Liquid separation mechanism and beverage preparation device

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of beverage preparation equipment, disclose a kind of liquid distribution mechanism and beverage preparation equipment, beverage preparation equipment includes brewing jar and liquid distribution mechanism, liquid distribution mechanism includes shell and valve assembly, first cavity and second cavity are in shell, shell also has import, first outlet and second outlet, import intercommunication first cavity and second cavity, first outlet intercommunication first cavity, second outlet intercommunication second cavity;Valve assembly is configured as can control import intercommunication first outlet and / or second outlet, by selective intercommunication first outlet or second outlet, when the operation of cleaning brewing jar and intercepting beverage liquid of different period is more convenient, improve use experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of beverage preparation equipment technology, and in particular to a liquid separation mechanism 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] During use, the coffee machine draws hot water into the brewing tank for brewing. After brewing, the brewed coffee flows from the brewing tank into the cup. In related technologies, the brewing tank is usually connected to a valve structure, which typically has a valve outlet located on the front of the coffee machine. This valve structure controls the flow of coffee. Because the valve structure has an outlet, during cleaning of the brewing tank, cleaning water also flows out from the valve outlet, resulting in both coffee and rinsing waste being discharged from the front of the coffee machine, affecting the user experience. Furthermore, since the valve structure only has one outlet, it is difficult to intercept a portion of the coffee, further impacting the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a liquid dispensing mechanism and beverage preparation equipment to improve the user experience.

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

[0006] A liquid dispensing mechanism, comprising:

[0007] A housing having a first cavity and a second cavity, and the housing also having an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet, the inlet connecting the first cavity and the second cavity, the first outlet connecting the first cavity, and the second outlet connecting the second cavity;

[0008] A valve assembly configured to control the inlet to connect to the first outlet and / or the second outlet.

[0009] In some embodiments, the liquid dispensing mechanism further includes a partition wall and a connecting pipe.

[0010] The partition wall is disposed within the housing, and the partition wall divides the inner cavity of the housing into the first cavity and the second cavity.

[0011] The connecting pipe is inserted into the partition wall, and its two ends are connected to the first cavity and the second cavity, respectively. The connecting pipe is connected to the inlet.

[0012] In some embodiments, the valve assembly includes two sealing valves, each capable of sealing or opening the ports at both ends of the connecting pipe.

[0013] In some embodiments, the liquid dispensing mechanism further includes two monitoring elements, which are configured one-to-one with the two sealing valves. The monitoring elements are capable of monitoring the opening and closing status of the sealing valves and the connecting pipe.

[0014] In some embodiments, the blocking valve includes a valve core and a valve stem, the valve core being connected to the valve stem, the valve stem being capable of moving the valve core, and the monitoring element being capable of monitoring the position of the valve stem and / or the valve core.

[0015] In some embodiments, the valve assembly further includes a mounting bracket disposed on the housing, the sealing valve disposed on the mounting bracket, and the monitoring element disposed on the mounting bracket.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first outlet and the second outlet have different outlet directions.

[0017] In some embodiments, the effective circulation area of ​​the first outlet is greater than the effective circulation area of ​​the second outlet.

[0018] In some embodiments, the inlet is located at the top of the housing, and the first outlet and the second outlet are located at the bottom of the housing.

[0019] A beverage preparation device is also provided, which includes a brewing tank and a dispensing mechanism as described above, wherein the dispensing mechanism is connected to the brewing tank so that the outlet of the brewing tank is connected to the inlet.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0021] A valve assembly connects the first outlet to the inlet and disconnects the second outlet from the inlet, allowing beverage liquid to enter the first chamber through the inlet and then exit through the first outlet. During rinsing, the valve assembly disconnects the first outlet from the inlet and connects the second outlet to the inlet, allowing cleaning waste liquid to enter the second chamber through the inlet and then exit through the second outlet. This allows beverage liquid and cleaning waste liquid to flow out from two different outlets, directly guiding the waste liquid to the waste liquid collection unit, improving the user experience. Furthermore, when making different flavors of coffee and needing to collect beverage liquid at different times, selectively connecting the first or second outlet allows the desired beverage liquid to flow out through the first outlet, while the unwanted beverage liquid flows out through the second outlet, making the beverage liquid collection operation more convenient and further improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the liquid separation mechanism in this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a top view of the liquid separation mechanism in this utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid separation mechanism in this utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the shell in this utility model from one perspective;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the shell from another perspective in this utility model.

[0028] In the picture:

[0029] 1. Shell; 11. First cavity; 12. Second cavity; 13. Inlet; 14. First outlet; 15. Second outlet; 16. Sealing groove;

[0030] 2. Valve assembly; 21. Blocking valve; 211. Valve core; 212. Valve stem; 22. Mounting bracket;

[0031] 3. Partition wall;

[0032] 4. Connecting pipe;

[0033] 5. Monitoring items. Detailed Implementation

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The beverage preparation equipment of the present invention may include coffee machines, tea machines, beverage machines, traditional Chinese medicine beverage machines, etc.; the beverage liquid of the present invention includes coffee liquid, tea liquid, chocolate liquid, traditional Chinese medicine liquid, etc.; this application uses coffee machines and coffee liquid as examples to describe the solution.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this application provides a coffee machine, which includes a brewing tank and, as shown, a coffee machine. Figure 1 The liquid dispensing mechanism shown includes a housing 1 and a valve assembly 2. The housing 1 has a first chamber 11 and a second chamber 12. The housing 1 also has an inlet 13, a first outlet 14 and a second outlet 15. The inlet 13 connects to the first chamber 11 and the second chamber 12, the first outlet 14 connects to the first chamber 11, and the second outlet 15 connects to the second chamber 12. The valve assembly 2 is configured to control the connection of the inlet 13 to the first outlet 14 and / or the second outlet 15. The second outlet 15 can be connected to a waste liquid collection device via a waste liquid pipe, or it can be buffered by a liquid buffer device before being connected to the waste liquid collection device via a waste liquid pipe. For example, the waste liquid collection device can be, but is not limited to, a waste liquid collection box for supporting a cup. The liquid dispensing mechanism is connected to the brewing tank so that the outlet of the brewing tank is connected to the inlet 13.

[0040] The aforementioned dispensing mechanism is installed at the outlet of the brewing tank. After the brewing tank has finished brewing the coffee, the valve assembly 2 can connect the first outlet 14 to the inlet 13 and disconnect the second outlet 15 from the inlet 13, allowing the coffee to enter the first chamber 11 through the inlet 13 and then exit through the first outlet 14. When rinsing the coffee machine, the valve assembly 2 can disconnect the first outlet 14 from the inlet 13 and connect the second outlet 15 to the inlet 13, allowing the cleaning waste liquid to enter the second chamber 12 through the inlet 13 and then exit through the second outlet 15. This allows the coffee and cleaning waste liquid (hereinafter referred to as waste liquid) to flow out from two different outlets, directly guiding the waste liquid into the waste liquid collection device, thus improving the user experience.

[0041] The coffee liquid can be separated at different stages by controlling the opening and closing time of the valve assembly 2, so that the first and last parts of the coffee liquid can be discarded and only the middle part of the coffee liquid can be retained. Alternatively, the desired coffee liquid can be discharged from the first outlet 14 and the unwanted coffee liquid can be discharged from the second outlet 15 by selectively connecting the first outlet 14 or the second outlet 15, making the operation of separating coffee liquid more convenient and further improving the user experience.

[0042] In some cases, the first chamber 11 and the second chamber 12 can be connected to the inlet 13 at the same time. For example, the air intake into the brewing tank connected to the inlet 13 can be increased to reduce the impact of detonation. Connecting the first chamber 11 and the second chamber 12 to the inlet 13 at the same time can also increase the water flow path to discharge waste liquid as soon as possible.

[0043] Understandably, a coffee machine also includes a water system for water intake, a system for mixing coffee grounds and water, and a bean hopper for holding coffee beans, etc., which will not be elaborated on here.

[0044] This dispensing mechanism is also suitable for devices used to brew tea or other beverages.

[0045] Generally, the outlet of the brewing tank is located at the bottom of the brewing tank. Based on the above setup of the brewing tank, such as... Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the inlet 13 is located at the top of the housing 1, while the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 are located at the bottom of the housing 1. This arrangement allows the liquid in the brewing tank to flow out quickly from the first outlet 14 or the second outlet 15, making liquid dispensing more convenient. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 As shown, the housing 1 is also provided with a sealing groove 16, which is axially arranged around the inlet 13. The sealing groove 16 can be fitted with sealing elements such as rubber rings or silicone rings for sealing, thereby minimizing the possibility of leakage at the sealed inlet 13 when the housing 1 is connected to the brewing tank. In addition, the connection method between the housing 1 and the brewing tank can be, but is not limited to, plug-in, snap-fit, or bolt connection.

[0046] In addition, such as Figure 1 , Figure 5 As shown, in the current embodiment, the effective flow area of ​​the first outlet 14 is greater than that of the second outlet 15. Since the first outlet 14 is used to dispense coffee liquid and the second outlet 15 is used to dispense waste liquid, the amount of coffee liquid dispensed will be significantly higher than the amount of waste liquid. The relatively larger effective flow area of ​​the first outlet 14 can increase the dispensing speed of coffee liquid and further improve the user experience.

[0047] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the included angle between the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 is α, which can be arbitrarily set within the range of 0°-180°. For example, the included angle between the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 can be 30°, 40°, 80°, or 120°, so that the outlet directions of the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 are different, thereby better guiding the coffee liquid and waste liquid to different directions. For example, the first outlet 14 can be guided to the front of the coffee machine through the liquid outlet pipe, while the second outlet 15 can be guided away from the front of the coffee machine through the waste liquid pipe, avoiding direct visibility of the waste discharge process, thus making the layout of the liquid outlet pipe and the waste liquid pipe more reasonable.

[0048] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the liquid dispensing mechanism further includes a partition wall 3, which is disposed within the housing 1. The partition wall 3 divides the inner cavity of the housing 1 into a first cavity 11 and a second cavity 12. A connecting pipe 4 is inserted into the partition wall 3, with one end of the connecting pipe 4 located in the first cavity 11 and the other end located in the second cavity 12. An inlet 13 is connected to the connecting pipe 4, thereby enabling the inlet 13 to connect the first cavity 11 and the second cavity 12. The valve assembly 2 includes two sealing valves 21, which can respectively seal or open the ports at both ends of the connecting pipe 4 used to connect the first cavity 11 and the second cavity 12. Thus, by switching the sealing valves 21 on and off, the inlet 13 can connect to at least one of the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15. Exemplarily, the housing 1, the connecting pipe 4, and the partition wall 3 are integrally formed, thereby facilitating molding.

[0049] In the current embodiment, the blocking valve 21 may be, but is not limited to, a solenoid valve or an electric valve. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the sealing valve 21 mainly includes a valve core 211 and a valve stem 212. A sealing element may also be provided on the valve core 211 to better seal the opening of the connecting pipe 4. The sealing element may be, but is not limited to, silicone or rubber (the other components of the valve will not be described in detail). The valve core 211 is connected to the valve stem 212. The end face of the housing 1 facing the opening of the connecting pipe 4 has a mounting port. The sealing valve 21 seals the mounting port, and the valve core 211 is located within the first chamber 11 or the second chamber 12. Thus, the valve core 211 can be moved closer to or further away from the opening of the connecting pipe 4 by the movement of the valve stem 212. Exemplarily, the valve assembly 2 also includes a mounting bracket 22, which is disposed on the housing 1. The sealing valve 21 is disposed on the mounting bracket 22. The mounting bracket 22 and the housing 1 may be connected by bolts, but is not limited to, so that the sealing valve 21 seals the mounting port.

[0050] In some embodiments, the liquid dispensing mechanism further includes a monitoring element 5. Two monitoring elements 5 are provided, and the two monitoring elements 5 are configured one-to-one with the two sealing valves 21. The monitoring element 5 can monitor the opening and closing status of the sealing valves 21 and the connecting pipe 4, so that when the sealing valves 21 need to open one of the ports of the connecting pipe 4, the monitoring element 5 can accurately monitor and ensure the accuracy of the opening of the two sealing valves 21.

[0051] In some embodiments, the monitoring element 5 can detect the position of the valve stem 212 and / or the valve core 211, thereby determining the state of the blocking valve 21, such as... Figure 3 As shown. To reduce the impact of coffee liquid or waste liquid on the monitoring element 5, the monitoring element 5 is mounted on the mounting bracket 22. This allows it to monitor the position of the valve stem 212 as the valve core 211 moves, reflecting the movement state of the valve core 211 and thus determining whether the sealing valve 21 is in a sealed or open state at the opening of the connecting pipe 4. For example, the monitoring element 5 can be, but is not limited to, a Hall element, and the valve stem 212 can be equipped with a magnetic element. The position of the valve stem 212 can be determined by the change in the magnetic field as the magnetic element approaches or moves away from the Hall element. Alternatively, the monitoring element 5 can be a position sensor, located on the side of the valve stem 212 away from the valve core 211. When the valve stem 212 moves towards the position sensor, the valve core 211 moves away from the connecting pipe 4. Once the valve stem 212 reaches the position sensor, the valve core 211 fully opens the connecting pipe 4; conversely, it fully closes the connecting pipe 4.

[0052] To facilitate later maintenance, the position sensor and the mounting bracket 22 are fixed by a detachable connection method such as bolt fixing or snap-fit.

[0053] 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 liquid dispensing mechanism, characterized in that, include: The housing (1) has a first cavity (11) and a second cavity (12) inside. The housing (1) also has an inlet (13), a first outlet (14) and a second outlet (15). The inlet (13) connects the first cavity (11) and the second cavity (12). The first outlet (14) connects the first cavity (11) and the second outlet (15) connects the second cavity (12). A valve assembly (2) configured to control the inlet (13) to connect to the first outlet (14) and / or the second outlet (15).

2. The liquid dispensing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid separation mechanism also includes a partition wall (3) and a connecting pipe (4). The partition wall (3) is disposed inside the housing (1), and the partition wall (3) divides the inner cavity of the housing (1) into the first cavity (11) and the second cavity (12). The connecting pipe (4) is inserted into the partition wall (3), and the two ends of the connecting pipe (4) are respectively connected to the first cavity (11) and the second cavity (12). The connecting pipe (4) is connected to the inlet (13).

3. The liquid dispensing mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The valve assembly (2) includes two blocking valves (21), which can respectively block or open the ports at both ends of the connecting pipe (4).

4. The liquid dispensing mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The liquid separation mechanism also includes two monitoring elements (5), which are configured one-to-one with the two sealing valves (21). The monitoring elements (5) can monitor the opening and closing status of the sealing valves (21) and the connecting pipe (4).

5. The liquid dispensing mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The blocking valve (21) includes a valve core (211) and a valve stem (212). The valve core (211) is connected to the valve stem (212). The valve stem (212) can drive the valve core (211) to move. The monitoring device (5) can monitor the position of the valve stem (212) and / or the valve core (211).

6. The liquid dispensing mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The valve assembly (2) further includes a mounting bracket (22), which is disposed on the housing (1), the sealing valve (21) is disposed on the mounting bracket (22), and the monitoring element (5) is disposed on the mounting bracket (22).

7. The liquid dispensing mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first outlet (14) and the second outlet (15) have different outlet directions.

8. The liquid dispensing mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The effective circulation area of ​​the first outlet (14) is greater than that of the second outlet (15).

9. The liquid dispensing mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The inlet (13) is located at the top of the housing (1), and the first outlet (14) and the second outlet (15) are located at the bottom of the housing (1).

10. A beverage preparation device, characterized in that, Includes a brewing tank and a dispensing mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-9, the dispensing mechanism being connected to the brewing tank such that the outlet of the brewing tank is connected to the inlet (13).

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