Liquid path device, beverage preparation system and beverage making machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of liquid path device, system and beverage making machine, liquid path device includes hot pot assembly, refrigeration assembly and cold water assembly, hot pot assembly includes hot pot container, hot pot container is used to provide hot water to beverage preparation jar;Refrigeration assembly includes refrigeration main body, and refrigeration main body forms beverage channel and refrigeration channel respectively, beverage channel is used to access hot beverage prepared by beverage preparation jar, and refrigeration channel is heat exchange connection with beverage channel, to cool cooling to hot beverage;Cold water assembly includes cold water pipeline for accessing cold water;Cold water pipeline and refrigeration channel are connected, refrigeration channel and hot pot container are connected in an on-off manner, and when conducting, water body flowing through refrigeration channel is accessed into hot pot container. The present application is helpful to simplify the overall structure, and effectively shorten the heating duration of hot pot container and reduce heating power consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of beverage making machine technology, specifically to a liquid circuit device, a beverage making system, and a beverage making machine. Background Technology

[0002] With the advancement of technology, people's demands for quality of life are gradually increasing. This is reflected in all aspects, such as the growing demand for a wider variety of beverages. Existing beverage making machines, such as coffee machines, generally use a heating element to generate high-temperature hot water, which is then used to extract coffee powder at high temperature in the brewing tank. The resulting coffee is usually quite hot. When users want to enjoy cold coffee, they typically add ice cubes to the hot coffee. However, this method easily dilutes the coffee with ice, reducing its drinking quality. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, a beverage maker is provided, which pre-installs a refrigeration unit within the machine body. This unit cools the beverage before it is dispensed, ensuring a cold drink without compromising its overall quality. However, since cold water needs to be replenished to both the heating and refrigeration components during operation, providing separate cold water piping for each component would complicate the structure and increase manufacturing costs.

[0004] Therefore, the main purpose of this utility model is to propose a liquid circuit device, a beverage making system and a beverage making machine, which aims to solve the problem of complex cold water pipe group structure at the hot pot component and the refrigeration component in traditional beverage making machines.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a liquid circuit device for connecting to a beverage preparation container, the liquid circuit device comprising:

[0006] A hot pot assembly includes a hot pot container for supplying hot water to the beverage preparation tank so that the beverage preparation tank can prepare hot drinks using the hot water;

[0007] A refrigeration assembly includes a refrigeration body that forms a beverage channel and a refrigeration channel. The beverage channel is used to receive hot beverages prepared by the beverage preparation tank. The refrigeration channel is heat-exchange connected to the beverage channel to cool the hot beverages.

[0008] A chilled water assembly, including chilled water piping for connecting to chilled water;

[0009] The cold water pipe is connected to the refrigeration channel, and the refrigeration channel is connected to the hot pot container in a way that allows it to be switched on and off. When the connection is established, the water flowing through the refrigeration channel is introduced into the hot pot container.

[0010] Optionally, the cold water pipeline and the refrigeration channel can be connected in a switchable manner.

[0011] Optionally, the connection between the cold water pipe and the refrigeration channel constitutes the upstream end of the refrigeration channel;

[0012] The hot pot container is connected to the middle section of the refrigeration channel and is located near the downstream end of the refrigeration channel.

[0013] Optionally, the liquid circuit device further includes a waste discharge body, which forms a waste discharge chamber, and the downstream end of the refrigeration channel is configurably connected to the waste discharge chamber.

[0014] Optionally, the downstream end of the refrigeration channel is connected to the upstream end of the refrigeration channel via a bypass pipe, so as to return the water discharged from the downstream end of the refrigeration channel to the upstream end of the refrigeration channel.

[0015] Optionally, the connection between the cold water pipe and the refrigeration channel constitutes the upstream end of the refrigeration channel;

[0016] The hot pot container is connected to the downstream end of the refrigeration channel.

[0017] Optionally, the liquid circuit device further includes a liquid storage body, which forms a liquid storage chamber. The liquid storage chamber is connected to the refrigeration channel and is located upstream of the hot pot container.

[0018] Optionally, the cold water assembly further includes a pump body disposed at the connection between the hot pot container and the refrigeration channel, and the pump body is operable to start and stop.

[0019] Optionally, the cooling unit includes:

[0020] The inner tube body, with the beverage channel formed inside; and,

[0021] An outer tube is fitted onto the outside of the inner tube, and the inner wall of the outer tube and the outer wall of the inner tube are spaced apart to define the cooling channel at the spaced interval.

[0022] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, this utility model also provides a beverage preparation system, including a beverage preparation device and a liquid circuit device as described above. The beverage preparation device includes a beverage preparation tank for preparing hot beverages. The hot pot container is connected to the beverage preparation tank in a way that can be switched on and off through a first pipe. The beverage channel is connected to the beverage preparation tank in a way that can be switched on and off through a second pipe.

[0023] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, this utility model also provides a beverage making machine, including the beverage making system described above.

[0024] In the technical solution provided by this utility model, a heating element heats water to obtain hot water, which is then connected to a beverage preparation tank. The beverage preparation tank can pre-contain, for example, powder, so that after the hot water is added, the powder can be made into a hot beverage, which is then finally connected to the beverage channel of the cooling element. A cold water pipe connects external cold water to the cooling channel. Because the cooling channel and the beverage channel are connected by a heat exchange system, the cold water in the cooling channel can cool the hot beverage in the beverage channel, ultimately resulting in a cold beverage that is output.

[0025] During this process, the cold water in the cooling channel will be heated to a certain extent to form warm water. Since the cooling channel and the hot pot container can be connected on and off, when the hot pot container needs to be replenished with water, the cooling channel and the hot pot container can be connected to allow warm water to be introduced into the hot pot container.

[0026] Compared to methods that directly connect external cold water to a hot pot container, this application simplifies the cold water pipeline to a single point, thereby simplifying the overall structure. Furthermore, since warm water is added to the hot pot container, the heating time and power consumption are effectively shortened, thus improving the overall user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of the beverage mixing system provided by this utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the water circuit connection of the first embodiment of the Zhongchong drinking system;

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the water circuit connection of the second embodiment of the Zhongchong drinking system;

[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the water circuit connection of the third embodiment of the Zhongchong drinking system;

[0032] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the water circuit connection of the fourth embodiment of the Zhongchong drinking system;

[0033] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of part of the structure of the Zhongchong beverage system;

[0034] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the main refrigeration unit.

[0035] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0036] 100 Beverage preparation unit; 110 Beverage preparation tank; 200 Hot pot assembly; 210 Hot pot container; 300 Refrigeration assembly; 310 Refrigeration main body; 311 Inner pipe body; 311a Beverage channel; 312 Outer pipe body; 312a Refrigeration channel; 400 Cold water assembly; 410 Cold water pipeline; 420 Pump body; 510 First pipeline; 520 Second pipeline; 530 Third pipeline; 540 Fourth pipeline; 550 Fifth pipeline; 610 Waste discharge main body; 620 Bypass pipeline; 630 Liquid storage main body.

[0037] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0039] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0040] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0041] Please see Figures 1 to 7 This utility model provides a liquid circuit device and its applicable beverage making system and beverage making machine.

[0042] Generally, in addition to the liquid circuit device, the beverage making system may also include a beverage making assembly 100. The beverage making assembly 100 includes a beverage making cylinder 110. The interior of the beverage making cylinder 110 forms a beverage making chamber. The beverage making chamber has at least one open end (e.g., an upward-facing upper open end, a downward-facing lower open end, etc.). Each open end can be opened or closed as needed by driving, for example, the movement of a piston.

[0043] When at least one opening of the beverage-making chamber (e.g., the upper opening facing upwards) is opened, the beverage-making cylinder 110 can introduce, for example, powder into the beverage-making chamber through this opening. When all openings are closed, the piston members and the beverage-making cylinder 110 together define a relatively closed beverage-making chamber. Depending on the preparation needs, for example, the powder in the beverage-making chamber can be pressed into a cake by driving at least one piston member. Then, by introducing hot water into the beverage-making chamber, the cake can be brewed into a hot beverage.

[0044] The type of beverage making machine mentioned in this utility model is not limited. Depending on actual needs, the beverage making machine may refer to a brewing machine that only has a brewing function. In this case, the corresponding beverage making system can also be a device that can realize the brewing function.

[0045] Alternatively, the beverage making machine can refer to a mixing device capable of mixing at least two ingredients. In this case, the corresponding beverage making system is also a device that can perform this mixing function.

[0046] Of course, this beverage making machine can be further enhanced with features such as grinding, weighing, and cleaning functions, without limitation. In addition to the beverage making system, the machine also includes a housing. The housing provides a secure mounting for the beverage making system and offers sufficient protection for it.

[0047] Furthermore, for ease of understanding, the following embodiments will be described using examples of liquid circuit devices and their applicable beverage preparation systems and beverage making machines having corresponding horizontal, vertical, and longitudinal directions. The horizontal, vertical, and longitudinal directions are essentially perpendicular to each other. In practical applications, the vertical direction can correspond to the direction of gravity, having opposite upper and lower sides. The horizontal and longitudinal directions are any two suitable directions on a horizontal plane, with the longitudinal direction having opposite front and rear sides. For beverage making machines, the front side is the orientation primarily facing the customer for convenient user operation.

[0048] Therefore, please combine the specific details. Figures 1 to 7 This liquid circuit device is suitable for use with the beverage preparation component 100 in a beverage making machine. In this case, the liquid circuit device includes a hot pot component 200, a cooling component 300, and a cold water component 400.

[0049] The hot pot assembly 200 includes a hot pot container 210. After an external water source is added to the hot pot container 210, the stored water can be heated to a target temperature by a heating device to obtain hot water.

[0050] The hot pot container 210 is responsively connected to the beverage-making chamber of the beverage-making tank 110 via a first pipe 510. When the first pipe 510 is open, hot water prepared in the hot pot container 210 can be supplied to the beverage-making tank 110 via the first pipe 510. As described above, the beverage-making tank 110 can use this hot water to prepare a hot beverage.

[0051] The refrigeration assembly 300 includes a refrigeration body 310. The refrigeration body 310 forms a beverage channel 311a and a refrigeration channel 312a.

[0052] The beverage channel 311a and the beverage preparation tank 110 are connected in a slewable manner via a second pipe 520. When the second pipe 520 is open, the beverage preparation tank 110 can transfer the hot beverage prepared in the beverage preparation chamber into the beverage channel 311a. The cooling channel 312a is connected to the beverage channel 311a for heat exchange to cool the hot beverage.

[0053] The chilled water assembly 400 includes a chilled water line 410. The chilled water line 410 is used to connect to external chilled water.

[0054] The cold water pipe 410 is connected to the refrigeration channel 312a. The refrigeration channel 312a and the hot pot container 210 are connected in a switchable manner through the third pipe 530, and when the third pipe 530 is open, the water flowing through the refrigeration channel 312a is introduced into the hot pot container 210.

[0055] The cold water pipe 410 connects external cold water to the refrigeration channel 312a. Since the refrigeration channel 312a and the beverage channel 311a are connected by heat exchange, the cold water in the refrigeration channel 312a can cool the hot beverage in the beverage channel 311a, and finally the cold beverage is output.

[0056] During this process, the cold water in the refrigeration channel 312a will be heated to a certain extent to form warm water. Since the refrigeration channel 312a and the hot pot container 210 can be connected on and off, when the hot pot container 210 needs to be replenished with water, the refrigeration channel 312a and the hot pot container 210 can be connected to allow warm water to be introduced into the hot pot container 210.

[0057] Compared to directly connecting external cold water into the hot pot container 210, this application simplifies the cold water pipe 410 to a single pipe, thereby simplifying the overall structure. Furthermore, since the water supplied to the hot pot container 210 is warm water, the heating time of the hot pot container 210 can be effectively shortened and the heating power consumption reduced, thus helping to improve the overall quality of use.

[0058] Please combine Figures 1 to 7 It can be understood that if the connection between the cold water pipe 410 and the refrigeration channel 312a is taken as the upstream end of the refrigeration channel 312a, then according to actual needs, by adjusting the connection position between the third pipe 530 and the refrigeration channel 312a, the water flowing in the refrigeration channel 312a can be transferred to the hot pot container 210, either entirely or partially.

[0059] In one application scenario, hot drinks may not yet be circulating in the beverage channel 311a. That is, the cold water connected to the refrigeration channel 312a via the cold water pipe 410 has not yet exchanged heat with the hot drinks in the beverage channel 311a. At this time, the cold water in the refrigeration channel 312a maintains its original temperature. When water needs to be added, the third pipe 530 is activated, connecting the cold water in the refrigeration channel 312a to the hot pot container 210. Therefore, the cold water pipe 410, the refrigeration channel 312a, and the third pipe 530 together constitute the water inlet pipe of the hot pot container 210.

[0060] In another application scenario, the beverage channel 311a carries at least one or several cups of hot beverage. That is, the cold water connected to the cooling channel 312a via the cold water pipe 410 can exchange heat with the hot beverage in the beverage channel 311a once or several times. This heat exchange process transforms the cold water into warm water with a certain temperature increase, resulting in a certain reduction in subsequent cooling capacity.

[0061] In this application scenario, the temperature of the warm water entering the hot pot container 210 is necessarily higher than that of the cold water. Furthermore, the temperature difference between this warm water and the target temperature ultimately required by the hot pot container 210 is necessarily smaller. By introducing warm water into the hot pot container 210, the required temperature rise within the container is reduced, meaning the hot pot container 210 can heat the warm water to the required hot water with relatively low power. This makes the hot water production process more time-saving and energy-efficient.

[0062] In this application scenario, the refrigeration channel 312a, since at least some of the warm water enters the hot pot container 210, requires a continuous supply of cold water from the cold water pipe 410 to maintain sufficient cooling intensity in the refrigeration unit 310. This ensures that, on the one hand, at least part of the water flowing within the refrigeration channel 312a is mixed with cold water, maintaining a consistently low temperature sufficient for effective heat exchange with hot drinks. On the other hand, it guarantees the continuous flow of water within the refrigeration channel 312a, both of which contribute to improved heat exchange efficiency for hot drinks.

[0063] The following section will focus on the second application scenario and elaborate on the connection scheme of the cold water component 400, the hot pot device, and the refrigeration device.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, in one specific embodiment, the third pipe 530 can be directly connected to the downstream end of the refrigeration channel 312a. This is equivalent to the hot pot container 210 being directly connected to the downstream end of the refrigeration channel 312a. This ensures that all the water flowing within the refrigeration channel 312a is connected to both the third pipe 530 and the hot pot container 210.

[0065] Alternatively, in another specific embodiment, the third pipe 530 can be connected to the channel section located between the upstream and downstream ends of the refrigeration channel 312a. This allows some of the water flowing within the refrigeration channel 312a to be connected to the third pipe 530 and the hot pot container 210. In this case, the third pipe 530 is positioned as close as possible to the downstream end of the refrigeration channel 312a.

[0066] It is understandable that when the flow rate of warm water circulating in the cooling channel 312a is just enough to meet or less than the water replenishment requirements of the hot pot container 210, the warm water in the cooling channel 312a can be completely connected to the hot pot container 210 as described above. This ensures that a sufficient amount of warm water is provided to the hot pot container 210, ensuring that the water replenishment of the hot pot container 210 is more timely and sufficient.

[0067] Conversely, when the flow rate of warm water in the cooling channel 312a exceeds the water replenishment requirement of the hot pot container 210, the warm water in the cooling channel 312a can be partially diverted into the hot pot container 210. Then, regarding the remaining warm water in the cooling channel 312a that is not diverted into the hot pot container 210:

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, in one specific embodiment, the remaining warm water can be returned to, for example, the upstream end of the refrigeration channel 312a via an additional bypass pipe 620, to continue participating in the next refrigeration cycle for hot drinks, together with the additional cold water. Since the amount of the remaining warm water is relatively small compared to the amount of water in the hot pot container 210 or the amount of cold water added to the refrigeration channel 312a, the mixing of the remaining warm water with the additional cold water will not cause an excessive increase in overall water temperature, thus sufficiently meeting the refrigeration requirements for the next hot drink cycle.

[0069] Or such as Figure 4 As shown, in another specific embodiment, the refrigeration device may further include a waste discharge body 610. The waste discharge body 610, for example, forms a waste discharge chamber. The waste discharge chamber is connected to the downstream end of the refrigeration channel 312a via a fourth pipe 540. This allows the remaining warm water flowing within the refrigeration channel 312a to directly enter the waste discharge chamber of the waste discharge body 610 via the fourth pipe 540, and be ultimately discharged as waste liquid.

[0070] Of course, when the beverage making machine is pre-installed with, for example, a tray, and the tray is equipped with a water collection tank, the tray can directly constitute the aforementioned waste discharge body 610. The water collection tank then constitutes the waste discharge chamber.

[0071] When the third pipe 530 is connected to the downstream end of the refrigeration channel 312a as described above, the pump body 420 can be specifically installed at the third pipe 530. In this way, the water in the entire water circuit consisting of the cold water pipe 410, the refrigeration channel 312a, the third pipe 530, and the hot pot container 210 can be effectively driven to flow through a single pump body 420.

[0072] Based on one or more of the above embodiments, it can be understood that the third pipe 530 is designed to be on and off. This allows the third pipe 530 to intermittently replenish water to the hot pot container 210 according to actual needs. That is, when the hot pot container 210 needs water replenishment, the third pipe 530 can be controlled to connect the hot pot container 210 and the cold water pipe 410. Conversely, when the hot pot container 210 does not need water replenishment, the third pipe 530 can be controlled to disconnect the hot pot container 210 and the cold water pipe 410.

[0073] Depending on actual needs, the cooling channel 312a and the chilled water pipe 410 can also be configured to be switchable. Similarly, this allows for intermittent water replenishment of the cooling channel 312a. That is, when the cooling channel 312a needs water replenishment, the connection between the cooling channel 312a and the chilled water pipe 410 can be controlled. Conversely, when the cooling channel 312a does not need water replenishment, the connection between the cooling channel 312a and the chilled water pipe 410 can be controlled to be disconnected.

[0074] Alternatively, depending on actual needs, the cooling channel 312a and the cold water pipe 410 can remain connected. In this case, the cold water pipe 410 continuously supplies external cold water to the cooling channel 312a. This ensures that the cold water in the cooling channel 312a remains flowing, guaranteeing that the heat exchange with the hot beverage is always with cooler hot water, rather than lukewarm water that has undergone at least one heat exchange.

[0075] Of course, based on this embodiment, the cold water pipe 410 can be further configured to be directly connected to an external cold water source (e.g., connected to an external faucet). Alternatively, the cold water pipe 410 can be configured to be connected to a water inlet chamber. This water inlet chamber is connected to the external cold water source in a way that allows for switching on and off. This water inlet chamber can also be connected to, for example, the downstream end of the cooling channel 312a. This allows water (especially the remaining water not connected to the hot pot container 210) to circulate between the water inlet chamber, the cold water pipe 410, and the cooling channel 312a. Because the water inlet chamber forms sufficient water storage space, the warm water flowing into the water inlet chamber via the cooling channel 312a can be sufficiently cooled and turned back into cold water before entering the cooling channel 312a again.

[0076] In addition, please combine Figure 5 In one specific embodiment, the liquid circuit device may further include a liquid storage body 630. The liquid storage body 630 forms a liquid storage chamber. The liquid storage chamber is connected to the refrigeration channel 312a and is located upstream of the hot pot container 210.

[0077] The liquid storage body 630 can be specifically located at the third pipe 530. Of course, the liquid storage body 630 can be connected to the third pipe 530 in a way that allows it to be switched on and off via the fifth pipe 550. And for ease of understanding, the fifth pipe 550 divides the third pipe 530 into an upstream section near the refrigeration body 310 and a downstream section near the hot pot container 210.

[0078] When it is necessary to temporarily store water entering the hot pot container 210 via the refrigeration channel 312a, the fifth pipe 550 is connected to the upstream pipe section, while the fifth pipe 550 is disconnected from the downstream pipe section. At this time, the water discharged from the downstream end of the refrigeration channel 312a can be connected to the liquid storage chamber.

[0079] When it is necessary to directly utilize the water that enters the hot pot container 210 via the refrigeration channel 312a, the fifth pipe 550 can be operated to isolate the upstream pipe section and the downstream pipe section. At this time, the water discharged from the downstream end of the refrigeration channel 312a can flow directly into the hot pot container 210 via the third pipe 530.

[0080] When it is necessary to utilize the water stored in the storage chamber, the fifth pipe 550 can be operated to disconnect it from the upstream pipe section, while the fifth pipe 550 and the downstream pipe section can be connected. At this time, the water stored in the storage chamber can be connected to the hot pot container 210.

[0081] In this scheme, the pump body 420 can be directly installed in the downstream section of the third pipeline 530, making it easier to achieve the switching operation of the above-mentioned multiple flow paths with a single pump body 420.

[0082] It should be noted that the implementation method of the on / off connection mentioned above is not limited. Depending on the actual needs, the flow or stillness of the water can be adjusted by controlling the start-up or shutdown of the power components (e.g., pump body 420) at the flow path.

[0083] Alternatively, the switching between conduction and isolation can be achieved through a valve body structure located at the connection point. In this case, the valve body structure can be of any specification, such as a pressure valve, flow valve, directional valve, or check valve, depending on the actual needs. When multiple water paths need to be switched, flexible switching can be achieved by at least two single-way valves operating in tandem. Alternatively, flexible switching can be achieved by at least one multi-way valve operating independently.

[0084] Of course, the switching between conduction and isolation can also be achieved through the opening and closing of a cover structure, for example, located at the connection point. The specific movement of the cover structure is not limited; it can be, but is not limited to, translational movement along a certain direction, and / or rotational movement around an axis extending in a certain direction.

[0085] Furthermore, there are various designs for the refrigeration unit 310 to achieve the aforementioned objectives. For example... Figures 6 to 7 As shown, in one specific embodiment, the refrigeration body 310 includes an inner tube 311 and an outer tube 312 that are connected internally and externally. The inner tube 311 defines a beverage passage 311a. The outer wall of the inner tube 311 and the inner wall of the outer tube 312 are spaced apart to define a refrigeration passage 312a at the gap.

[0086] Both the inner tube 311 and the outer tube 312 are hollow structures. Therefore, the inner tube 311 can directly define the beverage channel 311a. By inserting the inner tube 311 into the hollow structure of the outer tube 312, the inner tube 311 and the outer tube 312 can jointly enclose and define the cooling channel 312a.

[0087] In order to enable the cold water in the cooling channel 312a to exchange heat with the hot beverage in the beverage channel 311a, in specific applications, at least the inner tube 311 is made of a thermally conductive material. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of the inner tube 311 can be set to be relatively high, facilitating more efficient heat transfer from the hot beverage to the cold water.

[0088] It should be noted that the radial cross-sectional shape of the inner tube 311 and / or the outer tube 312 is not limited in this application. For example, its outer contour shape can be, but is not limited to, a perfect circle, an ellipse, other circles, or polygons.

[0089] Therefore, when the inner tube 311 is inserted into the outer tube 312, it can specifically be that the inner tube 311 abuts against the inner wall of one side of the outer tube 312. At this time, the cooling channel 312a defined by the outer wall of the inner tube 311 and the inner wall of the outer tube 312 is roughly crescent-shaped.

[0090] Alternatively, the inner tube 311 can be separated between the outer tubes 312, that is, the inner tubes 311 abut against the radial side walls of the outer tubes 312 respectively. In this case, the refrigeration channel 312a defined by the outer wall of the inner tube 311 and the inner wall of the outer tube 312 is roughly two crescent-shaped sections separated circumferentially.

[0091] Alternatively, the inner tube 311 can be suspended within the hollow structure of the outer tube 312, meaning that the outer wall of the inner tube 311 and the inner wall of the outer tube 312 do not contact each other. In this case, the cooling channel 312a defined by the outer wall of the inner tube 311 and the inner wall of the outer tube 312 is approximately annular.

[0092] It is understandable that the shape of the cooling channel 312a can significantly affect the specific heat exchange points and efficiency of the cold water on the hot beverage. For example, when the cooling channel 312a is located at a localized position on the circumference of the beverage channel 311a, it primarily facilitates relatively direct heat exchange with the hot beverage at that location. The remaining hot beverage in the beverage channel 311a, where the cooling channel 312a is not located, needs to be combined with the cooled beverage to achieve cooling.

[0093] Therefore, as Figure 7 As shown, preferably, the inner tube 311 is suspended inside the outer tube 312, and the two together enclose and define a ring-shaped cooling channel 312a, so as to cover the entire circumference of the beverage channel 311a and realize all-round cooling and temperature reduction of hot beverages in the beverage channel 311a.

[0094] The cooling unit 310 is mainly formed by the inner tube 311 and the outer tube 312 connected together. The overall shape of the cooling unit 310 is not limited; it can be, but is not limited to, an elongated shape extending in a certain direction, a labyrinthine shape, etc. Specifically, as shown... Figures 6 to 7 In the structure shown, the refrigeration unit 310 is arranged in a spiral shape. This helps to extend the path length of the beverage channel 311a and the refrigeration channel 312a respectively, and also minimizes the space occupied by the refrigeration unit 310 in the horizontal, vertical and longitudinal directions, making the refrigeration unit 310 more compact and facilitating its installation within the beverage making machine.

[0095] It should be noted that the beverage making machines used in beverage making systems are generally equipped with a liquid outlet pipe. At least the opening of the liquid outlet pipe is exposed outside the machine casing, forming the beverage outlet.

[0096] Based on this, the beverage dispensing tank 110 can directly dispense hot beverages from the beverage outlet through the liquid outlet pipe. Alternatively, the beverage dispensing tank 110 can indirectly dispense cold beverages from the beverage outlet through the beverage channel 311a and the liquid outlet pipe.

[0097] The hot beverage outlet pipe and its outlet can be integrated with the cold beverage outlet pipe and its outlet, or they can be separate components. Each outlet pipe and its outlet can independently dispense either hot or cold beverages.

[0098] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A liquid circuit device, characterized in that, The liquid circuit device is used to connect to the beverage preparation container, and the liquid circuit device includes: A hot pot assembly includes a hot pot container for supplying hot water to the beverage preparation tank so that the beverage preparation tank can prepare hot drinks using the hot water; A refrigeration assembly includes a refrigeration body that forms a beverage channel and a refrigeration channel. The beverage channel is used to receive hot beverages prepared by the beverage preparation tank. The refrigeration channel is heat-exchange connected to the beverage channel to cool the hot beverages. A chilled water assembly, including chilled water piping for connecting to chilled water; The cold water pipe is connected to the refrigeration channel, and the refrigeration channel is connected to the hot pot container in a way that allows it to be switched on and off. When the connection is established, the water flowing through the refrigeration channel is introduced into the hot pot container.

2. The liquid circuit device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cold water pipeline and the refrigeration channel can be connected in a way that allows them to be switched on and off.

3. The liquid circuit device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connection between the cold water pipeline and the refrigeration channel constitutes the upstream end of the refrigeration channel; The hot pot container is connected to the middle section of the refrigeration channel and is located near the downstream end of the refrigeration channel.

4. The liquid circuit device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The liquid circuit device also includes a waste discharge body, which forms a waste discharge chamber, and the downstream end of the refrigeration channel is configurably connected to the waste discharge chamber.

5. The liquid circuit device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The downstream end of the refrigeration channel is connected to the upstream end of the refrigeration channel via a bypass pipe, so as to return the water discharged from the downstream end of the refrigeration channel to the upstream end of the refrigeration channel.

6. The liquid circuit device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connection between the cold water pipeline and the refrigeration channel constitutes the upstream end of the refrigeration channel; The hot pot container is connected to the downstream end of the refrigeration channel.

7. The liquid circuit device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid circuit device also includes a liquid storage body, which forms a liquid storage cavity. The liquid storage cavity is connected to the refrigeration channel and is located upstream of the hot pot container.

8. The liquid circuit device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cold water assembly also includes a pump body, which is disposed at the connection between the hot pot container and the refrigeration channel, and the pump body can be started and stopped.

9. The liquid circuit device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigeration unit includes: The inner tube body, with the beverage channel formed inside; and, An outer tube is fitted onto the outside of the inner tube, and the inner wall of the outer tube and the outer wall of the inner tube are spaced apart to define the cooling channel at the spaced interval.

10. A beverage preparation system, characterized in that, The invention includes a beverage preparation device and a liquid circuit device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the beverage preparation device includes a beverage preparation tank for preparing hot beverages, the hot pot container is connected to the beverage preparation tank in a slewable manner via a first pipe, and the beverage channel is connected to the beverage preparation tank in a slewable manner via a second pipe.

11. A beverage making machine, characterized in that, Includes the beverage preparation system as described in claim 10.

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