Beverage machine

Abstract

The application discloses a beverage machine, comprising: a main body having a water supply port; a water tank which is detachably connected to the main body, the water tank having a water outlet, an upper portion of the water tank being provided with a water inlet, the water outlet being lower than the water inlet in the vertical direction, the water outlet being in communication with the water supply port, and the water inlet being selectively in communication with an external water source to supply water to the water tank through the external water source; a first water pump and a second water pump which are connected in parallel between the water supply port and a water-consuming component of the main body and are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, the first water pump and the second water pump being respectively used for conveying water in the water tank to the water-consuming component through the water supply port; a liquid level sensor which is arranged on a side wall of the water tank and is used for detecting the liquid level in the water tank; and a controller which is in communication connection with the liquid level sensor and is configured to control the external water source to supply water to the water tank according to a liquid level signal detected by the liquid level sensor. The beverage machine has the advantages of convenient water tank water supply, high water pump efficiency and long service life, and low overall machine cost.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Beverage machines are becoming increasingly popular in the preparation of beverages such as milk tea, coffee, and / or tea drinks. They are not only essential for business offices and beverage shops, but are also gradually becoming a common household appliance.

[0003] Current beverage machines typically use a fixed water tank design, requiring the entire tank to be disassembled for refilling, which is cumbersome and prone to leaks. Furthermore, traditional beverage machines often use a single water pump, resulting in low water supply efficiency. Frequent use can cause the pump to overheat, shortening its lifespan.

[0004] Furthermore, while some beverage machines can automatically fill with water, this process typically involves the water entering the machine through a solenoid valve and a pressure reducing valve (to reduce the pressure of municipal water and prevent high-pressure municipal water from impacting the water pump), before connecting to the pump to draw water (without passing through a water tank). Existing beverage machines require relatively many electrical components, resulting in higher costs. Additionally, the pressure in the internal piping is affected by the pressure of the incoming water itself, leading to unstable flow rates. Moreover, in the automatic water filling mode of most machines on the market, the water in the internal piping is directly connected to municipal water, posing a risk of backflow / seepage / contamination of the municipal water. To address this risk, an additional check valve is needed (to prevent backflow / seepage in the internal piping), which is costly, and if the check valve fails, the risk of contaminating the municipal water cannot be avoided.

[0005] Therefore, a beverage machine that can solve the above problems is needed. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a beverage machine to solve the problems of inconvenient water tank replenishment, low water pump efficiency, and high overall cost in the prior art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a beverage machine, comprising: The main body has a water supply port; A water tank is detachably connected to the main body. The water tank has an outlet and an inlet. The outlet is positioned lower than the inlet in the vertical direction. The outlet is connected to the water supply port. The inlet can be selectively connected to an external water source to replenish the water tank. The first water pump and the second water pump are connected in parallel between the water supply port and the water-consuming component of the main body, and are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The first water pump and the second water pump are respectively used to transport water in the water tank to the water-consuming component through the water supply port. A liquid level sensor is installed on the side wall of the water tank to detect the liquid level height in the water tank. The liquid level sensor is communicatively connected to a controller, which is configured to control the external water source to replenish the water tank according to the liquid level signal detected by the liquid level sensor. The liquid level signal indicates that the water volume in the water tank has reached or fallen below the minimum operating capacity required by the water tank.

[0008] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: the water inlet is located above the water tank, spatially isolating the water inlet from the water source inside the tank. Water in the tank and the internal pipes of the beverage machine cannot flow back or seep in, effectively preventing water from the tank from contaminating the external water source. When the external water source is tap water, the one-way valve on the inlet pipe can be eliminated, making it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Furthermore, regardless of whether it's automatic water inlet mode or tank mode, the beverage machine draws water from the tank; water from the external source first fills the tank, then flows through the tank's outlet to the main unit's water supply port, supplying the water-consuming components. The water tank acts as a buffer and pressure stabilizer, and the water pressure flowing out of the tank's outlet is stable, simplifying the controller's algorithm and facilitating stable cup volume. It also eliminates the need for a pressure-reducing valve on the inlet pipe, making it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Additionally, the parallel-connected first and second water pumps can be started and stopped independently according to actual water demand, or used alternately without distinction, effectively sharing the load pressure and improving water supply stability. Furthermore, it reduces the heat generated during continuous operation of a single pump, thereby increasing the service life of the pump.

[0009] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the first water pump and the second water pump are respectively electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is configured to control the first water pump and the second water pump to operate alternately. The switching condition for the alternating operation of the first water pump and the second water pump is at least one of the following features: The pumping volume of either the first water pump or the second water pump reaches the preset water volume; The beverage machine outputs a preset cup size of beverage; The beverage machine prepares beverages a preset number of times; The cumulative working time of either the first water pump or the second water pump reaches a preset time.

[0010] As a further improvement of one embodiment of this utility model, a common pipe is connected to the water outlet, and both the first water pump and the second water pump are connected to the common pipe through a first tee connector; in the vertical direction, the position of the water outlet is not lower than the position of the common pipe, and the position of the water outlet is not lower than the position of the first tee connector.

[0011] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, it also includes a water pump outlet pipe, wherein the first water pump and the second water pump are both connected to the water pump outlet pipe through a second three-way connector, the water pump outlet pipe is used to deliver water to the water-consuming component, and a one-way valve is connected to the water pump outlet pipe, the one-way valve allowing one-way communication from the water pump outlet pipe to the water-consuming component.

[0012] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present utility model, the first water pump and the second water pump are arranged at intervals in the horizontal direction, and both the first water pump and the second water pump pump water from bottom to top in the vertical direction. The pumping path from the first water pump to the water-consuming component is the same as the pumping path from the second water pump to the water-consuming component; and / or, the water supply path from the water tank to the first water pump is the same as the water supply path from the water tank to the second water pump.

[0013] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the water inlet includes a first water inlet and a second water inlet, which are suspended side by side above the water tank; the external water source includes a tap water source and a bottled water source, the first water inlet is connected to the tap water source, and the second water inlet is connected to the bottled water source.

[0014] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present utility model, water inlet pipes are provided between the tap water source and the first water inlet, and between the bottled water source and the second water inlet. The water inlet pipes include at least a first bend joint and a second bend joint. The first and second bends change the water delivery direction from bottom to top to top.

[0015] As a further improvement of one embodiment of this utility model, a throttling section is provided between the tap water source and the first water inlet, and between the bottled water source and the second water inlet; the condition for stopping the external water source from replenishing the water tank is the water inlet duration; the water inlet duration is determined based on the water replenishment amount and the cross-sectional area of ​​the throttling section.

[0016] As a further improvement of one embodiment of this utility model, the main body is provided with an induction switch, which is electrically connected to the controller and used to detect the installation status of the water tank and the main body; an on / off valve is provided between the first water inlet and the tap water source; a third water pump is provided between the second water inlet and the bottled water source; the controller is also configured to allow the on / off valve to open or allow the third water pump to start based on the trigger signal of the induction switch.

[0017] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid level sensor is configured as a capacitive sensor, and the capacitive sensor is disposed in the lower part of the side wall of the water tank; the water tank includes an adjacent or opposite first side wall and a second side wall, the water outlet is disposed at the bottom of the first side wall, and the capacitive sensor is disposed on the second side wall. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a beverage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the water circuit in a beverage machine.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the beverage machine along line AA.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the beverage machine along the BB line.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of part a. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0024] It should be understood that terms such as “above,” “over,” “below,” and “under” used herein to indicate spatial relative position are for illustrative purposes to describe the relationship of one unit or feature relative to another unit or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings. The terms “spatial relative position” may be intended to include different orientations of the equipment in use or operation other than those shown in the figures.

[0025] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and these terms are not intended to indicate the location or importance of individual components. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative direction of fluid flow within a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the direction from which the fluid flow originates, while “downstream” refers to the direction from which the fluid flow terminates.

[0026] The beverage machine 100 in the specific embodiments of this application refers to... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the beverage machine 100 includes a main body 20, a water tank 30, a first water pump 41, and a second water pump 42. The main body 20 has a water inlet 21. The water tank 30 is detachably connected to the main body 20 and has a water outlet 31. A water inlet 32 ​​is located above the water tank 30. Vertically, the position of the water outlet 31 is lower than that of the water inlet 32. The water outlet 31 is connected to the water inlet 21, and the water inlet 32 ​​can be selectively connected to an external water source to replenish the water tank 30. The first water pump 41 and the second water pump 42 are connected in parallel between the water inlet 21 and the water-consuming components of the main body 20, and are arranged horizontally. The first water pump 41 and the second water pump 42 are used to transport water from the water tank 30 to the water-consuming components through the water inlet 21. The water-consuming components may be, for example, a heater 27, a brewer 28, a beverage outlet 29, etc.

[0027] Specifically, the external water source can be tap water source 11 or bottled water source 12.

[0028] The water inlet 32 ​​is located above the water tank 30, spatially isolating the water source within the water tank 30. This prevents backflow / re-seepage of water from the water tank 30 and the internal piping of the main unit 20, effectively avoiding contamination of the external water source. When the external water source is tap water 11, the one-way valve on the inlet pipe 65 can be omitted, resulting in greater environmental friendliness and cost savings. Furthermore, regardless of whether it's tap water, bottled water, or water tank mode, the main unit 20 draws water from the water tank 30. Water from the external source first replenishes the water tank 30, and then is supplied to water-consuming components via the water outlet 31 of the water tank 30 and the water supply port 21 of the main unit 20. The water tank 30 can serve as a buffer and pressure stabilizer. Moreover, the water pressure flowing out of the outlet 31 of the water tank 30 is stable, which simplifies the control algorithm of the controller 50 and helps stabilize the cup volume. It can also eliminate the need for the pressure reducing valve on the inlet pipe 65, making it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

[0029] In addition, the first water pump 41 and the second water pump 42, which are set in parallel, can be started and stopped independently according to actual water demand, or they can be used alternately without difference, effectively sharing the load pressure and improving the stability of water supply. Furthermore, it avoids overheating from continuous operation of a single pump, increasing the service life of the pumps.

[0030] The horizontal parallel arrangement of the first water pump 41 and the second water pump 42 allows for a more compact pump layout, saving internal space in the main body 20 and facilitating maintenance and installation. Simultaneously, this horizontal parallel arrangement promotes standardized piping design and reduces assembly complexity. The parallel arrangement of the first water pump 41 and the second water pump 42 can be configured such that both pumps are vertically oriented from inlet to outlet, both are horizontally oriented from inlet to outlet, or both are inclined from inlet to outlet. The specific arrangement of the first water pump 41 and the second water pump 42 can be flexibly adjusted according to the internal space of the main body 20, ensuring both a compact structure and convenient maintenance.

[0031] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 The beverage machine 100 also includes a liquid level sensor 23, which is disposed on the side wall of the water tank 30 and is used to detect the liquid level height in the water tank 30. The liquid level sensor 23 is communicatively connected to the controller 50, which is configured to control an external water source to replenish water to the water tank 30 according to the liquid level signal detected by the liquid level sensor 23. The liquid level signal indicates that the water volume in the water tank 30 has reached or fallen below the minimum working capacity required by the water tank 30.

[0032] The level sensor 23 only needs to detect the minimum water level in the water tank 30, which serves as a warning level indicating that the water tank 30 needs to be replenished. The level signal detected by the level sensor 23 can be a signal that the water level in the water tank 30 has reached or fallen below the minimum water level, i.e., a trigger signal or a trigger disconnection signal for the level sensor 23. When the level sensor 23 detects that the water level in the water tank 30 has reached or fallen below the minimum operating capacity required by the water tank 30, the controller 50 controls an external water source to replenish water to the water tank 30 based on the level signal from the level sensor 23, until the water level reaches the preset upper limit. This achieves precise control of automatic water replenishment. This process avoids human intervention, improves the intelligence and stability of the beverage machine 100's operation, and prevents damage to the water pump due to water shortage, further ensuring the safety and durability of the equipment.

[0033] The liquid level sensor 23 can be a non-contact sensor such as a capacitive or ultrasonic sensor, which can effectively avoid sensor aging or corrosion caused by long-term contact with liquid, improving detection accuracy, service life, and beverage safety and hygiene. At the same time, the non-contact design reduces maintenance frequency, meeting the needs of long-term continuous operation of the beverage machine 100. Combined with the intelligent judgment algorithm of the controller 50, real-time monitoring and dynamic response to liquid level changes can be achieved, ensuring accurate water replenishment timing and preventing water shortage in the water tank 30.

[0034] Optionally, the level sensor 23 is configured as a capacitive sensor, located in the lower region of the side wall of the water tank 30. The water tank 30 includes adjacent or opposite first side walls 33 and second side walls 34. The outlet 31 is located at the bottom of the first side wall 33, and the capacitive sensor is located in the lower region of the second side wall 34. That is, except for the first side wall 33, the capacitive sensor can be located on any side wall of the water tank 30. The capacitive sensor determines the level by detecting changes in capacitance, avoiding direct contact with the water and effectively improving the sensor's durability. Placing the sensor on the second side wall 34 avoids the turbulence effect of the outlet 31, ensuring detection stability. When the water level drops to the minimum water level height, the controller 50 receives a trigger signal and immediately starts replenishing water from an external water source. This layout balances structural rationality and detection reliability, enhancing the overall intelligence level of the system.

[0035] In one embodiment, the first water pump 41 and the second water pump 42 are electrically connected to the controller 50. The controller 50 is configured to control the first water pump 41 and the second water pump 42 to operate alternately. The switching condition for the alternation of operation of the first water pump 41 and the second water pump 42 can be that the pumping volume of one of the first water pump 41 and the second water pump 42 reaches a preset water volume. That is, when the cumulative pumping volume of the first water pump 41 reaches the preset water volume, the controller controls the switch to the second water pump 42; when the cumulative pumping volume of the second water pump 42 reaches the preset water volume, the controller controls the switch to the first water pump 41. The first water pump 41 and the second water pump 42 automatically switch according to the cumulative pumping volume reaching the preset water volume, ensuring balanced load operation of the two pumps and extending the overall service life.

[0036] The switching condition for the alternating operation of the first water pump 41 and the second water pump 42 can also be that the beverage machine 100 outputs a preset cup volume of beverages. That is, when the beverage machine 100 outputs a preset cup volume of beverages while using the first water pump 41, the controller switches to the second water pump 42; conversely, when the beverage machine 100 outputs a preset cup volume of beverages while using the second water pump 42, the controller switches back to the first water pump 41. When the output cup volume reaches the preset cup volume, the controller 50 automatically switches to the other water pump to avoid prolonged high-load operation of a single water pump. Here, the cumulative cup volume can be understood as the cumulative volume of beverages output by the beverage machine 100 into the user's cup.

[0037] The switching condition for the alternating operation of the first water pump 41 and the second water pump 42 can also be that the number of times the beverage machine 100 prepares beverages reaches a preset number. After the preset number of beverage preparations is reached, the controller 50 triggers a switching command to start the other water pump, thus achieving load sharing. That is, when the cumulative number of beverage preparations by the beverage machine 100 while using the first water pump 41 reaches the preset number, the controller controls the switch to the second water pump 42; when the cumulative number of beverage preparations by the beverage machine 100 while using the second water pump 42 reaches the preset number, the controller controls the switch back to the first water pump 41. This switching logic is recorded and judged by the controller 50 in real time to ensure that the two pumps operate at similar levels, improving system reliability and durability.

[0038] The switching condition for the alternating operation of the first water pump 41 and the second water pump 42 can also be that the cumulative operating time of either the first water pump 41 or the second water pump 42 reaches a preset time. That is, when the cumulative operating time of the first water pump 41 reaches the preset time, the controller switches to the second water pump 42; when the cumulative operating time of the second water pump 42 reaches the preset time, the controller switches back to the first water pump 41. When the cumulative operating time of either water pump reaches the preset time, the controller 50 automatically starts and stops the pump, avoiding prolonged high-load operation of a single water pump.

[0039] The alternating operation of the first water pump 41 and the second water pump 42 ensures a continuous and stable water supply to the beverage machine 100. This control logic, combining liquid level detection and operational feedback, achieves fully automated operation, improving system reliability and energy efficiency.

[0040] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The water outlet 31 is connected to a common pipe 61. Both the first water pump 41 and the second water pump 42 are connected to the common pipe 61 via a first tee connector 621. Vertically, the position of the water outlet 31 is no lower than the position of the common pipe 61, and the position of the water outlet 31 is no lower than the position of the first tee connector 621. The arrangement of the common pipe 61 and the first tee connector 621 relative to the water outlet 31 effectively reduces the wasted pump head caused by the high placement of the common pipe 61, ensuring a continuous and stable water supply. The optimized layout of the common pipe 61 and the first tee connector 621 improves internal space utilization, reduces pipe redundancy, and enhances the overall compactness of the beverage machine 100. Combined with the dual-pump alternating operation strategy, it further balances the pipe pressure distribution and extends the service life of core components.

[0041] Continue to refer to Figure 2The beverage machine 100 also includes a water pump outlet pipe 64. The first water pump 41 and the second water pump 42 are both connected to the water pump outlet pipe 64 via a second three-way connector 622. The water pump outlet pipe 64 is used to supply water to the water-consuming components. A one-way valve 641 is connected to the water pump outlet pipe 64, allowing one-way communication from the water pump outlet pipe 64 to the water-consuming components. The connection structure between the second three-way connector 622 and the water pump outlet pipe 64 effectively simplifies the pipeline connection structure and improves maintenance convenience. The one-way valve 641 prevents liquid backflow, avoiding pressure fluctuations or component damage caused by liquid backflow when the water pump stops, thus ensuring the stability of system operation.

[0042] Reference Figure 3 In one embodiment, the first water pump 41 and the second water pump 42 are arranged at intervals in the horizontal direction, and both the first water pump 41 and the second water pump 42 pump water from bottom to top in the vertical direction; the pumping path of the first water pump 41 to the water-consuming component is the same as the pumping path of the second water pump 42 to the water-consuming component.

[0043] Water supplied from outlet 31 of water tank 30 first passes through common pipe 61, then is distributed to either first pump 41 or second pump 42. The water supply path from water tank 30 to first pump 41 is consistent with the water supply path from water tank 30 to second pump 42, eliminating the impact of the height difference between pumps placed at different levels on the pipeline flow rate. The two pumps placed on the same horizontal line can be used alternately without difference. The pumping path from first pump 41 to water-consuming components is consistent with the pumping path from second pump 42 to water-consuming components, ensuring consistent pipeline resistance and avoiding uneven water supply or pressure imbalance due to path differences. The vertical upward pumping design fully utilizes gravity assistance to reduce the water hammer effect during start-up and shutdown, improving water output stability. The consistent water supply path and pumping path, combined with the alternating operation logic between first pump 41 and second pump 42, further optimizes the system response speed and energy consumption performance, ensuring stable water flow and precise control during long-term continuous drinking water production, and enhancing the overall reliability of the machine.

[0044] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The water inlet 32 ​​includes a first water inlet 321 and a second water inlet 322, which are suspended side by side above the water tank 30. The external water source includes a tap water source 11 and a bottled water source 12. The first water inlet 321 is connected to the tap water source 11, and the second water inlet 322 is connected to the bottled water source 12.

[0045] The independent placement of the first water inlet 321 and the second water inlet 322 enables flexible access to external water sources, supporting seamless switching between tap water and bottled water, thus enhancing user convenience. The suspended layout of the first and second water inlets 321 and 322 avoids interference with the internal structure of the water tank 30, reducing installation complexity and facilitating sealing protection, thereby minimizing the risk of leakage. Through optimized placement of the water inlet 32, coupled with water level sensor-based linkage control, automatic water replenishment and water source priority management can be achieved, ensuring a continuous water supply to the water tank 30. This design enhances the adaptability of the beverage machine 100 to different water usage scenarios, further improving the overall machine's intelligence and energy efficiency while ensuring water quality safety.

[0046] Continue to refer to Figure 5 Water inlet pipes 65 are provided between the tap water source 11 and the first water inlet 321, and between the bottled water source 12 and the second water inlet 322. Each water inlet pipe 65 includes at least a first bend connector 651 and a second bend connector 652. The first bend connector 651 and the second bend connector 652 change the water flow direction from bottom to top to top to bottom. Both the first bend connector 651 and the second bend connector 652 have a deflection structure, which can perform multiple throttling to alleviate water pressure, thereby effectively reducing the impact at the end (the impact when entering the water tank 30), preventing water droplet splashing, and ensuring stable water replenishment. The dual independent water inlet pipes 65 ensure no cross-interference between different water sources, maintaining water purity, while also supporting maintenance or replacement on one side without interrupting the water supply to the other, enhancing the system's continuous operation capability.

[0047] In addition, throttling sections 653 are provided between the tap water source 11 and the first inlet 321, and between the bottled water source 12 and the second inlet 322. The condition for stopping water replenishment to the external water supply tank 30 is the water inlet duration; the water inlet duration is determined based on the water replenishment volume and the cross-sectional area of ​​the throttling section 653. Based on the cross-sectional area of ​​the throttling section 653, a corresponding water inlet duration is set. Under different tap water pressures (e.g., 0.8-6 bar), after replenishment according to the water inlet duration, the water level will not exceed the maximum water level line of the tank 30, and overflow will not occur. By accurately calibrating the correspondence between the cross-sectional area of ​​the throttling section 653 and the water inlet duration, the system can dynamically match the pressure characteristics of different water sources to achieve quantitative water replenishment control.

[0048] The throttling section 653 can be installed at the first bend joint 651, the second bend joint 652, or integrated into the middle section of the inlet pipe 65. The position of the throttling section 653 is flexible and easy to adapt to different installation spaces.

[0049] Reference Figure 4The main body 20 is equipped with a sensor switch 25, which is electrically connected to the controller 50 and used to detect the installation status of the water tank 30 and the main body 20. A shut-off valve 45 is installed between the first water inlet 321 and the tap water source 11; a third water pump 43 is installed between the second water inlet 322 and the bottled water source 12. The controller 50 is also configured to allow the shut-off valve 45 to open or the third water pump 43 to start based on the trigger signal from the sensor switch 25. When the water tank 30 is correctly installed, the sensor switch 25 is triggered and sends a signal to the controller 50, which then allows the shut-off valve 45 to open or the third water pump 43 to start, achieving effective water replenishment. When the installation of the water tank 30 is not detected, the controller 50 locks the water replenishment action to prevent accidental opening and leakage. This interlocking mechanism improves the safety and reliability of the equipment, avoiding operational failures or water loss risks caused by abnormal assembly.

[0050] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0051] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible implementations of this utility model, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. All equivalent implementations or modifications made without departing from the spirit of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A beverage machine, characterized in that, include: The main body has a water supply port; A water tank is detachably connected to the main body. The water tank has an outlet and an inlet. The outlet is positioned lower than the inlet in the vertical direction. The outlet is connected to the water supply port. The inlet can be selectively connected to an external water source to replenish the water tank. The first water pump and the second water pump are connected in parallel between the water supply port and the water-consuming component of the main body, and are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The first water pump and the second water pump are respectively used to transport water in the water tank to the water-consuming component through the water supply port. A liquid level sensor is installed on the side wall of the water tank to detect the liquid level height in the water tank. The liquid level sensor is communicatively connected to a controller, which is configured to control the external water source to replenish the water tank according to the liquid level signal detected by the liquid level sensor. The liquid level signal indicates that the water volume in the water tank has reached or fallen below the minimum operating capacity required by the water tank.

2. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first water pump and the second water pump are electrically connected to the controller, which is configured to control the first water pump and the second water pump to operate alternately. The switching condition for the alternation of operation of the first water pump and the second water pump is at least one of the following characteristics: The pumping volume of either the first water pump or the second water pump reaches the preset water volume; The beverage machine outputs a preset cup size of beverage; The beverage machine prepares beverages a preset number of times; The cumulative working time of either the first water pump or the second water pump reaches a preset time.

3. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet is connected to a common pipe, and both the first water pump and the second water pump are connected to the common pipe through a first tee connector; in the vertical direction, the position of the outlet is not lower than the position of the common pipe, and the position of the outlet is not lower than the position of the first tee connector.

4. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a water pump outlet pipe, wherein the first water pump and the second water pump are both connected to the water pump outlet pipe via a second tee connector. The water pump outlet pipe is used to deliver water to the water-consuming component. A one-way valve is connected to the water pump outlet pipe, and the one-way valve allows one-way communication from the water pump outlet pipe to the water-consuming component.

5. The beverage machine according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first water pump and the second water pump are arranged at intervals in the horizontal direction, and both the first water pump and the second water pump pump water from bottom to top in the vertical direction; The pumping path from the first water pump to the water-consuming component is the same as the pumping path from the second water pump to the water-consuming component; and / or, the water supply path from the water tank to the first water pump is the same as the water supply path from the water tank to the second water pump.

6. The beverage machine according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The water inlet includes a first water inlet and a second water inlet, which are suspended side by side above the water tank; the external water source includes a tap water source and a bottled water source, with the first water inlet connected to the tap water source and the second water inlet connected to the bottled water source.

7. The beverage machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, Water inlet pipes are provided between the tap water source and the first water inlet, and between the bottled water source and the second water inlet. Each water inlet pipe includes at least a first bend joint and a second bend joint. The first and second bends change the water delivery direction from bottom to top to top to bottom.

8. The beverage machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, A throttling section is provided between the tap water source and the first water inlet, and between the bottled water source and the second water inlet; the external water source stops replenishing the water tank based on the water inlet duration; the water inlet duration is determined based on the replenishment volume and the cross-sectional area of ​​the throttling section.

9. The beverage machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The main body is equipped with a sensor switch, which is electrically connected to the controller and used to detect whether the water tank and the main body are installed in place; an on / off valve is provided between the first water inlet and the tap water source; a third water pump is provided between the second water inlet and the bottled water source; the controller is also configured to allow the on / off valve to open or allow the third water pump to start based on the trigger signal of the sensor switch.

10. The beverage machine according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The liquid level sensor is configured as a capacitive sensor, which is located in the lower part of the side wall of the water tank; the water tank includes an adjacent or opposite first side wall and a second side wall, the water outlet is located at the bottom of the first side wall, and the capacitive sensor is located on the second side wall.

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