Beverage brewing device, its pipeline system and operation method

Abstract

A beverage brewing machine and its pipeline system and operation method are disclosed. The pipeline system of the beverage brewing machine includes a host control unit, a brewing unit (3), a first fluid pipeline (1), a control component, and a second fluid pipeline (2). The control component is configured to control communication between the first fluid pipeline (1) and the second fluid pipeline (2) to empty the pipeline or remove liquid. After beverage preparation is completed or after cleaning, residual beverage or cleaning liquid in the pipeline is drained to prevent the liquid from entering the beverage container (6) and affecting the taste of the beverage the next time a beverage is prepared.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of beverage brewing machines, in particular to a beverage brewing machine and its pipeline system and operation method. [Background technology]

[0002] Extracting beverages with rich flavors has been around for a long time in human history, and has become a part of everyday life, not just culture. In the past, people often brewed tea or coffee manually, but with the development of automated machines and the accelerating rhythm of life, the application of beverage extraction equipment is becoming more and more widespread, and it is now being used in offices and homes. In addition, there is an increasing demand for the taste of beverages made with beverage extraction equipment, and there is an increasing need for technological improvements in this field. near Nowadays, coffee drinks (e.g. espresso, cappuccino, milk coffee, white coffee or flavored coffee) have become very widespread and popular. Coffee drinks can be produced in various ways, in particular by means of mixtures derived therefrom and beverage extraction means. In the prior art, coffee machines for producing coffee drinks and methods for producing coffee drinks with coffee machines are already widely known. In a typical coffee machine, parameters such as temperature, pressure, etc. are set by a host control unit, and hot water at a certain temperature and at a certain pressure is introduced into a brewing unit or brewing vessel containing ground coffee, and after brewing is completed, it is introduced into the vessel through a pipe for consumption.

[0003] In the prior art, after coffee production is completed, residual liquid (e.g., coffee) still exists in the piping from the extraction unit to the coffee outlet. When coffee is produced next time, such residual liquid flows into the cup first, affecting the quality of the coffee and affecting the taste of the coffee and the user experience. In addition, after cleaning the coffee machine, cleaning liquid (e.g., water) remains in the extraction unit and piping. When coffee is produced next time, such cleaning liquid enters the beverage container and affects the quality of the coffee. In this way, the concentration and temperature of the beverage are reduced, affecting the taste of the beverage.

[0004] There is therefore a need to develop a pipeline system for emptying the pipelines or for removing liquids that can be applied to beverage brewing machines. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a pipeline system for a beverage extraction machine, which aims to drain residual beverage or liquid in the pipeline by controlling the communication and disconnection of fluid in the pipeline when the pipeline needs to be emptied or liquid removed, such as after beverage production is completed or after cleaning, thereby preventing the residual beverage or liquid from flowing into a beverage cup the next time a beverage is produced, thereby affecting the taste and quality of the beverage.

[0006] In order to achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] A pipeline system for a beverage brewing machine, comprising a host control unit, a brewing unit, a first fluid line, a control component and a second fluid line, the first fluid line being connected at one end to the brewing unit and configured to transport a beverage from the brewing unit to a beverage outlet, the second fluid line being connected at one end to the first fluid line with a connection point located between the brewing unit and the beverage outlet, the control component being attached to the lines and configured to empty the lines or expel liquid by controlling communication and disconnection between the first and second fluid lines, the control component being controlled by the host control unit. By connecting a second fluid line and controlling the change in the flow direction of liquid in a second partial line of the second fluid line caused by the connection and disconnection of the first and second fluid lines, a plurality of fluid passages (such as a passage from the extraction unit to the first fluid line, a passage from the extraction unit to the second fluid line, a passage from the beverage outlet to the second fluid line, and a passage from the second fluid line to the beverage outlet) are formed in the pipeline system, and the opening and closing of the plurality of fluid passages is controlled using a control component, thereby controlling the flow direction of liquid in the pipeline to empty or remove the liquid from the pipeline.

[0008] The control component can empty the second part of the first fluid line by the second fluid line, where the control component opens the fluid passage from the beverage outlet to the second fluid line, and the position of the outlet end of the second fluid line is lower than the position of the beverage outlet, so that the liquid in the line flows out of the second fluid line by gravity. conduit or when the liquid in the extraction unit and the first fluid line needs to be removed. of When it is necessary to remove the liquid in the first partial line, the control component opens the second fluid line so that said liquid can be drained.

[0009] The control component can empty the second part of the first fluid line by the first fluid line. At this time, the control component opens the fluid passage from the beverage outlet to the first fluid line. The second fluid line is connected to the upper end of the first fluid line and the outlet end faces upward or is located higher than the beverage outlet, so that the liquid in the line flows out of the first fluid line by gravity.

[0010] According to the prior art, the brewing unit is connected to a supply fluid pipe or a gas pipe that directly or indirectly communicates with the outside. In the present invention, the supply fluid pipe is defined as the third fluid line. During brewing, residues such as coffee powder or liquid droplets such as coffee often adhere to the inner wall of the brewing unit, and liquid also remains in the first partial line of the first fluid line. These residues or liquid droplets in the brewing unit and the liquid remaining in the first partial line of the first fluid line affect the quality of the beverage produced later. A cleaning liquid used to clean the brewing unit and the first fluid line is supplied into the brewing unit through the third fluid line. The cleaning liquid is preferably cleaning water. By supplying the cleaning liquid through the third fluid line, the residual liquid in the first partial line of the first fluid line and the cleaning liquid in the brewing unit and the first partial line of the first fluid line can be discharged through the first or second fluid line by the control of the control component. Alternatively, the extraction unit and the first fluid line may be entirely or partially cleaned by supplying a cleaning liquid through a third fluid line, and the cleaning liquid in the second partial line of the first fluid line may be discharged from the first or second fluid line by controlling the control component. Alternatively, the extraction unit and the first partial line of the first fluid line may be connected to the outside atmospheric pressure by using a gas pipe of the extraction unit, and the liquid in the first partial line of the first fluid line may be discharged from the first or second liquid line by controlling the control component. The third fluid line or gas pipe for supplying the cleaning liquid to the extraction unit according to the present invention utilizes the liquid supply fluid pipe or gas pipe in the prior art, which contributes to simplifying the structure. In addition, the pipes may be connected separately in the implementation scene.

[0011] Optionally, the control component is one of the following:

[0012] The control component is a discharge pump, which is provided in the second fluid line. After the beverage is produced, the discharge pump is turned on to generate suction. The residual beverage in the first fluid line is discharged from the beverage outlet into the second fluid line by the action of suction to the collection vessel. During the cleaning process of the brewing unit, the discharge pump is turned on to pump the cleaning liquid into the second fluid line and discharged into the collection vessel. The gas pipe connects the brewing unit and the first partial line of the first fluid line to the outside atmospheric pressure, so that the liquid in the first partial line of the first fluid line is discharged from the second fluid line.

[0013] The control component is a two-way valve, the two-way valve comprising a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve, the first solenoid valve controlling a second portion of a first fluid line. conduit and the second solenoid valve is attached to the second fluid line. When a beverage is to be produced, the first solenoid valve is opened and the second solenoid valve is closed, and the beverage flows into the beverage container via the first fluid line. After the production is completed, the second solenoid valve is opened, allowing air to enter the line and allowing the remaining beverage in the second partial line of the first fluid line to flow out via the first or second fluid line.

[0014] The control component is a three-way valve, which is mounted at the connection point between the first fluid line and the second fluid line. The liquid flow direction is adjusted by controlling the opening and closing of three valve ports in the three-way valve. For example, the three-way valve is a two-position three-way normally open solenoid valve, whose normally open port is connected to the outlet end of the first fluid line. When producing beverage, the valve port connected to the second fluid line is closed, and the beverage in the brewing unit flows from the first fluid line into the beverage container. After completion, the three-way valve is switched to close the valve port connected to the brewing unit and open the valve port connected to the second fluid line, so that air enters the line and the residual beverage in the second partial line of the first fluid line flows out via the first or second fluid line.

[0015] A beverage brewing machine comprising the pipeline system of any one of the beverage brewing machines described above.

[0016] The method for operating the pipeline system of the beverage brewing machine described above includes the following steps. At S1, an operating mode of the pipeline system is selected as instructed by the beverage brewing machine. At S2, the host control unit activates the corresponding operating mode in response to the selection. At S3, a control component of the pipeline system switches the first and second fluid lines in and out of communication according to the settings of the selected operating mode to drive the lines to empty or remove liquid. At S4, the control components are automatically reset after a set time or the next time the beverage brewing machine is started up.

[0017] The operating modes include one or more of mode 1, mode 2 and mode 3. In mode 1, a second part of the first fluid line is emptied. In mode 2, the entire first fluid line is emptied. In mode 3, the extraction unit and part or all of the first fluid line are purged of cleaning fluid during cleaning and the first fluid line is emptied after cleaning.

[0018] The mode 1 includes a step S3a, in which the control component switches the beverage outlet to the second fluid line open to empty the second part of the first fluid line, allowing air to enter the line and discharging liquid in the second part of the first fluid line from the first fluid line or the second fluid line.

[0019] The mode 2 includes step S3a+step S3b, in which in step S3b, the first partial line of the first fluid line is connected to the outside atmospheric pressure, and the control component switches to open either the first or the second fluid line, so that the liquid in the first partial line of the first fluid line is discharged from the first fluid line or the second fluid line.

[0020] The mode 3 includes step S3c+step S3a+step S3b, in which in step S3c the control component switches the first or second fluid line to open and supplies cleaning liquid to the extraction unit, and the cleaning liquid is discharged through the first or second fluid line to clean the extraction unit and all or part of the first fluid line.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: In the pipeline system of the beverage extraction machine of the present invention, a second fluid pipeline is connected to a first fluid pipeline, and a control component is used to control the connection and disconnection between the first fluid pipeline and the second fluid pipeline, so that the residual beverage in the first fluid pipeline is discharged after the beverage is completely extracted, thereby preventing the residual beverage from entering the beverage container during the next beverage extraction and affecting the taste and quality of the beverage, and ensuring the stability and consistency of the beverage taste.

[0022] Furthermore, in the pipeline system of the beverage brewing machine according to the present invention, a control component is combined with the brewing unit and the third fluid pipeline to facilitate cleaning of the beverage machine and removal of the cleaning liquid from the brewing unit and the first fluid pipeline after cleaning, thereby preventing moisture from staying in the pipeline for a long period of time, thereby keeping the pipeline clean and dry and preventing the cleaning water in the first fluid pipeline from entering the beverage container during the next beverage production, thereby reducing the concentration of the beverage and affecting the taste and quality of the beverage. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] In order to more clearly describe the technical solutions according to the specific embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings necessary for describing the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without paying creative labor. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a structural schematic diagram of Example 4 of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a structural schematic diagram of Example 5 of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a three-way valve according to fourth and fifth embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of the present invention when the second fluid conduit and the collection container are directly connected to each other. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram when the present invention is connected into a coffee machine; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The following will take the beverage extracting device as an example of a coffee machine to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of the present invention. Although the present application will be described with reference to a coffee beverage as an example, the scope of protection for other beverages is not waived. Apparently, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, but not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments that a person skilled in the art can obtain based on the embodiments of the present invention without paying creative labor, belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0025] For convenience of explanation, in the following description, the pipelines that are not clearly distinguished are collectively referred to as the extraction unit, the first fluid pipeline, and the second fluid pipeline. fluid The portion of the pipeline from the outlet of the extraction unit to the connection point between the first fluid pipeline and the second fluid pipeline is called the first portion. conduit The first one is defined as fluidThe portion of the pipeline from the beverage outlet to the connection point between the first fluid pipeline and the second fluid pipeline is called the second portion. conduit "Emptying" is defined as the process of draining the liquid in a pipe so that the space in the pipe is filled with air. "Purge" is defined as the process of draining the existing liquid in a pipe so that the pipe is filled with new liquid. During the emptying or purging process, it is inevitable that some of the liquid adhering to the walls of the pipe cannot be drained due to capillary action. Thus, the description of emptying or purging does not mean complete and absolute emptying or purging.

[0026] <Example 1> The pipeline system of the coffee machine shown in Figure 1 comprises a host control unit (not shown), a brewing unit 3, a first fluid pipeline 1, a control component and a second fluid pipeline 2. The first fluid pipeline 1 is connected at one end to the brewing unit 3 and is used to transport coffee from the brewing unit 3 to a beverage outlet 10. The second fluid pipeline 2 is connected at one end to the first fluid pipeline 1, with a connection point a located between the brewing unit 3 and the beverage outlet 10, and a collection vessel 7 is provided below the outlet at the other end. The collection vessel 7 is used to drain residual coffee and washing liquid when the pipeline is emptied or liquid is removed. A beverage vessel 6 is provided at the outlet end of the first fluid pipeline 1. The second fluid pipeline 2 is connected to the first fluid pipeline 1 by a fixture 20. MachineThe control component is a discharge pump 21, which is controlled by the host control unit to be turned on or off. The input and output ends of the discharge pump 21 are both connected to the second fluid line 2, and the output end is connected to the output end of the second fluid line 2. In this embodiment, the first passage is defined as a passage from the brewing unit 3 to the beverage outlet 10, the second passage is defined as a passage from the brewing unit 3 to the collection vessel 7, and the third passage is defined as a passage from the beverage outlet 10 to the collection vessel 7. The discharge pump 21 is controlled by the host control unit, and when the discharge pump 21 is turned on, it generates a suction force on the fluid in the first fluid line 1 and the brewing unit 3. This controls the liquid in the first fluid line 1 and the second fluid line 2 to flow toward the collection vessel 7. When coffee is to be output, the discharge pump 21 is turned off to open the first passage. When it is desired to drain and empty the residual coffee in the second portion of the first fluid line 1, the drain pump 21 is turned on and the above-mentioned third passage is opened. When it is desired to drain other liquids in the brewing unit 3, such as cleaning liquid, the drain pump 21 is turned on and the above-mentioned second passage is opened.

[0027] The third fluid line 4 is connected to the brewing unit 3, and the brewing unit 3 communicates with the first fluid line 1 and the second fluid line 2 via a valve 5. When brewing coffee, the discharge pump 21 is turned off and the brewed coffee flows from the first fluid line 1 into the beverage container 6. At this time, there is still residual coffee in the first fluid line 1. When it is desired to discharge the residual coffee and empty the first fluid line 1, the discharge pump 21 is started by the host control unit, and the residual coffee in the first fluid line 1 is driven by the discharge pump 21 to flow into the second fluid line 2 and discharged into the collection container 7. When it is desired to clean the brewing unit 3, the discharge pump 21 is turned on and a cleaning liquid is injected from the third fluid line 4 into the brewing unit 3, and the cleaning liquid is discharged from the second fluid line 2 into the collection container 7. When it is desired to remove the liquid in the first partial line of the first fluid line 1, the discharge pump 21 is turned on, the first partial line of the first fluid line 1 is connected to the outside atmospheric pressure via the gas pipe, and the liquid in the first partial line of the first fluid line 1 is discharged from the second fluid line 2 to the collection container 7.

[0028] The method for operating the above-mentioned coffee machine pipeline system includes the following steps. In S1, the operating mode of the pipeline system is selected according to the instructions of the coffee machine. At S2, the host control unit activates the corresponding operating mode in response to the selection. In S3, the discharge pump 21 switches between communication and disconnection between the first fluid line 1 and the second fluid line 2 according to the settings of the selected operating mode, to empty or remove liquid from all or part of the lines. In S4, Discharge pump 21 But after a set time, or Coffee machines will be automatically reset the next time it is started.

[0029] The above mentioned operation modes include mode 1, mode 2 and mode 3.

[0030] Here, in mode 1, the liquid is discharged to fill the first fluid line 1. 2In mode 2, the entire first fluid line 1 is emptied by discharging the liquid. In mode 3, the extraction unit 3, the first part of the first fluid line 1, and the second part of the first fluid line 1 are emptied. conduit The cleaning fluid is removed during cleaning, and the first fluid line 1 is emptied after cleaning.

[0031] Mode 1 is selected when it is desired to empty only the second part of the first fluid line 1. Mode 1 comprises a step S3a in which the discharge pump 21 is switched on to open the passage from the beverage outlet 10 to the second fluid line 2 so that residual coffee or liquid is discharged into the collection container 7 by the actuation of the pump 21.

[0032] When it is desired to drain and empty the entire first fluid line 1 of residual coffee, mode 2 is selected. Mode 2 includes step S3a+step S3b. Here, in step S3b, the first partial line of the first fluid line 1 is connected to the outside atmospheric pressure, and the drain pump 21 is turned on to make the liquid in the first partial line of the first fluid line 1 flow from the second fluid line 2 into the collection container 7.

[0033] When the lines of the coffee machine are to be cleaned and the cleaning liquid in the lines is to be discharged, mode 3 is selected. Mode 3 includes step S3c+step S3a+step S3b. Here, in step S3c, the discharge pump 21 is turned on to open the second fluid line 2, the cleaning liquid is input to the brewing unit 3 via the third fluid line 4, and the cleaning liquid is discharged through the second fluid line 2 to clean the brewing unit 3 and the first part of the first fluid line 1.

[0034] <Example 2> As a difference from the first embodiment, in the pipeline system of the coffee machine shown in Fig. 2, the control component is a two-way valve. The two-way valve is controlled by a host control unit to open or close. The two-way valve comprises a first solenoid valve 11 and a second solenoid valve 22, the first solenoid valve 11 being mounted on the second part of the first fluid pipeline 1, and the second solenoid valve 22 being mounted on the second fluid pipeline 2. The position of the outlet end of the second fluid pipeline 2 is set lower than the position of the beverage outlet 10, so that the liquid in the pipeline can flow out of the outlet at one end of the collection vessel 7 of the second fluid pipeline 2 by gravity. Preferably, the second fluid pipeline 2 is located below the first fluid pipeline 1 to facilitate the flow of air pressure and the layout of the pipeline. In this embodiment, the first passage is defined as a passage from the extraction unit 3 to the beverage outlet 10, the second passage is defined as a passage from the extraction unit 3 to the collection container 7, and the third passage is defined as a passage from the beverage outlet 10 to the collection container 7. The host control unit controls the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 22 to control communication and blocking of the liquid in the first fluid line 1 and the second fluid line 2. When coffee is to be output, the first solenoid valve 11 is opened and the second solenoid valve 22 is closed to open the first passage. When liquid in the second partial line of the first fluid line 1 is to be discharged, both the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 22 are opened to open the third passage. When it is desired to drain other liquid (e.g., cleaning liquid) in the extraction unit 3 and the first partial line of the first fluid line 1, the first solenoid valve 11 is closed and the second solenoid valve 22 is opened to open the second passage described above.

[0035] When coffee is to be extracted, the first solenoid valve 11 is opened and the second solenoid valve 22 is closed, and the extracted coffee passes through the first fluid line 1 and enters the beverage container 6. At this time, there is still residual coffee in the first fluid line 1. When it is necessary to drain the residual coffee in the second partial line of the first fluid line 1, the host control unit opens the second solenoid valve 22 and air enters the line. The liquid originally filled in the second fluid line 2 is drained by gravity, and the residual coffee is also drained into the collection container 7. When it is necessary to clean the extraction unit 3, the first solenoid valve 11 is closed and the second solenoid valve 22 is opened, and a cleaning liquid is injected from the third fluid line 4 into the extraction unit 3, and the cleaning liquid is drained through the second fluid line 2 into the collection container 7. When it is desired to discharge the liquid in the first partial line of the first fluid line 1, the first partial line of the first fluid line 1 is connected to the external atmospheric pressure so that the liquid therein is discharged through the second fluid line 2 into the collection container 7.

[0036] The method for operating the above-mentioned coffee machine pipeline system includes the following steps. In S1, the operating mode of the pipeline system is selected according to the instructions of the coffee machine. At S2, the host control unit activates the corresponding operating mode in response to the selection. In S3, the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 22 switch between opening and closing the first fluid line 1 and the second fluid line 2 according to the settings of the selected operating mode, thereby driving the lines to empty or expel liquid in whole or in part. In S4, the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 22 are closed after a set time, or Coffee machines will be automatically reset the next time it is started.

[0037] The above mentioned operation modes include mode 1, mode 2 and mode 3.

[0038] Here, in mode 1, the liquid is discharged to empty the second part of the first fluid line 1. In mode 2, the liquid is discharged to empty the entire first fluid line 1. In mode 3, the extraction unit 3, the first part of the first fluid line 1, and the second part of the first fluid line 1 are discharged to empty the entire first fluid line 1. conduit The cleaning fluid is removed during cleaning, and the first fluid line 1 is emptied after cleaning.

[0039] Second portion of first fluid line 1 In the pipeline When only the liquid is to be discharged, mode 1 is selected. Mode 1 includes step S3a. In S3a, the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 22 are opened to open the passage from the beverage outlet 10 to the second fluid line 2 and communicate with the outside atmospheric pressure, so that the residual coffee is discharged into the collection container 7.

[0040] When it is desired to drain the remaining coffee in the entire first fluid line 1, mode 2 is selected. Mode 2 includes step S3a+step S3b. Here, in step S3b, the first partial line of the first fluid line 1 is connected to the outside atmospheric pressure by the gas pipe, and the second solenoid valve 22 is opened and the first solenoid valve 11 is closed, so that the liquid in the first partial line of the first fluid line 1 flows into the collection container 7 through the second fluid line 2.

[0041] When the pipelines of the coffee machine are to be cleaned and the cleaning liquid in the pipelines is to be discharged, mode 3 is selected. Mode 3 includes step S3c+step S3a+step S3b. Here, in step S3c, the first solenoid valve 11 is closed and the second solenoid valve 22 is opened to open the second fluid pipeline 2, and the cleaning liquid is injected into the extraction unit 3, and the cleaning liquid is discharged through the second fluid pipeline 2, thereby cleaning the extraction unit 3 and the first partial pipeline of the first fluid pipeline 1.

[0042] <Example 3> The difference from Example 2 is that in the pipeline system of the coffee machine shown in Figure 3, the outlet end of the second fluid pipeline 2 faces upward, and a beverage container 6 or a collection container 7 is provided below the beverage outlet 10 as necessary, so that the entire first fluid pipeline 1 can be cleaned when cleaning.

[0043] When coffee is extracted, a beverage container 6 is provided below the beverage outlet 10, the first solenoid valve 11 is opened, and the second solenoid valve 22 is closed, and the extracted coffee enters the beverage container 6 through the first fluid line 1. At this time, there is remaining coffee in the first fluid line 1. When the residual coffee in the second partial line of the first fluid line 1 is to be discharged, the second solenoid valve 22 is opened by the host control unit, air enters the line, and the residual coffee is subsequently discharged into the beverage container 6 by the action of gravity. When the brewing unit 3 is to be cleaned, a collection container 7 is provided below the beverage outlet 10, the first solenoid valve 11 is opened, and the second solenoid valve 22 is closed, and a cleaning liquid is injected into the brewing unit 3 from the third fluid line 4, and the cleaning liquid is discharged from the first fluid line 1 to the collection container 7. When it is desired to discharge the liquid in the first partial line of the first fluid line 1, the first partial line of the first fluid line 1 is connected to the external atmospheric pressure so that the liquid in the first partial line of the first fluid line 1 is discharged from the first fluid line 1 to the collection container 7.

[0044] The difference with the operation method of the pipeline system according to the second embodiment is that in the operation method of the pipeline system of the coffee machine described above, when the discharged liquid is coffee, a beverage container 6 is placed below the beverage outlet 10, and when the discharged liquid is cleaning liquid, a collection container 7 is placed below the beverage outlet 10.

[0045] In another embodiment, the first solenoid valve 11 may be omitted, and the purpose can be achieved by controlling only the second solenoid valve 22.

[0046] <Example 4> As a difference from the second embodiment, referring to the pipeline system of the coffee machine shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 6, the control component is a three-way valve 12. One end of the second fluid pipeline 2 is connected to the first fluid pipeline 1 via the three-way valve 12, and a collection container 7 is provided below the outlet of the other end. The three-way valve 12 is located between the brewing unit 3 and the beverage outlet 10. The three-way valve 12 is controlled by the host control unit to be turned on and off. The three-way valve 12 is a two-position three-way normally open solenoid valve, and the valve ports of the three-way valve 12 are a first valve port 121, a second valve port 122 and a third valve port 123, respectively, among which the normally open port is the second valve port 122. The second valve port 122 is connected to the second partial pipeline of the first fluid pipeline 1, the first valve port 121 is connected to one end of the brewing unit 3, and the third valve port 123 is connected to the second fluid pipeline 2. The outlet end of the second fluid line 2 is located lower than the beverage outlet 10 so that the liquid in the line can flow out of the outlet of the second fluid line 2 on the collection container 7 side by gravity. Preferably, the second fluid line 2 is located below the first fluid line 1 to facilitate the flow of air pressure and the layout of the lines. In this embodiment, the first passage is defined as the line from the brewing unit 3 to the beverage outlet 10, and the second passage is defined as the line from the beverage outlet 10 to the collection container 7. The host control unit controls the three-way valve 12 to control whether the liquid in the first fluid line 1 and the second fluid line 2 can pass. When coffee or other liquid in the brewing unit 3 is to be output, the three-way valve 12 is turned on to open the first passage. When liquid is to be discharged to empty the second partial line of the first fluid line 1, the three-way valve 12 is turned off to open the second passage.

[0047] When coffee is to be extracted, a beverage container 6 is placed under the beverage outlet 10, the three-way valve 12 is turned on, the valve body is lowered, the third valve port 123 is closed, and the extracted coffee enters the beverage container 6 through the first fluid line 1. At this time, there is still residual coffee in the first fluid line 1, and when emptying, the three-way valve 12 is turned off, the valve body is raised, the first valve port 121 is closed, and the remaining coffee in the second partial line of the first fluid line 1 flows into the collection container 7 through the second fluid line 2. When the brewing unit 3 is to be cleaned, a collection container is placed under the beverage outlet 10, the three-way valve 12 is turned on, and the cleaning liquid is discharged from the first fluid line 1 to the collection container. The first partial line of the first fluid line 1 is discharged by a gas pipe. conduit is connected to the outside atmospheric pressure, the cleaning liquid in the first fluid line 1 is subsequently discharged, the three-way valve 12 is turned off, and the remaining cleaning liquid in the first fluid line 1 is discharged from the second fluid line 2 to the collection container 7.

[0048] The method for operating the above-mentioned pipeline system of the coffee machine includes the following steps. In S1, the operating mode of the pipeline system is selected according to the instructions of the coffee machine. At S2, the host control unit activates the corresponding operating mode in response to the selection. In S3, the three-way valve 12 is actuated to empty or expel liquid from all or part of the lines by switching communication between the first fluid line 1 and the second fluid line 2 and disconnecting them in accordance with the setting of the selected operating mode. In S4, the three-way valve 12 is closed after a set time, or Coffee machines will be automatically reset the next time it is started.

[0049] The above operation modes include mode 1, mode 2 and mode 3.

[0050] Here, in mode 1, the second partial pipe of the first fluid pipe 1 EmptyIn mode 2, the entire first fluid line 1 is emptied of liquid. In mode 3, the cleaning liquid is removed during cleaning of the extraction unit 3 and the first fluid line 1, and the cleaning liquid is discharged after cleaning to empty the first fluid line 1.

[0051] When it is desired to empty only the second part of the first fluid line 1, mode 1 is selected, which includes a step S3a in which the three-way valve 12 is de-energized to open the passage from the beverage outlet 10 to the second fluid line 2 and to the outside atmospheric pressure, and residual coffee is drained from the second fluid line into the collection vessel 7.

[0052] When it is desired to drain and empty the entire first fluid line 1 of residual coffee, mode 2 is selected. Mode 2 includes step S3a+step S3b. Here, in step S3b, the first partial line of the first fluid line 1 is connected to the outside atmospheric pressure, and the three-way valve 12 is turned on so that the liquid in the first partial line of the first fluid line 1 flows through the first fluid line 1 into a collection container below the beverage outlet 10.

[0053] When the pipelines of the coffee machine are to be cleaned and the cleaning liquid in the pipelines is to be drained, mode 3 is selected. The mode 3 includes step S3c+step S3a+step S3b. Here, in step S3c, the three-way valve 12 is powered on, the cleaning liquid is injected into the brewing unit 3, and the cleaning liquid is drained through the first fluid pipeline 1 to clean the brewing unit 3 and the first fluid pipeline 1.

[0054] <Example 5> As a difference from the fourth embodiment, referring to the pipeline system of the coffee machine shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the outlet end of the second fluid pipeline 2 faces upward. During the emptying process, the second part of the first fluid pipeline 1 is filled with the second fluid pipeline 2. conduit is connected to atmospheric pressure and any residual coffee or washing liquid is discharged through the beverage outlet 10. During the washing process, the first fluid line 1 is opened and the washing liquid is discharged through the beverage outlet 10.

[0055] In both of the second and fourth embodiments, a control component is used to connect the pipeline to the atmosphere, and the position of the outlet end of the second fluid pipeline 2 is set lower than the position of the beverage outlet 10, so that the remaining coffee falls into the beverage container 6 or the collection container 7 by gravity. In Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the first fluid pipeline 1 is set horizontally and the second fluid pipeline 2 is set vertically, both of which are ideal states. In the actual device, the installation angles of the first fluid pipeline 1 and the second fluid pipeline 2 can be adjusted to make it easier to drain the remaining coffee or washing liquid.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, in the first, second and fourth embodiments, the collection vessel 7 may be directly connected to the outlet end of the second fluid line 2, ie, one end on the beverage outlet side.

[0057] A coffee machine as shown in FIG. 8, comprising a pipeline system as described in any of the embodiments described above.

[0058] The above is a detailed introduction of the pipeline system of the beverage brewing machine according to the present invention. Although the structure and working principle of the present invention are described in this specification using specific examples, the description of the above embodiments is only for easy understanding of the method and idea of ​​the present invention. Those skilled in the art may make improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1 first fluid line, 10 beverage outlet, 11 first solenoid valve, 12 three-way valve, 121 first valve port, 122 second valve port, 123 third valve port, 2 second fluid line, 20 fixture, 21 discharge pump, 22 second solenoid valve, 3 brewing unit, 4 third fluid line, 5 valve, 6 beverage container, 7 collection container, a connection point between the first fluid line and the second fluid line

Claims

1. A method for operating a pipeline system of a beverage brewing machine, comprising: the pipeline system comprises an extraction unit and a first fluid pipeline and a second fluid pipeline; the first fluid line is connected at one end to the brewing unit and configured to export the beverage from the brewing unit to a beverage outlet; the second fluid line is connected at one end to the first fluid line, and a connection point is located between the brewing unit and the beverage outlet; the pipeline system further comprises a control component configured to control communication and disconnection between the first fluid pipeline and the second fluid pipeline such that liquid in the second portion of the first fluid pipeline is discharged from the second fluid pipeline; the second partial pipeline of the first fluid pipeline is a portion of the first fluid pipeline from the connection point to the beverage outlet, The method of operation includes: selecting an operating mode of the pipeline system according to an instruction of the beverage brewing machine; the control component switching between communication and disconnection between the first fluid line and the second fluid line according to a selected mode of operation; The operation mode includes a mode 1, and when the operation mode is the mode 1, the control component controls the second partial line of the first fluid line to be connected to an external atmospheric pressure and the second fluid line so that the second partial line of the first fluid line is filled with air, such that liquid in the second partial line of the first fluid line is completely discharged from the second fluid line.

23. A method for operating a pipeline system of a beverage brewing machine, comprising:

2. the control component is a discharge pump, the discharge pump being disposed in the second fluid line, a second portion of the first fluid line being connected to external atmospheric pressure; When the operation mode is the mode 1, the operation method includes: the discharge pump is turned on to cause a second portion of the first fluid line to communicate with the second fluid line, and liquid in the second portion of the first fluid line is discharged from the second fluid line by a suction force applied by the discharge pump.

2. A method for operating a pipeline system of a beverage brewing machine according to claim 1.

3. a position of an outlet end of the second fluid line is lower than a position of the beverage outlet; a second partial line of the first fluid line is connected to an external atmospheric pressure; the control component is a two-way valve, the two-way valve comprising a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve, the first solenoid valve being attached to the second partial line of the first fluid line, and the second solenoid valve being attached to the second fluid line; When the operation mode is the mode 1, the operation method includes: opening the first solenoid valve to communicate a second partial line of the first fluid line with external atmospheric pressure, and opening the second solenoid valve to communicate the second partial line of the first fluid line with the second fluid line, so that liquid in the second partial line of the first fluid line is discharged from the second fluid line by the action of gravity.

2. A method for operating a pipeline system of a beverage brewing machine according to claim 1.

4. a position of an outlet end of the second fluid line is lower than a position of the beverage outlet, a second partial line of the first fluid line is connected to an external atmospheric pressure, and the control component is a three-way valve; the three-way valve includes a first valve port connected to a first partial line of the first fluid line, a second valve port connected to a second partial line of the first fluid line, and a third valve port connected to the second fluid line; When the three-way valve is powered on, the third valve port is closed and the first valve port and the second valve port are open; When the three-way valve is powered off, the first valve port is closed and the second valve port and the third valve port are open; When the operation mode is the mode 1, the operation method includes: the three-way valve is turned off, a second partial line of the first fluid line is connected to the second fluid line, and liquid in the second partial line of the first fluid line is drained from the second fluid line by gravity; The first partial pipeline of the first fluid pipeline is a portion of the first fluid pipeline from one end that connects to the extraction unit to the connection point.

2. A method for operating a pipeline system of a beverage brewing machine according to claim 1.

5. and wherein the control component is automatically reset after a set time or the next time the beverage brewing device is powered up.

2. A method for operating a pipeline system of a beverage brewing machine according to claim 1.

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