Waterway system and beverage preparation apparatus

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of beverage preparation equipment, disclose a water system and beverage preparation equipment, beverage preparation equipment includes water system and brewing bin, water system is used for supplying water to brewing bin, water system includes first boiler, second boiler, pressure relief valve and pressure switch, first boiler communicates with second boiler, the water inlet of first boiler connects the water supply spare outside, the water outlet of second boiler is used for supplying water to brewing bin, pressure relief valve communicates first boiler, pressure relief valve is used for the pressure relief of first boiler, pressure switch sets up on second boiler, pressure switch can control the heating system of first boiler and second boiler closes through control system, the trigger pressure value of pressure relief valve and pressure switch is different, water system adopts pressure relief valve and pressure switch to be able to save the internal space of beverage preparation equipment, the layout of each component is convenient, on the other hand, pressure relief valve and pressure switch also do not need frequent maintenance, thereby can simplify the maintenance work of later period, reduce the cost of maintenance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of beverage preparation equipment technology, and in particular to a water system and beverage preparation equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Coffee machines automate the entire coffee brewing process, including grinding, tamping, filling, brewing, and removing residue, making it more convenient for users to brew coffee.

[0003] In related technologies, the water for brewing in coffee machines is usually supplied to the brewing chamber through a water system. This water system is typically connected to a heating boiler. To ensure the safe operation of the boiler, an expansion tank assembly is often installed in the water system to balance the boiler pressure. However, on the one hand, installing an expansion tank significantly occupies the internal space of the coffee machine, leading to overcrowding and cramped layout of various components. Ultimately, this problem can only be solved by increasing the height and width of the coffee machine to increase the overall space. On the other hand, to ensure the normal use of the expansion tank, it is often necessary to check the pressure inside the expansion tank, making subsequent maintenance more complicated. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a water system and beverage preparation equipment that, on the one hand, occupies as little internal space as possible in the beverage preparation equipment, and on the other hand, simplifies subsequent maintenance.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A water system is used to supply water to the brewing chamber. The water system includes a first boiler, a second boiler, a pressure relief valve, and a pressure switch. The first boiler is connected to the second boiler. The inlet of the first boiler is connected to an external water supply device, and the outlet of the second boiler is used to supply water to the brewing chamber.

[0007] The pressure relief valve is connected to the first boiler and is used to relieve pressure on the first boiler. The pressure switch is installed on the second boiler and can control the heating systems of the first boiler and the second boiler to shut down through the control system. The trigger pressure value of the pressure relief valve is different from that of the pressure switch.

[0008] In some embodiments, the trigger pressure value of the pressure relief valve is less than the trigger pressure value of the pressure switch.

[0009] In some embodiments, the trigger pressure of the pressure relief valve is 5 PA to 8 PA; and the trigger pressure of the pressure switch is 8 PA to 15 PA.

[0010] In some embodiments, the water system further includes a tee connector, the first interface of which is connected to the inlet of the first boiler, the second interface of which is connected to the water supply component, and the third interface of which is connected to the pressure relief valve.

[0011] In some embodiments, the water system further includes an inlet valve connected between the tee and the water supply component.

[0012] In some embodiments, the water system further includes a one-way valve connected between the tee and the water supply component, the one-way valve allowing water to flow unidirectionally from the water supply component to the first boiler.

[0013] In some embodiments, the water system further includes a flow meter connected between the outlet of the second boiler and the brewing chamber.

[0014] In some embodiments, the water system further includes a waste liquid collection tray, and the pressure relief valve is connected to the waste liquid collection tray via a waste discharge pipe.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first boiler and / or the second boiler are provided with temperature monitoring devices to monitor the temperature of the first boiler and / or the second boiler.

[0016] A beverage preparation device is also provided, which includes the brewing chamber and the water system described above, wherein the water system is capable of supplying water to the brewing chamber.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0018] The water system replaces the original expansion tank with a pressure relief valve and a pressure switch. This saves internal space in the beverage preparation equipment without increasing its size, allowing for a larger internal space and easier layout of components. Furthermore, the pressure relief valve and pressure switch require less frequent maintenance, simplifying future maintenance and reducing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water system provided by this utility model.

[0020] In the picture:

[0021] 1. First boiler; 2. Second boiler; 3. Pressure relief valve; 4. Pressure switch; 5. T-joint; 6. Inlet valve; 8. Flow meter; 9. Waste liquid collection tray; 10. Waste discharge pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0025] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0026] The beverage preparation equipment of the present invention may include coffee machines, tea machines, beverage machines, traditional Chinese medicine beverage machines, etc.; this application uses a coffee machine as an example to describe the solution.

[0027] This application provides a coffee machine, the coffee machine including as follows: Figure 1The diagram shows a water system and brewing chamber. The water system supplies water to the brewing chamber to brew the coffee grounds located within. The coffee machine also includes a grounds dispenser and a bean hopper, details of which will not be elaborated further. It is understood that this water system can also be used in devices for brewing tea or other beverages. The water system includes a first boiler 1, a second boiler 2, a pressure relief valve 3, and a pressure switch 4. The first boiler 1 and the second boiler 2 are connected. The inlet of the first boiler 1 is connected to an external water supply unit, and the outlet of the second boiler 2 supplies water to the brewing chamber. The pressure relief valve 3 is connected to the first boiler 1 and is used to release pressure from the first boiler 1. The pressure switch 4 is located on the second boiler 2 and can control the heating systems of both boilers 1 and 2 to shut off via a control system. The trigger pressure values ​​of the pressure relief valve 3 and the pressure switch 4 are different.

[0028] The water system uses a pressure relief valve 3 and a pressure switch 4 to replace the original expansion tank. This saves internal space in the coffee machine without increasing its size, allowing for a larger internal space and easier layout of components. Furthermore, the pressure relief valve 3 and pressure switch 4 require less frequent maintenance, simplifying future maintenance and reducing costs.

[0029] The pressure relief valve 3 and pressure switch 4 are common structures in the prior art, and their specific structures will not be described in detail. In the current embodiment, the pressure switch 4 is located above the second boiler 2.

[0030] It should be noted that the water system employs a first boiler 1 and a second boiler 2. The first boiler 1 is connected to the water supply unit. When water is supplied to the first boiler 1, it preheats the water. The preheated water then enters the second boiler 2 for further heating. The brewing chamber directly uses water from the second boiler 2. This allows for direct use of high-temperature water for brewing, and also enables stepped heating through the connection of the first and second boilers, resulting in better and more uniform heating. Furthermore, the exterior of the first boiler 1 and the second boiler 2 can be covered with insulation material to minimize heat loss. For example, the insulation material can be, but is not limited to, thermal insulation cotton.

[0031] Since the first boiler 1 and the second boiler 2 are connected, the pressures of the first boiler 1 and the second boiler 2 are the same. In some embodiments, the trigger pressure value of the pressure relief valve 3 is less than the trigger pressure value of the pressure switch 4, thereby achieving dual pressure protection through the pressure relief valve 3 and the pressure switch 4. If the pressure value rises to the trigger value of the pressure relief valve 3, the pressure relief valve 3 will directly relieve pressure; if the pressure relief valve 3 fails to relieve pressure normally, when the pressure value rises to the pressure value of the pressure switch 4, the pressure switch 4 can control the heating systems of the first boiler 1 and the second boiler 2 to shut down synchronously through the control system, avoiding continuous heating and pressure rise, and completely cutting off the risk of pressure rise.

[0032] By using a pressure relief valve 3 with a trigger pressure value lower than that of pressure switch 4, pressure can be released at a lower trigger value without cutting off heating, thus ensuring the supply of hot water to the brewing chamber and guaranteeing the user experience.

[0033] For example, the trigger pressure value of pressure relief valve 3 is 5 Pa to 8 Pa; the trigger pressure value of pressure switch 4 is 8 Pa to 15 Pa. It can be understood that when the trigger pressure value of pressure relief valve 3 is 8 Pa, the trigger pressure value of pressure switch 4 is greater than 8 Pa, and when the trigger pressure value of pressure switch 4 is 8 Pa, the trigger pressure value of pressure relief valve 3 is less than 8 Pa.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the water system further includes a tee connector 5. The first port of the tee connector 5 is connected to the inlet of the first boiler 1, the second port of the tee connector 5 is connected to the water supply component, and the third port of the tee connector 5 is connected to the pressure relief valve 3. This allows for direct water supply through the inlet of the first boiler 1 and also enables pressure relief at the inlet of the first boiler 1. This reduces the number of pipes required and eliminates the need for an additional inlet on the first boiler 1 to connect to the pressure relief valve 3, making the installation of the pressure relief valve 3 more convenient. For example, the inlet of the first boiler 1 is located below the first boiler 1, meaning that the tee connector 5 and the pressure relief valve 3 are connected below the first boiler 1.

[0035] When the pressure relief valve 3 releases pressure, some water will inevitably flow out. To minimize the impact of the water flowing out of the pressure relief valve 3 on other components inside the coffee machine, the water system also includes a waste liquid collection tray 9. The pressure relief valve 3 is connected to the waste liquid collection tray 9 via a waste drain pipe 10, thereby guiding the flowing water into the waste liquid collection tray 9 for storage. In the current embodiment, the waste liquid collection tray 9 can be directly the waste liquid box used to support the cup on the coffee machine. In other embodiments, a separate collection box or bucket for collecting the water flowing out of the pressure relief valve 3 can also be provided.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the water system further includes an inlet valve 6, which is connected between the tee connector 5 and the water supply component, so that the progress of water injection into the first boiler 1 can be controlled by opening and closing the inlet valve 6; exemplaryly, the inlet valve 6 may be, but is not limited to, a solenoid valve.

[0037] In some embodiments, the water system further includes a one-way valve (not shown in the figure), which is connected between the three-way connector 5 and the water supply component. It should be noted that the one-way valve can be set between the water supply component and the inlet valve 6, or between the inlet valve 6 and the three-way connector 5. The one-way valve enables water to flow unidirectionally from the water supply component to the first boiler 1, preventing water backflow in the first boiler 1.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the water system further includes a flow meter 8, which is connected between the outlet of the second boiler 2 and the brewing chamber. More specifically, the outlet of the second boiler 2 is connected to the flow meter 8, a solenoid valve, and a water-injection shower head, which injects water into the brewing chamber. The flow meter 8 measures the volume of water entering the brewing chamber from the second boiler 2, thereby controlling the water inflow as precisely as possible to ensure accurate brewing volume each time. The type of flow meter 8 is not specifically limited; in this embodiment, a Hall effect flow meter is used. To ensure accurate flow and minimize peak flow in the flow meter, it is placed horizontally in this embodiment.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first boiler 1 and / or the second boiler 2 are provided with temperature monitoring devices, so as to monitor the temperature inside the first boiler 1 and the second boiler 2, thereby enabling the monitoring of the heating status of the first boiler 1 and the second boiler 2 and providing feedback on the heating progress.

[0040] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water system for supplying water to a brewing chamber, characterized in that, The water system includes a first boiler (1), a second boiler (2), a pressure relief valve (3), and a pressure switch (4). The first boiler (1) is connected to the second boiler (2). The inlet of the first boiler (1) is connected to an external water supply device, and the outlet of the second boiler (2) is used to supply water to the brewing chamber. The pressure relief valve (3) is connected to the first boiler (1) and is used to relieve pressure on the first boiler (1). The pressure switch (4) is installed on the second boiler (2). The pressure switch (4) can control the heating systems of the first boiler (1) and the second boiler (2) to shut down through the control system. The trigger pressure values ​​of the pressure relief valve (3) and the pressure switch (4) are different.

2. The water system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trigger pressure value of the pressure relief valve (3) is less than the trigger pressure value of the pressure switch (4).

3. The water system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The trigger pressure value of the pressure relief valve (3) is 5 PA to 8 PA; the trigger pressure value of the pressure switch (4) is 8 PA to 15 PA.

4. The water system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water system also includes a three-way connector (5), the first interface of which is connected to the inlet of the first boiler (1), the second interface of which is connected to the water supply component, and the third interface of which is connected to the pressure relief valve (3).

5. The water system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The water system also includes an inlet valve (6), which is connected between the three-way connector (5) and the water supply component.

6. The water system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The water system also includes a one-way valve, which is connected between the three-way connector (5) and the water supply component. The one-way valve allows water to flow unidirectionally from the water supply component to the first boiler (1).

7. The water system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water system also includes a flow meter (8), which is connected between the outlet of the second boiler (2) and the brewing chamber.

8. The water system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water system also includes a waste liquid collection tray (9), and the pressure relief valve (3) is connected to the waste liquid collection tray (9) through a waste discharge pipe (10).

9. The waterway system according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The first boiler (1) and / or the second boiler (2) are equipped with temperature monitoring devices to monitor the temperature of the first boiler (1) and / or the second boiler (2).

10. A beverage preparation device, characterized in that, Includes the brewing chamber and the water system as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the water system is capable of supplying water to the brewing chamber.

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