Beverage device

Abstract

The application provides a beverage device. The beverage device comprises a milk frother, a steam generator and a reversing assembly; the reversing assembly has a first interface, a second interface, a third interface and a fourth interface; the first interface is in communication with the milk frother through a first milk pipe, the second interface is in communication with a water supply source through a water supply pipe, the third interface is in communication with the steam generator through a steam pipe, and the fourth interface is in communication with a milk supply source through a second milk pipe; the reversing assembly is configured to allow the first milk pipe to be selectively connected to at least one of the water supply pipe, the steam pipe and the second milk pipe. According to the beverage device, the connection between pipes in the beverage device can be simplified, the assembly efficiency is improved, and the processing and manufacturing cost of the beverage device is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of beverage production technology, specifically to a beverage equipment. Background Technology

[0002] As people's demand for beverages such as coffee and milk tea continues to grow, beverage equipment is being used in an increasingly wide range of applications.

[0003] Related technologies and beverage equipment involve complex piping connections, low assembly efficiency, and high processing and manufacturing costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a beverage equipment that can at least to some extent simplify pipeline connections, improve assembly efficiency, and reduce processing and manufacturing costs.

[0005] This application provides a beverage device, comprising: a milk frother, a steam generator, and a reversing assembly; the reversing assembly has a first interface, a second interface, a third interface, and a fourth interface; the first interface is connected to the milk frother via a first milk tube, the second interface is connected to a water source via a water supply tube, the third interface is connected to the steam generator via a steam tube, and the fourth interface is connected to a milk source via a second milk tube; the reversing assembly is configured to allow the first milk tube to be selectively connected to at least one of the water supply tube, the steam tube, and the second milk tube.

[0006] According to an embodiment of this application, a beverage device includes a reversing assembly. The first interface of the reversing assembly is connected to a milk frother via a first milk pipe, the second interface is connected to a water source via a water supply pipe, the third interface is connected to a steam generator via a steam pipe, and the fourth interface is connected to a milk source via a second milk pipe. By reversing the reversing assembly, the first milk pipe can be selectively connected to at least one of the water supply pipe, the steam pipe, and the second milk pipe. In this way, the reversing assembly can connect the first milk pipe, the water supply pipe, the steam pipe, and the second milk pipe together, and the water supply pipe, the steam pipe, and the second milk pipe can be connected to the first milk pipe separately via the reversing assembly, facilitating connection to the milk frother. This simplifies the connection between pipes in the beverage device, improves assembly efficiency, and reduces the manufacturing cost of the beverage device.

[0007] In some possible implementations of this application, the reversing component is configured to allow the first milk tube to be connected to one of the steam tube and the second milk tube, and to be disconnected from the other of the steam tube and the second milk tube; the reversing component is also configured to allow the first milk tube to remain connected to the water supply tube.

[0008] In some possible implementations of this application, the reversing assembly includes a three-way valve and a first three-way electrically controlled valve. The three-way valve is connected to the first three-way electrically controlled valve. The three-way valve has a first interface and a second interface. The first three-way electrically controlled valve has a third interface and a fourth interface. The first three-way electrically controlled valve can selectively connect the three-way valve to the steam pipe and disconnect the three-way valve from the second milk pipe, or connect the three-way valve to the second milk pipe and disconnect the three-way valve from the steam pipe.

[0009] In some possible implementations of this application, the beverage device further includes a first electrically controlled valve, a second electrically controlled valve, and a third electrically controlled valve; the first electrically controlled valve is located on the first milk pipe; the second electrically controlled valve is located on the water supply pipe; and the third electrically controlled valve is located on the steam pipe; wherein, when the first electrically controlled valve is open, the second electrically controlled valve is closed, and the first three-way electrically controlled valve connects the three-way fitting and the second milk pipe, the second milk pipe, the first milk pipe, and the milk frother are sequentially connected to achieve the raw material extraction function; and / or, when both the first electrically controlled valve and the third electrically controlled valve are open, the second electrically controlled valve is closed, and the first three-way electrically controlled valve connects the three-way fitting and the steam pipe, the steam pipe, the first milk pipe, and the milk frother are sequentially connected to achieve the steam cleaning function; and / or, when both the first electrically controlled valve and the second electrically controlled valve are open, the third electrically controlled valve is closed, and the first three-way electrically controlled valve connects the three-way fitting and the steam pipe, the water supply pipe, the first milk pipe, and the milk frother are sequentially connected to achieve the water rinsing function.

[0010] In some possible implementations of this application, the beverage device further includes a cleaning liquid container for containing a cleaning solution; the second milk tube may be selectively connected to the cleaning liquid container or to the milk source; when the second milk tube, the first milk tube, and the milk frother are connected, and the second milk tube is connected to the cleaning liquid container, the cleaning solution extraction function is implemented.

[0011] In some possible implementations of this application, the cleaning solution is a mixture of cleaning agent and solvent; when the first electrically controlled valve is closed, the second electrically controlled valve is open, the first three-way electrically controlled valve connects the three-way fitting and the second milk tube, and the second milk tube is connected to the cleaning liquid container, the water supply pipe, the second milk tube and the cleaning liquid container are connected in sequence to realize the solvent extraction function.

[0012] In some possible implementations of this application, the beverage device includes a pump that is mounted on the first milk tube.

[0013] In some possible implementations of this application, the beverage device includes a heating device and a drive pump; the water supply pipe includes a main pipe, a first water supply pipe and a second water supply pipe, the main pipe being connected to the second interface; the first water supply pipe and the second water supply pipe are arranged in parallel between the water source and the main pipe, and the heating device is located on the second water supply pipe; the drive pump is located upstream of the first water supply pipe and the second water supply pipe, and is used to drive water to flow from the water supply pipe toward the reversing assembly.

[0014] In some possible implementations of this application, the beverage device has a first beverage outlet and a second beverage outlet, which are used to supply different beverages. The beverage device further includes a flow direction control unit, a liquid outlet pipe, a first beverage pipe, a second beverage pipe, and a waste discharge pipe. The flow direction control unit is connected to the milk frother via the liquid outlet pipe, the first beverage outlet via the first beverage pipe, and the second beverage outlet via the second beverage pipe. The flow direction control unit is connected to the waste discharge pipe; wherein, the flow direction control unit can selectively connect the liquid outlet pipe and the first beverage pipe, and disconnect the liquid outlet pipe from the second beverage pipe, and disconnect the liquid outlet pipe from the waste discharge pipe; or, the flow direction control unit can selectively connect the liquid outlet pipe and the second beverage pipe, and disconnect the liquid outlet pipe from the first beverage pipe, and disconnect the liquid outlet pipe from the waste discharge pipe; or, the flow direction control unit can selectively connect the liquid outlet pipe and the waste discharge pipe, and disconnect the liquid outlet pipe from the second beverage pipe, and disconnect the liquid outlet pipe from the first beverage pipe.

[0015] In some possible implementations of this application, the flow control unit includes a second three-way electrically controlled valve and a third three-way electrically controlled valve; the second three-way electrically controlled valve is connected to the liquid outlet pipe and the first beverage pipe respectively; the second three-way electrically controlled valve is connected to the third three-way electrically controlled valve through an intermediate pipe, and the third three-way electrically controlled valve is connected to the waste discharge pipe and the second beverage pipe respectively; the second three-way electrically controlled valve can selectively connect the liquid outlet pipe and the first beverage pipe and disconnect the liquid outlet pipe from the intermediate pipe, or connect the liquid outlet pipe and the intermediate pipe and disconnect the liquid outlet pipe from the first beverage pipe; the third three-way electrically controlled valve can selectively connect the intermediate pipe and the waste discharge pipe and disconnect the intermediate pipe from the second beverage pipe, or connect the intermediate pipe and the second beverage pipe and disconnect the intermediate pipe from the waste discharge pipe. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of the piping connection for a beverage device.

[0017] Figure 2 According to Figure 1 The diagram shows the connection of the reversing assembly, water supply pipe, steam pipe, first milk pipe, and second milk pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0019] In this application, the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and local features may be enlarged or reduced to more clearly show the details of the local features.

[0020] Unless otherwise stated, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The singular forms "a," "the," and "the" as used in this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. In the description of this application, "several" means one or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0022] In the description of this application, the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "height", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the purpose of simplifying the description of this application and do not indicate that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. In other words, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0023] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," "setting," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can also 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 application according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "above," "over," "on top of," "below," "below," "under," or "below" for "first feature over second feature" can refer to the first and second features being in direct contact, or to the first and second features being in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "below," and "over" for "first feature over second feature" can mean the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than the horizontal height of the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "below" for "first feature over second feature" can mean the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than the horizontal height of the second feature.

[0025] The beverage equipment provided in this application will be described in detail below.

[0026] This application provides a beverage device. The beverage device includes, but is not limited to, a coffee machine and a milk tea machine.

[0027] Please see Figure 1 The beverage equipment 100 may have a beverage outlet A. Beverages prepared by the beverage equipment 100 may be discharged from beverage outlet A. For example, the beverage may be hot milk, cold milk, hot milk foam, or cold milk foam.

[0028] Please continue reading. Figure 1 The beverage device 100 provided according to this application may include: a milk frother 110, a steam generator 130, and a reversing assembly 150.

[0029] The milk frother 110 has a liquid outlet 113 and a raw material inlet 111. For example, the milk frother 110 can be used to make milk foam or to make hot milk.

[0030] Please continue reading. Figure 1 The outlet 113 can be connected to the beverage outlet A via the beverage tube 166. In this way, the beverage prepared by the milk frother 110 flows from the outlet 113 through the beverage tube 166 to the beverage outlet A. In other embodiments, the outlet 113 can also be used directly as the beverage outlet A, in which case the beverage tube 166 is unnecessary.

[0031] Steam generator 130 is used to generate steam. Steam generator 130 includes, but is not limited to, steam boilers and steam heating plates.

[0032] Steam generator 130 has a steam outlet 131. Steam generated by steam generator 130 can be discharged from steam generator 130 through steam outlet 131.

[0033] Please see Figure 2 The commutation assembly 150 has a first interface 15A, a second interface 15B, a third interface 15C, and a fourth interface 15D. The commutation assembly 150 is capable of commutation to enable and disable conduction between its different interfaces.

[0034] Please continue reading. Figure 2 Combined Figure 1 The first interface 15A is connected to the raw material inlet 111 of the milk frother 110 via the first milk tube 161. The liquid in the first milk tube 161 can enter the milk frother 110 through the raw material inlet 111.

[0035] The second interface 15B is connected to the water source 140 via the water supply pipe 163. The water source 140 can be a water tank built into the beverage device 100, a bottled water external to the beverage device 100, or a tap water pipe. This application does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0036] The third interface 15C is connected to the steam generator 130 via the steam pipe 164.

[0037] The fourth interface 15D is connected to the milk source 120 via the second milk tube 162. The milk source 120 can be a milk carton integrated into the beverage device 100; there can be one or more milk cartons. In other embodiments, the beverage device 100 may not include a milk carton. In this case, the milk source 120 can be pre-packaged, dispensed milk in containers or bags, and one end of the second milk tube 162 can be externally mounted on the beverage device 100 for connection to the milk source 120.

[0038] The reversing assembly 150 is configured to allow the first milk tube 161 to be selectively connected to at least one of the water supply tube 163, the steam tube 164, and the second milk tube 162. That is, the reversing assembly 150 is configured to allow the first milk tube 161 to be selectively connected to one of the water supply tube 163, the steam tube 164, and the second milk tube 162, or to be selectively connected to two of the water supply tube 163, the steam tube 164, and the second milk tube 162, or to be connected to the water supply tube 163, the steam tube 164, and the second milk tube 162.

[0039] Specifically, when the reversing component 150 connects the second milk pipe 162 and the first milk pipe 161, the first milk pipe 161 is connected to the milk frother 110, and the second milk pipe 162 is connected to the milk source 120, the raw milk from the milk source 120 can flow sequentially through the second milk pipe 162, the reversing component 150, and the first milk pipe 161 to the milk frother 110, thereby realizing the raw material extraction function of the beverage equipment 100. For example, the beverage equipment 100 has a beverage making mode. In the beverage making mode, the reversing component 150 connects the second milk pipe 162 and the first milk pipe 161, the first milk pipe 161 is connected to the milk frother 110, and the second milk pipe 162 is connected to the milk source 120, so that the raw milk from the milk source 120 can be sequentially delivered to the milk frother 110 through the second milk pipe 162, the reversing component 150, and the first milk pipe 161, so as to realize beverage making in the milk frother 110. The beverage prepared by the milk frother 110 flows out sequentially through the liquid outlet 113 and the beverage outlet A. For example, the beverage equipment 100 has an operating interface, allowing the user to issue instructions for beverage preparation by triggering the interface. The beverage equipment 100 then executes the beverage preparation mode according to the preset instructions to prepare the beverage for the user.

[0040] When the reversing assembly 150 connects the steam pipe 164 and the first milk pipe 161, the first milk pipe 161 connects to the milk frother 110, and the steam pipe 164 connects to the steam generator 130, the steam from the steam generator 130 can flow through the steam pipe 164, the reversing assembly 150 and the first milk pipe 161 to the milk frother 110 in sequence to achieve the steam extraction function.

[0041] For example, the beverage device 100 includes a rinsing mode. The rinsing mode includes a steam extraction function, whereby the steam extracted by the beverage device 100 is used to clean the first milk tube 161 and the milk frother 110; in this case, the steam extraction function is a steam cleaning function. In other examples, the steam extracted in the steam extraction function may not be used for cleaning the first milk tube 161 and the milk frother 110; for example, it may be used to heat the milk in the milk frother 110.

[0042] When the reversing component 150 connects the water supply pipe 163 and the first milk pipe 161, the first milk pipe 161 connects to the milk frother 110, and the water supply pipe 163 connects to the water source 140, water from the water source 140 can flow through the water supply pipe 163, the reversing component 150 and the first milk pipe 161 to the milk frother 110 in sequence to achieve the water extraction function.

[0043] For example, the beverage device 100 includes a rinsing mode. The rinsing mode includes a water extraction function, whereby the beverage device 100 extracts water to clean the first milk tube 161 and the milk frother 110; in this case, the water extraction function is the water rinsing function. In other examples, the water extracted in the water extraction function may not be used for cleaning the first milk tube 161 and the milk frother 110; for example, it may be used for making beverages.

[0044] According to the beverage device 100 of the present application embodiment, by providing a reversing component 150 in the beverage device 100, and such that the first interface 15A of the reversing component 150 is connected to the milk frother 110 through the first milk pipe 161, the second interface 15B is connected to the water supply source 140 through the water supply pipe 163, the third interface 15C is connected to the steam generator 130 through the steam pipe 164, and the fourth interface 15D is connected to the milk supply source 120 through the second milk pipe 162, the reversing of the reversing component 150 allows the first milk pipe 161 to be selectively connected to at least one of the water supply pipe 163, the steam pipe 164, and the second milk pipe 162. In this way, the first milk pipe 161, the water supply pipe 163, the steam pipe 164, and the second milk pipe 162 can be connected together by the reversing component 150. The water supply pipe 163, the steam pipe 164, and the second milk pipe 162 can be connected to the first milk pipe 161 by the reversing component 150, so as to realize the connection with the milk frother 110. This simplifies the connection between the pipes in the beverage equipment 100, improves the assembly efficiency, and reduces the processing and manufacturing cost of the beverage equipment 100.

[0045] The flexible connection method of the reversing component 150 enables the beverage equipment 100 to meet different needs, such as beverage preparation, steam cleaning or water rinsing. This design greatly improves the flexibility and practicality of the beverage equipment 100.

[0046] In some embodiments of this application, the reversing assembly 150 is configured to allow the first milk pipe 161 to connect to one of the steam pipe 164 and the second milk pipe 162, and to disconnect from the other of the steam pipe 164 and the second milk pipe 162. The reversing assembly 150 can also be configured to allow the first milk pipe 161 to remain connected to the water supply pipe 163. That is, the reversing assembly 150 is configured to allow the first milk pipe 161 to remain connected to the water supply pipe 163, and to allow the first milk pipe 161 to switch between two states: connected to the steam pipe 164 and disconnected from the second milk pipe 162, and connected to the second milk pipe 162 and disconnected from the steam pipe 164. This simplifies the structure of the reversing assembly 150 in this embodiment compared to reversing the connection between any two interfaces and disconnecting from the other two interfaces, reducing the difficulty of manufacturing and controlling the reversing assembly 150. At the same time, it reduces the failure rate of the commutation assembly 150 during operation, improving the overall stability and reliability of the equipment. Furthermore, this simplified structure makes the commutation assembly 150 easier to maintain and repair, reducing maintenance costs and time.

[0047] For example, please continue reading Figure 1 and Figure 2 The reversing assembly 150 includes a three-way valve 151 and a first three-way electrically controlled valve 152. The three-way valve 151 is connected to the first three-way electrically controlled valve 152. The three-way valve 151 has a first port 15A and a second port 15B. The first three-way electrically controlled valve 152 has a third port 15C and a fourth port 15D. The first three-way electrically controlled valve 152 can selectively connect the three-way valve 151 to the steam pipe 164 and disconnect the three-way valve 151 from the second milk pipe 162, or connect the three-way valve 151 to the second milk pipe 162 and disconnect the three-way valve 151 from the steam pipe 164.

[0048] Specifically, when the first three-way solenoid valve 152 connects the three-way fitting 151 and the second milk pipe 162, and closes the three-way fitting 151 and the steam pipe 164, the second milk pipe 162 connects to the first milk pipe 161, and the steam pipe 164 closes to the first milk pipe 161. Conversely, when the first three-way solenoid valve 152 connects the three-way fitting 151 and the steam pipe 164, and closes the second milk pipe 162 and the three-way fitting 151, the steam pipe 164 connects to the first milk pipe 161, and the second milk pipe 162 closes to the first milk pipe 161.

[0049] In this embodiment, the three-way valve 151 has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture, while the first three-way solenoid valve 152 has a simple structure, low cost, and is easy to control. Therefore, by making the reversing assembly 150 include the three-way valve 151 and the first three-way solenoid valve 152, the reversing assembly 150 has a simple structure, and the design and manufacturing costs are relatively low.

[0050] In other embodiments, the reversing assembly 150 may also be a four-way solenoid valve. The first port 15A of the four-way solenoid valve may be selectively connected to one of the second port 15B, the third port 15C, and the fourth port 15D.

[0051] For example, the three-way fitting 151 can be a three-way pipe, and the first three-way solenoid valve 152 can be a three-way solenoid directional valve.

[0052] For example, the beverage equipment 100 may integrate a control unit (not shown) that can execute pre-defined control logic. In this way, the beverage equipment 100 can control the switching of the first three-way electrically controlled valve 152 to connect the necessary pipelines when a corresponding function needs to be performed, providing convenience for staff.

[0053] Please refer to some embodiments of this application. Figure 1 The beverage equipment 100 also includes a first electrically controlled valve 1611, a second electrically controlled valve 1631, and a third electrically controlled valve 1641. The first electrically controlled valve 1611 is located on the first milk pipe 161. The second electrically controlled valve 1631 is located on the water supply pipe 163. The third electrically controlled valve 1641 is located on the steam pipe 164.

[0054] In this configuration, when the first solenoid valve 1611 is open, the second solenoid valve 1631 is closed, and the first three-way solenoid valve 152 connects the three-way fitting 151 and the second milk pipe 162, the second milk pipe 162, the first milk pipe 161, and the milk frother 110 are sequentially connected. Raw milk from the milk source 120 can flow sequentially through the second milk pipe 162, the reversing assembly 150, and the first milk pipe 161 to the milk frother 110, thereby enabling the raw material extraction function of the beverage equipment 100. In this case, since the first three-way solenoid valve 152 cuts off the connection between the three-way fitting 151 and the steam pipe 164, no steam flows to the three-way fitting 151. The third solenoid valve 1641 can be either open or closed. Considering the reliability of the beverage preparation by the beverage equipment 100, the third solenoid valve 1641 is preferably closed. In this case, since the second electrically controlled valve 1631 is closed, there will be no water flow from the water supply source 140 to the tee fitting 151.

[0055] When both the first solenoid valve 1611 and the third solenoid valve 1641 are open, the second solenoid valve 1631 is closed, and the first three-way solenoid valve 152 connects the three-way fitting 151 and the steam pipe 164, the steam pipe 164, the first milk pipe 161, and the milk frother 110 are sequentially connected. Steam from the steam generator 130 can flow sequentially through the steam pipe 164, the reversing assembly 150, and the first milk pipe 161 to the milk frother 110 to achieve the steam extraction function. For example, it can be used to achieve a steam cleaning function. In this case, since the first three-way solenoid valve 152 cuts off the three-way fitting 151 and the second milk pipe 162, no raw milk from the milk source 120 flows to the three-way fitting 151. In this case, since the second solenoid valve 1631 is closed, no water from the water source 140 flows to the three-way fitting 151.

[0056] When the first solenoid valve 1611 and the second solenoid valve 1631 are both open, and the third solenoid valve 1641 is closed, and the first three-way solenoid valve 152 connects the three-way fitting 151 and the steam pipe 164, the water supply pipe 163, the first milk pipe 161, and the milk frother 110 are sequentially connected. Water from the water supply source 140 can flow sequentially through the water supply pipe 163, the reversing assembly 150, and the first milk pipe 161 to the milk frother 110 to achieve the water extraction function. For example, it can be used to achieve a water rinsing function. In this case, since the first three-way solenoid valve 152 cuts off the three-way fitting 151 and the second milk pipe 162, no raw milk from the milk supply source 120 will flow to the three-way fitting 151. In this case, since the third solenoid valve 1641 is closed, no steam will flow to the three-way fitting 151.

[0057] In this way, by setting the first solenoid valve 1611, the second solenoid valve 1631 and the third solenoid valve 1641, it is easy to realize that water from the water supply source 140, steam from the steam generator 130 and raw milk from the milk supply source 120 can enter the first milk pipe 161 respectively, instead of entering other pipes, which helps to improve the reliability of the beverage equipment 100.

[0058] For example, the first solenoid valve 1611 can be a two-position two-way solenoid valve. The open state of the first solenoid valve 1611 means that the first solenoid valve 1611 allows the first milk tube 161 to connect the milk frother 110 to the three-way fitting 151.

[0059] For example, the first electrically controlled valve 1611 can be a solenoid valve.

[0060] For example, the second solenoid valve 1631 can be a two-position two-way solenoid valve. The open state of the second solenoid valve 1631 means that the second solenoid valve 1631 allows the water supply pipe 163 to connect the water supply source 140 to the three-way fitting 151.

[0061] For example, the second electrically controlled valve 1631 can be a solenoid valve.

[0062] For example, the third solenoid valve 1641 can be a two-position two-way solenoid valve. The open state of the third solenoid valve 1641 means that the third solenoid valve 1641 allows the steam pipe 164 to connect the steam generator 130 to the first three-way solenoid valve 152.

[0063] For example, the third electrically controlled valve 1641 can be a solenoid valve.

[0064] For example, the beverage equipment 100 may integrate a control unit that can execute pre-defined control logic. In this way, the beverage equipment 100 can control the first solenoid valve 1611, the second solenoid valve 1631, and the third solenoid valve 1641 to connect the necessary pipelines when a corresponding function is required, thus providing convenience for staff.

[0065] For example, the control unit can precisely control the opening and closing sequence and timing of each electronically controlled valve according to the user-defined program or preset formula, or automatically open / close these electronically controlled valves, thereby regulating the supply of raw milk, water and steam, and realizing intelligent control of beverage equipment.

[0066] In some embodiments of this application, the beverage device 100 further includes a cleaning liquid container 170. The cleaning liquid container 170 is used to contain a cleaning solution. The second milk tube 162 may be selectively connected to the cleaning liquid container 170 or to the milk source 120. Specifically, when the reversing component 150 connects the second milk tube 162 and the first milk tube 161, the first milk tube 161 is connected to the milk frother 110, and the second milk tube 162 is connected to the cleaning liquid container 170, the cleaning solution from the cleaning liquid container 170 can flow sequentially through the second milk tube 162, the reversing component 150, and the first milk tube 161 to the milk frother 110, thereby realizing the cleaning solution extraction function of the beverage device 100.

[0067] For example, the beverage device 100 has a cleaning mode, which may include a cleaning solution extraction function. In this mode, the reversing component 150 connects the second milk tube 162 and the first milk tube 161, the first electrically controlled valve 1611 opens to connect the first milk tube 161 to the milk frother 110, the second electrically controlled valve 1631 closes, and the second milk tube 162 connects to the cleaning liquid container 170. The cleaning solution from the cleaning liquid container 170 can flow sequentially through the second milk tube 162, the reversing component 150, and the first milk tube 161 to the milk frother 110, so that the beverage device 100 can perform the cleaning solution extraction function to extract the cleaning solution to thoroughly clean the second milk tube 162, the first milk tube 161, and the milk frother 110.

[0068] This makes it easier to extract cleaning solution to clean the second milk tube 162, the first milk tube 161, and the milk frother 110, and facilitates the use of cleaning solution to clean the entire flow path of the raw milk, resulting in a more thorough and clean cleaning.

[0069] For example, the beverage equipment 100 has an operating interface. Users can issue cleaning commands by triggering the operating interface, and the beverage equipment 100 will execute a cleaning mode according to the preset commands to clean the flow pipeline of the raw milk, that is, to clean the second milk pipe 162, the first milk pipe 161 and the milk frother 110.

[0070] It is understood that the second milk tube 162 can be selectively connected to the cleaning liquid container 170 or to the milk source 120. This can be achieved by the user manually connecting the second milk tube 162 to either the cleaning liquid container 170 or the milk source 120. In other words, the connection of the second milk tube 162 to either the cleaning liquid container 170 or the milk source 120 is achieved through manual operation by the user. The second milk tube 162 can be selectively connected to either the cleaning liquid container 170 or the milk source 120. Alternatively, an electrically controlled reversing valve can be installed between the second milk tube 162, the milk source 120, and the cleaning liquid container 170, and the reversing of the valve can be achieved. This application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0071] For example, the cleaning solution can be formed by mixing solid cleaning agents and solvents in the cleaning liquid container 170, or by mixing liquid concentrated cleaning agents and solvents in the cleaning liquid container 170. Of course, the cleaning solution can also be a solution that has already been mixed and dissolved and can be directly extracted and used. In the scheme where the cleaning agent and solvent are mixed in the cleaning liquid container 170, the cleaning agent can be added manually or using the cleaning agent dispensing device built into the beverage equipment 100.

[0072] In some embodiments of this application, the cleaning solution is a mixture of detergent and solvent in the cleaning liquid container 170. When the first solenoid valve 1611 is closed, the second solenoid valve 1631 is open, and the first three-way solenoid valve 152 connects the three-way fitting 151 and the second milk tube 162, and the second milk tube 162 is connected to the cleaning liquid container 170, the water supply pipe 163, the second milk tube 162 and the cleaning liquid container 170 are connected in sequence. In this way, the water from the water supply source 140 can enter the cleaning liquid container 170 in sequence through the water supply pipe 163, the reversing component 150 and the second milk tube 162 to realize the solvent extraction function. The solvent entering the cleaning liquid container 170 can mix with the detergent in the cleaning liquid container 170 to form a cleaning solution.

[0073] In this way, there is no need to install a separate pipeline between the cleaning liquid container 170 and the water supply source 140 for delivering solvent into the cleaning liquid container 170. The pipeline has a high reuse rate, the pipeline connection is more compact and convenient, and the cost can be reduced.

[0074] Specifically, for example, the cleaning mode described above may also include a solvent extraction function. In cleaning mode, the beverage device 100 can perform the solvent extraction function to deliver solvent into the cleaning liquid container 170 to prepare a cleaning solution. The addition of cleaning agent to the cleaning liquid container 170 can occur before or during the solvent extraction function. After the cleaning solution is prepared, the beverage device 100 performs the cleaning solution extraction function to clean the tubing (such as the second milk tube 162, the first milk tube 161, and the milk frother 110).

[0075] It is worth noting that after cleaning the pipeline with the cleaning solution, in order to prevent the cleaning solution from remaining in the pipeline and to ensure the drinking reliability of the beverage prepared by the beverage equipment 100, the solvent extraction function and the cleaning solution extraction function are repeatedly executed in sequence in the cleaning mode. The pipeline can be cleaned with the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution container 170 during the first or first one or two executions of the cleaning solution extraction function. During the remaining cleaning solution extraction functions, it is not necessary to add cleaning agent to the cleaning solution container 170. The pipeline can be cleaned only with the rinsing water delivered to the cleaning solution container 170 by the solvent extraction function.

[0076] In some embodiments of this application, the beverage device 100 includes a liquid pump 181. The liquid pump 181 is mounted on the first milk tube 161. This eliminates the need for separate liquid pumps 181 for the raw milk from the milk source 120, the water from the water source 140, and the steam from the steam generator 130. A single liquid pump 181 can be used to separately deliver the raw milk from the milk source 120, the water from the water source 140, and the steam from the steam generator 130 to the milk frother 110, thus reducing the cost of the beverage device 100. Furthermore, the dosage of liquid extracted by the liquid pump 181 is controllable and precise.

[0077] In some embodiments of this application, the beverage device 100 includes a heating device 16331 and a drive pump 182. The water supply pipe 163 includes a main pipe 1635, a first water supply pipe 1632, and a second water supply pipe 1633. The main pipe 1635 is connected to the aforementioned second interface 15B. The first water supply pipe 1632 and the second water supply pipe 1633 are arranged in parallel between the water source 140 and the main pipe 1635. The heating device 16331 is mounted on the second water supply pipe 1633. The drive pump 182 is located upstream of the first water supply pipe 1632 and the second water supply pipe 1633, and is used to drive water to flow from the water supply pipe 163 towards the reversing assembly 150. In this way, the main pipeline 1635 is a combined pipeline for cold water and hot water transportation, which can reduce the cost of the beverage equipment 100. Furthermore, when performing the solvent extraction function, the water from the water supply source 140 can be transported to the cleaning liquid container 170 by the drive pump 182, eliminating the need for a separate drive pump and further reducing costs.

[0078] Based on this, to facilitate the control of the pipeline flow, a second electrically controlled valve 1631 is provided on the first water supply pipe 1632 and the second water supply pipe 1633 respectively. It should be noted that when performing the solvent extraction function and the water extraction function, the second electrically controlled valve 1631 on the first water supply pipe 1632 or the second electrically controlled valve 1631 on the second water supply pipe 1633 can be selectively controlled to open or close according to the actual required water temperature.

[0079] In some embodiments of this application, the beverage outlet A of the beverage device 100 includes a first beverage outlet A1 and a second beverage outlet A2, which are used to supply different beverages.

[0080] It is understandable that different raw milks correspond to different beverages; that is, the first raw milk is used to prepare the first beverage, and the second raw milk is used to prepare the second beverage.

[0081] The beverage equipment 100 also includes a flow control unit 190, a liquid outlet pipe 165, a first beverage pipe 1661, a second beverage pipe 1662, and a waste discharge pipe 168. The flow control unit 190 is connected to the liquid outlet 113 of the milk frother 110 via the liquid outlet pipe 165. The flow control unit 190 is connected to the first beverage outlet A1 via the first beverage pipe 1661, and to the second beverage outlet A2 via the second beverage pipe 1662. The flow control unit 190 is also connected to the waste discharge pipe 168. The flow control unit 190 can selectively connect the liquid outlet pipe 165 and the first beverage pipe 1661, and disconnect the liquid outlet pipe 165 from the second beverage pipe 1662, as well as disconnect the liquid outlet pipe 165 from the waste discharge pipe 168; or, the flow control unit 190 can selectively connect the liquid outlet pipe 165 and the second beverage pipe 1662, and disconnect the liquid outlet pipe 165 from the first beverage pipe 1661, as well as disconnect the liquid outlet pipe 165 from the waste discharge pipe 168; or, the flow control unit 190 can selectively connect the liquid outlet pipe 165 and the waste discharge pipe 168, and disconnect the liquid outlet pipe 165 from the second beverage pipe 1662, as well as disconnect the liquid outlet pipe 165 from the first beverage pipe 1661.

[0082] Specifically, when the flow control unit 190 connects the liquid outlet pipe 165 and the first beverage pipe 1661, and closes the liquid outlet pipe 165 and the second beverage pipe 1662, and closes the liquid outlet pipe 165 and the waste discharge pipe 168, the milk frother 110, the liquid outlet pipe 165 and the first beverage pipe 1661 are connected in sequence. After the first beverage prepared by the beverage equipment 100 flows out of the milk frother 110, it can pass through the liquid outlet pipe 165 and the first beverage pipe 1661 in sequence and be discharged from the first beverage outlet A1.

[0083] When the flow control unit 190 connects the liquid outlet pipe 165 and the second beverage pipe 1662, and disconnects the liquid outlet pipe 165 from the first beverage pipe 1661 and the waste discharge pipe 168, the milk frother 110, the liquid outlet pipe 165 and the second beverage pipe 1662 are connected in sequence. The second beverage prepared by the beverage equipment 100 can flow out of the milk frother 110, and then pass through the liquid outlet pipe 165 and the second beverage pipe 1662 in sequence, and be discharged from the second beverage outlet A2.

[0084] When the flow control unit 190 connects the liquid outlet pipe 165 and the waste discharge pipe 168, and disconnects the liquid outlet pipe 165 from the second beverage pipe 1662 and from the first beverage pipe 1661, the milk frother 110, the liquid outlet pipe 165 and the waste discharge pipe 168 are connected in sequence. The residual beverage flowing out of the milk frother 110 and / or the cleaning waste liquid used to clean the first milk pipe 161 and the milk frother 110 are discharged in sequence through the liquid outlet pipe 165 and the waste discharge pipe 168.

[0085] In this way, by setting up the flow control unit 190, the waste discharge pipe 168, the first beverage pipe 1661, and the second beverage pipe 1662, on the one hand, when the flow control unit 190 connects the liquid outlet pipe 165 and the waste discharge pipe 168, and disconnects the liquid outlet pipe 165 from the second beverage pipe 1662, and also disconnects the liquid outlet pipe 165 from the first beverage pipe 1661, it can avoid the problem of residual beverage flowing out of the milk frother 110 and / or cleaning waste liquid used to clean the first milk pipe 161 and the milk frother 110 flowing into the beverage container due to the container not being removed in time during beverage preparation, which is beneficial to improving the reliability of beverage preparation; on the other hand, different beverages can flow out of the first beverage pipe 1661 and the second beverage pipe 1662 respectively, preventing the problem of beverage mixing.

[0086] It is worth noting that the first beverage outlet A1 and the second beverage outlet A2 are used to supply different beverages. Here, different beverages may be produced from different raw milks. As long as the composition of the raw milks is different, they are considered to produce different beverages.

[0087] In some embodiments of this application, the flow control unit 190 includes a second three-way electrically controlled valve 191 and a third three-way electrically controlled valve 192. The second three-way electrically controlled valve 191 is connected to the liquid outlet pipe 165 and the first beverage pipe 1661, respectively. The second three-way electrically controlled valve 191 is connected to the third three-way electrically controlled valve 192 through an intermediate pipe 169. The third three-way electrically controlled valve 192 is connected to the waste discharge pipe 168 and the second beverage pipe 1662, respectively. The second three-way solenoid valve 191 can selectively connect the outlet pipe 165 to the first beverage pipe 1661 and disconnect the outlet pipe 165 from the intermediate pipe 169, or connect the outlet pipe 165 to the intermediate pipe 169 and disconnect the outlet pipe 165 from the first beverage pipe 1661; the third three-way solenoid valve 192 can selectively connect the intermediate pipe 169 to the waste discharge pipe 168 and disconnect the intermediate pipe 169 from the second beverage pipe 1662, or connect the intermediate pipe 169 to the second beverage pipe 1662 and disconnect the intermediate pipe 169 from the waste discharge pipe 168.

[0088] In this way, the function of the flow direction control unit 190 can be realized by using the combination of the second three-way solenoid valve 191 and the third three-way solenoid valve 192. The structure is simple and easy to control.

[0089] For example, both the second three-way solenoid valve 191 and the third three-way solenoid valve 192 are solenoid valves.

[0090] For example, the beverage equipment 100 may integrate a control unit that can execute pre-defined control logic. In this way, the beverage equipment 100 can control the second three-way solenoid valve 191 and the third three-way solenoid valve 192 to connect the necessary pipelines when a corresponding function is required, providing convenience for staff.

[0091] In some embodiments of this application, for the convenience of milk storage, please refer to [further details]. Figure 1 The beverage device 100 may include a refrigerator (not shown). When the beverage device 100 includes a milk carton 120, the refrigerator can be used to house the milk carton 120. This facilitates the refrigeration of milk by the beverage device 100, extending the shelf life of the milk.

[0092] In other embodiments, the beverage device 100 may not have a refrigerator. Instead, a refrigerator separate from the beverage device 100 may be used to refrigerate the milk carton 120, or the milk carton 120 may not be refrigerated.

[0093] Please refer to some embodiments of this application. Figure 1 The beverage equipment 100 includes a wastewater tray B. The wastewater tray B is located directly below the beverage outlet A. This allows the wastewater tray B to catch any spilled beverage when the container used to receive it is too small, facilitating cleanup.

[0094] In some embodiments of this application, the milk frother 110 has a steam inlet 112. The beverage device 100 also includes a steam supply line 132. The steam supply line 132 is connected between the steam inlet 112 and the steam outlet 131 of the milk frother 110. In this way, the steam provided by the steam generator 130 can be used to heat the milk or milk foam in the milk frother 110, thereby realizing the preparation of hot milk or hot milk foam.

[0095] For example, an electrically controlled on / off valve 1321 may be provided on the steam supply line 132. The electrically controlled on / off valve 1321 is used to control the on / off state of the steam supply line 132. In this way, the electrically controlled on / off valve 1321 can be opened or closed according to the user's actual needs, thereby heating or not heating the milk or milk foam to meet the user's actual usage requirements.

[0096] It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0097] It is understood that the various implementation methods described in this application can be implemented individually or in combination, and the embodiments of this application are not limited in this respect.

[0098] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method implementations, and will not be repeated here.

[0099] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A beverage processing device, characterized in that, include: Milk frother, steam generator, and reversing assembly; The reversing component has a first interface, a second interface, a third interface, and a fourth interface; the first interface is connected to the milk frother via a first milk tube, the second interface is connected to a water source via a water supply pipe, the third interface is connected to the steam generator via a steam pipe, and the fourth interface is connected to a milk source via the second milk tube. The reversing assembly is configured to allow the first milk tube to be selectively connected to at least one of the water supply tube, the steam tube, and the second milk tube.

2. The beverage equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reversing assembly is configured to allow the first milk tube to be connected to one of the steam tube and the second milk tube, and to be disconnected from the other of the steam tube and the second milk tube; The reversing assembly is also configured to allow the first milk tube to remain connected to the water supply tube.

3. The beverage equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reversing assembly includes a three-way valve and a first three-way electrically controlled valve. The three-way valve is connected to the first three-way electrically controlled valve. The three-way valve has a first interface and a second interface. The first three-way electrically controlled valve has a third interface and a fourth interface. The first three-way electrically controlled valve can selectively connect the three-way valve to the steam pipe and disconnect the three-way valve from the second milk pipe, or connect the three-way valve to the second milk pipe and disconnect the three-way valve from the steam pipe.

4. The beverage equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The beverage equipment also includes a first electrically controlled valve, a second electrically controlled valve, and a third electrically controlled valve; The first electrically controlled valve is located on the first milk pipe; the second electrically controlled valve is located on the water supply pipe; and the third electrically controlled valve is located on the steam pipe. Wherein, when the first electrically controlled valve is open, the second electrically controlled valve is closed, and the first three-way electrically controlled valve connects the three-way fitting and the second milk tube, the second milk tube, the first milk tube, and the milk frother are sequentially connected to achieve the raw material extraction function; and / or, When both the first and third electrically controlled valves are open, the second electrically controlled valve is closed, and the first three-way electrically controlled valve connects the three-way fitting and the steam pipe, the steam pipe, the first milk pipe, and the milk frother are sequentially connected to achieve the steam cleaning function; and / or When the first and second solenoid valves are both open, the third solenoid valve is closed, and the first three-way solenoid valve connects the three-way fitting and the steam pipe, the water supply pipe, the first milk pipe, and the milk frother are connected in sequence to achieve the water rinsing function.

5. The beverage equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The beverage equipment also includes a cleaning liquid container for containing a cleaning solution; the second milk tube may be selectively connected to the cleaning liquid container or to the milk supply source. When the second milk tube, the first milk tube, and the milk frother are connected, and the second milk tube is connected to the cleaning solution container, the function of extracting the cleaning solution is realized.

6. The beverage equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cleaning solution is a mixture of cleaning agent and solvent; when the first solenoid valve is closed, the second solenoid valve is open, the first three-way solenoid valve connects the three-way fitting and the second milk tube, and the second milk tube is connected to the cleaning solution container, the water supply pipe, the second milk tube and the cleaning solution container are connected in sequence to realize the solvent extraction function.

7. The beverage equipment according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The beverage equipment includes a liquid pump, which is located on the first milk tube.

8. The beverage equipment according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The beverage equipment includes a heating device and a drive pump; The water supply pipe includes a main pipe, a first water supply pipe and a second water supply pipe. The main pipe is connected to the second interface. The first water supply pipe and the second water supply pipe are arranged in parallel between the water source and the main pipe. The heating device is installed on the second water supply pipe. The drive pump is located upstream of the first water supply pipe and the second water supply pipe, and is used to drive water to flow from the water supply pipe toward the reversing assembly.

9. The beverage equipment according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The beverage equipment has a first beverage outlet and a second beverage outlet, which are used to supply different beverages. The beverage equipment also includes a flow direction control unit, a liquid outlet pipe, a first beverage pipe, a second beverage pipe, and a waste discharge pipe. The flow direction control unit is connected to the milk frother through the liquid outlet pipe, the flow direction control unit is connected to the first beverage outlet through the first beverage pipe, the flow direction control unit is connected to the second beverage outlet through the second beverage pipe, and the flow direction control unit is connected to the waste discharge pipe. The flow control unit can selectively connect the liquid outlet pipe and the first beverage pipe, disconnect the liquid outlet pipe and the second beverage pipe, and disconnect the liquid outlet pipe and the waste discharge pipe; or... The flow control unit can selectively connect the liquid outlet pipe and the second beverage pipe, disconnect the liquid outlet pipe from the first beverage pipe, and disconnect the liquid outlet pipe from the waste discharge pipe; or... The flow control unit can selectively connect the liquid outlet pipe and the waste discharge pipe, disconnect the liquid outlet pipe from the second beverage pipe, and disconnect the liquid outlet pipe from the first beverage pipe.

10. The beverage equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The flow direction control unit includes a second three-way electrically controlled valve and a third three-way electrically controlled valve; The second three-way solenoid valve is connected to the liquid outlet pipe and the first beverage pipe respectively; the second three-way solenoid valve is connected to the third three-way solenoid valve through an intermediate pipe, and the third three-way solenoid valve is connected to the waste discharge pipe and the second beverage pipe respectively; The second three-way solenoid valve can selectively connect the liquid outlet pipe to the first beverage pipe and disconnect the liquid outlet pipe from the intermediate pipe, or connect the liquid outlet pipe to the intermediate pipe and disconnect the liquid outlet pipe from the first beverage pipe. The third three-way electrically controlled valve can selectively connect the intermediate pipe and the waste discharge pipe, and disconnect the intermediate pipe and the second beverage pipe, or connect the intermediate pipe and the second beverage pipe, and disconnect the intermediate pipe and the waste discharge pipe.

Images