Nitrogen preparation method and nitrogen beverage device

Abstract

Disclosed are a nitrogen preparation method and a nitrogen beverage device. The nitrogen preparation method comprises the steps of: introducing air and compressing same; filtering impurities in the compressed air; conveying the filtered air to a first molecular sieve through a first path for nitrogen generation; after a predetermined time, switching the filtered air to be conveyed to a second molecular sieve through a second path for nitrogen generation; and outputting the nitrogen at a pressure value predetermined by a user. By directly outputting the nitrogen generated from the first molecular sieve and the second molecular sieve through gas outlets, the arrangement of existing gas storage tanks and buffer tanks is eliminated, an operating mode of on-demand generation-and-utilization is realized, and the internal structure is simplified while a high efficiency is ensured, thus making operation more convenient. Furthermore, the first molecular sieve and the second molecular sieve are operated alternately under the sequential control of a control unit, thus ensuring continuous nitrogen generation.

Description

A method for preparing nitrogen and a nitrogen beverage equipment Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of food science and technology, specifically relating to a nitrogen preparation method and a nitrogen beverage equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Nitrogen, as an inert gas, creates a unique silky, creamy texture when added to beverages, making foamy drinks increasingly popular with consumers.

[0003] However, existing foam beverage production technologies often require the use of large equipment, such as air compressors, refrigerated dryers, and air storage tanks, which not only increases operating costs but also hinders the implementation of small household devices. Technical issues

[0004] In view of the above problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a nitrogen preparation method and a nitrogen beverage equipment to solve the problems of complex structure, difficult maintenance and high cost of existing nitrogen generation devices. Technical solutions

[0005] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a method for preparing nitrogen gas is provided, comprising the steps of:

[0006] It draws in air and compresses it;

[0007] Filter impurities from the compressed air;

[0008] The filtered air is delivered to the first molecular sieve through the first path to generate nitrogen gas;

[0009] After a preset time, the filtered air is switched to be delivered to the second molecular sieve via a second path to generate nitrogen.

[0010] Nitrogen gas will be output according to the user's preset pressure value.

[0011] Optionally, "outputting nitrogen according to the user-preset pressure value" also includes:

[0012] The generated nitrogen gas is filtered.

[0013] Control the flow direction and flow rate of the filtered nitrogen gas;

[0014] Check whether the nitrogen pressure value has been changed to the safe pressure value.

[0015] Optionally, nitrogen preparation methods also include:

[0016] If the pressure of the compressed air exceeds the preset safe pressure value, it will automatically release pressure.

[0017] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a nitrogen beverage device is provided for performing any of the above-described nitrogen preparation methods. The nitrogen beverage device includes: an air pump for drawing in and compressing air; an oil-water separator for filtering impurities in the compressed air; a switching module for conveying the filtered air to a first molecular sieve via a first path; the switching module is also used to switch the filtered air to be conveyed to a second molecular sieve via a second path after a preset time; and a detachably connected nozzle and a gas cylinder, wherein the nozzle is used to inject nitrogen into the gas cylinder according to a user-preset pressure value.

[0018] Optionally, a first three-way valve is provided between the oil-water separator and the switching module, and the first three-way valve is connected to the vent. When responding to the user's start-up command, the first three-way valve transmits the filtered air to the switching module. When responding to the user's stop command, the first three-way valve is controlled to allow the air drawn in by the air pump to flow out through the vent.

[0019] Optionally, a second three-way valve is provided between the first three-way valve and the switching module. The second three-way valve is connected to the safety valve and is also used to transmit air to the switching module. The safety valve is used to release pressure when the air pressure is greater than the preset safety pressure value.

[0020] Optionally, the first molecular sieve includes a first throttling valve, and the second molecular sieve includes a second throttling valve. The first and second throttling valves are connected to a third three-way valve. During the adsorption operation, the nitrogen separated by the first molecular sieve enters the nozzle through the third three-way valve and / or sequentially enters the second molecular sieve through the third three-way valve and the second throttling valve. During the release operation, the first molecular sieve discharges oxygen and water vapor through the exhaust port.

[0021] Optionally, a filter, a third throttle valve, and a pressure sensor are provided between the third three-way valve and the nozzle: the filter is used to filter impurities in the nitrogen; the third throttle valve is used to control the pressure value of the nitrogen and control the transmission of nitrogen to the pressure sensor; the pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure value of the nitrogen.

[0022] Optionally, a heat dissipation pipe is also installed between the air pump and the oil-water separator to cool the air compressed by the air pump.

[0023] Optionally, the nitrogen beverage equipment also includes a control panel and a control unit. The control panel is used to generate user commands, and the control unit is used to control the start, stop, or shut down of various components in response to user commands. The control panel includes operation buttons and a display panel. The operation buttons are used for users to set user-preset pressure values ​​and to start or stop the equipment. The display panel is used to display the equipment status and user-preset pressure values. Beneficial effects

[0024] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: By directly outputting the nitrogen generated from the first and second molecular sieves through their outlets, this application reduces the need for gas storage tanks, achieving a "generate and use immediately" working mode. This ensures high efficiency while simplifying the internal structure, making operation more convenient. Secondly, the first and second molecular sieves work alternately under the time-sequential control of the control unit, with one performing adsorption while the other performs release and regeneration, ensuring the continuity of nitrogen generation. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 is a process flow diagram of the nitrogen beverage equipment provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the nitrogen beverage equipment provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 is an exploded structural diagram of the nitrogen beverage equipment provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the nitrogen beverage equipment and gas cylinder provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the nitrogen beverage equipment provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the nitrogen preparation method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 is a flowchart of another step in the nitrogen preparation method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are shown only in a schematic manner without affecting the reader's understanding.

[0034] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are as follows:

[0035] 100. Nitrogen beverage equipment; 110. Air pump; 120. Heat dissipation pipe; 130. Oil-water separator; 140. First molecular sieve; 150. Second molecular sieve; 160. Support platform; 170. Nozzle; 180. Control panel; 181. Display panel; 182. Operation buttons; 190. First solenoid valve; 200. Gas cylinder. The best embodiment of the present invention

[0036] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0037] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0038] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0040] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, components, or parts (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, components, or parts. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0041] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this application specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application. As used in this application specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0042] It should also be further understood that the term “and / or” as used in this application specification and the appended claims means any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0043] Foamed beverages generally refer to a class of drinks that alter their texture and appearance by infusing nitrogen. Nitro beverages, or nitrogen drinks, are drinks infused with nitrogen. Unlike traditional carbonated drinks, nitrogen produces finer, smoother bubbles that form a smooth layer of foam on the surface. This provides a unique texture, often described as "creamy," and the longer-lasting foam cascades (the layers of foam moving from top to bottom) of nitrogen beverages enhance their visual appeal. Nitro cold brew coffee is one type of nitrogen beverage, often simply called nitrogen coffee, nitrogen coffee, or nitrogen cold brew; it's a nitrogen-infused coffee drink containing nitrogen.

[0044] Existing foam beverage production technologies are typically bulky and costly to operate. To address this issue, Chinese Patent 202020768232.2 discloses a small integrated nitrogen generator. While this solves the problem of cost-effectiveness, it still requires components such as a nitrogen storage tank and a buffer tank to store the produced nitrogen in advance. However, due to the inclusion of these components, it is still difficult to achieve a compact structure, on-demand nitrogen production, and user-friendly operation.

[0045] Furthermore, nitrogen generation and injection are crucial processes in foam beverage production technology. Different pressure settings result in different injection speeds, thus producing foams with varying characteristics. For example, lower pressure may produce finer, longer-lasting foam, while higher pressure may produce richer, faster-moving foam. Therefore, meeting the diverse needs of users for nitrogen generation and injection to achieve specific taste and visual presentation, while also ensuring convenient and quick operation, is a problem that needs to be solved in the field of foam beverage production technology.

[0046] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a nitrogen beverage device, as shown in Figures 1 to 4. The nitrogen beverage device includes a support platform 160 for placing a gas cylinder 200; a control panel 180 for user operation to issue commands; and a nozzle 170 for connection to the gas cylinder 200. Nitrogen gas is injected into the gas cylinder through the nozzle 170 according to a user-preset pressure value, wherein the gas cylinder 200 and the nozzle 170 are detachably connected.

[0047] Figures 1 to 5 show the internal components of the nitrogen beverage device, with Figure 4 showing a schematic diagram of the structure of the nitrogen beverage device and gas cylinder 200, which is used to receive nitrogen and hold the beverage. The nitrogen beverage device includes an air pump 120 for drawing in and compressing air; an oil-water separation device 130 for filtering impurities in the compressed air; a switching module for transmitting the filtered air through a first path to a first molecular sieve 150, so that the first molecular sieve 140 performs adsorption and release operations to separate nitrogen from the air; the switching module is also used to transmit the filtered air through a second path to a second molecular sieve 150 when the first molecular sieve 140 is performing a release operation; a third throttle valve for controlling the pressure value of the generated nitrogen and controlling the nitrogen transmission to a pressure sensor; and a control unit for determining whether a user-preset pressure value has been reached based on the nitrogen pressure value.

[0048] The control unit controls the start and stop of operation of various components inside the nitrogen beverage equipment. When operation is started, it controls the air pump to draw in external air into the equipment. The air pump continuously compresses the air to generate pressure. Since the air pump requires lubricating oil to prevent wear, the intake air easily carries oil droplets. Therefore, a subsequent oil-water separator is needed to separate the oil and water droplets from the intake air, providing preliminary filtration of the compressed air. The pre-filtered and purified air enters the switching module, which is a two-position five-way solenoid valve (hereinafter referred to as the first solenoid valve). It has two paths connected to the first molecular sieve 140 and the second molecular sieve 150 respectively. The control unit controls the first path to open, allowing air to enter the first molecular sieve for adsorption and release, thereby separating nitrogen from the air. During this process, the first molecular sieve 140 selectively adsorbs oxygen and moisture from the air under high pressure, allowing nitrogen to be separated. When the first molecular sieve 140 reaches adsorption saturation, the control unit controls the first solenoid valve to switch to conduct the second path and shut off the first path, allowing the air filtered by the oil-water separator 120 to enter the second molecular sieve 150. At the same time, the first molecular sieve 140 is triggered to enter the release stage, releasing the adsorbed oxygen and water vapor, which are discharged through the exhaust port.

[0049] During the adsorption process of the first molecular sieve, oxygen and moisture in the air are selectively adsorbed. Since nitrogen molecules are larger, they cannot be adsorbed, thus generating nitrogen gas in real time. The generated nitrogen gas is transferred to the third throttling valve through the outlet of the first molecular sieve. The third throttling valve controls the flow direction of the nitrogen gas, controlling the flow rate by changing the cross-section of the nitrogen gas flow path, thereby indirectly controlling the nitrogen pressure. The generated nitrogen gas reaches the pressure sensor after passing through the third throttling valve. The pressure sensor monitors the pressure value of the arriving nitrogen gas in real time and transmits this value to the control unit. If the nitrogen pressure is within the preset safe pressure range, the nitrogen gas is output to the gas cylinder through the nozzle. Nitrogen gas is directly output to the gas cylinder or beverage container after generation, and nitrogen can be continuously generated during the preparation process, improving the speed and convenience of nitrogen output and simplifying the operation process and efficiency of nitrogen beverage preparation.

[0050] In another embodiment of this application, the control unit is used to receive user instructions, namely, a user-preset pressure value. For example, the user may want 8 bar (bar, a unit of pressure) of nitrogen. After receiving the pressure value from the pressure sensor, the control unit determines whether the pressure value has reached the user-preset pressure value. If the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor has not yet reached the user-preset value, the control unit controls the air pump to continue working to draw in external air to continue generating nitrogen. If the pressure value has reached the user-preset pressure value, the control unit controls the nitrogen to be output from the nozzle to the gas cylinder at the user-preset pressure value.

[0051] This application connects the outlets of the main nitrogen-generating components, namely the first and second molecular sieves, directly to the third throttle valve. After the nitrogen is generated and regulated by the third throttle valve, if it reaches the user's preset value and is less than the preset safety pressure value, the nitrogen can be directly output from the nozzle. This reduces the need for a gas storage tank, realizes an on-demand working mode, ensures high efficiency, simplifies the internal structure, and makes operation more convenient.

[0052] Furthermore, the first and second molecular sieves in this application operate alternately, with one performing adsorption and the other performing release and regeneration, ensuring the continuity of nitrogen generation. For example, when the first molecular sieve becomes saturated and needs to release water vapor and oxygen for regeneration, the gas pump continuously draws in gas, which is then passed through the second molecular sieve to generate nitrogen for use in the next beverage preparation. This alternating operation mechanism not only improves the efficiency of nitrogen supply but also ensures the continuity and stability of foam beverage production.

[0053] Please continue to refer to Figures 1 to 3. A heat dissipation pipe 120 is also provided between the air pump 110 and the oil-water separator 130. The heat dissipation pipe is used to cool the air compressed by the air pump.

[0054] Because the air pump generates mechanical heat during operation, and the compressed air also heats up due to compression, excessively high air temperatures can degrade the performance of the first or second molecular sieve, affecting the efficiency and quality of nitrogen generation. Therefore, this application utilizes a heat dissipation pipe installed between the air pump and the oil-water separator to effectively cool the compressed air and prevent excessive temperature from adversely affecting subsequent nitrogen production processes. The heat dissipation pipe can be made of copper or other materials with good thermal conductivity to ensure rapid and effective heat dissipation.

[0055] Please continue to refer to Figures 1 to 3. A first three-way valve is provided between the oil-water separator 120 and the first solenoid valve in this application. The first three-way valve is connected to the vent. When the control unit responds to the user's start-up command, it controls the first three-way valve to transmit the filtered air to the first solenoid valve. When the control unit responds to the user's stop command, it controls the first three-way valve to let the air sucked in by the air pump flow out through the vent.

[0056] When the user issues start-up or pause commands, the control unit controls the opening and closing of the first three-way valve to change the direction of airflow. Upon receiving the user's start-up command, the control unit transmits the air drawn in by the air pump through the oil-water separator and the first three-way valve to the first solenoid valve.

[0057] When the control unit receives a user's stop command, it controls the first three-way valve to open the path of its connected pressure relief port, allowing the air drawn into the pump to be released through the port. Directly stopping the pump in response to a user's stop command could cause a sudden change in internal pressure within the nitrogen beverage device, potentially damaging the pump and other components. This is especially true if the pump is frequently stopped at high pressure, which could reduce its lifespan or lead to malfunction. By using the first three-way valve and pressure relief port, user commands can be responded to more flexibly and quickly, while pressure can be managed or released more safely and effectively, protecting the pump from damage.

[0058] In one embodiment of this application, the nitrogen beverage device further includes a second three-way valve, which is connected to a safety valve. The second three-way valve also changes the gas flow path. One path is used to transmit air to the air inlet of the first solenoid valve (marked as 1 in Figure 1). The other path releases excess pressure through the safety valve when the air pressure is greater than a preset safety pressure value, thereby ensuring the safety performance of the nitrogen beverage device.

[0059] In the embodiment described above, which includes a first three-way valve, a second three-way valve is positioned between the first three-way valve and the first solenoid valve. In this embodiment, the preset safety pressure value is 10 bar. Choosing 10 bar as the preset safety pressure value ensures that the system can safely handle potential pressure fluctuations while operating efficiently. When the system pressure exceeds 10 bar, the safety valve will automatically open to release excess pressure until the gas pressure inside the device returns to a safe level.

[0060] Further, as shown in Figure 1, the first molecular sieve includes a first throttling valve, the second molecular sieve includes a second throttling valve, and the first and second throttling valves are connected to a third three-way valve; during the adsorption operation of the first molecular sieve, the separated nitrogen gas enters the nozzle through the third three-way valve; during the release operation of the first molecular sieve, the adsorbed air and water vapor are discharged through the exhaust port.

[0061] In the nitrogen beverage apparatus of this application, when solenoid valves 1 and 2 are open, compressed air is guided into the first molecular sieve, at which point the first molecular sieve enters the adsorption stage. Under high pressure (e.g., 6 bar), the molecular sieve selectively adsorbs oxygen and water vapor from the air, while nitrogen, due to its larger molecular size, cannot enter the microporous structure of the molecular sieve and is thus separated. The separated nitrogen then flows through a throttling valve, where the pressure and flow rate are regulated, to a third three-way valve, and then through a filtration device, ultimately being collected or used directly in the production of foamed beverages.

[0062] When the first molecular sieve reaches saturation, desorption is achieved by reducing the pressure to atmospheric pressure or even a vacuum (e.g., 1 bar or 0.1 bar), releasing the adsorbed oxygen and water vapor through exhaust port 4. Once the first molecular sieve enters the release state, the control unit switches the first solenoid valve, shutting off valves 1 and 2 while simultaneously opening valves 1 and 3, allowing gas to flow into the second molecular sieve. The second molecular sieve then begins its adsorption operation, separating and generating nitrogen gas, which is output to the nozzle via the third three-way valve. When the second molecular sieve also reaches saturation, its desorbed oxygen and water vapor are discharged through exhaust port 5.

[0063] Each molecular sieve is equipped with an independent throttling valve, and the two throttling valves are connected by a third three-way valve, enabling independent control of each molecular sieve. The throttling valves and the third three-way valve balance the pressure between the two molecular sieve towers, ensuring a smooth pressure transition during switching and preventing pressure fluctuations from affecting the performance and lifespan of the molecular sieves.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the first molecular sieve 150 and the second molecular sieve 160 work alternately, while one molecular sieve is performing adsorption, the other is performing release and regeneration. To ensure that the molecular sieve performing desorption (release) and regeneration can release its adsorbed gas and moisture more quickly and effectively, referring to the dashed arrow in Figure 1, a portion of the nitrogen N2 generated by the molecular sieve in adsorption is transferred to the molecular sieve performing release through a third three-way valve and a corresponding throttle valve (first or second throttle valve). Due to the backflushing of nitrogen, the molecular sieve that received the partial nitrogen accelerates the release of its adsorbed oxygen and water vapor, optimizing the regeneration efficiency of the molecular sieve and ensuring that it can resume efficient operation in the next adsorption cycle. The throttle valve is also used to regulate the pressure of the backflushing gas, controlling the entry of nitrogen into the molecular sieve in the release state.

[0065] The control panel includes operation buttons and a display panel. The operation buttons are used by users to set user-preset pressure values ​​and to start or stop the equipment. The display panel is used to display the equipment status and user-preset pressure values.

[0066] A filter, a third throttle valve, and a pressure sensor are sequentially arranged between the third three-way valve and the nozzle. The filter ensures nitrogen purity; the third throttle valve regulates the nitrogen pressure; the pressure sensor detects the regulated nitrogen pressure; and the control unit, when the nitrogen pressure meets the user-preset pressure, injects nitrogen through the nozzle into the gas cylinder according to the user-preset pressure. The beverage inside the cylinder mixes with the nitrogen, producing abundant foam.

[0067] Because the nitrogen separated by molecular sieves carries trace amounts of impurities from the sieves, a filtration device can remove these impurities, ensuring the purity of the nitrogen and preventing it from affecting the quality of foamed beverages. The filtration device can be made of borosilicate and polyester microfiber materials, such as filter screens, membranes, or cartridges, and can be periodically disassembled and replaced.

[0068] The nitrogen beverage device of this application embodiment can quickly and conveniently produce beverages with specific foam characteristics according to the user's personalized needs, improving the user experience while ensuring the quality and consistency of the beverages. Furthermore, the nitrogen beverage device of this application embodiment achieves on-demand production through an operation panel and control unit, eliminating the need for gas storage tanks and buffer tanks in existing technologies. This design makes operation faster and simpler, and the device structure is more compact, making it more suitable for daily home use or various usage environments.

[0069] It should be noted that users can control the nitrogen beverage machine's operation, pause, and foam setting via the buttons on the control panel or the touch buttons on the display panel. Users can also operate the machine remotely via a Bluetooth-connected mobile application, increasing its flexibility and convenience.

[0070] Because the nitrogen beverage equipment of this application features one-button operation, for example, after starting the equipment to make nitrogen coffee, the user can temporarily leave to prepare breakfast or other tasks. To ensure that the user can intuitively understand the working status of the nitrogen beverage equipment, a reminder device is installed to provide the user with real-time feedback based on different equipment statuses.

[0071] The reminder devices include indicator lights or voice prompts. The indicator lights change color to remind the user of the device's status in different device states. Even when the user is away from the device, they can still determine whether the beverage is ready or whether a malfunction has occurred during beverage preparation by observing the color changes of the indicator lights from a distance.

[0072] Similarly, voice prompts broadcast the device's current operating status and pre-recorded voice information in different device states, clearly informing the user of the current work progress or status. For example, the device might play a voice message when it starts making a foamy beverage, informing the user "Making begins"; when it finishes, it might play "Making complete, your beverage is ready"; and when a fault is detected, it might play "Device malfunction, please check".

[0073] According to another aspect of this application, a nitrogen preparation method is also provided, applicable to a nitrogen beverage device. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the nitrogen preparation method includes the following steps:

[0074] S100, intake air and compress it;

[0075] S200 filters compressed air;

[0076] S300: The filtered air is delivered to the first molecular sieve through the first path to generate nitrogen gas;

[0077] S400: After a preset time, the filtered air is switched to be delivered to the second molecular sieve via the second path to generate nitrogen.

[0078] In the embodiments of this application, the adsorption operation and desorption regeneration time for each molecular sieve are 25 seconds (s).

[0079] The preset adsorption time is 25 seconds. After the first molecular sieve has adsorbed for 25 seconds, the control unit controls the switching module to close the first path (1 and 2) and open the second path (1 and 3) to send the filtered air to the second molecular sieve and start the nitrogen generation process of the second molecular sieve.

[0080] During the switching process, the control unit precisely controls the on / off state of the two paths of the switching module, and achieves the switching operation of the two molecular sieves through timing control. In this way, when the first molecular sieve completes adsorption and begins desorption, the second molecular sieve immediately begins adsorption, thereby achieving continuous nitrogen generation.

[0081] S500 outputs nitrogen gas according to the user-preset pressure value.

[0082] As shown in Figure 7, step S500 further includes the following steps:

[0083] S510. Filter the generated nitrogen gas;

[0084] S520, Control the flow direction and flow rate of the filtered nitrogen gas;

[0085] S530. Detect whether the pressure value of the nitrogen gas exceeds the preset safe pressure value.

[0086] To further ensure pressure stability during the operation of the nitrogen beverage equipment, a pressure sensor detects the nitrogen pressure before outputting nitrogen. This prevents the nitrogen pressure from exceeding a preset safe pressure value, thus avoiding risks caused by excessive system pressure. This safety mechanism further guarantees the safety and reliability of the equipment operation.

[0087] In embodiments of this application, the nitrogen gas filtered and flow-controlled by the filtration device can be directly output to a gas cylinder or beverage container. Alternatively, the control unit can determine whether the nitrogen pressure value detected by the pressure sensor reaches a user-preset pressure value. If so, the control unit controls the nitrogen gas to be injected into the gas cylinder from the nozzle according to the user-preset pressure value.

[0088] Before step S200, there is also a step of automatically depressurizing when the pressure of the compressed air is greater than the preset safe pressure value.

[0089] The user first places the gas cylinder 200 on the support platform 160, ensuring that the gas cylinder 200 is stable and easy to operate. The gas cylinder is used to receive nitrogen from the nitrogen preparation method and to hold the final foamed beverage. The beverage inside the gas cylinder 200 can be various types of beverages, such as beer, wine, juice, tea, or cold brew coffee.

[0090] The user sets the desired foam characteristics via the control panel, i.e., sets the preset pressure value, and then presses the OK button to confirm the command. Upon receiving the user's command, the control unit immediately starts operating. The air pump begins to draw in and compress external air. The compressed air passes through an oil-water separator to remove impurities, and then passes through the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve, and the switching unit (i.e., the first solenoid valve) into the first molecular sieve, initiating the nitrogen production process. At this time, the display panel will show the equipment status as "filling".

[0091] The nitrogen gas separated by the first molecular sieve flows sequentially through the first throttle valve, the third three-way valve, the filter device, and the third throttle valve, with the pressure value monitored by a pressure sensor before finally reaching the nozzle. The control module determines whether the user-preset pressure value has been reached based on the nitrogen pressure value sensed by the pressure sensor. If the preset value is reached, the control module will control the injection of nitrogen gas into the gas cylinder at the user-preset pressure value. After the nitrogen injection is complete, the display panel will show "Complete".

[0092] The user can then detach the gas cylinder from the device and pour the liquid beverage filled with nitrogen into other containers for drinking or further processing. Afterwards, the user can reconnect the gas cylinder to the nozzle to prepare for the next round of foam beverage preparation.

[0093] In this embodiment, the adsorption and desorption regeneration time for each molecular sieve is 1 minute. The control unit precisely controls the conduction state of the switching module, and the switching operation of the two molecular sieves is realized through timing control, thereby continuously generating nitrogen. This design not only improves the efficiency of nitrogen generation, but also ensures the continuity and stability of the nitrogen generation process, meeting the continuous nitrogen supply requirements for foam beverage production, and realizing efficient and continuous nitrogen generation, suitable for foam beverage production in home or small commercial environments.

[0094] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application in any way. The scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims. Although this application has disclosed preferred embodiments above, it is not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this application without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application shall fall within the scope of the technical solution of this application.

Claims

1. A method for preparing nitrogen, characterized in that, Including the following steps: It draws in air and compresses it; Filters impurities from compressed air; The filtered air is delivered to the first molecular sieve through the first path to generate nitrogen gas; After a preset time, the filtered air is switched to be delivered to the second molecular sieve via a second path to generate nitrogen. The nitrogen gas is output according to the user-preset pressure value.

2. The nitrogen preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The phrase "outputting the nitrogen gas according to a user-preset pressure value" also includes: The generated nitrogen gas is filtered. Control the flow direction and flow rate of the filtered nitrogen gas; The pressure of the nitrogen gas is checked to see if it exceeds a preset safe pressure value.

3. The nitrogen preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The compressed air automatically releases pressure when the pressure exceeds the preset safety pressure.

4. A nitrogen beverage equipment, characterized in that, Used to perform the nitrogen preparation method according to any one of claims 1-3; The nitrogen beverage equipment includes: An air pump is used to draw in air and compress it. An oil-water separator is used to filter impurities in the compressed air. The switching module is used to deliver the filtered air to the first molecular sieve through the first path; Therefore, the switching module is also used to switch the filtered air to be delivered to the second molecular sieve via the second path after a preset time. A detachable nozzle and a gas cylinder, wherein the nozzle is used to inject nitrogen gas into the gas cylinder according to a user-preset pressure value.

5. The nitrogen beverage equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, A first three-way valve is provided between the oil-water separator and the switching module, and the first three-way valve is connected to the vent port. When responding to a user's command to start operation, the first three-way valve transmits the filtered air to the switching module; When responding to a user's stop command, the first three-way valve is controlled to allow the air drawn in by the air pump to flow out through the pressure relief port.

6. The nitrogen beverage equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, A second three-way valve is provided between the first three-way valve and the switching module. The second three-way valve is connected to the safety valve and is also used to transmit the air to the switching module. The safety valve is used to release pressure when the air pressure exceeds a preset safety pressure value.

7. The nitrogen beverage equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first molecular sieve includes a first throttle valve, the second molecular sieve includes a second throttle valve, and the first throttle valve and the second throttle valve are connected to a third three-way valve; During the adsorption operation, the nitrogen gas separated by the first molecular sieve enters the nozzle through the third three-way valve and / or enters the second molecular sieve in sequence through the third three-way valve and the second throttle valve; During the release operation, the first molecular sieve discharges oxygen and water vapor through the exhaust port.

8. The nitrogen beverage equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, A filter device, a third throttle valve, and a pressure sensor are provided between the third three-way valve and the nozzle. The filtration device is used to filter impurities in the nitrogen gas; The third throttle valve is used to control the pressure value of the nitrogen gas and to control the transmission of nitrogen gas to the pressure sensor; The pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure value of the nitrogen gas.

9. The nitrogen beverage equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, A heat dissipation pipe is also provided between the air pump and the oil-water separator, and the heat dissipation pipe is used to cool the air compressed by the air pump.

10. The nitrogen beverage equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The nitrogen beverage equipment also includes a control panel and a control unit. The control panel is used to generate user commands, and the control unit is used to control the start, stop, or shut down of each component in response to the user commands. The control panel includes operation buttons and a display panel. The operation buttons are used for users to set the user-preset pressure value and to start or stop the device. The display panel is used to display the device status and the user-preset pressure value.

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