid valve, the first extraction water path tee, the first and third ports of the fourth solenoid valve, the first and third ports of the fifth solenoid valve, the second extraction water path tee, and the first and third ports of the sixth solenoid valve before flowing out through the brewing head, thus achieving low-temperature extraction of coffee.

[0072] In steam mode, the solenoid valves operate as follows: the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth solenoid valves are energized and opened. The boiler continuously heats and generates steam. The pure water in the pure water tank passes sequentially through the first and second ports of the first solenoid valve, the high-pressure diaphragm pump, the first and third ports of the second solenoid valve, the boiler, the first and second ports of the third solenoid valve, the first extraction water circuit tee, the first and third ports of the fourth solenoid valve, the first and third ports of the fifth solenoid valve, the second extraction water circuit tee, the first and second ports of the sixth solenoid valve, and the steam valve is switched on and off. The steam is then output through the steam rod for making milk foam.

[0073] Specifically, the espresso machine with water purification and ice-making functions of this application flexibly switches between different coffee-making modes through the combined control of 6 solenoid valves to meet diverse beverage needs.

[0074] Furthermore, when the operation command is an automatic cleaning command for the equipment pipeline, the opening and closing status of all solenoid valves in the ice system and coffee extraction system are adjusted to complete the flushing of the entire machine pipeline.

[0075] The beneficial effects achieved by this application are as follows: To address the shortcomings of existing technologies that require separate purchase of water purification, ice making, and coffee making equipment, which result in large space occupation, redundant water pipe laying, and high overall costs, this application provides a coffee machine that integrates water purification, ice-making, and espresso extraction functions into one integrated water system design. This single device can simultaneously adapt to multiple usage scenarios, including water supply, ice preparation, and espresso extraction, solving the problem of single-function traditional equipment and achieving the technical effects of saving space, reducing costs, and improving user experience.

[0076] Although preferred embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application is intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this application. Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of this application fall within the scope of protection of this application and its equivalents, this application also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An espresso machine with water purification and ice-making functions, characterized in that, include: A water purification system, an ice-making system, and a coffee extraction system are integrated into the same unit; The water purification system, ice-making system, and coffee extraction system share a common water circuit architecture; The water purification system is connected to the ice-making system through the first water channel in the shared water channel architecture, providing purified pure water to the ice-making system for the preparation of chewing ice; The water purification system is connected to the coffee extraction system through the second water channel in the shared water channel architecture, providing purified pure water to the coffee extraction system to complete the coffee extraction.

2. The espresso machine with water purification and ice-making functions according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water purification system includes: inlet connector, diaphragm pump, purified water tee, raw water tank, pre-filter cartridge, booster pump, RO filter cartridge, wastewater valve and pure water tank; The inlet connector is connected to the inlet end of the diaphragm pump; The outlet of the diaphragm pump is connected to the first interface of the three-way pipe in the purified water circuit; The second interface of the purified water tee pipe is connected to the inlet of the raw water tank; The outlet of the raw water tank is connected to the inlet of the pre-filter cartridge; The outlet of the pre-filter cartridge is connected to the inlet of the booster pump; The outlet of the booster pump is connected to the inlet of the RO filter element; The wastewater outlet of the RO filter cartridge is connected to the inlet of the wastewater valve; The RO filter cartridge's pure water outlet is connected to the pure water tank's inlet; The outlet of the wastewater valve is connected to the third interface of the three-way pipe in the clean water circuit; The pure water tank is equipped with a first water outlet and a second water outlet. The first water outlet of the pure water tank is connected to the ice-making system to form the first water channel in the shared water channel architecture. The second water outlet of the pure water tank is connected to the coffee extraction system to form the second water channel in the shared water channel architecture.

3. The espresso machine with water purification and ice-making functions according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water purification system also includes: raw water TDS sensor and pure water TDS sensor; The raw water TDS sensor is installed between the raw water tank and the pre-filter cartridge, and is connected to both the raw water tank and the pre-filter cartridge respectively. The pure water TDS sensor is installed between the RO filter and the pure water tank, and is connected to both the RO filter and the pure water tank.

4. The espresso machine with water purification and ice-making functions according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pre-filter element is either a PCB filter element or a PAC filter element.

5. The espresso machine with water purification and ice-making functions according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coffee extraction system includes: a first solenoid valve, a high-pressure diaphragm pump, a second solenoid valve, a pressure relief valve, a boiler, a third solenoid valve, a first extraction water tee, a fourth solenoid valve, a water outlet, a fifth solenoid valve, a sixth solenoid valve, a steam valve switch, a steam rod, and a brewing head; The first interface of the first solenoid valve is connected to the second water circuit, the second interface of the first solenoid valve is connected to the inlet of the high-pressure diaphragm pump, and the third interface of the first solenoid valve is connected to the ice-making system. The first outlet of the high-pressure diaphragm pump is connected to the first interface of the second solenoid valve. The second outlet of the high-pressure diaphragm pump is connected to the inlet of the pressure relief valve; the outlet of the pressure relief valve is connected to the water receiving basin. The second port of the second solenoid valve is connected to the boiler's water inlet; The boiler outlet is connected to the first interface of the third solenoid valve. The second port of the third solenoid valve is connected to the first port of the first extraction water circuit tee pipe; The third port of the third solenoid valve is connected to the water basin. The second port of the first extraction water circuit tee is connected to the third port of the second solenoid valve; The third port of the first extraction water circuit tee is connected to the first port of the fourth solenoid valve. The second port of the fourth solenoid valve is connected to the water outlet; The third port of the fourth solenoid valve is connected to the first port of the fifth solenoid valve. The second port of the fifth solenoid valve is connected to the water receiving basin; The third port of the fifth solenoid valve is connected to the first port of the second extraction water circuit tee. The second port of the second extraction water circuit tee is connected to the first port of the sixth solenoid valve. The second port of the sixth solenoid valve is connected to the steam valve switch, and the steam valve switch is connected to the steam rod; The third port of the sixth solenoid valve is connected to the brewing head.

6. The espresso machine with water purification and ice-making functions according to claim 5, characterized in that, The coffee extraction system also includes: a pressure gauge; the pressure gauge is connected to the third interface of the second extraction water channel tee.

7. The espresso machine with water purification and ice-making functions according to claim 5, characterized in that, The coffee extraction system also includes a flow meter; the flow meter is located between the first solenoid valve and the high-pressure diaphragm pump, and is connected to the second port of the first solenoid valve and the inlet of the high-pressure diaphragm pump, respectively.

8. The espresso machine with water purification and ice-making functions according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making system includes: a cold water tank, a circulating water pump, a chewing ice-making assembly, and a water discharge solenoid valve; The inlet of the cold water tank is connected to the first water circuit, the first outlet of the cold water tank is connected to the coffee extraction system, and the second outlet of the cold water tank is connected to the inlet of the circulating water pump. The outlet of the circulating water pump is connected to the inlet of the cooling water circuit of the chewing ice making component, and the return water outlet of the chewing ice making component is connected to the inlet of the drain solenoid valve; the outlet of the drain solenoid valve is connected to the water receiving basin.

9. The espresso machine with water purification and ice-making functions according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Control system; The control system includes: a main controller and a touch screen; The main controller is connected to the touch screen, the water purification system, the ice making system, and the coffee extraction system respectively; Touch screen: Used to input operation commands and send them to the main controller; Main controller: Used to receive operation commands and automatically control the water purification system, ice making system and coffee extraction system to work together according to the operation commands; receive real-time monitoring data sent by the water purification system, ice making system and coffee extraction system, and regulate the working status of the water purification system, ice making system and coffee extraction system based on the real-time monitoring data.

10. A method of use, characterized in that, The method of using the espresso machine with water purification and ice-making functions as described in any one of claims 1-9 includes the following steps: S1: Start the water purification system, which purifies the incoming raw water to obtain pure water and stores it. S2: Receives operation instructions and controls the pure water obtained by the water purification system to be supplied to the ice making system or coffee extraction system through the common water circuit structure according to the operation instructions. The ice making system completes the preparation of chewing ice, or the coffee extraction system completes the coffee extraction. The operation instructions include at least beverage type selection instructions and automatic equipment pipeline cleaning instructions; When the operation command is a beverage type selection command, the corresponding beverage preparation mode is matched according to the selected beverage type. The working state of the solenoid valve in the ice making system or coffee extraction system is controlled based on the beverage preparation mode to carry out the preparation. The beverage preparation modes include hot water mode, cold water mode, hot extraction mode, cold extraction mode and steam mode. When the operation command is an automatic cleaning command for the equipment pipeline, the opening and closing status of all solenoid valves in the ice system and coffee extraction system is adjusted to complete the flushing of the entire machine pipeline.

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