Coffee machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a coffee machine which comprises a water tank, a floater assembly, a brewing module, a pipeline, a heating piece and a water shortage detection module, and the water tank is provided with a water tank water outlet; the floater assembly is arranged corresponding to the water tank, and the pipeline is communicated with a water outlet of the water tank and the brewing module; the heating piece is arranged on the pipeline; the water shortage detection module is located on the upstream of the heating piece and arranged on the outer wall of an upstream device of the heating piece, and is used for detecting whether the coffee machine lacks water or not through the floater assembly. According to the technical scheme, the use safety of the coffee machine can be improved, and the detection precision of the water shortage detection module is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of coffee machines, in particular to a coffee machine. Background Art

[0002] As people's living standards improve, they have higher requirements for the quality of coffee. Generally speaking, when brewing coffee with a coffee machine, if the water temperature can be controlled between 92℃ and 95℃, the brewed coffee tastes better.

[0003] At present, the water tank of the coffee machine is generally embedded in the whole machine. If the user continues to make coffee without knowing that the water tank is short of water, it will cause dry burning. Therefore, the coffee machine generally adds a water flow or water level detection device, and the water flow or water level detection devices on the market include contact detection devices and non-contact detection devices. The contact detection device needs to contact the water medium, such as a contact water level sensor, a flow meter, etc. This detection device is unsafe and unhygienic. The non-contact detection device is easily affected by factors such as water droplets hanging on the wall and water vapor, which may cause misjudgment. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of the utility model is to provide a coffee machine, aiming to improve the safety of the coffee machine and ensure the detection accuracy of the water shortage detection module.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the coffee machine proposed by the utility model comprises:

[0006] A water tank having a water tank outlet;

[0007] A float assembly, arranged corresponding to the water tank;

[0008] A brewing module and a pipeline, wherein the pipeline is connected between the water outlet of the water tank and the brewing module;

[0009] a heating element, disposed on the pipeline; and

[0010] The water shortage detection module is located upstream of the heating element and is arranged on the outer wall of the upstream device of the heating element, and is used to detect whether the coffee machine is short of water through the float assembly.

[0011] Optionally, a liquid level stabilization module is connected between the water tank and the pipeline, and the liquid level stabilization module includes a shell and the float assembly, the shell is provided with a water inlet connected to the water outlet of the water tank, and is provided with a first outlet and a second outlet, the first outlet is connected to the pipeline, and the second outlet is connected to the atmosphere;

[0012] The water shortage detection module is arranged on an outer wall of either the shell or the pipeline.

[0013] Optionally, the water shortage detection module is arranged on the outer wall of the shell and close to the connection between the shell and the pipeline.

[0014] Optionally, the float assembly includes a float body and a detection enhancement component, and the detection enhancement component is arranged on a side of the float body close to the first outlet.

[0015] Optionally, the float body includes an extended protrusion, and the detection enhancement piece is sleeved on the extended protrusion.

[0016] Optionally, the liquid level stabilization module further includes a stroke limiting structure, which is provided at either the float assembly or the housing and is used to restrict the movement tendency of the float body toward the first outlet.

[0017] Optionally, the travel limiting structure is connected to the shell and is located above the water shortage detection module.

[0018] Optionally, the travel limit structure is provided with a through hole for the detection enhancement member to pass through.

[0019] Optionally, a protrusion or a groove is provided on the surface of the float body facing the stroke limiting structure.

[0020] Optionally, the float assembly further comprises a sealing plug connected to the float body, wherein the sealing plug is used to seal the water inlet.

[0021] Optionally, the liquid level stabilization module further includes a guide structure, which is disposed on the periphery of the float assembly, with one end of the guide structure connected to the edge of the water inlet and the other end extending toward the first outlet.

[0022] Optionally, the shell includes a first shell portion and a second shell portion that are connected to each other, the first shell portion is connected to the water tank, the float body is disposed in the first shell portion, the second shell portion is connected to the pipeline, the water shortage detection module is disposed outside the second shell portion, and the detection enhancement component extends from the first shell portion to the second shell portion.

[0023] Optionally, the water shortage detection module is configured as a capacitive sensor;

[0024] And / or, the float assembly is a food grade float assembly.

[0025] Optionally, the coffee machine further comprises a one-way valve, which is arranged in the pipeline and located between the liquid level stabilization module and the heating element, and the conducting direction of the one-way valve is configured to be from the liquid level stabilization module toward the pipeline.

[0026] Optionally, the pipeline has a pipeline portion in which the internal liquid flows upward, and the heating element is at least arranged on the pipeline portion;

[0027] The heating element is arranged in an L shape.

[0028] In the technical solution of the utility model, a water shortage detection module is arranged between the water tank and the heating element, which is used to detect whether the coffee machine is short of water, and to provide real-time feedback to the control module of the coffee machine to complete the water shortage detection of the coffee machine. Specifically, the water shortage detection module is arranged on the outer wall of the device upstream of the heating element. Through a non-contact detection method, water pollution can be effectively avoided, thereby improving the safety of the coffee machine. In addition, since the dielectric constant, volume and other characteristics of the material of the float component are obviously different from those of water or water vapor, it is easy to be detected by the water shortage detection module, thereby ensuring the detection accuracy of the water shortage detection module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the utility model. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying creative work.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a coffee machine of the utility model;

[0031] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the middle liquid level stabilization module.

[0032] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0033]

[0034]

[0035] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of the utility model will be further explained in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the utility model to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0037] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connection", "fixation", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "fixation" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0038] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back...), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0039] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the utility model, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In addition, the meaning of "and / or" appearing in the full text is to include three parallel solutions, taking "A and / or B as an example", including solution A, or solution B, or solutions that satisfy both A and B. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but they must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in this field to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the utility model.

[0040] The utility model provides a coffee machine.

[0041] Reference Figures 1 to 2 In an embodiment of the utility model, the coffee machine includes a water tank 11, a float assembly 22, a brewing module 30, a pipeline 41, a heating element 42 and a water shortage detection module 50. The water tank 11 is provided with a water tank outlet; the float assembly 22 is arranged corresponding to the water tank 11; the pipeline 41 connects the water tank outlet and the brewing module 30; the heating element 42 is arranged on the pipeline 41; the water shortage detection module 50 is located upstream of the heating element 42 and is arranged on the outer wall of the upstream device of the heating element 42, so as to detect whether the coffee machine is short of water through the float assembly 22, so as to improve the safety of the coffee machine and ensure the detection accuracy of the water shortage detection module 50.

[0042] In the technical solution of the present utility model, a water shortage detection module 50 is arranged between the water tank 11 and the heating element 42, which is used to detect whether the coffee machine is short of water, and to provide real-time feedback to the control module of the coffee machine to complete the water shortage detection of the coffee machine. Specifically, the water shortage detection module 50 is arranged on the outer wall of the device upstream of the heating element 42. Through a non-contact detection method, water pollution can be effectively avoided, thereby improving the safety of the coffee machine. In addition, since the material dielectric constant, volume and other characteristics of the float component 22 are obviously different from water or water vapor, it is easy to be detected by the water shortage detection module 50, thereby ensuring the detection accuracy of the water shortage detection module 50.

[0043] It should be noted that, since the float assembly 22 is arranged corresponding to the water tank 11, the float assembly 22 can be raised and lowered by utilizing the buoyancy of water, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the water outlet of the water tank, and controlling the water in the water tank 11 to enter the pipe 41 for heating; and, when the float assembly 22 is arranged in the water tank 11, the upstream device of the heating element 42 may refer to the water tank 11 or a part of the pipe 41 near the water outlet of the water tank; when the float assembly 22 is arranged between the water tank 11 and the pipe 41, and is used in a liquid level stabilization module 20 for preventing dry burning, the upstream device of the heating element 42 may refer to the liquid level stabilization module 20 or a part of the pipe 41 near the water outlet of the water tank.

[0044] Since the water shortage detection module 50 is arranged on the outer wall of the upstream device of the heating element 42, water pollution can be effectively avoided by non-contact detection, thereby improving the safety of the coffee machine, and facilitating the assembly of the water shortage detection module 50 and the cleaning of the coffee machine in the later stage. Moreover, compared with judging whether it is in a water shortage state by detecting the difference between the capacitance values ​​of water and air, since the dielectric constant, volume and other characteristics of the material of the float component 22 are obviously different from water or water vapor, it is easy to realize the detection of the water shortage detection module 50 by, for example, a sudden change in the capacitance value and a change in the voltage signal, thereby ensuring the detection accuracy of the water shortage detection module 50, thereby helping to reduce the number of water additions increased in response to water shortage feedback and improving the user experience. Of course, the volume of the float component 22 itself is relatively large, which is also convenient for the detection of the water shortage detection module 50. The water shortage detection module 50 can be configured as a capacitive sensor, an infrared sensor, etc. However, in other embodiments, the water shortage detection module 50 can also be arranged between the heating element 20 and the brewing module 40. At this time, the water shortage detection module 50 is arranged on the pipe 41, located above the heating element 42.

[0045] Specifically, the coffee machine includes a water tank module 10, a heating module 40, a brewing module 30, a liquid receiving module 70 and a heat preservation module 80, wherein a pipe 41 is connected between the water tank module 10 and the brewing module 30, that is, the water tank 11 is connected to the water vapor separation device 32 of the brewing module 30 through the pipe 41, and is arranged on the pipe 41, and then, the water in the water tank 11 flows through the pipe 41 and is sprayed out by the water vapor separation device 32. In this process, the water flow is heated by the heating element 42 to ensure that the hot water flows into the powder bin 31 of the brewing module 30 and mixes with the coffee powder in the powder bin 31; and the brewed coffee flows into the liquid receiving module 70, such as a coffee cup, wherein a heat preservation module 80 is arranged below the liquid receiving module 70 to maintain the temperature of the coffee in the liquid receiving module 70 and ensure the quality of the coffee.

[0046] Compared with the method of heating the water in the water tank 11 as a whole and then flowing out as a whole, the heating element 42 is arranged in the pipe 41, wherein the heating element 42 can be wrapped on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 41, and can also be arranged on the inner wall surface of the pipe 41, both of which can make the liquid corresponding to the heating element 42 in the pipe 41 can be fully heated. At the same time, the required amount of hot water for brewing is heated to ensure that the required brewing temperature is reached in a shorter heating time, thereby achieving the heating purpose.

[0047] Further, in one embodiment, the liquid level stabilization module 20 includes a shell 21 and a float assembly 22, the shell 21 is provided with a water inlet 211 connected to the water outlet of the water tank, and is provided with a first outlet 212 and a second outlet 213, the second outlet 213 is connected to the atmosphere, the float assembly 22 is used to open or close the water inlet 211, the pipe 41 is connected to the first outlet 212 and the brewing module 30; the heating element 42 is provided in the pipe 41; the water shortage detection module 50 is located between the water tank 11 and the heating element 42, and is provided on the outer wall of either the shell 21 or the pipe 41;

[0048] It can be understood that a liquid level stabilization module 20 is arranged between the water tank 11 and the pipe 41, wherein the liquid level stabilization module 20 includes a shell 21 and a float assembly 22, the shell 21 is provided with a water inlet 211 connected to the water outlet of the water tank, the water inlet 211 and the water outlet of the water tank are the same water outlet, or, the water inlet 211 and the water outlet of the water tank are connected through a water connecting pipe, the shell 21 is also provided with a first outlet 212 and a second outlet 213, the first outlet 212 is connected to the pipe 41, and the second outlet 213 is connected to the atmosphere, and the water inlet 211 is controlled to be opened or closed by the float assembly 22.

[0049] The liquid level stabilization module 20 is connected to the water tank 11 to ensure that the water in the water tank 11 can flow into the shell 21, and the pipe 41 is used to connect to the water vapor separation device 32 of the brewing module 30, the water vapor separation device 32 is connected to the atmosphere, and the second outlet 213 is connected to the atmosphere. When the water in the shell 21 flows into the pipe 41 and the water inlet 211 is closed, the liquid level in the pipe 41 and the liquid level in the shell 21 are maintained at the same horizontal plane, which is always higher than the position of the heating tube on the pipe 41, which is helpful to prevent dry burning.

[0050] Specifically, since a float assembly 22 is provided in the shell 21, and the float assembly 22 is used to open or close the water inlet 211, as the liquid level in the shell 21 rises and falls, the float assembly 22 can move relative to the shell 21 under the buoyancy of the water, and has a first state of closing the water inlet 211 and a second state of opening the water inlet 211. Then, according to the brewing demand, the water flow rate of the water tank 11 is controlled by repeatedly switching between the first state and the second state, so as to ensure the stable water outflow of the water tank 11, and ensure that the water inlet 211 is closed. 211, the liquid level in the pipe 41 is always maintained at the same horizontal plane with the liquid level in the shell 21, so that the liquid level in the pipe 41 is maintained at an approximately constant position, extending the residence time of the water in the pipe 41, so that the heat emitted by the heating element 42 can fully heat the water flow in the pipe 41 corresponding to the heating element 42, ensuring that the temperature of the water flowing into the powder bin 31 is approximately constant, and the brewed coffee has a better taste. The water temperature can reach between 92°C and 96°C, meeting the ECBC (European Coffee Brewing Center) requirements for brewing temperature.

[0051] After the coffee machine has been operating for a certain period of time, the water in the liquid level stabilization module 20 and / or the pipe 41 is consumed, resulting in water shortage. To ensure the normal operation of the coffee machine, the present application provides a water shortage detection module 50 in the coffee machine to detect whether the coffee machine is short of water, and to feed back a corresponding signal to the control module of the coffee machine in real time, thereby completing the water shortage detection of the coffee machine. Since the heating element 42 is connected to the control module, the control module cuts off the power supply to the heating element 42 according to the corresponding signal, thereby effectively preventing dry burning.

[0052] The water shortage detection module 50 is located upstream of the heating element 42, so that the water shortage detection module 50 can be arranged on the outer wall of the shell 21 and the pipe 41 near the first outlet 212. Then, when the water inlet 211 is closed, the liquid level in the pipe 41 is always maintained at the same horizontal plane as the liquid level in the shell 21. When water shortage occurs, due to the disappearance of buoyancy, the float assembly 22 opens the water tank outlet and is placed on the plane where the first outlet 212 is located. At this time, the water shortage detection module 50 is arranged on the outer wall of the shell 21, or the water shortage detection module 50 is arranged on the outer wall of the pipe 41 and is arranged close to the shell 21, which can ensure the water shortage detection of the water shortage detection module 50. At the same time, the non-contact detection method can be used to effectively avoid water pollution, improve the safety of the coffee machine, and facilitate the assembly of the water shortage detection module 50 and the subsequent cleaning of the coffee machine. In addition, it is helpful to improve the detection accuracy of the water shortage detection module 50, which is conducive to reducing the number of water additions increased in response to water shortage feedback and improving the user experience. However, in other embodiments, the water shortage detection module 50 may also be disposed between the heating element 20 and the brewing module 40 . In this case, the water shortage detection module 50 is disposed on the pipe 41 and is located at the same height as the housing 21 .

[0053] Reference Figure 1 In one embodiment, the water shortage detection module 50 is arranged on the outer wall of the shell 21 and is arranged near the connection between the shell 21 and the pipe 41. At this time, the water shortage detection module 50 is located at the bottom of the shell 21 and can reliably detect whether the shell 21 is in a water shortage state.

[0054] The water shortage detection module 50 can cover the outer wall of the shell 21, and the volume of the shell 21 is larger than the inner diameter of the pipe 41, which is convenient for the assembly of the water shortage detection module 50. In addition, because the water shortage change in the shell 21 is more obvious than that in the pipe 41 in the water shortage state, it is beneficial to improve the detection accuracy of the water shortage detection module 50.

[0055] Reference Figure 2 In one embodiment, the float assembly 22 includes a float body 221 and a detection enhancement member 23. The detection enhancement member 23 is disposed on one side of the float body 221 close to the first outlet 212. When in a water shortage state, the detection enhancement member 23 will first trigger the water shortage detection module 50 to work, and because its material dielectric constant and other characteristics are obviously different from water or water vapor, it is easily detected by the water shortage detection module 50, thereby ensuring the detection accuracy of the water shortage detection module 50. The float body 221 and the detection enhancement member 23 are an integrated structure, which reduces the number of parts in the housing 21 and can also ensure that the float body 221 and the detection enhancement member 23 float and sink together. However, in other embodiments, the float assembly 22 only includes the float body 221.

[0056] The detection enhancement member 23 is smaller in radial dimension than the float body 221 and can be arranged at any position on the surface of the float body 221 facing the first outlet 212 according to processing requirements and other factors, thereby effectively avoiding the overall size of the float assembly 22 being too large, resulting in a larger required buoyancy.

[0057] Specifically, Figure 2 As shown, the float body 221 includes an extended protrusion 222, and the detection enhancement member 23 is sleeved on the extended protrusion 222, which enhances the connection strength between the detection enhancement member 23 and the float body 221, and also helps the water shortage detection module 50 to detect the detection enhancement member 23. The detection enhancement member 23 can be configured as a food-grade stainless steel sleeve, which can not only significantly change the dielectric constant detected by the water shortage detection module 50, but also ensure the hygienic use of the float assembly 22. Of course, other materials with dielectric constants different from water or water vapor can also use this application.

[0058] Reference Figures 1 to 2 In one embodiment, the liquid level stabilization module 20 further includes a stroke limiting structure 25, which is disposed at either the float assembly 22 or the shell 21, and is used to constrain the movement trend of the float body 221 toward the first outlet 212. It can be understood that because the float assembly 22 performs a linear lifting motion under the action of buoyancy, and the axis of the water inlet 211 and the axis of the first outlet 212 are arranged to coincide with each other, in order to prevent the float assembly 22 from extending from the first outlet 212 or detaching from the shell 21, a stroke limiting structure 25 is provided between the plane where the float assembly 22 and the first outlet 212 are located to stop the float assembly 22 from further sinking.

[0059] Specifically, the stroke limit structure 25 can be set on any one of the housing 21, the float assembly 22, and the detection enhancement component 23. In other words, on the basis of ensuring that the stroke limit structure 25 can play a limiting role, the assembly position of the stroke limit structure 25 can be set arbitrarily and is not limited here.

[0060] Further, in one embodiment, the travel limit structure 25 is connected to the housing 21 and is located above the water shortage detection module 50. In this way, during the switching between the first state and the second state, the float assembly 22 can move up and down relative to the travel limit structure 25 to open and close the water inlet 211, and is stopped by the travel limit structure 25 when sinking to avoid excessive sinking of the float assembly 22. The travel limit structure 25 is connected to the inner wall of the housing 21, and the connection method that can be adopted can be integrated molding, clamping, etc.

[0061] In order to prevent the float assembly 22 from being excessively stopped by the stroke limit structure 25 and unable to sink, and to ensure that the float assembly 22 is detected by the water shortage detection module in a water shortage state, in one embodiment, the stroke limit structure 25 is provided with a through hole 251 for the detection enhancement component 23 to pass through. The through hole 251 can be set at the center of the stroke limit structure 25, or at the edge of the stroke limit structure 25, to play a role in avoiding the detection enhancement component 23, thereby ensuring that the detection enhancement component 23 can sink into the detection area of ​​the water shortage detection module 50, thereby improving the detection reliability. At the same time, when the detection enhancement component 23 passes through the through hole 251 of the stroke limit structure 25, the through hole 251 can also play a guiding role to ensure the stable settlement of the float assembly 22.

[0062] Reference Figures 1 to 2 In one embodiment, a protrusion 223 or a groove is provided on the surface of the float body 221 facing the stroke limiting structure 25. When the float body 221 abuts against the stroke limiting structure 25, due to the setting of the protrusion 223 or the groove, the gap between the float body 221 and the edge of the through hole 251 is increased, effectively reducing the tension. With such a setting, when the liquid level rises, the float body 221 can be separated from the connection with the stroke limiting structure 25 with a smaller force, thereby ensuring the reliable floating of the float body 221.

[0063] Reference Figure 2 In one embodiment, the float assembly 22 also includes a sealing plug 24 connected to the float body 221, and the sealing plug 24 is used to seal the water inlet 211. It can be understood that as the liquid level in the shell 21 rises, the float body 221 floats up, and under the guidance of the guide structure 26, the sealing plug 24 is driven to move toward the water inlet 211. When it floats to a certain height, the sealing plug 24 covers the water inlet 211, or extends into the water inlet 211, thereby achieving the effect of sealing the water inlet 211.

[0064] The surface of the float body 221 facing the water inlet 211 is provided with a slot for the sealing plug 24 to be clamped. The sealing plug 24 is installed in the slot and a reliable connection between the sealing plug 24 and the float body 221 is achieved by, for example, interference fit, gluing, fasteners, etc. Of course, in other embodiments, a sealing ring is provided at the water inlet 211, or a sealing ring is provided at the water inlet 211, and at the same time, the float body 221 is connected with a sealing plug 24 that cooperates with the sealing ring.

[0065] Specifically, the sealing plug 24 is made of food-grade silicone material, which is soft and elastic, is conducive to reliable sealing of the water inlet 211, and is safe and hygienic.

[0066] Reference Figure 2In one embodiment, the liquid level stabilization module 20 also includes a guide structure 26, which is arranged on the outer periphery of the float assembly 22, and one end of the guide structure 26 is connected to the edge of the water inlet 211, and the other end extends toward the first outlet 212, wherein the guide structure 26 is connected to the wall where the water inlet 211 is located, and its free end extends toward the first outlet 212, and can be connected to the stroke limiting structure 25 as a whole, thereby simplifying assembly. Furthermore, the setting of the guide structure 26 is utilized to effectively limit the floating range of the float body 221 in the shell 21, and the detection enhancement member 23 can pass through the through hole 251 to further improve the stable settlement of the float body 221 in the shell 21, thereby improving the alignment efficiency and alignment effect of the float assembly 22 and the water inlet 211.

[0067] When the guide structure 26 is connected to the stroke limit structure 25, a water passing structure is formed between the guide structure 26 and the stroke limit structure 25. It can be understood that the water passing structure can be formed on the stroke limit structure 25, or on the guide structure 26, or on both the stroke limit structure 25 and the guide structure 26, so as to ensure the water storage capacity of the shell 21.

[0068] Reference Figure 1 In one embodiment, the shell 21 includes a first shell portion 214 and a second shell portion 215 that are connected to each other. The first shell portion 214 is connected to the water tank 11, the float body 221 is built into the first shell portion 214, the second shell portion 215 is connected to the pipe 41, the water shortage detection module 50 is externally disposed in the second shell portion 215, and the detection enhancement member 23 extends from the first shell portion 214 to the second shell portion 215. The second shell portion 215 serves as a transition portion between the first shell portion 214 and the pipe 41. Its size is smaller than that of the first shell portion 214 and larger than that of the pipe 41, which effectively avoids the sudden shrinkage of the size of the shell 21, thereby reducing the impact on the first outlet 212 and improving the overall stability of the liquid level stabilization module 20.

[0069] Optionally, in one embodiment, the water shortage detection module 50 is configured as a capacitive sensor, specifically a dielectric change type capacitive sensor. Furthermore, compared to determining whether the machine is in a water shortage state by detecting the difference in capacitance values ​​between water and air, the dielectric constant of the float assembly 22, especially the detection reinforcement 23, is obviously different from that of water or water vapor. When the machine is in a water shortage state, the sudden change in capacitance value can be used to reliably detect the water shortage of the coffee machine, thereby obtaining correct water shortage feedback based on the capacitive sensor to replenish water, effectively replenish water, and improve user experience.

[0070] Optionally, in one embodiment, the float assembly 22 is a food-grade float assembly 22 to ensure safe use of the coffee machine and reduce water pollution.

[0071] Reference Figure 1 In one embodiment, the coffee machine further comprises a one-way valve 60, wherein the one-way valve 60 is arranged in the pipeline 41 and is located between the liquid level stabilizing module 20 and the heating element 42, and the conducting direction of the one-way valve 60 is configured to be from the liquid level stabilizing module 20 toward the pipeline 41; in this way, the flow direction of the water flow can be controlled to prevent the water flow in the pipeline 41 from flowing back to the liquid level stabilizing module 20 under the action of the steam pressure; the steam pressure in the pipeline 41 can also be prevented from blocking the outlet of the one-way valve 60. Specifically, by arranging the one-way valve 60 at a position close to the inlet of the pipeline 41 corresponding to the heating element 42, at this time, since the distance between the first outlet 212 of the liquid level stabilizing module 20 and the one-way valve 60 is large, the water pressure is large, thereby facilitating the water in the liquid level stabilizing module 20 to flow into the pipeline 41 and be heated by the heating element 42. Specifically, the one-way valve 60 is configured as a one-way valve 60 with no opening pressure, that is, in the process of water flowing from the liquid level stabilization module 20 to the pipeline 41, the one-way valve 60 is equivalent to one section in the pipeline 41, and can allow water to flow smoothly through the one-way valve 60 without any obstruction, which is beneficial to improving the efficiency of replenishing the water in the liquid level stabilization module 20 to the pipeline 41.

[0072] Reference Figure 1 In one embodiment, the pipe 41 has a pipe 41 portion where the internal liquid flows upward, and the heating element 42 is at least arranged on the pipe 41 portion. It can be understood that the pipe 41 is U-shaped and includes a first pipe segment and a second pipe segment extending up and down, and a third pipe segment connecting the first pipe segment and the second pipe segment. The first pipe segment is connected to the first outlet 212, and the second pipe segment is connected to the brewing module 30, wherein the liquid in the second pipe segment flows upward; the heating element 42 includes a first heating element 421 arranged on the second pipe segment, so that after heating for a certain period of time, the water in the second pipe segment is heated. Steam pressure is generated after heating, and the steam pressure mainly acts on the water flow in the second pipe section, so that the water flows to the brewing module 30, effectively preventing the water in the pipeline 41 from flowing back due to the steam pressure, and preventing the steam pressure from acting on the first outlet 212 or the one-way valve 60, affecting the stable outflow of water in the liquid level stabilization module 20 or the water tank 11; facilitating the outflow of water in the water tank 11, and replenishing it to the second pipe section, so that the liquid level of the water in the second pipe section is relatively constant, ensuring that the water temperature of the water flowing out of the heating element 42 is roughly constant, reducing the possibility of dry burning, and improving the safety of use. However, in other embodiments, the first pipe section and the second pipe section are directly connected.

[0073] Further, the heating element 42 is arranged in an L shape. It can be understood that the heating element 42 also includes a second heating element 422, which is arranged in the third pipe section and away from the first pipe section. At this time, the one-way valve 60 can be arranged in the first pipe section and close to the third pipe section, so that a large amount of steam pressure can be effectively prevented from flowing to the first pipe section through the third pipe section, reducing the influence on the stable outflow of the water flow in the liquid level stabilization module 20. At the same time, by using the arrangement of the second heating element 422 in the third pipe section, the length of the pipe 41 that can be heated can be extended, which is conducive to increasing the area of ​​water heated in the pipe 41 and the amount of hot water formed. The third pipe section can be extended in a winding manner or in a straight line. The first heating element 421 and the second heating element 422 are arranged in an integrated manner, which is conducive to reducing the assembly process, and avoiding the generation of a gap between the first heating element 421 and the second heating element 422, resulting in the water flow in the pipe 41 corresponding to the gap not being effectively heated, reducing the influence of the water flow on the temperature of the water flow heated by the first heating element 421 and the second heating element 422.

[0074] The above description is only an optional embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural changes made by using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or directly / indirectly applied in other related technical fields are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A coffee machine, characterized in that: include: A water tank having a water tank outlet; A float assembly, arranged corresponding to the water tank; A brewing module and a pipeline, wherein the pipeline is connected between the water outlet of the water tank and the brewing module; A heating element, arranged on the pipeline; as well as The water shortage detection module is located upstream of the heating element and is arranged on the outer wall of the upstream device of the heating element, and is used to detect whether the coffee machine is short of water through the float assembly.

2. The coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that A liquid level stabilization module is connected between the water tank and the pipeline, and the liquid level stabilization module includes a shell and the float assembly, the shell is provided with a water inlet connected to the water outlet of the water tank, and is provided with a first outlet and a second outlet, the first outlet is connected to the pipeline, and the second outlet is connected to the atmosphere; The water shortage detection module is arranged on an outer wall of either the shell or the pipeline.

3. The coffee machine according to claim 2, characterized in that The water shortage detection module is arranged on the outer wall of the shell and is arranged close to the connection between the shell and the pipeline.

4. The coffee machine according to claim 3, characterized in that The float assembly includes a float body and a detection enhancement component, and the detection enhancement component is arranged on a side of the float body close to the first outlet.

5. The coffee machine according to claim 4, characterized in that The float body comprises an extended protrusion, and the detection reinforcement piece is sleeved on the extended protrusion.

6. The coffee machine according to claim 4, characterized in that The liquid level stabilization module further includes a stroke limiting structure, which is disposed at either the float assembly or the housing and is used to restrict the movement tendency of the float body toward the first outlet.

7. The coffee machine according to claim 6, characterized in that The travel limiting structure is connected to the housing and is located above the water shortage detection module.

8. The coffee machine according to claim 7, characterized in that The travel limit structure is provided with a through hole for the detection enhancement component to pass through.

9. The coffee machine according to claim 7, characterized in that A protrusion or a groove is provided on the surface of the float body facing the stroke limiting structure.

10. The coffee machine according to claim 4, characterized in that The float assembly also includes a sealing plug connected to the float body, and the sealing plug is used to seal the water inlet.

11. The coffee machine according to claim 2, characterized in that The liquid level stabilization module further includes a guide structure, which is disposed on the periphery of the float assembly, with one end of the guide structure connected to the edge of the water inlet and the other end extending toward the first outlet.

12. The coffee machine according to any one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that The shell includes a first shell part and a second shell part that are connected to each other. The first shell part is connected to the water tank. The float body is placed in the first shell part. The second shell part is connected to the pipeline. The water shortage detection module is placed outside the second shell part. The detection enhancement component extends from the first shell part to the second shell part.

13. The coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that The water shortage detection module is configured as a capacitive sensor; And / or, the float assembly is a food grade float assembly.

14. The coffee machine according to claim 2, characterized in that The coffee machine further comprises a one-way valve, which is arranged on the pipeline and located between the liquid level stabilizing module and the heating element, and the conducting direction of the one-way valve is configured to be from the liquid level stabilizing module toward the pipeline.

15. The coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that The pipeline has a pipeline portion where the internal liquid flows upward, and the heating element is at least arranged on the pipeline portion; The heating element is arranged in an L shape.

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