Waterway system of beverage dispenser

Abstract

The utility model provides a water path system of a beverage dispenser, comprising: a milk supply pipeline connected between a milk supply source and an emulsifying device, the milk supply pipeline being provided with a milk supply joint; the water supply pipeline is connected to the downstream of the water supply source, and a supercharging device is arranged on the water supply pipeline; the liquid outlet pipeline is connected to the downstream of the supercharging device, and the liquid outlet pipeline is used for conveying liquid to the beverage outlet; the cleaning water pipeline is connected between the supercharging device and the milk supply connector, the cleaning water pipeline is provided with a suction pump, and the suction pump selectively introduces water in the water supply source into the milk supply connector from the water supply pipeline; a flow path on-off valve is arranged between the liquid outlet pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline; when the suction pump is closed, the flow path on-off valve cuts off fluid communication from the water supply pipeline to the cleaning water pipeline; when the suction pump is started, the water supply pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline are in fluid communication through the flow path on-off valve. Only when the suction pump is started, the flow path on-off valve is controlled to be communicated, and the influence of the water hammer effect generated when the supercharging device is started or frequency switching control on the cleaning water pipeline can be eliminated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of beverage machines, and particularly relates to a water circuit system of a beverage machine. Background Art

[0002] At present, when making beverages such as coffee machines, tea beverage machines and juice machines, in order to enrich the taste of the beverages, milk or milk foam is added. For example, basically all fully automatic coffee machines are equipped with emulsifying equipment, and the emulsifying equipment is used to make milk coffee. Commercial coffee machines belong to unattended electrical appliances and inevitably need to be automatically cleaned, and it is necessary to automatically clean the milk supply pipeline and the emulsifying equipment.

[0003] Some high-end models of the existing fully automatic coffee machines on the market can realize the automatic cleaning of the milk supply pipeline and the emulsifying equipment, and at the same time can realize the adjustable hot water temperature, which greatly improves the convenience of cleaning, and the temperature of American-style beverages can also be selected according to personal needs, improving the quality of coffee and bringing more experiences.

[0004] Water is pumped by a water pump, and an instant electric hot plate heats the water. The flow rate of the water pumped by the water pump can affect the temperature rise of the water heated by the electric hot plate. Generally, when the flow rate of the water pumped by the water pump is slow, the temperature rise of the water heated by the electric hot plate is high, and when the flow rate of the water pumped by the water pump is fast, the temperature rise of the water heated by the electric hot plate is low. To make high-temperature water, it is necessary to control the water pump pumping by frequency conversion. However, the frequency conversion control of the water pump will generate a water hammer effect, and the water hammer effect will cause unexpected dripping or milk dripping of the emulsifying equipment, which greatly affects the experience of the machine beverages and even leads to customer complaints and doubts about the performance of the machine. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a water circuit system of a beverage machine that is reliable in use and can avoid the phenomenon of dripping or milk dripping of the emulsifying equipment caused by the water hammer effect.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned utility model purpose, an embodiment of the utility model provides a water circuit system of a beverage machine, including:

[0007] A milk supply pipeline, connected between a milk supply source and an emulsifying equipment, and a milk supply joint is arranged on the milk supply pipeline;

[0008] A water supply pipeline, connected downstream of a water supply source, and a pressurizing device is arranged on the water supply pipeline;

[0009] A liquid outlet pipeline, connected downstream of the pressurizing device, and the liquid outlet pipeline is used to transport liquid to a beverage outlet;

[0010] A cleaning water pipeline is connected between the pressurizing device and the milk supply joint. The cleaning water pipeline is provided with a suction pump, and the suction pump selectively introduces water from the water supply source into the milk supply joint through the water supply pipeline;

[0011] A flow path on-off valve is arranged between the liquid outlet pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline; when the suction pump is closed, the flow path on-off valve disconnects the fluid communication from the water supply pipeline to the cleaning water pipeline; when the suction pump is started, the water supply pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline are in fluid communication through the flow path on-off valve.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, in the embodiment of the present utility model, only when the suction pump is started, the flow path on-off valve is controlled to be connected, which can eliminate the influence of the water hammer effect generated when the pressurizing device is started or the frequency conversion control works on the cleaning water pipeline, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of dripping water or milk of the emulsifying equipment caused by the water hammer effect.

[0013] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present utility model, the flow path on-off valve is configured as an electromagnetic valve. The electromagnetic valve at least includes an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet. The inlet is connected to the downstream of the pressurizing device, the first outlet is connected to the liquid outlet pipeline, and the second outlet is connected to the cleaning water pipeline.

[0014] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present utility model, a connection point is arranged between the liquid outlet pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline, and the flow path on-off valve is arranged between the connection point and the cleaning water pipeline.

[0015] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present utility model, the flow path on-off valve is configured as a pinch valve, and the pinch valve can connect the water supply pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline, or block the fluid communication between the water supply pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline.

[0016] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present utility model, the flow path on-off valve is configured as a negative pressure valve. When the suction pump is started, negative pressure is generated, and the negative pressure valve is opened under the action of the negative pressure to connect the water supply pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline; when the suction pump is closed, the negative pressure valve is closed to block the fluid communication between the water supply pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline.

[0017] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present utility model, the connection point is configured as a multi-way joint, the water supply pipeline, the liquid outlet pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline are connected to the multi-way joint, and the flow path on-off valve is arranged between the multi-way joint and the cleaning water pipeline.

[0018] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present utility model, the water supply pipeline includes a brewing water pipeline and a hot water pipeline;

[0019] In the case where the multi-way joint is a three-way joint, the liquid outlet pipeline, the hot water pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline are respectively connected to the three-way joint, and the flow path on-off valve is arranged between the three-way joint and the cleaning water pipeline;

[0020] When the multi-way connector is a four-way connector, the liquid outlet pipeline, the brewing water pipeline, the hot water pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline are respectively connected to the four-way connector, and the flow path on-off valve is arranged between the four-way connector and the cleaning water pipeline.

[0021] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the water supply pipeline includes a brewing water pipeline and a hot water pipeline;

[0022] In the cleaning mode, the suction pump is started, the water supply pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline are fluidically connected through the flow on-off valve, and hot water is supplied to the hot water pipeline. Under the suction action of the suction pump, the hot water in the hot water pipeline is sequentially transported to the emulsification equipment through the flow on-off valve, the cleaning water pipeline and the milk supply pipeline.

[0023] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, in the cleaning mode, the suction pump is started, the water supply pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline are fluidically connected through the flow path on-off valve, and under the suction action of the suction pump, external air is transported from the beverage outlet to the emulsification equipment through the liquid outlet pipeline, the cleaning water pipeline and the milk supply pipeline.

[0024] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the flow path on-off valve comprises:

[0025] A shell, the shell defines a cavity, the shell includes an inlet channel and an outlet channel, the inlet channel and the outlet channel are respectively connected to the cavity, the inlet channel is connected to the multi-way connector, and the outlet channel is connected to the cleaning water pipeline;

[0026] A first sealing member is disposed in the cavity, and a negative pressure cavity is formed between the first sealing member and the outflow channel;

[0027] a second sealing member, at least partially disposed in the cavity, the second sealing member being located between the inflow channel and the first sealing member;

[0028] When the suction pump is turned off, the second sealing member abuts against the first sealing member to disconnect the communication between the inflow channel and the outflow channel, thereby disconnecting the communication between the water supply pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline;

[0029] When the suction pump is started, the suction pump can generate negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber, so as to form a gap between the first seal and the second seal, thereby connecting the inflow channel and the outflow channel, and further connecting the water supply pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline.

[0030] By arranging the above-mentioned negative pressure valve in the water circuit system of the beverage machine, no additional circuit control is required, and the overall cost is very low. Moreover, the volume of the negative pressure valve is very small, roughly equivalent to the volume of the water connection joint on the water circuit, which will not occupy the space of the machine, and can be connected in series into the water circuit to directly reduce or eliminate the influence of the water hammer effect on the water circuit downstream of the negative pressure valve.

[0031] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the first seal at least satisfies one of the following characteristics:

[0032] Under the action of the negative pressure, at least part of the first seal deforms itself to form the gap with the second seal;

[0033] Under the action of the negative pressure, at least part of the first seal generates a displacement away from the second seal.

[0034] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, a water passing channel is provided on the first seal, and the second seal extends into the water passing channel;

[0035] When the suction pump is closed, the wall of the water passing channel abuts against the second seal to close the negative pressure valve; when the suction pump is started, under the action of the negative pressure, the wall of the water passing channel is separated from the second seal to form the gap to open the negative pressure valve.

[0036] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, a first limiting portion is provided in the inflow channel, the second seal includes a second limiting portion and a blocking portion, the second limiting portion and the blocking portion are respectively arranged on both sides of the first limiting portion along the fluid flow direction, the second limiting portion extends into the inflow channel, and the blocking portion can abut against the seal; there is a preset interval between the second limiting portion and the first limiting portion, the second seal moves within the range of the preset interval, and along the fluid flow direction, the second limiting portion can abut against the first limiting portion. Description of the Drawings

[0037] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the water circuit system of the beverage machine of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the water circuit system of the beverage machine of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the water circuit system of the beverage machine of the present utility model.

[0040] Figure 4 It is Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the water circuit system of the beverage machine in different working modes in

[0041] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the water circuit system of the beverage machine of the present utility model.

[0042] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the water circuit system of the beverage machine of the present utility model.

[0043] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the water circuit system of the beverage machine of the present utility model.

[0044] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the water circuit system of the beverage machine of the present utility model.

[0045] Figure 9 It is Figures 3 to 8 A schematic diagram of the flow path on-off valve of the water circuit system of the beverage machine in , where the flow path on-off valve is in the off state.

[0046] Figure 10 It is Figure 9 The flow path on-off valve in is in the connected state.

[0047] Figure 11 It is Figure 9 An exploded view of the flow path on-off valve in .

[0048] Figure 12 It is Figure 9 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first housing of the flow path on-off valve in .

[0049] Figure 13 It is Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the connection of the flow path on-off valve in the water circuit system in .

[0050] Figure 14 It is a schematic diagram of the flow path on-off valve in some embodiments.

[0051] Figure 15 It is Figure 14 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first seal of the flow path on-off valve in

[0052] The repeated use of reference numerals in this specification and the drawings is intended to represent the same or similar features or elements of the present application. Detailed embodiments

[0053] The following will describe the present utility model in detail in conjunction with the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present utility model, and any structural, method, or functional transformation made by those of ordinary skill in the art based on these embodiments is included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0054] It should be understood that the spatially relative terms such as "upper", "lower", "outer", "inner", etc. used herein are for the purpose of facilitating description to describe the relationship of one unit or feature relative to another unit or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings. The spatially relative terms may be intended to include different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation shown in the figures during use or operation.

[0055] As used herein, the terms "first", "second", and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and these terms are not intended to indicate the position or importance of each component. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the relative direction with respect to the fluid flow in the fluid passage. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid flows, and "downstream" refers to the direction to which the fluid flows.

[0056] Referring to Figure 1 As shown, the present utility model relates to a water circuit system 100 of a beverage machine. The water circuit system 100 includes a milk supply pipeline 46, a water supply pipeline 31, a liquid outlet pipeline 41, and a cleaning water pipeline 42. Among them, the milk supply pipeline 46 is connected between a milk supply source 62 and an emulsifying device 52. The emulsifying device 52 is used to output hot milk or milk foam, and a milk supply joint 45 is provided on the milk supply pipeline 46; the water supply pipeline 31 is connected downstream of a water supply source 61, and a pressurizing device 341 is provided on the water supply pipeline 31; the liquid outlet pipeline 41 is connected downstream of the pressurizing device 341, and the liquid outlet pipeline 41 is used to convey the liquid to a beverage outlet 51. The cleaning water pipeline 42 is connected downstream of the water supply pipeline 31 and is used to convey the liquid to the emulsifying device 52. The cleaning water pipeline 42 is connected between the pressurizing device 341 and the milk supply joint 45, and a suction pump 43 is provided on the cleaning water pipeline 42. The suction pump 43 can selectively introduce the water in the water supply source 61 from the water supply pipeline 31 into the milk supply joint 45.

[0057] The pressurizing device 341 can be any device that increases the inlet water pressure, such as a booster pump, specifically a gear pump, a plunger pump, etc. The pressurizing device 341 can supply water to the liquid supply line 41 and the cleaning water line 42 through the water supply line 31, which can simplify the pipeline setting and reduce the cost of the beverage machine. Among them, the milk supply source 62 can be a container for storing milk such as a milk tank or a milk carton. The milk supply source 62 can be placed in a refrigerated environment, for example, placed in a refrigeration device. The milk pipe extending into the milk supply source 62 can be connected to the milk supply joint 45, so as to transport the milk in the milk supply source 62 to the emulsifying device 52. The water supply source 61 can be a water tank inside the beverage machine, or an external barreled water or a purified tap water source. In some application scenarios, the water supply source 61 can also be a liquid source with a cleaning function.

[0058] Among them, a flow path on-off valve 10 is arranged between the liquid outlet line 41 and the cleaning water line 42; when the suction pump 43 is closed, the flow path on-off valve 10 disconnects the fluid communication from the water supply line 31 to the cleaning water line 42; when the suction pump 43 is started, the water supply line 31 and the cleaning water line 42 are in fluid communication through the flow path on-off valve 10.

[0059] In the above water circuit system 100, the suction pump 43 is connected between the water supply line 31 and the milk supply joint 45. The suction pump 43 is used to introduce the liquid into the milk supply line 46 from the water supply line 31 and the cleaning water line 42 in sequence, so as to realize the water cleaning of the milk supply line 46 and the emulsifying device 52. The suction pump 43 is also used to introduce the external air into the milk supply line 46 from the beverage outlet 51, the liquid outlet line 41 and the cleaning water line 42 in sequence, so as to realize the air evacuation cleaning of the milk supply line 46 and the emulsifying device 52.

[0060] If there is no flow path on-off valve 10, when taking hot water or making an American coffee (a mixture of Italian coffee and hot water), most of the hot water in the water supply line 31 will flow out through the liquid outlet line 41 and the beverage outlet 51. At the same time, due to the water hammer effect caused by the frequency conversion control of the pressurizing device 341 or other reasons, the suction pump 43 is affected, and a small amount of hot water in the water supply line 31 will flow out through the cleaning water line 42, the milk supply joint 45, the milk supply line 46 and the emulsifying device 52 in sequence. When there is milk or water in the milk supply line 46, the remaining milk or water in the milk supply line 46 will be carried out together, and there will be a phenomenon of dripping milk or water in the emulsifying device 52, which will cause users to question the performance and quality of the beverage machine and the production experience of the beverage is poor.

[0061] If a flow path on-off valve 10 is provided as in the present application, when taking hot water or making American coffee (a mixture of Italian coffee and hot water), due to the protection of the flow path on-off valve 10 for the suction pump 43, even the water hammer effect cannot open the flow path on-off valve 10. All the hot water in the water supply pipe 31 can only flow out through the liquid outlet pipe 41 and the beverage outlet 51, and will not flow out through the cleaning water pipe 42, the milk supply joint 45, the milk supply pipe 46 and the emulsifying device 52, thus avoiding the phenomenon of dripping milk or water at the emulsifying device 52 when taking hot water or making American coffee.

[0062] Only when the suction pump 43 is started, the flow path on-off valve 10 is controlled to be connected, which can eliminate the influence of the water hammer effect generated by the pressurizing device 341 on the cleaning water pipe 42, and thus can avoid the phenomenon of dripping water or milk at the emulsifying device 52 caused by the water hammer effect. In some embodiments, the flow path on-off valve 10 is configured as an electromagnetic valve. The electromagnetic valve at least includes an inlet 110, a first outlet 111 and a second outlet 112. The inlet 110 is connected to the downstream of the pressurizing device 341. Specifically, the inlet 110 is connected to the water supply pipe 31, the first outlet 111 is connected to the liquid outlet pipe 41, and the second outlet 112 is connected to the cleaning water pipe 42.

[0063] The electromagnetic valve can be controlled by software or circuit. When it is necessary to convey through the liquid outlet pipe 41, for example, when making hot water or American coffee and it is necessary to convey hot water from the liquid outlet pipe 41 to the beverage outlet 51, the second outlet 112 of the electromagnetic valve is controlled to be closed. At this time, the fluid communication between the water supply pipe 31 and the cleaning water pipe 42 is disconnected, and the hot water in the water supply pipe 31 can only be supplied to the liquid outlet pipe 41, thus avoiding the influence of the water hammer effect on the cleaning water pipe 42. When it is necessary to convey through the cleaning water pipe 42, for example, during water cleaning or air evacuation cleaning, and it is necessary to convey hot water or air from the cleaning water pipe 42 to the milk supply pipe 46, the second outlet 112 of the electromagnetic valve is controlled to be opened. At this time, the fluid communication between the water supply pipe 31 and the cleaning water pipe 42 is established, and the hot water in the water supply pipe 31 can enter the milk supply pipe 46 through the cleaning water pipe 42, or the external air can enter the milk supply pipe 46 through the beverage outlet 51, the liquid outlet pipe 41 and the cleaning water pipe 42. The electromagnetic valve can be a multi-way electromagnetic valve such as a three-way electromagnetic valve or a four-way electromagnetic valve that is convenient for controlling the opening or closing of different inlets or outlets.

[0064] In some embodiments, the pressurizing device 341 includes a first water pump. A first instant water heater 351 is disposed between the first water pump and the water supply pipeline 31. The water supply pipeline 31 includes a brewing water pipeline 311 and a hot water pipeline 312. The brewing water pipeline 311 is connected to the beverage outlet 51. A brewer 53 may be provided on the brewing water pipeline 311, so that the brewed beverage can be output through the beverage outlet 51. When the beverage machine is a coffee machine, the brewing water pipeline 311 can supply hot water to the brewer 53 to extract coffee powder at a high temperature in the brewer 53. The brewed coffee liquid can flow out from the beverage outlet 51. The brewer 53 is disposed between the first instant water heater 351 and the beverage outlet 51. The brewer 53 can also be cleaned by using the hot water passing through the first instant water heater 351. The hot water pipeline 312 is connected to the inlet 110 of the flow path on-off valve 10. The same heater is used to supply hot water to the brewing water pipeline 311 and the hot water pipeline 312, which are respectively used for making beverages and cleaning the emulsifying device 52. The pipeline arrangement is more compact, the cost is lower, and the cleaning effect with hot water is better.

[0065] The first instant water heater 351 can supply hot water to the brewing water pipeline 311 and the hot water pipeline 312. When the first instant water heater 351 is configured as an electric hot plate, in order to ensure the temperature of the hot water supplied to the brewing water pipeline 311 and the hot water pipeline 312, the working mode of frequency conversion of the first water pump is adopted to control the flow rate reduction, so as to reduce the water flow rate passing through the first instant water heater 351. By adjusting the flow rate of the first water pump through frequency conversion, and then adjusting the water flow rate passing through the first instant water heater 351, the first instant water heater 351 has sufficient heating duration, and then the temperature of the hot water output from the beverage outlet 51 is increased. When the first water pump performs frequency conversion, a water hammer effect will be generated. The water hammer effect will affect the suction pump 43 to a certain extent, and then, during the process of taking hot water through the beverage outlet 51, problems such as milk dripping or water dripping of the emulsifying device 52 will occur. By providing a flow path on-off valve 10 between the pressurizing device 341 and the cleaning water pipeline 42, the problems of milk dripping or water dripping of the emulsifying device 52 during the process of taking hot water when the first water pump performs frequency conversion can be avoided, so that the experience of the machine beverage will not be affected due to milk dripping or water dripping of the emulsifying device 52. Moreover, the first water pump performing frequency conversion can make the adjustable temperature range of the hot water wide, and the hot water range can be adjusted between 60-85°C to meet the needs of more customers.

[0066] Further, a first electromagnetic control valve 361 is provided on the hot water pipeline 312. The input port of the first electromagnetic control valve 361 is connected to the downstream of the first instant water heater 351. The two output ports of the first electromagnetic control valve 361 are respectively connected to the flow path on-off valve 10 and the emulsifying device 52. One of the output ports of the first electromagnetic control valve 361 can be connected to the air inlet of the emulsifying device 52. An air valve 363 can be provided between the first electromagnetic control valve 361 and the emulsifying device 52. By opening the air valve 363 and the corresponding output port of the first electromagnetic control valve 361, the cleaning of the air inlet of the emulsifying device 52 can be realized. When cleaning the air inlet, the air valve 363 can be closed later than the first electromagnetic control valve 361 to ensure that the steam can be completely discharged. The setting of the first electromagnetic control valve 361 can not only control the hot water to be delivered to the liquid outlet pipeline 41 or the cleaning water pipeline 42, but also realize the hot water to be delivered to the emulsifying device 52, simplifying the pipeline setting.

[0067] In some embodiments, the suction pump 43 is configured as a diaphragm pump. The diaphragm pump is small in size and can suck both water and air. Moreover, the diaphragm pump can prevent reverse flow, so that the milk in the milk source 62 will not enter the cleaning water pipeline 42 through the milk supply joint 45. The suction pump 43 can also be other types of pumps, such as peristaltic pumps, vane pumps and other vacuum pumps that can generate negative pressure, which can also suck both air and liquid.

[0068] The water circuit system 100 further includes a second instant water heater 352 and a second water pump 342. The second instant water heater 352 is connected to the downstream of the water supply source 61. The second water pump 342 is arranged between the liquid supply source 61 and the second instant water heater 352. The water supply source 61 supplies liquid to the second instant water heater 352 through the second water pump 342. The steam delivery pipeline 47 is connected to the second instant water heater 352 through a steam valve. A steam valve 365 is provided on the steam delivery pipeline 47 between the second heater 352 and the emulsifying device 52. The second heater 352 can supply steam to the emulsifying device through the steam delivery pipeline 47 or the hot water can deliver steam or hot water to the emulsifying device 52 through the second instant water heater 352, reducing the working load of the first instant water heater 351. Among them, the water supply source 61 of the first instant water heater 351 and the water supply source 61 of the second instant water heater 352 can be independent water supply sources 61 respectively, or can share the same water supply source 61. Each heater can maintain the corresponding temperature respectively based on the different supplied fluids, which is convenient for the control of the heater.

[0069] Refer to Figure 2, different from the above embodiments, a connection point 33 is provided between the liquid outlet pipeline 4131 and the cleaning water pipeline 42 of the water circuit system 200, and the flow path on-off valve 10a is arranged between the connection point 33 and the suction pump 43. The flow path on-off valve 10a is arranged between the connection point 33 and the cleaning water pipeline 42. When the suction pump 43 is closed, the flow path on-off valve 10a disconnects the fluid connection from the water supply pipeline 31 to the cleaning water pipeline 42; when the suction pump 43 is started, the flow path on-off valve 10a connects the water supply pipeline 31 to the cleaning water pipeline 42. The connection point 33 can be configured as a tee joint, and the hot water pipeline 312, the liquid outlet pipeline 41, and the cleaning water pipeline 42 are respectively connected to the tee joint, and the flow path on-off valve 10a is arranged between the tee joint and the cleaning water pipeline 42. The connection point 33 can also be any connection structure where three pipelines are connected.

[0070] When the suction pump 43 is not started, the water supply pipeline 31 can transport the liquid to the liquid outlet pipeline 41 through the connection point 33. Since the flow path of the flow path on-off valve 10a is disconnected, the water supply pipeline 31 cannot transport the liquid to the cleaning water pipeline 42, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of fluid overflow in the emulsifying device 52. When the suction pump 43 is started, the flow path on-off valve 10a is connected, and the water supply pipeline 31 can transport the liquid to the cleaning water pipeline 42 through the connection point 33. The flow path on-off valve 10a only needs to be connected in series upstream of the cleaning water pipeline 42, and the influence of the water hammer effect on the cleaning water pipeline 42 can be eliminated.

[0071] Among them, the flow path on-off valve 10a is configured as a pinch valve. The pinch valve can enable the fluid connection between the water supply pipeline 31 and the cleaning water pipeline 42, or block the fluid connection between the water supply pipeline 31 and the cleaning water pipeline 42. The pinch valve can be controlled by software or a circuit. When it is necessary to transport through the liquid outlet pipeline 41, for example, when making hot water or American coffee and it is necessary to output hot water from the water supply pipeline 31 to the beverage outlet 51 through the liquid outlet pipeline 41, the pinch valve is opened, and the electromagnet structure of the pinch valve will clamp the pipeline, and the path is disconnected, and the fluid connection between the water supply pipeline 31 and the cleaning water pipeline 42 is disconnected. The hot water in the water supply pipeline 31 can only be supplied to the liquid outlet pipeline 41, thereby eliminating the influence of the water hammer effect on the cleaning water pipeline 42. When it is necessary to transport through the cleaning water pipeline 42, such as during water cleaning or air evacuation cleaning, and it is necessary to transport hot water or air from the water supply pipeline 31 to the milk supply pipeline 46 through the cleaning water pipeline 42, the pinch valve is controlled to close. At this time, the fluid connection between the water supply pipeline 31 and the cleaning water pipeline 42 is established, and the hot water in the water supply pipeline 31 can enter the milk supply pipeline 46 through the cleaning water pipeline 42, or external air can enter the milk supply pipeline 46 through the beverage outlet 51, the liquid outlet pipeline 41, and the cleaning water pipeline 42.

[0072] Refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4, Different from the above embodiments, a connection point 33 is provided between the liquid outlet pipeline 31 and the cleaning water pipeline 42 of the waterway system 300, and the flow path on-off valve 20 is arranged between the connection point 33 and the cleaning water pipeline 42. The flow path on-off valve 20 is configured as a negative pressure valve. When the suction pump 43 is started, negative pressure is generated, and the negative pressure valve is opened under the action of the negative pressure to connect the water supply pipeline 31 and the cleaning water pipeline 42; when the suction pump 43 is closed, the negative pressure valve is closed to block the fluid connection between the water supply pipeline 31 and the cleaning water pipeline 42. The connection and disconnection of the negative pressure valve do not require additional circuit control. It only needs to be connected in series upstream of the cleaning water pipeline 42 and is automatically opened based on the start of the suction pump 43. It cleverly utilizes the different working states of the negative pressure source that already needs to exist in the waterway system to control the on or off of the negative pressure valve, eliminating the impact of water hammer effect on the cleaning water pipeline 42 while reducing the cost and complexity of the waterway system. In addition, the negative pressure valve is small in volume and will not increase the volume of the overall waterway, so that the volume of the machine provided with the waterway system 300 is small.

[0073] The connection point 33 is configured as a multi-way joint. The water supply pipeline 31, the liquid outlet pipeline 41 and the cleaning water pipeline 42 are connected to the multi-way joint, and the flow path on-off valve 20 is arranged between the multi-way joint and the cleaning water pipeline 42.

[0074] Specifically, the negative pressure valve is arranged between the multi-way joint and the cleaning water pipeline 42. When the suction pump 43 is started, negative pressure will be generated. The negative pressure valve is opened under the action of the negative pressure, and the water supply pipeline 31 can transport the liquid to the cleaning water pipeline 42 through the multi-way joint. When the suction pump 43 is not started, the water supply pipeline 31 can transport the liquid to the liquid outlet pipeline 41 through the multi-way joint. Since the negative pressure valve is closed, the water supply pipeline 31 cannot transport the liquid to the cleaning water pipeline 42, thus avoiding the phenomenon of unexpected liquid outflow from the emulsifying device 52.

[0075] Taking a coffee machine as an example, referring to Figure 3 , when making American coffee, the suction pump 43 is closed, and hot water is supplied to the brewing water pipeline 311 and the hot water pipeline 312 simultaneously or successively. For example, the frequency-cut control is used to control the first water pump to supply water to the first instant water heater 351. The water heated by the first instant water heater 351 is transported to the brewer 53 through the brewing water pipeline 311, and the brewed coffee liquid will be transported to the beverage outlet 51 through the beverage delivery pipeline downstream of the brewer 53. The hot water in the hot water pipeline 312 enters the multi-way joint. Since the negative pressure valve is closed, the hot water in the hot water pipeline 312 enters the beverage outlet 51 through the liquid outlet pipeline 41, and the direction of liquid transportation is along Figure 3 shown by the arrow ① in. When making American coffee, the suction pump 43 is not started, the negative pressure valve is in the closed state, and the hot water in the hot water pipeline 312 can only enter the beverage outlet 51 through the liquid outlet pipeline 41, and cannot flow out through the negative pressure valve, the suction pump 43, the cleaning water pipeline 42, the milk supply joint 45, the milk supply pipeline 46, and the emulsifying device 52.

[0076] Continue to refer to Figure 3 , when making milk foam, the suction pump 43 is closed, steam is supplied to the emulsifying device 52, and under the Venturi effect of the emulsifying device 52, liquids are sequentially introduced from the milk supply source 62, the milk supply connector 45, and the milk supply pipeline 46. That is, milk is transported to the emulsifying device 52 through the milk supply pipeline 46. At the same time, external air is transported to the emulsifying device 52 through the air valve 363 under the Venturi effect. Steam, milk, and air are mixed in the emulsifying device 52 to form milk foam and output. Among them, the first water pump is closed, and the second water pump 342 is started to supply water to the second instant water heater 352. The steam generated by heating the second instant water heater 352 is transported to the emulsifying device 52 through the steam transport pipeline 47. The directions of steam, milk, and air transportation are along Figure 3 as shown by arrow ② in

[0077] . A one-way valve is provided in the milk supply connector 45, and the one-way valve allows one-way communication from the milk supply source 62 to the milk supply pipeline 46. When making hot milk / milk foam, a negative pressure is generated by the emulsifying device based on the Venturi effect. The suction pump 43 can prevent reverse flow, and milk can be sucked into the emulsifying device 52 through the one-way valve for making hot milk / milk foam.

[0078] Refer to Figure 4 , whenever the production of hot milk / milk foam is completed, if no next cup of drink is made for a period of time, the beverage machine will automatically start the cleaning program to clean the milk supply pipeline 46 supplied from the milk supply source 62 to the emulsifying device 52 with hot water. In the cleaning mode, specifically when performing hot water cleaning, the milk supply pipeline 46 is cleaned with hot water. The suction pump 43 is started, and the water supply pipeline 31 and the cleaning water pipeline 42 are in fluid communication through the negative pressure valve to supply hot water to the hot water pipeline 312. Under the suction effect of the suction pump 43, the hot water in the hot water pipeline 312 is sequentially transported to the emulsifying device 52 through the negative pressure valve, the cleaning water pipeline 42, and the milk supply pipeline 46. For example, the first water pump can be started to supply water to the first instant water heater 351, the suction pump 43 is started, and the water heated by the first instant water heater 351 is transported to the connection point 33 through the hot water pipeline 312. Under the negative pressure effect of the suction pump 43, the negative pressure valve opens, and the hot water is transported to the milk supply connector 45 through the negative pressure valve and the cleaning water pipeline 42, and then enters the milk supply pipeline 46 through the milk supply connector 45, thereby completing the hot water cleaning of the milk supply pipeline 46 and the emulsifying device 52. The direction of hot water transportation is along Figure 4 as shown by arrow ③ in

[0079] Continue to refer to Figure 4, in the cleaning mode, after the hot water cleaning is completed, when the air evacuation cleaning is to be carried out next, the suction pump 43 is started, and the connection point 33 and the cleaning water pipeline 42 are in fluid communication through the negative pressure valve. Under the suction action of the suction pump 43, external air is transported from the beverage outlet 51 through the liquid outlet pipeline 41, the cleaning water pipeline 42 and the milk supply pipeline 46 to the emulsifying device 52. Specifically, the output port of the first electromagnetic control valve 361 leading to the hot water pipeline 312 is closed. At this time, the suction pump 43 sucks air from the beverage outlet 51. The sucked air enters the liquid outlet pipeline 41, then enters the cleaning water pipeline 42 through the connection point 33, then enters the milk supply pipeline 46 and is discharged from the emulsifying device 52, so as to discharge the residual hot water in the pipeline for cleaning the emulsifying device with hot water. The path of sucking air and discharging residual water is as shown in Figure 4 The direction indicated by arrow ④ in the figure, and the residual hot water is discharged to the water storage tray of the beverage machine through the emulsifying device 52. At this time, not only the cleaning of the milk supply pipeline 46 is completed, but also it can be ensured that there is no residual hot water in the milk supply pipeline 46, which can prevent the residual cleaning hot water from mixing with the milk foam produced during the next production of milk foam and affecting the taste of the newly produced milk foam / café latte.

[0080] Continue to refer to Figure 4 , when making hot water, the suction pump 43 is closed, and hot water is supplied to the hot water pipeline 312. The first water pump can be started to supply water to the first instant water heater 351. The water heated by the first instant water heater 351 is transported to the connection point 33 through the hot water pipeline 312. Since the suction pump 43 is not started and the negative pressure valve is in the closed state, the hot water in the hot water pipeline 312 can only be transported from the liquid outlet pipeline 41 to the beverage outlet 51, thus completing the hot water output. The direction of hot water transportation is along Figure 4 The direction shown by arrow ⑤ in the figure. Since a negative pressure valve is provided between the connection point 33 and the cleaning water pipeline 42, the hot water can only flow out from the beverage outlet 51 in the direction of arrow ⑤ at the connection point 33, and cannot pass through the closed negative pressure valve, nor can it flow out through the suction pump 43, the cleaning water pipeline 42, the milk supply joint 45, the milk supply pipeline 46, and the emulsifying device 52, so that the residual milk or water in the milk supply pipeline 46 will not be discharged from the emulsifying device 52 into the cup.

[0081] The suction pump 43 is only turned on when waterway cleaning is required, that is, only turned on in the cleaning mode and does not work at other times. In this way, it can be ensured that the negative pressure valve can only be opened during waterway cleaning, and when the first water pump is started with frequency conversion control, the negative pressure valve is in the disconnected state, avoiding the phenomenon that the suction pump 43 is flushed open by a small gap due to the water hammer effect, and a small amount of water enters the emulsifying device 52 through the cleaning water pipeline 42 and the milk supply pipeline 46 and is then discharged into the cup, or the phenomenon that the residual milk in the milk supply pipeline 46 drips into the cup.

[0082] Refer to Figure 5, in another embodiment of the waterway system 400, the waterway system 400 includes an emulsifying device 52, a milk supply pipeline 46, a water supply pipeline 31, a liquid outlet pipeline 41, and a cleaning water pipeline 42. Among them, a milk supply joint 45 is provided on the milk supply pipeline 46; the water supply pipeline 31 is connected downstream of the water supply source 61, and a pressurizing device 341 is provided on the water supply pipeline 31; the liquid outlet pipeline 41 is connected downstream of the pressurizing device 341, and the liquid outlet pipeline 41 is used to transport the liquid to the beverage outlet 51; the cleaning water pipeline 42 is connected between the pressurizing device 341 and the milk supply joint 45 to transport the liquid to the emulsifying device 52. A suction pump 43 is provided on the cleaning water pipeline 42, and the suction pump 43 selectively introduces water from the water supply pipeline 31 into the milk supply joint 45.

[0083] A negative pressure valve is provided between the pressurizing device 341 and the cleaning water pipeline 42. When the suction pump 43 is closed, the negative pressure valve is closed, and the waterway from the water supply pipeline 31 to the cleaning water pipeline 42 is disconnected; when the suction pump 43 is started, the negative pressure valve is opened, and the waterway from the water supply pipeline 31 to the cleaning water pipeline 42 is connected. A connection point 33 is provided between the liquid outlet pipeline 31 and the cleaning water pipeline 42. The flow path on-off valve 20 is configured as a negative pressure valve and is provided between the connection point 33 and the cleaning water pipeline 42. When the suction pump 43 is started, a negative pressure is generated to open the negative pressure valve.

[0084] When the suction pump 43 is not started, the water supply pipeline 31 can transport the liquid to the liquid outlet pipeline 41 through the connection point 33. Since the negative pressure valve is closed, the water supply pipeline 31 cannot transport the liquid to the cleaning water pipeline 42, thus avoiding the phenomenon of liquid flowing out of the emulsifying device 52. When the suction pump 43 is started, the negative pressure valve is connected under the action of the negative pressure, and the water supply pipeline 31 can transport the liquid to the cleaning water pipeline 42 through the connection point 33. The opening or closing of the negative pressure valve does not require additional circuit control. Just being connected in series upstream of the cleaning water pipeline 42 can eliminate the influence of the water hammer effect on the cleaning water pipeline 42. In addition, the negative pressure valve is small in volume and will not increase the volume of the overall waterway, so that the volume of the machine provided with this waterway system is small.

[0085] Specifically, the connection point 33 is configured as a multi-way joint. The water supply pipeline 31, the liquid outlet pipeline 41, and the cleaning water pipeline 42 are connected to the multi-way joint, and the negative pressure valve is provided between the multi-way joint and the cleaning water pipeline 42. A first water pump is provided downstream of the water supply source 61. A first instant water heater 351 is provided between the first water pump and the water supply pipeline 31. The liquid outlet pipeline 41 includes a brewing water pipeline 311 and a hot water pipeline 312. The multi-way joint 33 is configured as a three-way joint. The hot water pipeline 312, the liquid outlet pipeline 41, and the cleaning water pipeline 42 are respectively connected to the three-way joint, and the negative pressure valve is provided between the three-way joint and the cleaning water pipeline 42. Using the same heater to provide hot water for the liquid outlet pipeline 41 and the milk supply pipeline 46 makes the pipeline setting more compact, the cost lower, and the cleaning effect with hot water better.

[0086] A steam supply pipeline 47 is connected between the hot water pipeline 312 and the emulsifying device 52. Steam can also be provided to the emulsifying device 52 through the first instant water heater 351, which is more suitable for a compact small beverage machine.

[0087] Refer to Figure 6 In another embodiment of the water circuit system 500, different from the above embodiment, a first water pump is provided downstream of the water supply source 61. A first instant water heater 351 is arranged between the first water pump and the water supply pipeline 31. The water supply pipeline 31 includes a brewing water pipeline 311 and a hot water pipeline 312. The multi-way joint is configured as a four-way joint 33a. The liquid outlet pipeline 41, the brewing water pipeline 311, the hot water pipeline 312, and the cleaning water pipeline 42 are respectively connected to the four-way joint 33a. The negative pressure valve is arranged between the four-way joint 33a and the cleaning water pipeline 42. In this way, by arranging the negative pressure valve between the four-way joint 33a and the cleaning water pipeline 42, unwanted liquid transportation in the cleaning water pipeline 42 can be avoided.

[0088] Refer to Figure 7 In another embodiment of the water circuit system 600, the water circuit system 600 further includes a water output pipeline 48 connected to the milk supply joint 45. The multi-way joint 33b includes a first three-way joint 331 and a second three-way joint 332. The hot water pipeline 312, the liquid outlet pipeline 41, and the water output pipeline 48 are respectively connected to the first three-way joint 331; the second three-way joint 332 is connected to the liquid outlet pipeline 41, and the cleaning water pipeline 42 is connected between the second three-way joint 332 and the water output pipeline 48, that is, the cleaning water pipeline 42 is in parallel with the water output pipeline 48. The negative pressure valve is connected between the second three-way joint 332 and the cleaning water pipeline 42. The cleaning water pipeline 42 and the water output pipeline 48 are in parallel between the water supply pipeline 31 and the milk supply joint 45, which can provide more output options for the emulsifying device 52.

[0089] Refer to Figure 8 In yet another embodiment of the water circuit system 700, a second water pump 342 is further provided downstream of the water supply source 61. A first instant water heater 351 is arranged between the first water pump and the water supply pipeline 31. A second instant water heater 352 is provided between the second water pump 342 and the emulsifying device 52. A second electromagnetic control valve 362 is provided between the second instant water heater 352 and the emulsifying device 52. The second electromagnetic control valve 362 is connected with a main delivery pipeline 471 and an auxiliary delivery pipeline 472. The main delivery pipeline 471 is connected to the emulsifying device 52. The multi-way joint is configured as a four-way joint 33c. The hot water pipeline 312, the liquid outlet pipeline 41, the cleaning water pipeline 42, and the auxiliary delivery pipeline 472 are respectively connected to the four-way joint. In this way, by arranging the negative pressure valve between the four-way joint 33c and the cleaning water pipeline 42, unwanted liquid transportation in the cleaning water pipeline 42 can be avoided.

[0090] In this embodiment, the water supply source 61a of the first water pump can be tap water, and the water supply source 61 of the second water pump 342 can be a water tank. Among them, the air valve 363 can be connected to the upstream of the first instant water heater 351, so that cold water cleaning of the emulsifying device 52 can be achieved. The auxiliary conveying pipeline 472 can convey the water heated by the second instant water heater 352 to the beverage outlet 51, reducing the working load of the first instant water heater 351 and enabling more choices for the output of the beverage outlet 51.

[0091] In this embodiment, during automatic cleaning, either the first water pump or the second water pump 342 can pump water, and the body of the emulsifying device 52 can be directly cleaned through the four-way joint and the cleaning water pipeline 42. When the suction pump 43 is turned on, the negative pressure valve is connected under the negative pressure of the suction pump, and water flows into the cleaning water pipeline 42 to clean the milk supply pipeline 46. Then, either the first water pump or the second water pump 342 stops pumping water, and the suction pump 43 is continuously turned on to suck air through the liquid outlet pipeline 41 to drain the residual water in the milk supply pipeline 46.

[0092] With the above water circuit system settings, by setting the above flow path on-off valve 20, the flow rate of the first water pump can be adjusted by frequency switching, and then the hot water temperature at the beverage outlet 51 can be adjusted, without worrying about the impact of the water hammer effect caused by the frequency switching control of the first water pump on the water circuit. When the first water pump switches frequencies, a water hammer effect will occur, which may cause problems such as dripping milk or dripping water in the emulsifying device 52 during the process of taking hot water. The water circuit system can not only achieve automatic cleaning of the emulsifying device 52, but also enable the adjustable hot water temperature, greatly improving the convenience of cleaning. The temperature of the beverage can also be selected according to personal needs, improving the quality of the beverage and bringing more and better experiences to users.

[0093] Reference Figures 9 to 12 As shown, the flow path on-off valve 20 involved in the above water circuit systems 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 is specifically a negative pressure valve. The negative pressure valve includes a housing 21, a first seal 22, and a second seal 23. The first seal 22 and the second seal 23 are both arranged inside the housing 21. The housing 21 defines a cavity 213. The housing 21 includes an inflow channel 211 and an outflow channel 212, and the inflow channel 211 and the outflow channel 212 are respectively communicated with the cavity 213. The inflow channel 211 is connected to a multi-way joint, and the outflow channel 212 is connected to the cleaning water pipeline 42. The negative pressure valve can restrict or allow the water supply pipeline 31 to supply water to the cleaning water pipeline 42. The housing 21 includes a first housing 21a and a second housing 21b, and the first housing 21a and the second housing 21b are hermetically connected. The first housing 21a and the second housing 21b enclose to form the cavity 213. The inflow channel 211 is arranged on the first housing 21a, and the outflow channel 212 is arranged on the second housing 21b.

[0094] The first seal 22 is disposed in the cavity 213, and a negative pressure chamber 223 is formed between the first seal 22 and the outflow passage 212. The second seal 23 is at least partially disposed in the cavity 213, and the second seal 23 is located between the inflow passage 211 and the first seal 22; when the suction pump 43 is closed, the second seal 23 abuts against the first seal 22 to disconnect the communication between the inflow passage 211 and the outflow passage 212, thereby disconnecting the communication between the water supply pipeline 31 and the cleaning water pipeline 42. When the suction pump 43 is started, the suction pump 43 can generate a negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber 223, so that a gap 25 is formed between the first seal 22 and the second seal 23, and the inflow passage 211 and the outflow passage 212 are communicated, thereby communicating the water supply pipeline 31 and the cleaning water pipeline 42.

[0095] The negative pressure chamber 223 communicates with the outflow passage 212, and the suction pump 43 on the outflow passage 212 side can generate a negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber 223. Only when there is a negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber 223 can the inflow passage 211 and the outflow passage 212 be communicated. In the case where there is no negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber 223, even if there is a water hammer impact at the inflow passage 211, it can only make the second seal 23 and the first seal 22 abut more tightly, and water cannot pass through, so that no undesired overflow will occur in the emulsifying device 52 downstream of the outflow passage 212. The negative pressure valve does not require additional circuit control, and the overall cost is very low. Moreover, the volume of the negative pressure valve is very small, roughly equivalent to the volume of the water pipe joint, does not occupy the space of the machine, and can be connected in series into the water path, directly reducing or eliminating the influence of the water hammer effect on the water path downstream of the negative pressure valve.

[0096] In some embodiments, the first seal 22 at least satisfies the following characteristics: under the action of negative pressure, at least part of the first seal 22 deforms itself to form a gap 25 with the second seal 23. The first seal 22 forms a gap 25 with the second seal 23 through its own deformation. The first seal 22 can be constructed as a soft rubber part, such as a soft rubber part made of food-grade materials such as silica gel parts and rubber parts, with a simple structure and low cost.

[0097] Specifically, when the first seal 22 does not deform itself, the first seal 22 abuts against the second seal 23 to block the fluid communication between the inflow passage 211 and the outflow passage 212, thereby blocking the fluid communication between the upstream pipeline of the negative pressure valve and the downstream pipeline of the negative pressure valve; when the first seal 22 deforms itself, a gap 25 is formed between the first seal 22 and the second seal 23 to fluidly communicate the inflow passage 211 and the outflow passage 212 through the gap 25, thereby fluidly communicating the upstream pipeline of the negative pressure valve and the downstream pipeline of the negative pressure valve.

[0098] In some other embodiments, the first seal 22 at least satisfies the following characteristics: under the action of negative pressure, at least a part of the first seal 22 generates a displacement away from the second seal 23. For example, the first seal 22 can also be displaced as a whole under the action of negative pressure to overcome the elastic force, so as to form a gap 25 with the second seal 23. In other feasible solutions, a part of the first seal 22 is displaced under the action of negative pressure, so as to form a gap 25 with the second seal 23.

[0099] In some embodiments, a water passing channel 222 is provided on the first seal 22, and the second seal 23 extends into the water passing channel 222. When the suction pump 43 is closed, the wall of the water passing channel 222 abuts against the second seal 23 to close the negative pressure valve; when the suction pump 43 is started, under the action of negative pressure, the wall of the water passing channel 222 is separated from the second seal 23 to form a gap 25 to open the negative pressure valve. The cooperation between the second seal 23 and the wall of the water passing channel 222 can disconnect or allow the fluid communication between the inflow channel 211 and the outflow channel 212, which can ensure that the connection and disconnection of the negative pressure valve are more reliable.

[0100] Specifically, when the wall of the water passing channel 222 abuts against the second seal 23, the water passing channel 222 is blocked, and further the fluid communication between the inflow channel 211 and the outflow channel 212 is blocked; when a gap 25 is formed between the wall of the water passing channel 222 and the second seal 23, the fluid communication between the inflow channel 211 and the outflow channel 212 is achieved through the water passing channel 222.

[0101] Wherein, along the fluid flow direction from the inflow channel 211 to the outflow channel 212 (such as Figure 10 the direction of the arrow F in the figure), the second seal 23 is movably connected to the housing 21, and the water passing channel 222 is arranged in a contracted manner. In the case where there is no negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber 223, if there is a water hammer impact at the inflow channel 211, the second seal 23 moves towards the outflow channel 212 under the water pressure. Due to the contracted arrangement of the water passing channel 222, along the fluid flow direction, the cross-sectional area of the water passing channel 222 becomes smaller, so that the second seal 23 abuts more closely against the wall of the water passing channel 222, further ensuring that water cannot pass through, and thus the emulsifying device 52 downstream of the outflow channel 212 will not have the phenomenon of dripping water or dripping milk.

[0102] Refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12, a first limiting portion 215 is provided in the inflow channel 211. The second seal 23 includes a second limiting portion 231 and a blocking portion 233. The second limiting portion 231 and the blocking portion 233 are respectively disposed on both sides of the first limiting portion 215. The second limiting portion 231 extends into the inflow channel 211, and the blocking portion 233 is located in the cavity 213 and abuts against the first seal 22. There is a preset interval between the second limiting portion 231 and the first limiting portion 215. The second seal 23 moves within the range of the preset interval, and along the fluid flow direction, the second limiting portion 231 can abut against the first limiting portion 215. The setting of the first limiting portion 215 can limit the movement range of the second seal 23, prevent the second seal 23 and the first seal 22 from being difficult to separate due to excessive abutment, and moreover, when the first seal 22 resets, it can also drive the second seal 23 to move, which can ensure the sealing between the second seal 23 and the water passing channel 222 under the action of water pressure next time.

[0103] The inflow channel 211 has a water inlet 214 communicating with the cavity 213. The first limiting portion 215 is provided at the water inlet 214. The first limiting portion 215 is configured as a plurality of bumps arranged at intervals along the circumference of the water inlet 214. The second limiting portion 231 is generally configured as a frustum or a cone shape. The second limiting portion 231 can abut against the plurality of bumps to limit the movement stroke of the second seal 23 toward the outflow channel 212; there is a gap between adjacent bumps; the water flow can be guided along the circumferential surface of the second limiting portion 231 to flow into the cavity 213 from the gaps between the plurality of bumps. The second seal 23 includes a connecting rod 232 connecting the second limiting portion 231 and the blocking portion 233. The diameter of the connecting rod 232 is smaller than the diameter of the bottom surface of the frustum or the cone of the second limiting portion 231. The blocking portion 233 can be configured as a circular plate, and the diameter of the connecting rod 232 is also smaller than the diameter of the circular plate of the blocking portion 233. The connecting rod 232 passes through the water inlet 214. The second limiting portion 231 is limited by the first limiting portion 215. The second seal 23 can move toward the outflow channel 212 or away from the outflow channel 212, thereby ensuring the reliable use of the negative pressure valve and a longer service life.

[0104] Continue to refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the housing 21 includes a first wall 261 adjacent to the inflow channel 211. The first wall 261 is used to define the cavity 213 and limit the first seal 22; the first seal 22 includes a bent portion 224. The bent portion 224 extends bent from the first wall 261 toward the outflow channel 212. The bent portion 224 encloses to form a water passing channel 222. By providing the bent and extended bent portion 224 and the water passing channel 222 being enclosed by the bent portion 224, the contact area between the first seal 22 and the fluid in the negative pressure cavity 223 can be larger, and the first seal 22 is more likely to deform under the action of negative pressure.

[0105] The housing 21 further includes a second wall 262 adjacent to the outflow passage 212. The second wall 262 is used to define a cavity 213 and limit the first seal 22. The first seal 22 includes a surrounding wall portion 225 which is arranged around the outflow passage 212 and fits against the second wall 262. The surrounding wall portion 225 and the bent portion 224 are integrally provided. The integrally provided surrounding wall portion 225 and the bent portion 224 can ensure the overall sealing performance of the first seal 22 and facilitate the assembly within the cavity 213.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first seal 22 may include the following structure. At the end of the wall of the water passage 222 facing the outflow passage 212, there is a first flanging 227 which protrudes in a direction away from the water passage 222, that is, the first flanging 227 protrudes towards the surrounding wall portion 225. The first flanging 227 can also be considered as being provided at the end of the bent portion 224 facing the outflow passage 212. Setting the first flanging 227 can reduce the distance from the end of the bent portion 224 to the surrounding wall portion 225, facilitate the deformation of the bent portion 224 under the action of negative pressure, and can also strengthen the structural strength of the end of the bent portion 224 and extend the service life of the first seal 22.

[0107] In other embodiments, the first seal 22 may include the following structure. At the end where the first seal 22 engages with the second wall 262, there is a second flanging 228, that is, at the end of the surrounding wall portion 225 close to the second wall 262, there is a second flanging 228 which also protrudes in a direction away from the water passage 222. This can increase the contact area between the first seal 22 and the second wall 262, ensure the sealing performance of the negative pressure chamber 223, and can also strengthen the structural strength of the end of the surrounding wall portion 225 and extend the service life of the first seal 22.

[0108] Wherein, the negative pressure acting direction of the first seal 22 is the same as the fluid outflow direction of the outflow passage 212, and the outflow passage 212, the water passage 222 and the inflow passage 211 are coaxially arranged. With such an arrangement, when there is no negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber 223, the first seal 22 and the second seal 23 can more easily close the gap to disconnect the flow path of the on-off valve; when there is negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber 223, the first seal 22 and the second seal 23 can more easily open the gap to connect the flow path of the on-off valve.

[0109] In some embodiments, the housing 21 includes a first wall 261, a second wall 262, and a side wall 263 connecting the first wall 261 and the second wall 262. The first wall 261 is adjacent to the inflow channel 211, the second wall 262 is adjacent to the outflow channel 212, and the first wall 261, the second wall 262, and the side wall 263 enclose to form a cavity 213. A water-containing cavity 216 is formed between the first seal 22 and the side wall 263. The first seal 22 abuts against the first wall 261 to disconnect the communication between the water-containing cavity 216 and the inflow channel 211; when a gap 25 is formed between the first seal 22 and the second seal 23, the first seal 22 separates from the first wall 261 to connect the water-containing cavity 216 and the inflow channel 211. The cooperation between the first seal 22 and the first wall 261 of the cavity 213 can more ensure that the communication between the inflow channel 211 and the negative pressure cavity 223 is blocked when the negative pressure valve is closed, and when the negative pressure valve is opened, water enters the water-containing cavity 216, and the water pressure can assist the first seal 22 to deform to ensure that the gap 25 is opened. In addition, the water-containing cavity 216 can also separate the surrounding wall portion 225 from the side wall 263 to prevent the surrounding wall portion 225 from adhering to the side wall 263.

[0110] Referring to Figure 13 As shown, the inflow channel 211 is connected to the connection point 33, the outflow channel 212 is connected to the cleaning water pipeline 42, the negative pressure valve 20 is connected in series between the connection point 33 and the cleaning water pipeline 42, and the suction pump 43 is arranged on the cleaning water pipeline 42. When the suction pump 43 is started, a negative pressure is generated on the inlet side of the suction pump 43, and the outflow channel 212 is located on the inlet side of the suction pump 43, so a negative pressure can be generated in the negative pressure cavity 223.

[0111] The first seal 22 has a water passage 222, and the second seal 23 extends into the water passage 222; when the suction pump 43 is closed, the wall of the water passage 222 abuts against the second seal 23; when the suction pump 43 is started, under the action of negative pressure, the wall of the water passage 222 separates from the second seal 23 to form a gap 25. Controlling the negative pressure valve located upstream of the suction pump 43 based on whether the suction pump 43 is started or not does not require any electrical connection for the negative pressure valve. It cleverly utilizes the different working states of the negative pressure source that already needs to exist in the water circuit system to control the on or off of the negative pressure valve, which can simplify the structure of the overall water circuit and reduce the cost of the water circuit system.

[0112] When the suction pump 43 is started, the suction pump 43 generates a negative pressure in the negative pressure cavity 223 to form a gap 25 between the first seal 22 and the second seal 23, and then connects the water supply pipeline 31 and the cleaning water pipeline 42 through the gap 25; when the suction pump 43 is closed, the second seal 23 abuts against the first seal 22, and the fluid communication between the water supply pipeline 31 and the cleaning water pipeline 42 is blocked.

[0113] The above negative pressure valve corresponds to various operation modes of the water circuit system as follows:

[0114] When making American coffee, the hot water in the hot water pipeline 312 enters the inflow channel 211, the suction pump 43 is closed, the second seal 23 remains in contact with the first seal 22, the fluid communication between the inflow channel 211 and the outflow channel 212 is blocked, and the hot water in the hot water pipeline 312 can only enter the beverage outlet 51 through the liquid outlet pipeline 41.

[0115] When making milk foam, the suction pump 43 is closed, the second seal 23 of the negative pressure valve remains in contact with the first seal 22, and the fluid communication between the inflow channel 211 and the outflow channel 212 is blocked.

[0116] In the cleaning mode, specifically when performing hot water cleaning, the suction pump 43 is started, the hot water in the hot water pipeline 312 enters the inflow channel 211, the suction pump 43 generates negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber 223, the first seal 22 deforms under the action of negative pressure, a gap 25 is formed between the first seal 22 and the second seal 23, the fluid communication between the inflow channel 211 and the outflow channel 212 is established, and the hot water flowing out of the outflow channel 212 is transported to the emulsifying device 52 through the cleaning water pipeline 42 and the milk supply pipeline 46. Specifically, when performing air cleaning, the suction pump 43 is started, the suction pump 43 generates negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber 223, the first seal 22 deforms under the action of negative pressure, a gap 25 is formed between the first seal 22 and the second seal 23, the fluid communication between the inflow channel 211 and the outflow channel 212 is established, and the fluid communication between the liquid outlet pipeline 41 and the cleaning water pipeline 42 is established. The external air is sequentially transported to the emulsifying device 52 through the beverage outlet 51, the liquid outlet pipeline 41, the cleaning water pipeline 42 and the milk supply pipeline 46.

[0117] When making hot water, the hot water in the hot water pipeline 312 enters the inflow channel 211, the second seal 23 remains in contact with the first seal 22, the fluid communication between the inflow channel 211 and the outflow channel 212 is blocked, and the hot water in the hot water pipeline 312 can only enter the beverage outlet 51 through the liquid supply pipeline 41.

[0118] Refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15As shown, in some other embodiments, the housing 21 includes a first wall 261, a second wall 262 that define a cavity 213, and a side wall 263 connecting the first wall 261 and the second wall 262. The first wall 261 is adjacent to the inflow channel 211, and the second wall 262 is adjacent to the outflow channel 212. An annular protrusion 266 is provided on the second wall 262. The first seal 22 includes an edge 226 that abuts against the second wall 262, and the edge 226 is limited between the side wall 263 and the annular protrusion 266. The side wall 263 can limit the outward expansion of the first seal 22, and the annular protrusion 266 on the second wall 262 can limit the inward contraction of the first seal 22. In this way, the surrounding wall portion 225 is limited along the radial direction of the outflow channel 212, and the bending portion 224 is more likely to deform under negative pressure to form a gap 25. Among them, the second flanging 228 can also be provided on the edge 226 of the first seal 22 to increase the contact area between the first seal 22 and the second wall 262.

[0119] Among them, the first seal 22 may include the following structure. At least one notch 229 is provided on the wall of the water passage 222, and the opening direction of the notch 229 is set to face the outflow channel 212. Providing the notch 229 can make the bending portion 224 easily deform under negative pressure. In some embodiments, the number of notches 229 may be two, three or more, and they are arranged at equal intervals along the wall of the water passage 222, which can make the deformation of the bending portion 224 under negative pressure more uniform.

[0120] When the water circuit system of the beverage machine is provided with the above-mentioned negative pressure valve, a negative pressure is generated when the suction pump 43 is started to open the negative pressure valve. The connection and disconnection of the negative pressure valve do not require additional circuit control. It only needs to be connected in series upstream of the cleaning water pipeline 42 and is automatically opened based on the start of the suction pump 43, while eliminating the influence of the water hammer effect on the cleaning water pipeline 42 and reducing the cost of the water circuit system. In addition, the negative pressure valve has a small volume and will not increase the volume of the overall water circuit, so that the volume of the machine provided with this water circuit system is small.

[0121] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to embodiments, not every embodiment only contains an independent technical solution. This narrative way of the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0122] The series of detailed descriptions listed above are only specific descriptions of the feasible embodiments of the present invention, and they are not used to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any equivalent embodiments or changes made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water system for a beverage machine, comprising: A milk supply pipeline is connected between the milk supply source and the emulsification equipment, and a milk supply connector is provided on the milk supply pipeline; A water supply pipeline connected downstream of a water supply source, wherein a pressure boosting device is provided on the water supply pipeline; a liquid outlet pipeline connected to the downstream of the pressure boosting device, the liquid outlet pipeline being used to transport the liquid to the beverage outlet; a cleaning water pipeline connected between the booster device and the milk supply connector, the cleaning water pipeline being provided with a suction pump, the suction pump being able to selectively introduce water from the water supply source from the water supply pipeline into the milk supply connector; It is characterized in that: a flow on-off valve is arranged between the liquid outlet pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline; when the suction pump is turned off, the flow on-off valve disconnects the fluid connection from the water supply pipeline to the cleaning water pipeline; when the suction pump is started, the water supply pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline are fluidically connected through the flow on-off valve.

2. The water channel system of the beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow path on-off valve is constructed as a solenoid valve, which includes at least an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet. The inlet is connected to the downstream of the booster device, the first outlet is connected to the liquid outlet pipeline, and the second outlet is connected to the cleaning water pipeline.

3. The water system of the beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A connecting point is arranged between the liquid outlet pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline, and the flow path on-off valve is arranged between the connecting point and the cleaning water pipeline.

4. The water system of the beverage machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flow path on-off valve is configured as a pinch valve, which can connect the water supply pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline, or block the fluid communication between the water supply pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline.

5. The water channel system of the beverage machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flow path on-off valve is constructed as a negative pressure valve. When the suction pump is started, negative pressure is generated. The negative pressure valve opens under the action of the negative pressure to connect the water supply pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline; when the suction pump is turned off, the negative pressure valve closes to block the fluid connection between the water supply pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline.

6. The water channel system of the beverage machine according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The connection point is constructed as a multi-way joint, the water supply pipeline, the liquid outlet pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline are connected to the multi-way joint, and the flow path on-off valve is arranged between the multi-way joint and the cleaning water pipeline.

7. The water channel system of the beverage machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The water supply pipeline includes a brewing water pipeline and a hot water pipeline; In the case where the multi-way joint is a three-way joint, the liquid outlet pipeline, the hot water pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline are respectively connected to the three-way joint, and the flow path on-off valve is arranged between the three-way joint and the cleaning water pipeline; When the multi-way connector is a four-way connector, the liquid outlet pipeline, the brewing water pipeline, the hot water pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline are respectively connected to the four-way connector, and the flow path on-off valve is arranged between the four-way connector and the cleaning water pipeline.

8. The water channel system of the beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water supply pipeline includes a brewing water pipeline and a hot water pipeline; In the cleaning mode, the suction pump is started, the water supply pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline are fluidically connected through the flow on-off valve, and hot water is supplied to the hot water pipeline. Under the suction action of the suction pump, the hot water in the hot water pipeline is sequentially transported to the emulsification equipment through the flow on-off valve, the cleaning water pipeline and the milk supply pipeline.

9. The water channel system of the beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the cleaning mode, the suction pump is started, the water supply pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline are fluidically connected through the flow path on-off valve, and under the suction action of the suction pump, external air is transported from the beverage outlet to the emulsifying equipment through the liquid outlet pipeline, the cleaning water pipeline and the milk supply pipeline.

10. The water channel system of the beverage machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The flow path on-off valve comprises: A shell, the shell defines a cavity, the shell includes an inlet channel and an outlet channel, the inlet channel and the outlet channel are respectively connected to the cavity, the inlet channel is connected to the multi-way connector, and the outlet channel is connected to the cleaning water pipeline; A first sealing member is disposed in the cavity, and a negative pressure cavity is formed between the first sealing member and the outflow channel; a second sealing member, at least partially disposed in the cavity, the second sealing member being located between the inflow channel and the first sealing member; When the suction pump is turned off, the second sealing member abuts against the first sealing member to disconnect the communication between the inflow channel and the outflow channel, thereby disconnecting the communication between the water supply pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline; When the suction pump is started, the suction pump can generate negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber to form a gap between the first sealing member and the second sealing member, thereby connecting the inflow channel and the outflow channel, and further connecting the water supply pipeline and the cleaning water pipeline.

11. The water channel system of the beverage machine according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first sealing member satisfies at least one of the following characteristics: Under the negative pressure, at least part of the first sealing member deforms itself to form the gap with the second sealing member; Under the action of the negative pressure, at least a portion of the first sealing member is displaced away from the second sealing member.

12. The water channel system of the beverage machine according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The first sealing member is provided with a water passage, and the second sealing member extends into the water passage; When the suction pump is turned off, the wall of the water passage abuts against the second sealing member to close the negative pressure valve; when the suction pump is started, under the action of the negative pressure, the wall of the water passage separates from the second sealing member to form the gap to open the negative pressure valve.

13. The water channel system of the beverage machine according to claim 10, characterized in that: A first limiting portion is provided in the inflow channel, and the second sealing member includes a second limiting portion and a blocking portion, wherein the second limiting portion and the blocking portion are respectively provided on both sides of the first limiting portion along the fluid flow direction, and the second limiting portion extends into the inflow channel, and the blocking portion can abut against the sealing member; a preset interval is provided between the second limiting portion and the first limiting portion, and the second sealing member moves within the range of the preset interval, and along the fluid flow direction, the second limiting portion can abut against the first limiting portion.

Images