Waterway system of an ice-coffee maker

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of waterway system of ice-making coffee machine, including main water tank, the refrigeration module for preparing ice block, main water tank and refrigeration module, refrigeration module includes ice-making water tank and the ice-making box for preparing ice block, first backwater passage for guiding ice-making residual water from ice-making box backflow to ice-making water tank is equipped between ice-making water tank and ice-making box, coffee machine can have ice-making function, meet the use demand of user, while ice-making box can avoid residual water soaking ice block in ice-making process, improve ice-making efficiency, also can reduce the opportunity of sanitary problem in ice-making box due to residual water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of household appliances, specifically to a water system for an ice coffee maker. Background Technology

[0002] Coffee machines and ice makers are usually separate entities. Coffee made by coffee machines is usually quite hot. In order to quickly drink coffee at the right temperature, users have the need to put ice cubes into their coffee. Therefore, coffee machines with ice-making functions have appeared on the market.

[0003] The ice-making module in existing coffee machines typically includes an ice-making water tank and an ice-making container. The water tank supplies water to the container, which then cools the water to make ice cubes. However, residual water may accumulate in the ice-making container during or after the ice-making process, which can affect ice-making efficiency and increase the risk of hygiene problems.

[0004] Therefore, further improvements are needed. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a water system for an ice coffee maker. By setting a first return water channel, the chance of residual water in the ice container can be reduced, which is beneficial to improving ice making efficiency and reducing the chance of hygiene problems caused by residual water in the ice container.

[0006] The purpose of this utility model is achieved as follows: A water system for an ice-making coffee machine includes a main water tank and a refrigeration module for preparing ice cubes. The main water tank and the refrigeration module include an ice-making water tank and an ice-making box for preparing ice cubes. A first return water channel is provided between the ice-making water tank and the ice-making box to guide residual water from the ice-making box back to the ice-making water tank.

[0007] As a specific embodiment, the refrigeration module also includes an ice basket for receiving ice blocks, and a second return water channel is provided between the ice-making water tank and the ice basket for guiding the melted ice water back from the ice basket to the ice-making water tank.

[0008] As a specific embodiment, a first water pump is provided between the ice-making water tank and the main water tank. The inlet and outlet of the first water pump are connected to the main water tank and the ice-making water tank, respectively. A second water pump is provided between the ice-making water tank and the ice-making box. The inlet and outlet of the second water pump are connected to the ice-making water tank and the ice-making box, respectively.

[0009] As a specific embodiment, the ice-making water tank is connected to a drainage channel, with the inlet end of the drainage channel located at the bottom of the ice-making water tank.

[0010] As a specific embodiment, the main water tank is connected to a water tank valve at its outlet end, and a control valve is connected to the outlet end of the water tank valve. The control valve has a first valve outlet end and a second valve outlet end. The first valve outlet end is connected to a refrigeration module, and the second valve outlet end is connected to a heating module for preparing hot water.

[0011] As a specific embodiment, the heating module includes a first boiler and a first nozzle for extracting coffee, with the inlet and outlet of the first boiler connected to the outlet of a second valve and the first nozzle, respectively.

[0012] As a specific solution, a one-way valve is provided between the outlet end of the second valve and the first boiler.

[0013] As a specific embodiment, a flow meter, a third water pump, and a low-pressure valve are provided between the water inlet of the first boiler and the water outlet of the second valve. The flow meter, the third water pump, and the low-pressure valve are arranged sequentially along the water flow direction. A third return water channel is provided between the low-pressure valve and the control valve to guide the water flow back to the control valve when the pressure of the low-pressure valve is too high.

[0014] A first pressure relief valve and a metal tee are provided between the water outlet of the first boiler and the first nozzle. The first pressure relief valve and the metal tee are arranged sequentially along the water flow direction. The first pressure relief valve is connected to a pressure relief box, the pressure relief box is connected to a water receiving tray, and the metal tee is connected to a pressure gauge.

[0015] As a specific embodiment, a three-way solenoid valve is provided between the first pressure relief valve and the metal tee. The inlet end of the three-way solenoid valve is connected to the first pressure relief valve, one outlet end of the three-way solenoid valve is connected to the metal tee, and the other outlet end of the three-way solenoid valve is connected to a second nozzle for supplying steam or hot water to the outside.

[0016] As a specific embodiment, a three-way connector is provided between the flow meter and the control valve. One outlet end of the three-way connector is connected to the flow meter, and the other outlet end of the three-way connector is connected to a fourth water pump. The fourth water pump is connected to a second boiler, the second boiler is connected to a second pressure relief valve, and the second pressure relief valve is connected to a second nozzle for supplying steam or hot water to the outside. The pressure relief box is connected to the second pressure relief valve.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: Coffee machines with ice-making functions can meet users' needs, while also preventing residual water from soaking the ice cubes during the ice-making process, thus improving ice-making efficiency and reducing the chance of hygiene problems caused by residual water in the ice container. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the present utility model.

[0019] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second embodiment of the present utility model.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the present utility model.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment of the present utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0023] First embodiment: See Figure 1 The water system of this ice coffee maker includes a main water tank 1 and a refrigeration module for making ice cubes. The main water tank 1 and the refrigeration module include an ice-making water tank 21 and an ice-making container 22 for making ice cubes. A first return water channel 231 is provided between the ice-making water tank 21 and the ice-making container 22 to guide the residual water from the ice-making container 22 back to the ice-making water tank 21. The coffee maker can have an ice-making function to meet the user's needs. At the same time, it can prevent the ice cubes from being soaked by residual water in the ice-making container 22 during the ice-making process, improve the ice-making efficiency, improve the water utilization efficiency, and reduce the chance of hygiene problems caused by residual water in the ice-making container 22.

[0024] Preferably, the inlet end of the first return water channel 231 can also be located at the bottom of the ice maker 22, and the horizontal height of the inlet end of the first return water channel 231 is higher than the horizontal height of its outlet end, so that the residual water can be returned by gravity. In other embodiments, a water pump can also be installed in the first return water channel 231. The specific structure of the first return water channel 231 will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0025] Furthermore, the refrigeration module also includes an ice basket 24 for receiving ice cubes. A second return water channel 232 is provided between the ice-making water tank 21 and the ice basket 24 to guide the melted ice water back from the ice basket 24 to the ice-making water tank 21. The ice basket 24 is used to store ice cubes made by the ice-making box 22. Users can take ice through the ice basket 24. When storing ice cubes, the ice basket 24 may also generate residual water due to the melting of ice cubes. With the action of the second return water channel 232, the ice basket 24 can reduce the chance of residual water from the melting of ice cubes accumulating in the ice basket 24, so that the residual water can be reused, improving water utilization efficiency, and also reducing the chance of hygiene problems caused by residual water in the ice basket 24.

[0026] Preferably, the inlet of the second return water channel 232 can also be located at the bottom of the ice basket 24, and the horizontal height of the inlet of the second return water channel 232 is higher than the horizontal height of its outlet, so that the residual water can be returned by gravity. In other embodiments, a water pump can also be installed in the second return water channel 232. The specific structure of the second return water channel 232 will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0027] Furthermore, a first water pump 251 is provided between the ice-making water tank 21 and the main water tank 1. The inlet and outlet of the first water pump 251 are connected to the main water tank 1 and the ice-making water tank 21, respectively. A second water pump 252 is provided between the ice-making water tank 21 and the ice-making box 22. The inlet and outlet of the second water pump 252 are connected to the ice-making water tank 21 and the ice-making box 22, respectively. The cooperation of the first water pump 251 and the second water pump 252 can improve the efficiency of water flow in the ice-making module.

[0028] Furthermore, the ice-making water tank 21 is connected to a drain channel 233. The water inlet of the drain channel 233 is located at the bottom of the ice-making water tank 21. After ice making is completed, the water in the ice-making water tank 21 can be drained through the drain channel 233 to avoid long-term water accumulation in the ice-making water tank 21 and the resulting hygiene problems. Moreover, it makes cleaning more convenient for users.

[0029] Furthermore, the outlet end of the main water tank 1 is connected to a water tank valve 3, which is used to control the water flow status at the outlet end of the main water tank 1.

[0030] The outlet end of the water tank valve 3 is connected to a control valve 4. The control valve 4 has a first valve outlet end 41 and a second valve outlet end 42. The first valve outlet end 41 is connected to the refrigeration module, and the second valve outlet end 42 is connected to the heating module for preparing hot water. The control valve 4 can control the main water tank 1 to supply water to the refrigeration module or the heating module.

[0031] Furthermore, the heating module includes a first boiler 511 and a first nozzle 521 for extracting coffee, with the inlet and outlet of the first boiler 511 connected to the outlet of the second valve 42 and the first nozzle 521, respectively.

[0032] Furthermore, a one-way valve 53 is provided between the outlet end 42 of the second valve and the first boiler 511 to ensure that the water flow can stably flow from the outlet end 42 of the second valve to the first boiler 511.

[0033] Second embodiment: See Figure 2The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that: a flow meter 54, a third water pump 55, and a low-pressure valve 56 are provided between the water inlet of the first boiler 511 and the water outlet of the second valve 42 in the water circuit system of this ice coffee machine. The flow meter 54, the third water pump 55, and the low-pressure valve 56 are arranged sequentially along the water flow direction. A third return water channel 561 is provided between the low-pressure valve 56 and the control valve 4 to guide the water flow back to the control valve 4 when the pressure of the low-pressure valve 56 is too high, so as to avoid the water pressure entering the first boiler 511 being too high and improve the safety of the equipment.

[0034] A first pressure relief valve 571 and a metal tee 58 are provided between the outlet of the first boiler 511 and the first nozzle 521. The first pressure relief valve 571 and the metal tee 58 are arranged sequentially along the water flow direction. The first pressure relief valve 571 is connected to a pressure relief box 573, and the pressure relief box 573 is connected to a water receiving tray 574. The metal tee 58 is connected to a pressure gauge 581. The pressure relief valve can guide water with excessive pressure to the pressure relief box 573, and then collect it uniformly by the water receiving tray 574, so as to avoid excessive water pressure at the outlet of the first nozzle 521 and improve the safety of the equipment.

[0035] The remaining undescribed parts are the same as in the first embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0036] Third embodiment: See Figure 3 The difference between this embodiment and the second embodiment is that: a three-way solenoid valve 59 is provided between the first pressure relief valve 571 and the metal tee 58 in the water circuit system of this ice coffee maker. The water inlet of the three-way solenoid valve 59 is connected to the first pressure relief valve 571, one water outlet of the three-way solenoid valve 59 is connected to the metal tee 58, and the other water outlet of the three-way solenoid valve 59 is connected to a second nozzle 522 for providing steam or hot water to the outside. The second nozzle 522 can be used to make milk foam or supply hot water to the outside.

[0037] The remaining undescribed parts are the same as in the second embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0038] Fourth embodiment: See Figure 4The difference between this embodiment and the second embodiment is that: a three-way connector 50 is provided between the flow meter 54 and the control valve 4 of the water circuit system of this ice coffee maker. One outlet of the three-way connector 50 is connected to the flow meter 54, and the other outlet of the three-way connector 50 is connected to a fourth water pump 551. The fourth water pump 551 is connected to a second boiler 512. The second boiler 512 is connected to a second pressure relief valve 572. The second pressure relief valve 572 is connected to a second nozzle 522 for providing steam or hot water. A pressure relief box 573 is connected to the second pressure relief valve 572. The second boiler 512 is dedicated to producing high-temperature steam or hot water. The second pressure relief valve 572 can prevent the second nozzle 522 from having excessive pressure and causing safety problems. The pressure relief box 573 can simultaneously discharge excessive water pressure for the first pressure relief valve 571 and the second pressure relief valve 572, eliminating the need for multiple additional pressure relief boxes 573 and simplifying the overall structure of the machine.

[0039] The remaining undescribed parts are the same as in the second embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0040] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model, and other implementations are also possible. Those skilled in the art can make equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of this utility model, and all such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope set forth in the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A water system for an ice-coffee maker, characterized in that, It includes a main water tank (1) and a refrigeration module for making ice cubes. The main water tank (1) and the refrigeration module include an ice-making water tank (21) and an ice-making box (22) for making ice cubes. A first return water channel (231) is provided between the ice-making water tank (21) and the ice-making box (22) to guide the residual water from the ice-making box (22) back to the ice-making water tank (21).

2. The water system of the ice coffee maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigeration module also includes an ice basket (24) for receiving ice blocks, and a second return water channel (232) is provided between the ice-making water tank (21) and the ice basket (24) for guiding the ice melt water back from the ice basket (24) to the ice-making water tank (21).

3. The water system of the ice coffee maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first water pump (251) is provided between the ice-making water tank (21) and the main water tank (1). The inlet and outlet of the first water pump (251) are connected to the main water tank (1) and the ice-making water tank (21) respectively. A second water pump (252) is provided between the ice-making water tank (21) and the ice-making box (22). The inlet and outlet of the second water pump (252) are connected to the ice-making water tank (21) and the ice-making box (22) respectively.

4. The water system of the ice coffee maker according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ice-making water tank (21) is connected to a drainage channel (233), and the water inlet of the drainage channel (233) is located at the bottom of the ice-making water tank (21).

5. The water system of the ice-making coffee machine according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The main water tank (1) is connected to a water tank valve (3) at its outlet end. The water tank valve (3) is connected to a control valve (4) at its outlet end. The control valve (4) has a first valve outlet end (41) and a second valve outlet end (42). The first valve outlet end (41) is connected to a refrigeration module, and the second valve outlet end (42) is connected to a heating module for preparing hot water.

6. The water system of the ice coffee maker according to claim 5, characterized in that: The heating module includes a first boiler (511) and a first nozzle (521) for extracting coffee. The inlet and outlet of the first boiler (511) are connected to the outlet of the second valve (42) and the first nozzle (521), respectively.

7. The water system of the ice coffee maker according to claim 6, characterized in that: A one-way valve (53) is provided between the outlet end (42) of the second valve and the first boiler (511).

8. The water system of the ice coffee maker according to claim 6, characterized in that: A flow meter (54), a third water pump (55) and a low-pressure valve (56) are provided between the water inlet end of the first boiler (511) and the water outlet end (42) of the second valve. The flow meter (54), the third water pump (55) and the low-pressure valve (56) are arranged in sequence along the water flow direction. A third return water channel (561) is provided between the low-pressure valve (56) and the control valve (4) for guiding the water flow back to the control valve (4) when the pressure of the low-pressure valve (56) is too high. A first pressure relief valve (571) and a metal tee (58) are provided between the outlet end of the first boiler (511) and the first nozzle (521). The first pressure relief valve (571) and the metal tee (58) are arranged sequentially along the water flow direction. The first pressure relief valve (571) is connected to a pressure relief box (573). The pressure relief box (573) is connected to a water receiving tray (574). The metal tee (58) is connected to a pressure gauge (581).

9. The water system of the ice coffee maker according to claim 8, characterized in that: A three-way solenoid valve (59) is provided between the first pressure relief valve (571) and the metal tee (58). The inlet end of the three-way solenoid valve (59) is connected to the first pressure relief valve (571), one outlet end of the three-way solenoid valve (59) is connected to the metal tee (58), and the other outlet end of the three-way solenoid valve (59) is connected to a second nozzle (522) for providing steam or hot water to the outside.

10. The water system of the ice coffee maker according to claim 8, characterized in that: A three-way connector (50) is provided between the flow meter (54) and the control valve (4). One outlet of the three-way connector (50) is connected to the flow meter (54), and the other outlet of the three-way connector (50) is connected to a fourth water pump (551). The fourth water pump (551) is connected to a second boiler (512). The second boiler (512) is connected to a second pressure relief valve (572). The second pressure relief valve (572) is connected to a second nozzle (522) for supplying steam or hot water to the outside. The pressure relief box (573) is connected to the second pressure relief valve (572).

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