Water system and coffee machine

Abstract

This application provides a water system and a coffee machine. The water system includes a water tank; a dispensing chamber located inside the water tank, which has an air inlet, a water inlet, and a water outlet; the water inlet is connected to the water outlet of the water tank via a liquid pipeline; a water pump located on the liquid pipeline for pumping water from the water tank into the dispensing chamber; a level controller located in the dispensing chamber, which activates and stops the water pump when the water level in the dispensing chamber reaches a preset level; and an air tank containing compressed gas at a preset pressure, the air outlet of which is connected to the air inlet of the dispensing chamber via a gas pipeline for introducing compressed gas into the dispensing chamber to force all the water out of the dispensing chamber through the water outlet. This application eliminates the traditional flow meter used to determine the water output, instead combining the dispensing chamber and the level controller, and using the compressed gas in the air tank to drive all the water out of the dispensing chamber, resulting in a stable water output with minimal deviation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of coffee machine technology, and in particular relates to a water system and a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] Existing coffee machines typically determine the water volume for brewing based on flow meter pulse signals and water pump operation. Flow meters and pumps have tolerances, and combined with the complexity of the coffee machine's water system, the presence of limescale or hard water further affects the flow meter's accuracy, resulting in significant variations in water output from one machine to another. Furthermore, when the water pump stops working, negative pressure is created inside the water system, causing residual water to flow into the machine and negatively impacting the next use. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this application is to provide a water system and coffee machine that can accurately control the water output.

[0004] The technical solution adopted in this application embodiment is a water system, including a water tank, characterized in that it further includes:

[0005] The liquid separation chamber is located inside the water tank. The upper part of the liquid separation chamber is provided with an air inlet and a water inlet, and the bottom of the liquid separation chamber is provided with a water outlet. The water inlet is connected to the water outlet of the water tank through a liquid pipeline.

[0006] A water pump, which is installed on the liquid pipeline, is used to pump water from the water tank into the liquid distribution chamber;

[0007] A liquid level controller is installed in the liquid distribution chamber. When the water level in the liquid distribution chamber reaches a preset water level, the liquid level controller is activated and the water pump stops pumping water into the liquid distribution chamber.

[0008] The gas tank contains compressed gas at a preset pressure. The outlet of the gas tank is connected to the inlet of the liquid distribution chamber via a gas pipeline, which is used to deliver compressed gas into the liquid distribution chamber to squeeze out all the water in the liquid distribution chamber through the water outlet.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, a first check valve is provided on the liquid pipeline. The first check valve is located downstream of the water pump and is used to restrict the flow of gas in the liquid distribution chamber to the water pump. By setting the first check valve, when compressed gas is input into the liquid distribution chamber from the gas tank, it is possible to prevent the compressed gas in the liquid distribution chamber from flowing back into the water pump through the liquid pipeline, thereby preventing damage to the water pump.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the water system further includes a three-way connector. The first interface of the three-way connector is connected to a first solenoid valve, the second interface is connected to the air inlet of the liquid distribution chamber, and the third interface is connected to the first end of the gas pipeline. The second end of the gas pipeline is connected to the air outlet of the gas tank. The first solenoid valve is used to open when the water pump pumps water into the liquid distribution chamber, so that the liquid distribution chamber is connected to the outside atmosphere through the first solenoid valve. By setting the three-way connector, not only is the connection between the gas pipeline and the air inlet of the liquid distribution chamber convenient, but also the connection to the first solenoid valve through the three-way connector ensures that the liquid distribution chamber remains connected to the outside atmosphere when water is being introduced, guaranteeing smooth water intake.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, a second solenoid valve is provided on the gas pipeline. When the water level in the liquid distribution chamber reaches a preset level, causing the liquid level controller to activate, the second solenoid valve opens, allowing gas from the gas tank to enter the liquid distribution chamber via the three-way connector. The liquid level controller and the second solenoid valve are linked to automatically supply gas from the gas tank to the liquid distribution chamber.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the liquid level controller employs a float level switch. The float level switch includes a float and switch contacts. When the water level in the dispensing chamber reaches a preset level, the float rises with the water level and triggers the switch contacts. The float level switch then opens and sends an electrical signal to control the water pump to stop, the second solenoid valve to open, and the first solenoid valve to close. Using a float level switch as the liquid level controller results in a simple structure and convenient and accurate liquid level control.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the bottom of the water tank has an opening;

[0014] The bottom of the liquid distribution chamber has an opening, the periphery of which is sealed to the periphery of the opening of the water tank. A lower cover is provided on the opening, and the water outlet is located on the lower cover. The combination of the water tank and the liquid distribution chamber is reasonable, and the liquid distribution chamber can be cleaned by removing the lower cover.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the water outlet is connected to a valve switch via a liquid supply pipeline. A second check valve is provided on the liquid supply pipeline. The second check valve is used to restrict the backflow of water in the liquid supply pipeline when the gas tank stops supplying gas to the liquid distribution chamber and a negative pressure is formed in the liquid distribution chamber.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the liquid-dispensing chamber is shaped like a vertically arranged tank and is located in the center of the water tank; both the water inlet and the air inlet are located at the top of the liquid-dispensing chamber. This structural layout is reasonable, and both the water inlet and air inlet of the liquid-dispensing chamber are exposed above the water level in the water tank, facilitating the supply of water and air to the liquid-dispensing chamber.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the water system further includes an air pump connected to the air tank, which is used to deliver compressed gas into the air tank to bring the air pressure in the air tank to a preset pressure value.

[0018] A coffee machine includes a water system as described in any of the above embodiments. The coffee machine provides a uniform water output, ensuring the taste of the prepared coffee, and significantly reduces residual water in the pipes, which helps reduce pipe blockage and prevents residual water from affecting the quality of a second beverage.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application are as follows: The water system of this application eliminates the traditional use of flow meters to determine the water output. Instead, it combines a liquid distribution chamber and a liquid level controller, and uses compressed gas in the gas tank to replace the water pump to drive water out of the liquid distribution chamber. This makes the water output stable with less deviation and reduces residual water in the pipeline, ensuring that the brewed beverage is clean and hygienic, which meets market demand and has a broad market prospect in the beverage category of small household appliances.

[0020] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative only, and are not intended to limit this application.

[0021] The overview of various implementations or examples of the technology described in this application is not a full disclosure of the entire scope or all features of the disclosed technology. Attached Figure Description

[0022] In drawings that are not necessarily drawn to scale, the same reference numerals may describe similar parts in different views. The drawings generally illustrate various embodiments by way of example rather than limitation and, together with the description and claims, serve to illustrate the claimed embodiments. Where appropriate, the same reference numerals are used in all drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the water system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 3 and Figure 4 These are cross-sectional views of the water system in different directions according to embodiments of this application.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of the water system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure label:

[0028] 1-Water tank; 11-Water outlet;

[0029] 2-Dispensing chamber; 21-Air inlet; 22-Water inlet; 23-Installation port;

[0030] 3-Liquid pipeline; 4-Gas pipeline; 5-Water pump; 6-Float level switch; 61-Float; 7-Gas tank; 71-Gas outlet; 8-First check valve; 9-Second check valve; 10-First solenoid valve; 12-Second solenoid valve; 13-Two-way connector; 14-Three-way connector; 15-Water outlet; 16-Lower cover; 17-Liquid supply pipeline; 18-Valve switch; 19-Gas pump. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of 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, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0033] To keep the following description of the embodiments of this application clear and concise, detailed descriptions of known functions and known components are omitted.

[0034] This application provides a water system that can be used in a coffee machine to provide water for coffee brewing or brewing.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the water system includes a water tank 1, a dispensing chamber 2, a water pump 5, a level controller, and an air tank 7. The dispensing chamber 2 is located inside the water tank 1, and its interior is independent and not connected to the interior of the water tank 1. The upper part of the dispensing chamber 2 has an air inlet 21 and a water inlet 22, and the bottom of the dispensing chamber 2 has a water outlet 15. The water inlet 22 of the dispensing chamber 2 is connected to the water outlet 11 of the water tank 1 via a liquid pipeline 3. The water pump 5 is located on the liquid pipeline 3 and is used to pump water from the water tank 1 into the dispensing chamber 2; that is, the water pump 5 provides power for the flow of water in the liquid pipeline 3. The level controller is located inside the dispensing chamber 2. When the water level in the dispensing chamber 2 rises and reaches a preset level, the level controller activates and stops the water pump 5 from pumping water into the dispensing chamber 2. The gas tank 7 stores compressed gas with a preset pressure value. The gas outlet 71 of the gas tank 7 is connected to the gas inlet 21 of the liquid separation chamber 2 through the gas pipeline 4, which is used to send compressed gas into the liquid separation chamber 2 so as to squeeze out all the water in the liquid separation chamber 2 through the water outlet 15.

[0036] The water system of this application embodiment provides a liquid distribution chamber 2 in the water tank 1. A water level controller is used to send a predetermined amount of water into the liquid distribution chamber 2 via a water pump 5. Then, compressed gas is used to squeeze out all the water in the liquid distribution chamber 2, thereby achieving the effect of a certain amount of water output for each brewing.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the outlet 11 of the water tank 1 can be located at the bottom of the water tank 1 so that all the water in the water tank 1 can be output to the dispensing chamber 2, avoiding stagnant water in the water tank 1 and improving hygiene and safety. The liquid level controller is located at the top of the dispensing chamber 2, so that the liquid level controller will only be activated when the water level in the dispensing chamber 2 reaches the top, effectively utilizing the volume of the dispensing chamber 2 and avoiding waste of the upper space in the dispensing chamber 2.

[0038] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, a first check valve 8 is provided on the liquid pipeline 3. In the direction of water flow, the first check valve 8 is located downstream of the water pump 5. When compressed gas is input into the liquid distribution chamber 2 through the gas tank 7, the first check valve 8 can prevent the compressed gas in the liquid distribution chamber 2 from flowing back into the water pump 5 through the liquid pipeline 3, causing damage to the water pump 5.

[0039] Furthermore, continue to combine Figure 1 and Figure 3A two-way connector 13 is provided on the inlet 22 of the liquid distribution chamber 2. The first interface of the two-way connector 13 is connected to the inlet 22, and the second interface of the two-way connector 13 is connected to the outlet port of the first one-way valve 8. The inlet port of the first one-way valve 8 is connected to the first end of the liquid pipeline 3. That is, the liquid pipeline 3 is connected to the inlet 22 of the liquid distribution chamber 2 through the two-way connector 13 and the first one-way valve 8. The second end of the liquid pipeline 3 is connected to the water outlet of the water tank 1. By providing the two-way connector 13, it is convenient to install the first one-way valve 8 and connect the liquid pipeline 3 to the inlet 22.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the water system also includes a three-way connector 14. The first port of the three-way connector 14 is connected to the first solenoid valve 10, the second port of the three-way connector 14 is connected to the air inlet 21 of the liquid distribution chamber 2, and the third port of the three-way connector 14 is connected to the first end of the gas pipeline 4. The second end of the gas pipeline 4 is connected to the air outlet 71 of the gas tank 7. The first solenoid valve 10 is used to open when the water pump 5 pumps water into the liquid distribution chamber 2, so that the liquid distribution chamber 2 is connected to the outside atmosphere through the first solenoid valve 10. This prevents the pressure inside the liquid distribution chamber 2 from increasing due to water entering the liquid distribution chamber 2, thus preventing further water intake. By setting the three-way connector 14, not only is the connection between the gas pipeline 4 and the air inlet 21 of the liquid distribution chamber 2 convenient, but also, by connecting the three-way connector 14 to the first solenoid valve 10, the liquid distribution chamber 2 is kept connected to the outside atmosphere when water is being introduced, ensuring smooth water intake.

[0041] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, a second solenoid valve 12 is installed on the gas pipeline 4. When the water level in the liquid distribution chamber 2 reaches the preset water level, causing the liquid level controller to open, the second solenoid valve 12 opens, and the gas in the gas tank 7 enters the liquid distribution chamber 2 through the three-way connector 14. The liquid level controller and the second solenoid valve 12 form a linkage relationship, which facilitates the supply of a predetermined amount of water into the liquid distribution chamber 2. After the water pump 5 stops running and stops supplying water, the gas tank 7 is automatically controlled to supply gas into the liquid distribution chamber 2.

[0042] The liquid level controller in this embodiment can employ a float level switch 6 from the prior art. The float level switch 6 includes a float 61 and switch contacts. When the water level in the dispensing chamber 2 reaches a preset level, the float 61 rises with the water level and triggers the switch contacts, opening the float level switch 6 and sending an electrical signal to control the water pump 5 to stop, control the second solenoid valve 12 to open, and control the first solenoid valve 10 to close. The float level switch 6 is installed at the top of the dispensing chamber 2, with the float 61 located in the upper part of the dispensing chamber 2. It is understood that the float level switch 6 can be either a normally closed switch or a normally open switch. When the float level switch 6 is a normally open switch, it is in the open state when the water level in the dispensing chamber 2 has not reached the preset level. When the water level rises to the preset level, the float 61 rises and triggers the switch contacts, closing the float level switch 6. When the float level switch 6 is a normally closed switch, the float level switch 6 is in the closed state when the water level in the liquid distribution chamber 2 has not reached the preset water level. When the water level rises to the preset water level, the float 61 rises to trigger the switch contact, and the float level switch 6 opens.

[0043] In some embodiments, the water tank 1 has an opening at its bottom. The bottom of the dispensing chamber 2 has an opening, the periphery of which is sealed to the periphery of the opening in the water tank 1. A lower cover 16 is provided on the opening, and a water outlet 15 is disposed on the lower cover 16. (See also...) Figure 3 The water tank 1 and the liquid distribution chamber 2 are combined in a reasonable way, and the inside of the liquid distribution chamber 2 can be cleaned by removing the lower cover 16.

[0044] For example, the water tank 1 and the liquid distribution chamber 2 can be an integrated structure, which can improve the stability of the overall structure and simplify the manufacturing process.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the water outlet 15 is connected to the valve switch 18 via the liquid supply line 17. The liquid supply line 17 is equipped with a second check valve 9. The second check valve 9 is used to restrict the backflow of water in the liquid supply line 17 and prevent residual water from forming when the gas tank 7 stops supplying gas to the liquid distribution chamber 2 and a negative pressure is formed in the liquid distribution chamber 2. This is beneficial for cleaning the pipeline and avoids affecting the user experience in the next use.

[0046] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the liquid separation chamber 2 is a vertically arranged, can-shaped structure, located in the center of the water tank 1. (As indicated...) Figure 5 As shown, both the water inlet 22 and the air inlet 21 are located at the top of the liquid distribution chamber 2. The top of the liquid distribution chamber 2 is also provided with an installation port 23 for installing a float switch. This layout is reasonable, as the water inlet 22 and the air inlet 21 at the top of the liquid distribution chamber 2 are exposed above the water level in the water tank 1, which facilitates the supply of water and air to the liquid distribution chamber 2.

[0047] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the water system also includes an air pump 19, which is connected to an air tank 7 and is used to supply compressed gas into the air tank 7 to bring the air pressure inside the air tank 7 to a preset pressure value. By setting up the air pump 19, the air pressure inside the air tank 7 can be guaranteed, making it easier to squeeze out all the water from the liquid separation chamber 2.

[0048] In use, first start the water pump 5 to deliver water from the outlet 11 of the water tank 1 to the first one-way valve 8, then to the two-way connector 13, and then to the liquid distribution chamber 2. During the pumping process of the water pump 5, the first solenoid valve 10 is opened to prevent the water pump 5 from filling the liquid distribution chamber 2 with pressure and causing it to be unable to pump water. The water distribution chamber 2 continues until the water reaches the preset water level, causing the float 61 to rise and activate the float level switch 6. The float level switch 6 sends an electrical signal to stop both the water pump 5 and the first solenoid valve 10 from working.

[0049] Air pump 19 first inputs compressed air into air tank 7 until the pressure inside air tank 7 reaches the required pressure value, at which point air pump 19 stops working. When float 61 activates float level switch 6, it simultaneously opens second solenoid valve 12 to release pressure in air tank 7. Compressed gas in air tank 7 flows from three-way connector 14 into dispensing chamber 2, squeezing water in dispensing chamber 2 through lower cover 16, then through outlet 15 and second one-way valve 9, and finally discharged through valve switch 18 for brewing or making coffee. Valve switch 18 can be manually opened and closed by the user.

[0050] The water system of this application embodiment has a dispensing chamber 2 inside the water tank 1. A liquid level controller is installed on the top of the dispensing chamber 2 to control the water pump 5 to deliver water from the water tank 1 to the dispensing chamber 2 to reach the required amount. The air pump 19 stores compressed gas at a certain pressure in the air tank 7. The gas pressure in the air tank 7 replaces the water pump conversion energy in the prior art to squeeze and release all the water in the dispensing chamber 2. This can ensure that the water used for each brewing is uniform and consistent, and the water output of each machine is uniform. It also ensures that the residual water in the pipeline is greatly reduced, which helps to reduce pipeline blockage and avoid residual water affecting the quality of the second cup of beverage.

[0051] This application also provides a coffee machine whose water system adopts the water system of any of the above embodiments.

[0052] The coffee machine of this embodiment has a water system with uniform water output, which ensures the taste of the coffee prepared by the machine. The residual water in the pipes is greatly reduced, which helps to reduce pipe blockage and prevent residual water from affecting the quality of the second cup of beverage.

[0053] The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make variations, modifications, substitutions, and alterations to the above embodiments within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, the above examples (or one or more of them) can be used in combination with each other, and these embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or arrangements.

Claims

1. A waterway system comprising a water tank (1), characterized in that, Also includes: A liquid separation chamber (2) is located inside the water tank (1). The upper part of the liquid separation chamber (2) is provided with an air inlet (21) and a water inlet (22), and the bottom of the liquid separation chamber (2) is provided with a water outlet (15). The water inlet (22) is connected to the water outlet (11) of the water tank (1) through a liquid pipeline (3). A water pump (5) is installed on the liquid pipeline (3) and is used to pump water from the water tank (1) into the liquid distribution chamber (2). A liquid level controller is installed inside the liquid distribution chamber (2). When the water level in the liquid distribution chamber (2) reaches the preset water level, the liquid level controller is turned on and the water pump (5) stops pumping water into the liquid distribution chamber (2). The gas tank (7) stores compressed gas with a preset pressure value. The outlet (71) of the gas tank (7) is connected to the inlet (21) of the liquid separation chamber (2) through the gas pipeline (4) to send compressed gas into the liquid separation chamber (2) so as to squeeze out all the water in the liquid separation chamber (2) through the water outlet (15).

2. The waterway system of claim 1, wherein, The liquid pipeline (3) is provided with a first check valve (8), which is located downstream of the water pump (5) and is used to restrict the flow of gas in the liquid distribution chamber (2) to the water pump (5).

3. The waterway system of claim 1, wherein, The water system also includes a three-way connector (14), the first interface of which is connected to a first solenoid valve (10), the second interface of which is connected to the air inlet (21) of the liquid distribution chamber (2), the third interface of which is connected to the first end of the gas pipeline (4), and the second end of the gas pipeline (4) is connected to the air outlet (71) of the gas tank (7); the first solenoid valve (10) is used to open when the water pump (5) pumps water into the liquid distribution chamber (2) so that the liquid distribution chamber (2) is connected to the outside atmosphere through the first solenoid valve (10).

4. The water routing system of claim 3, wherein, The gas pipeline (4) is equipped with a second solenoid valve (12). When the water level in the liquid distribution chamber (2) reaches the preset water level and the liquid level controller is turned on, the second solenoid valve (12) is opened so that the gas in the gas tank (7) enters the liquid distribution chamber (2) through the three-way connector (14).

5. The waterway system of claim 4, wherein, The liquid level controller uses a float level switch (6), which includes a float (61) and a switch contact. When the water level in the liquid distribution chamber (2) reaches the preset water level, the float (61) rises with the water level and triggers the switch contact. The float level switch (6) is turned on and sends an electrical signal to control the water pump (5) to stop, control the second solenoid valve (12) to open, and control the first solenoid valve (10) to close.

6. The waterway system of claim 1, wherein, The bottom of the water tank (1) has an opening; The bottom of the liquid separation chamber (2) is provided with an opening, the periphery of which is sealed to the periphery of the opening of the water tank (1), and a lower cover (16) is provided on the opening, and the water outlet (15) is provided on the lower cover (16).

7. The waterway system of claim 6, wherein, The water outlet (15) is connected to the valve switch (18) through the liquid supply pipeline (17). The liquid supply pipeline (17) is provided with a second one-way valve (9). The second one-way valve (9) is used to restrict the backflow of water in the liquid supply pipeline (17) when the gas tank (7) stops supplying gas to the liquid distribution chamber (2) and a negative pressure is formed in the liquid distribution chamber (2).

8. The water routing system of claim 1, wherein, The liquid separation chamber (2) is a vertically arranged tank-shaped structure located in the center of the water tank (1); the water inlet (22) and the air inlet (21) are both located at the top of the liquid separation chamber (2).

9. The water routing system of claim 1, wherein, The water system also includes an air pump (19), which is connected to the air tank (7) and is used to send compressed gas into the air tank (7) so that the air pressure in the air tank (7) reaches a preset pressure value.

10. A coffee maker characterized in that, The water system includes any one of claims 1 to 9.

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