Coffee machine

Abstract

A coffee machine comprises a water supply assembly, a heater, a brewing device, an outlet piece, a refrigerating system and an ice block making system, the refrigerating system comprises a first evaporator, and the ice block making system comprises a water return tank and an ice water conveying assembly. The water supply assembly, the heater, the brewing device and the outlet piece are sequentially connected in series to form a hot coffee making branch. The first evaporator and the ice water conveying assembly are both connected with the brewing device, the first evaporator is used for cooling coffee output by the brewing device to form ice coffee, and the ice water conveying assembly is used for conveying ice water in the water return tank to be mixed with the coffee output by the brewing device to form the ice coffee. The coffee machine can be used for making hot coffee, ice coffee, ice blocks, hot water and ice water, and various drinking requirements of users can be met. Moreover, in the ice coffee making mode, when the temperature and the water amount of the ice water in the water return tank reach preset values, the ice water in the water return tank can be used for making ice coffee, and the energy-saving effect can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of coffee machine technology, and in particular to a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] Existing coffee machines have limited functionality and cannot meet user needs. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the present invention proposes a coffee machine.

[0004] The coffee machine proposed in this utility model includes a water supply component, a heater, a brewer, an outlet, a refrigeration system, and an ice making system. The refrigeration system includes a first evaporator, and the ice making system includes a return water tank and an ice water conveying component. The return water tank is used to collect ice water formed by melting ice, and the ice water conveying component is connected to the return water tank.

[0005] The water supply component, the heater, the brewer, and the outlet are connected in series to form a hot coffee making circuit;

[0006] Both the first evaporator and the ice water delivery assembly are connected to the brewer. The first evaporator is used to cool the coffee output from the brewer to form iced coffee, and the ice water delivery assembly is used to deliver ice water from the return water tank to mix with the coffee output from the brewer to form iced coffee.

[0007] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the coffee machine proposed in this utility model can make hot coffee, iced coffee, and ice cubes. It can also supply hot or cold water, meeting various drinking needs of users. Furthermore, in iced coffee making mode, when the temperature and volume of the ice water in the return tank reach preset values, the ice water in the return tank can be used to make iced coffee, achieving an energy-saving effect. Attached Figure Description

[0008] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit structure of a coffee machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit structure of a coffee machine according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit structure of a coffee machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0013] 11. Water supply components; 12. Heater; 13. Infuser; 14. Outlet component; 15. Refrigeration system; 16. Ice making system; 17. First three-way valve; 18. First two-way valve; 19. Third three-way valve; 20. Fourth three-way valve; 21. Second three-way valve; 22. Second two-way valve; 23. Fifth three-way valve; 24. Sixth three-way valve; 25. Seventh three-way valve; 26. Third three-way valve; 27. Third two-way valve; 28. Eighth three-way valve; 29. ​​Fourth three-way valve; 30. Safety valve; 31. Return water box;

[0014] 111. Water supply tank; 112. First flow meter; 113. Second water pump;

[0015] 151. First evaporator; 152. Second evaporator; 153. Compressor; 154. Condenser; 155. First three-way valve; 156. Second three-way valve;

[0016] 161. Return water tank; 162. Ice water conveying assembly; 163. Ice making module; 164. Ice making tank; 165. First water pump; 1641. Ice block outlet; 1642. Ice water outlet; 1621. Second flow meter; 1622. Third water pump; 1611. Drain hole;

[0017] 101. First water level sensor; 102. Temperature sensor; 103. Second water level sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, not all embodiments. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are all within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0019] like Figure 1As shown, an embodiment of this utility model proposes a coffee machine, which includes a water supply assembly 11, a heater 12, a brewer 13, an outlet 14, a refrigeration system 15, and an ice-making system 16. The refrigeration system 15 includes a first evaporator 151, and the ice-making system 16 includes a return water tank 161 and an ice-water delivery assembly 162. The return water tank 161 is used to collect ice water formed by melting ice cubes, and the ice-water delivery assembly 162 is connected to the return water tank 161. The water supply assembly 11, the heater 12, the brewer 13, and the outlet 14 are connected in series to form a hot coffee making branch. The first evaporator 151 and the ice-water delivery assembly 162 are both connected to the brewer 13. The first evaporator 151 is used to cool the coffee output from the brewer 13 to form iced coffee, and the ice-water delivery assembly 162 is used to deliver the ice water in the return water tank 161 to mix with the coffee output from the brewer 13 to form iced coffee.

[0020] When hot coffee needs to be made, the water supply assembly 11 delivers water to the heater 12 for heating. The heated water then enters the brewer 13 to brew the hot coffee, which is then poured into a coffee cup from the outlet 14. It should be noted that when no coffee grounds are added to the brewer 13, the branch formed by the water supply assembly 11, heater 12, brewer 13, and outlet 14 connected in series can also be used to make hot water.

[0021] There are two ways to make iced coffee. The first way is that the refrigeration system 15 is running, and the water supply component 11 delivers water to the heater 12 for heating. The heated water then enters the brewer 13 to brew hot coffee. The brewed hot coffee enters the first evaporator 151 to cool and form iced coffee, which is then poured into a coffee cup from the outlet 14. The second way is that when the temperature and volume of the ice water in the return water tank 161 reach a preset value, the refrigeration system 15 is not running. The ice water delivery component 162 directly delivers the ice water from the return water tank 161 to mix with the coffee output from the brewer 13 to form iced coffee, which is then poured into a coffee cup from the outlet 14. It should be noted that when no coffee grounds are added to the brewer 13, the branch formed by the water supply component 11, heater 12, brewer 13, first evaporator 151, and outlet 14 connected in series can be used to make ice water. Of course, the branch formed by the return water tank 161, ice water delivery component 162, and outlet 14 connected in series can also be used to supply ice water.

[0022] The coffee machine proposed in this embodiment can make hot coffee, iced coffee, and ice cubes. It can also supply hot or cold water, meeting various drinking needs. Furthermore, in iced coffee making mode, when the temperature and volume of the ice water in the return water tank 161 reach preset values, the ice water in the return water tank 161 can be used to make iced coffee. This implementation method achieves energy-saving effects.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the return water tank 161 is equipped with a first water level sensor 101 and a temperature sensor 102. The first water level sensor 101 is used to detect the level of ice water in the return water tank 161, and the temperature sensor 102 is used to detect the temperature of ice water in the return water tank 161. The coffee machine also includes a controller, which is communicatively connected to the refrigeration system 15, the ice water delivery assembly 162, the first water level sensor 101, and the temperature sensor 102. In the iced coffee making mode, when the temperature and volume of ice water in the return water tank 161 reach preset values, the controller controls the ice water delivery assembly 162 to deliver the ice water in the return water tank 161 to mix with the coffee output from the brewer 13 to form iced coffee; and when the temperature or volume of ice water in the return water tank 161 does not reach the preset values, the controller controls the refrigeration system 15 to operate so that the first evaporator 151 cools the coffee output from the brewer 13 to form iced coffee.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the refrigeration system 15 further includes a second evaporator 152, and the ice-making system 16 further includes an ice-making module 163 and an ice-making tank 164. The ice-making module 163 is connected to the second evaporator 152 and is used to condense water to form ice cubes. The ice-making tank 164 is used to receive ice cubes dropped from the ice-making module 163. The ice-making tank 164 is provided with an ice cube outlet 1641 and an ice water outlet 1642, and the ice water outlet 1642 is connected to the return water tank 161. The ice cubes produced by the ice-making system 16 are poured into coffee cups from the ice cube outlet 1641, and the unused ice cubes melt in the ice-making tank 164 to form ice water which is then poured into the return water tank 161.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the water supply assembly 11 includes a water supply tank 111, and a return water tank 161 is connected to the water supply tank 111. The ice-making system 16 also includes a first water pump 165, which is connected to both the return water tank 161 and the ice-making module 163. The first water pump 165 is used to transport water from the return water tank 161 to the ice-making module 163. Understandably, the first water pump 165 draws ice water from the return water tank 161 to the ice-making module 163 for ice production. The energy required for the ice water to condense into ice is relatively small, thus achieving energy-saving effects. Of course, in other embodiments, the first water pump 165 can also directly draw water from the water supply assembly 11 to the ice-making module 163 for ice production, depending on the actual design requirements. The first water pump 165 can be, but is not limited to, a low-pressure water pump.

[0026] like Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, the coffee machine further includes a first three-way valve 17 and a first two-way valve 18. The three ports of the first three-way valve 17 are respectively connected to the return water tank 161, the ice water delivery assembly 162, and one port of the first two-way valve 18. The other port of the first two-way valve 18 is connected to the supply water tank 111. During the process of the ice water delivery assembly 162 delivering ice water from the return water tank 161 to mix with the coffee output from the brewer 13 to form iced coffee, the first two-way valve 18 is closed. During the process of water from the supply water tank 111 being delivered to the return water tank 161, the first two-way valve 18 is opened. The first two-way valve 18 can be, but is not limited to, a solenoid valve. In this embodiment, the water from the supply water tank 111 being delivered to the return water tank 161 and the ice water from the return water tank 161 being delivered to the coffee output from the brewer 13 can share some piping, thereby simplifying the piping and reducing costs.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the refrigeration system 15 further includes a compressor 153, a condenser 154, a first three-way valve 155, and a second three-way valve 156. The compressor 153, condenser 154, first three-way valve 155, first evaporator 151, and second three-way valve 156 are connected in series to form a first refrigeration circuit. The compressor 153, condenser 154, first three-way valve 155, second evaporator 152, and second three-way valve 156 are connected in series to form a second refrigeration circuit. In this embodiment, the first evaporator 151 and the second evaporator 152 can share a single set of compressor 153 and condenser 154, which can save costs. Of course, in other embodiments, the compressor 153 and condenser 154 can also be provided in two sets, one set connected to the first evaporator 151 and the other set connected to the second evaporator 152. The first three-way valve 155 and the second three-way valve 156 can be, but are not limited to, solenoid valves.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the coffee machine further includes a third three-way valve 19 and a fourth three-way valve 20, which are connected in series. One of the remaining two ports of the third three-way valve 19 is connected to the brewer 13, and the other port is connected to the outlet 14. One of the remaining two ports of the fourth three-way valve 20 is connected to the ice water delivery assembly 162, and the other port is connected to the first evaporator 151. In this embodiment, in both methods of making iced coffee, the final output of the iced coffee passes through the pipeline connected to the first evaporator 151, which simplifies the piping and reduces costs.

[0029] It should be noted that the implementation is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, in some other embodiments, such as... Figure 2As shown, the coffee machine also includes a second three-way valve 21, a second two-way valve 22, and a fifth three-way valve 23. The three ports of the second three-way valve 21 are respectively connected to the brewer 13, the second two-way valve 22, and the fifth three-way valve 23. The other port of the second two-way valve 22 is connected to the outlet 14. One of the remaining two ports of the fifth three-way valve 23 is connected to the ice water delivery assembly 162, and the other port of the fifth three-way valve 23 is connected to the first evaporator 151.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the coffee machine further includes a sixth three-way valve 24 and a seventh three-way valve 25, which are connected in series. One of the remaining two ports of the sixth three-way valve 24 is connected to the heater 12, and the other port is connected to the brewer 13. One of the remaining two ports of the seventh three-way valve 25 is connected to the ice-making system 16, and the other port is connected to the hot water or steam output port S. In this embodiment, the coffee machine can produce hot water or steam for frothing milk through the branch formed by the water supply assembly 11, the heater 12, the sixth three-way valve 24, and the seventh three-way valve 25 connected in series. Alternatively, the ice-making system 16 can be sterilized with hot water or steam through the branch formed by the water supply assembly 11, the heater 12, the sixth three-way valve 24, the seventh three-way valve 25, and the ice-making system 16 connected in series. This implementation method further enriches the functions of the coffee machine, meets the user's needs, and makes the coffee machine safe and hygienic to use.

[0031] It should be noted that the implementation is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, in some other embodiments, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the coffee machine also includes a third three-way valve 26, a third two-way valve 27, and an eighth three-way valve 28. The three ports of the third three-way valve 26 are connected to the heater 12, the third two-way valve 27, and the eighth three-way valve 28, respectively. The other port of the third two-way valve 27 is connected to the brewer 13. One of the remaining two ports of the eighth three-way valve 28 is connected to the ice-making system 16, and the other port of the eighth three-way valve 28 is connected to the hot water or steam output port S.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the water supply assembly 11 includes a water supply tank 111, a first flow meter 112, and a second water pump 113 connected in sequence. The second water pump 113 may be, but is not limited to, a high-pressure water pump.

[0033] like Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, the coffee machine also includes a fourth three-way valve 29, whose three ports are respectively connected to the water supply tank 111, the first flow meter 112, and the first two-way valve 18. In this embodiment, the first flow meter 112 and the first two-way valve 18 share a common section of pipe connecting the water supply tank 111 and the fourth three-way valve 29, simplifying the piping structure, reducing installation difficulty, and saving costs. Of course, in other embodiments, the coffee machine may not have the fourth three-way valve 29; the first flow meter 112 and the first two-way valve 18 can be connected to the water supply tank 111 through different pipes, depending on the actual design requirements.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the chilled water delivery assembly 162 includes a second flow meter 1621 and a third water pump 1622 connected in series. The third water pump 1622 may be, but is not limited to, a low-pressure water pump.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the water supply tank 111 is equipped with a second water level sensor 103.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the return water tank 161 is provided with a drain hole 1611. This drain hole 1611 is used to discharge wastewater generated by the ice making system 16 during hot water sterilization or steam sterilization.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the coffee machine also includes a safety valve 30 and a return water box 31. The safety valve 30 is connected to the pipeline between the water supply assembly 11 and the heater 12, and the return water box 31 is connected to the safety valve 30. In this embodiment, when the coffee machine malfunctions during operation, the water pumped from the water supply tank 111 by the second water pump 113 can enter the return water box 31 for buffering.

[0038] The above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A coffee maker, characterized in that, The coffee machine comprises a water supply assembly, a heating device, a brewing device, an outlet, a refrigeration system and an ice cube making system, the refrigeration system comprises a first evaporator, the ice cube making system comprises a water return tank and an ice water delivery assembly, the water return tank is used for collecting ice water formed by melting of ice cubes, and the ice water delivery assembly is connected with the water return tank; The water supply assembly, the heating device, the brewing device and the outlet are sequentially connected in series to form a hot coffee making branch; The first evaporator and the ice water delivery assembly are both connected with the brewing device, the first evaporator is used for cooling coffee output by the brewing device to form iced coffee, and the ice water delivery assembly is used for delivering ice water in the water return tank to the coffee output by the brewing device to form iced coffee.

2. The coffee maker of claim 1, wherein, The refrigeration system further comprises a second evaporator, and the ice cube making system further comprises an ice making module and an ice making ice tank, the ice making module is connected with the second evaporator, and the ice making module is used for condensing water to form ice cubes; The ice making ice tank is used for receiving ice cubes dropped from the ice making module, and the ice making ice tank is provided with an ice cube outlet and an ice water outlet, and the ice water outlet is communicated with the water return tank.

3. The coffee maker of claim 2, wherein, The water supply assembly comprises a water supply tank, the water return tank is connected with the water supply tank, the ice cube making system further comprises a first water pump, the first water pump is connected with the water return tank and the ice making module respectively, and the first water pump is used for delivering water in the water return tank to the ice making module.

4. The coffee maker of claim 3, wherein The coffee machine further comprises a first three-way valve and a first two-way valve, three interfaces of the first three-way valve are connected with the water return tank, the ice water delivery assembly and one interface of the first two-way valve respectively, and the other interface of the first two-way valve is connected with the water supply tank.

5. The coffee maker of claim 2, wherein, The refrigeration system further comprises a compressor, a condenser, a first three-way valve and a second three-way valve; The compressor, the condenser, the first three-way valve, the first evaporator and the second three-way valve are connected in series to form a first refrigeration circuit; The compressor, the condenser, the first three-way valve, the second evaporator and the second three-way valve are connected in series to form a second refrigeration circuit.

6. The coffee maker of claim 1, wherein, The coffee machine further comprises a third three-way valve and a fourth three-way valve, and the third three-way valve and the fourth three-way valve are connected in series; One of the remaining two interfaces of the third three-way valve is connected with the brewing device, and the other of the remaining two interfaces of the third three-way valve is connected with the outlet; One of the remaining two interfaces of the fourth three-way valve is connected with the ice water delivery assembly, and the other of the remaining two interfaces of the fourth three-way valve is connected with the first evaporator.

7. The coffee maker of claim 1, wherein, The coffee machine further comprises a second three-way valve, a second two-way valve and a fifth three-way valve, three interfaces of the second three-way valve are connected with the brewing device, the second two-way valve and the fifth three-way valve respectively; The other interface of the second two-way valve is connected with the outlet; One of the remaining two interfaces of the fifth three-way valve is connected with the ice water delivery assembly, and the other of the remaining two interfaces of the fifth three-way valve is connected with the first evaporator.

8. The coffee maker of claim 1, wherein, The coffee machine further comprises a sixth three-way valve and a seventh three-way valve, which are connected in series; One of the remaining two interfaces of the sixth three-way valve is connected with the heat generator, and the other of the remaining two interfaces of the sixth three-way valve is connected with the brewing device; One of the remaining two interfaces of the seventh three-way valve is connected with the ice making system, and the other of the remaining two interfaces of the seventh three-way valve is connected with a hot water or steam outlet.

9. The coffee maker of claim 1, wherein, The coffee machine further comprises a third three-way valve, a third two-way valve and an eighth three-way valve, three interfaces of the third three-way valve are respectively connected with the heat generator, the third two-way valve and the eighth three-way valve; The other interface of the third two-way valve is connected with the brewing device; One of the remaining two interfaces of the eighth three-way valve is connected with the ice making system, and the other of the remaining two interfaces of the eighth three-way valve is connected with a hot water or steam outlet.

10. The coffee maker of claim 1, wherein, At least one of the following conditions is met: The water supply assembly comprises a water supply tank, a first flow meter and a second water pump connected in sequence; The ice water conveying assembly comprises a second flow meter and a third water pump connected in series; The backwater tank is provided with a first water level sensor and a temperature sensor; The water supply assembly comprises a water supply tank, and the water supply tank is provided with a second water level sensor; The backwater tank is provided with a drain hole; The coffee machine further comprises a safety valve and a backwater box, the safety valve is connected with a pipeline between the water supply assembly and the heat generator, and the backwater box is connected with the safety valve.

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