A cold brew tea brewing device

Abstract

This invention provides a cold brew tea brewing device, including a housing, a water cup, a cold brew tube, a locking mechanism, and a refrigeration component located within the housing. The upper chamber of the housing is a cold brew chamber. The upper end of the cold brew tube extends into the housing and communicates with the cold brew chamber. The lower end of the cold brew tube, located outside the housing, is connected to a tea container. Filters are installed at the top and bottom of the tea container. The cold brew tube can extend into the water cup. A locking mechanism for installing the water cup is provided at the contact point between the cold brew tube and the outside of the housing. A temperature sensor is installed inside the cold brew chamber. A positive pressure pump and a negative pressure pump are connected to the top of the cold brew chamber. The refrigeration component can exchange heat with the cold brew chamber. The temperature sensor, refrigeration component, positive pressure pump, and negative pressure pump are electrically connected to a controller. This allows the tea essence to be fully integrated with the water, resulting in cold brew tea with the best taste.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of household appliance technology, specifically relating to a cold brew tea brewing device. Background Technology

[0002] Cold brew tea, also known as cold-infused tea, is a popular tea beverage in Japan and Taiwan. The process involves placing tea leaves into a bottle of cooled boiled water and then refrigerating it for a period of time. Tea brewed this way is called cold brew tea. Because the body temperature of cold-brewed tea leaves is higher than that of the tea liquor, the ketones carrying aroma molecules gradually evaporate after the tea reaches the mouth, resulting in a richer and more intense flavor that fills the entire mouth and has a more pronounced aftertaste. Cold brewing also reduces the caffeine content of the tea, lessening its irritation to the stomach, making it suitable for those with sensitive stomachs or weak digestive systems. Furthermore, cold water is less likely to release the theophylline, the source of bitterness, and studies show that the caffeine content is less than three-quarters that of hot brewing, making it less irritating to the stomach and less likely to disrupt sleep. Cold brew tea has become a healthier beverage sought after by many today.

[0003] However, due to the long brewing time and the difficulty in maintaining a constant brewing temperature, cold brewing tea cannot meet the demands of today's fast-paced lifestyle. Currently, most tea brewing machines on the market are hot brewing machines, and there is a lack of cold brewing machines that can maintain a low temperature for a long time while ensuring the taste. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a cold brew tea brewing device. This device maximizes the integration of tea essence with water, resulting in cold brew tea with the best taste.

[0005] To achieve the objectives of this invention, the technical solution adopted is as follows:

[0006] A cold brew tea brewing device includes a housing, a water cup, a cold brew tube, a locking mechanism, and a refrigeration component located inside the housing. The upper chamber of the housing is a cold brew chamber. The upper end of the cold brew tube extends into the housing and communicates with the cold brew chamber. The lower end of the cold brew tube outside the housing is connected to a tea container. Filters are installed at the top and bottom of the tea container. The cold brew tube can extend into the water cup. A locking mechanism for installing the water cup is provided at the contact position between the cold brew tube and the outside of the housing. A temperature sensor is installed inside the cold brew chamber. A positive pressure pump and a negative pressure pump are connected to the top of the cold brew chamber. The refrigeration component can exchange heat with the cold brew chamber. The temperature sensor, refrigeration component, positive pressure pump, and negative pressure pump are electrically connected to a controller.

[0007] The locking mechanism of this invention includes three locking blocks and an annular rotating component. The rotating component passes through the cold extraction tube and is rotatably connected to the lower surface of the housing. The inner diameter of the rotating component is slightly larger than the upper outer diameter of the water cup. The rotating component includes an upper annular disk and a lower annular disk connected to each other on the side. The upper annular disk has three arc-shaped first sliding grooves evenly distributed on its concentric circles, and three pillars connecting to the lower annular disk are also provided on the concentric circles. The lower annular disk has a gap corresponding to the first sliding groove. The locking block has a second sliding groove identical to the first sliding groove, and the pillar passes through the second sliding groove. The end of the locking block is slidably connected to the first sliding groove of the upper annular disk by a limiting pin. The locking block can rotate around the limiting pin, and the limiting pin of one locking block passes through the first sliding groove and is fixedly connected to the housing. When the pillar and limiting pin of the corresponding locking block rotate to their farthest point, the inner sides of the three locking blocks form a circle that clamps the water cup.

[0008] The rotating component of the present invention is provided with a horizontal handle.

[0009] The upper annular disk of the present invention is mounted to the housing via a rotating bearing. An annular limiting plate is provided on the upper surface of the upper annular disk, and the inner diameter of the limiting plate is adapted to the outer diameter of the rotating bearing.

[0010] The locking block of the present invention is connected to the limiting pin by pushing the bearing.

[0011] The cold extraction tube and tea container described in this invention are detachably connected.

[0012] The housing of the present invention has a water inlet at the position corresponding to the water cup, and the opening and closing of the water inlet is controlled by a solenoid valve.

[0013] Preferably, the housing has a first water level probe on its lower surface near the upper end of the cold extraction tube, and the cold extraction chamber has a second water level probe. The first water level probe and the second water level probe are electrically connected to the controller, respectively.

[0014] The present invention provides a horizontally pull-out placement plate and a third sliding groove for accommodating the placement plate below the cold extraction tube, the third sliding groove being disposed inside the machine housing.

[0015] The positive pressure pump of the present invention is connected to the exhaust pipe, the negative pressure pump is connected to the air inlet pipe, the exhaust pipe and the air inlet pipe are connected to the drain pipe through a three-way solenoid valve, and the drain pipe leads to the water cup.

[0016] The cold extraction chamber of the present invention is equipped with stainless steel condenser tubes, and the input end of the refrigeration compressor of the condenser tubes is connected to the output end of the controller.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0018] 1. This invention sets up a positive pressure pump and a negative pressure pump in the cold brewing chamber to control the alternating operation of the positive and negative pressure pumps. Drinking water continuously passes through the tea leaves and enters and exits the cold brewing chamber. During the cold brewing process, the water flow keeps moving up and down between the water cup and the cold brewing chamber. In this low-temperature environment, the cooling water will also repeatedly rinse the tea leaves up and down, allowing the tea essence to blend with the water to the maximum extent, resulting in cold brewed tea with the best taste.

[0019] 2. This invention uses a positive and negative pressure vacuum pump. The pump body only generates positive and negative air pressure on the water, and the pump body does not circulate water, so it will not pollute the water quality. Furthermore, applying pressure to the water can accelerate the water flow rate, promote the fusion of tea leaves and water, and complete cold brewing in 1 hour, significantly speeding up the fusion process.

[0020] 3. The locking mechanism of the present invention does not spontaneously rebound and rotate, and has a self-locking effect, which can ensure the stability of the water cup throughout the cold extraction process, prevent the water cup from shaking and colliding with the cold extraction tube during the cold extraction process, and ensure the smooth progress of the cold extraction work.

[0021] 4. By connecting the positive pressure pump and negative pressure pump to the water cup through the drainage pipe, a closed-loop connection is formed. Even if the water level probe malfunctions, drinking water will not overflow the cup, and the system can continue to operate, maintaining water circulation and sustaining the cold extraction process. On the other hand, during normal cold extraction, when the negative pressure pump is working, the drainage pipe introduces positive pressure downwards from above the water cup, propelling water upwards more quickly into the negative pressure environment within the cold extraction tube. When the positive pressure pump is working, the drainage pipe introduces negative pressure from above the water cup, and the positive pressure environment within the cold extraction tube helps water flow downwards back into the water cup, further accelerating the water circulation speed and saving time and energy. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cold brewing device of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of the Y region.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the upper annular disk.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the lower annular disk.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the upper annular disk.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the upper surface structure of the annular disk.

[0029] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the cold extraction chamber and water cup structure in Example 4.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the cold extraction chamber and water cup structure in Example 5.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a block diagram of the control principle for Example 4.

[0032] Figure 11 This is a block diagram of the control principle for Example 5.

[0033] Reference numerals: 1. Housing; 2. Water cup; 3. Cold brew tube; 4. Locking mechanism; 5. Refrigeration component; 6. Tea compartment; 7. Temperature sensor; 8. Positive pressure pump; 9. Negative pressure pump; 10. Placement plate; 11. Cold brew chamber; 12. Limit pin; 13. Overflow channel; 14. Rotating bearing; 15. Push bearing; 16. Nut; 17. Column; 18. First water level probe; 19. Second water level probe; 20. Water inlet; 21. First slide groove; 22. Second slide groove; 23. Gap; 24. Air inlet pipe; 25. Exhaust pipe; 26. Drainage pipe; 27. Three-way solenoid valve; 30. Controller; 41. Rotating component; 42. Locking block; 43. Handle; 61. Filter screen; 101. Third slide groove; 411. Upper annular plate; 412. Lower annular plate. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To more clearly and in detail illustrate the objective and technical solution of this invention, the invention will be further described below through relevant embodiments. These embodiments are merely illustrative of the implementation methods of this invention and do not limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, a cold brew tea brewing device includes a housing 1, a water cup 2, a cold brew tube 3, a locking mechanism 4, and a refrigeration component 5 located inside the housing 1. The upper chamber of the housing 1 is a cold brew chamber 11. The upper end of the cold brew tube 3 extends into the housing 1 and communicates with the cold brew chamber 11. The lower end of the cold brew tube 11 outside the housing 1 is connected to a tea container 6. The top and bottom of the tea container 6 are equipped with filters 61. The cold brew tube 3 can extend into the water cup 2. A locking mechanism 4 for installing the water cup 2 is provided at the contact position between the cold brew tube 3 and the outside of the housing 1. A temperature sensor 7 is provided inside the cold brew chamber 3. A positive pressure pump 8 and a negative pressure pump 9 are connected to the top of the cold brew chamber 11. The refrigeration component 5 can exchange heat with the cold brew chamber 11. The temperature sensor 7, the refrigeration component 5, the positive pressure pump 8, the negative pressure pump 9, and the controller 30 are electrically connected.

[0037] The working principle is as follows: Place the cold extraction tube 3 in the water cup 2. Water can be added manually or electrically. The controller 30 issues instructions to the positive pressure pump 8 and the negative pressure pump 9 at set intervals to start them alternately. During the process, water will not enter the positive pressure pump and the negative pressure pump.

[0038] When the negative pressure pump 9 starts, the drinking water rises to the cold extraction chamber 11 under negative pressure through the tea chamber 6 and the cold extraction pipe 3. The cooling component 5 starts, and the water temperature in the cold extraction chamber 11 drops rapidly. The negative pressure pump 9 stops, and the positive pressure pump 8 starts at the same time. The cooling water passes through the cold extraction pipe 3 and the tea chamber 6. When the water level in the cold extraction chamber 11 reaches a certain height, the water returns to the water cup 2 and the cycle repeats.

[0039] During the cold brewing process, temperature sensor 7 monitors the temperature inside the cold brewing chamber 11 in real time and transmits the data to controller 30. By controlling the switching of the refrigeration components, the cold brewing chamber 11 is kept at a constant low temperature of 4℃. The cold brewing time can be precisely preset. During the long-term on / off cycle of the pressure pump, drinking water continuously passes through the tea leaves and enters and exits the cold brewing chamber. The water flow during the cold brewing process maintains an up-and-down reciprocating motion between the water cup and the cold brewing chamber. This allows the water temperature to be rapidly cooled to the specified temperature, and the repeated passage of the cooling water through the tea chamber in this low-temperature environment allows the tea essence to quickly blend with the water, resulting in cold-brewed tea with the best flavor in just one hour.

[0040] The input terminals of the cooling component 5, the positive pressure pump 8, and the negative pressure pump 9 are connected to the output terminal of the controller 30, and the output terminal of the temperature sensor 7 is connected to the input terminal of the controller 30.

[0041] Example 2

[0042] This embodiment is based on embodiment 1:

[0043] like Figure 2-7As shown, the locking mechanism 4 of the present invention includes three locking blocks 42 and an annular rotating member 41. The rotating member 41 passes through the cold extraction tube 3 and is rotatably connected to the lower surface of the housing 1. The inner diameter of the rotating member 41 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the upper end of the water cup 2. The rotating member 41 includes an upper annular disk 411 and a lower annular disk 412 connected to the side. Three arc-shaped first sliding grooves 21 are evenly distributed on the concentric circle of the upper annular disk 411, and three columns 17 connecting the lower annular disk 412 are also provided on the concentric circle. The lower annular disk 412 is provided with corresponding first sliding grooves 21. 1. The locking block 42 has a second slide groove 22 that is the same as the first slide groove 21, and the column 17 passes through the second slide groove 22. The end of the locking block 42 is slidably connected to the first slide groove 21 of the upper annular disk 411 by a limiting pin 12. The locking block 42 can rotate around the limiting pin 1. The limiting pin 12 of one locking block 42 passes through the first slide groove 21 and is fixedly connected to the housing 1. When the column 17 and the limiting pin 12 of the corresponding locking block 42 rotate to the farthest point, the inner sides of the three locking blocks 42 form a circle that just holds the water cup 2.

[0044] The locking mechanism of the water cup ensures its stability during prolonged cold extraction, preventing it from shaking or colliding with the cold extraction tube. The water cup is locked and positioned by rotating the rotating component 41.

[0045] Working principle: When the locking block is in the open state, the end of the second slide is away from the center, and the limiting pin 12 is close to the column 17. The rotating part 41 rotates counterclockwise, and the first slide 21 and the column 17 rotate synchronously. Since the limiting pin 12 of one of the locking blocks 42 is fixedly connected to the housing 1, the limiting pin 12 remains stationary. The column 17 connected inside the locking block 42 rotates counterclockwise to the other end of the second slide, away from the limiting pin 12, causing the end of the second slide to move closer to the center until it returns to the circumferential trajectory.

[0046] During the closing process of the locking block, the water cup will be squeezed, causing the water cup to move closer to the other two locking blocks. Under the action of manual pushing force, the rotating part will rotate quickly, while the locking block is in a sliding state in the first slide groove. Moreover, due to the friction force of the cup body, it will not rotate in the opposite direction at the same speed as the rotating part, thereby causing the limit pin 12 and the column 17 to have relative displacement and move away from each other. The three locking blocks close and clamp the water cup.

[0047] Conversely, when the locking block is in the retracted state, the second slide groove is on a circular trajectory, the limiting pin 12 is away from the column 17, and the rotating part 41 rotates clockwise. The limiting pin 12 of the fixed locking block remains stationary, and the column 17 connected inside the locking block 42 rotates clockwise closer to the limiting pin 12, causing the end of the second slide groove to move away from the center. Similarly, the other two locking blocks do not rotate synchronously with the column, and the distance between them gradually decreases until they are close together, returning to the open state.

[0048] After the locking blocks retract, each block receives an outward pushing force from the cup along its diameter, preventing it from easily shifting and thus achieving a lock. An external force is required to unlock it again. Therefore, this locking mechanism has a self-locking effect and will not spontaneously spring back or rotate.

[0049] Example 3

[0050] This embodiment is based on embodiment 2:

[0051] The rotating component is provided with a horizontal handle 43 for easy hand rotation.

[0052] The cold extraction chamber is equipped with stainless steel condenser tubes, and the input end of the refrigeration compressor of the condenser tubes is connected to the output end of the controller.

[0053] The present invention can also use other alternative heat exchange devices such as semiconductor refrigeration chips. It is preferred to use a micro variable frequency compressor for refrigeration, which consumes less energy than semiconductor refrigeration. Semiconductor refrigeration consumes about three times the electrical energy of compressor refrigeration and has a faster cooling speed.

[0054] The upper annular disk 411 is mounted to the housing 1 via a rotating bearing 14. An annular limiting plate 13 is provided on the upper surface of the upper annular disk 411, and the inner diameter of the limiting plate 13 is adapted to the outer diameter of the rotating bearing 14. This helps to stabilize rotation.

[0055] The locking block 42 is connected to the limiting pin 12 by pushing the bearing 15. When the locking block 42 moves, it can accelerate the rotation of the locking block 42 around the limiting pin 12, thereby speeding up the opening or closing action and making the action smoother.

[0056] Below the cold extraction tube 11 is a horizontally pull-out placement plate 10 and a third slide groove 101 for accommodating the placement plate, the third slide groove 101 being disposed inside the housing 1.

[0057] Example 4

[0058] This embodiment is based on embodiment 4:

[0059] like Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the housing 1 has a first water level probe 18 on its lower surface near the upper end of the cold extraction tube 3, and the cold extraction chamber 11 has a second water level probe 19. The first water level probe 18 and the second water level probe 19 are electrically connected to the controller 9, respectively.

[0060] The addition of a first water level probe 18 and a second water level probe 19 enables fully automatic control of water injection and cold extraction. The working principle is as follows: When the solenoid valve is opened, drinking water is injected into the water cup 2. When the water level rises to the first water level probe 18, a signal is sent to the controller 30, the solenoid valve closes, and water injection stops. At the same time, the negative pressure pump 9 starts, and the drinking water rises to the cold extraction chamber 11 under negative pressure through the tea chamber 6 and the cold extraction tube 3. The refrigeration component 5 starts, and the water temperature in the cold extraction chamber 11 drops rapidly.

[0061] When the water level in the cold extraction chamber 11 rises to the second water level probe 19, a signal is sent to the controller 30, commanding the negative pressure pump 9 to shut down, while the positive pressure pump 8 starts. The cooling water passes through the cold extraction tube 3 and the tea chamber 6, and returns to the water cup 2. When the water level in the water cup 2 rises to the first water level probe 18 again, a signal is sent to the controller 9, commanding the positive pressure pump 8 to shut down, while the negative pressure pump 9 starts, and the cycle repeats.

[0062] Example 5

[0063] This embodiment is based on embodiment 4:

[0064] like Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the cold extraction tube and the tea chamber are detachably connected, making it convenient to replace tea leaves and tea powder.

[0065] The positive pressure pump 8 is connected to the exhaust pipe 24, the negative pressure pump 9 is connected to the air inlet pipe 25, the exhaust pipe 24 and the air inlet pipe 25 are connected to the drainage pipe 26 through the three-way solenoid valve 27, and the drainage pipe 26 leads to the water cup 2.

[0066] The three-way solenoid valve 27 controls the pipeline switch, connecting the positive pressure pump 8 and the negative pressure pump 9 through pipelines to form a circulation loop with the water cup 2, tea container 6, cold brew tube 3, and cold brew chamber 11, respectively. When the water level probe is working normally, air flows through the drainage pipe 26. When the negative pressure pump 9 is working, the drainage pipe 26 introduces positive pressure into the water cup 2, pushing the water more quickly into the negative pressure environment of the cold brew tube 3. When the positive pressure pump 8 is working, the drainage pipe 26 introduces negative pressure into the water cup 2, and the positive pressure environment in the cold brew tube 3 allows water to return to the water cup 2, further accelerating the water circulation speed. The cold brewing time can be controlled to less than 1 hour, saving time and energy.

[0067] Even when the water level probe malfunctions, the positive pressure pump 8 and the negative pressure pump 9 continue to operate. The exhaust pipe, air inlet pipe, and drainage pipe change from air paths to water paths, preventing water overflow. Drinking water can still pass through the tea chamber in the circulation loop to maintain the cold brewing process.

[0068] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of specific implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cold brew tea brewing device, characterized in that, The device includes a housing, a water cup, a cold extraction tube, a locking mechanism, and a refrigeration component located inside the housing. The upper chamber of the housing is the cold extraction chamber. The upper end of the cold extraction tube extends into the housing and communicates with the cold extraction chamber. The lower end of the cold extraction tube, located outside the housing, is connected to a tea container. The top and bottom of the tea container are equipped with filters. The cold extraction tube can extend into the water cup. A locking mechanism for installing the water cup is provided at the contact point between the cold extraction tube and the outside of the housing. A temperature sensor is installed inside the cold extraction chamber. A positive pressure pump and a negative pressure pump are connected to the top of the cold extraction chamber. The refrigeration component can exchange heat with the cold extraction chamber. The temperature sensor, refrigeration component, positive pressure pump, and negative pressure pump are all electrically connected to a controller. The positive pressure pump is connected to the exhaust pipe, the negative pressure pump is connected to the air inlet pipe, and the exhaust pipe and the air inlet pipe are connected to the drain pipe through a three-way solenoid valve. The drain pipe leads to the water cup.

2. The cold brew tea brewing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes three locking blocks and an annular rotating component. The rotating component passes through the cold extraction tube and is rotatably connected to the lower surface of the housing. The inner diameter of the rotating component is slightly larger than the upper outer diameter of the water cup. The rotating component includes an upper annular plate and a lower annular plate connected to each other on the side. The upper annular plate has three arc-shaped first sliding grooves evenly distributed on its concentric circles, and three pillars connecting to the lower annular plate are also provided on the concentric circles. The lower annular plate has a gap corresponding to the first sliding groove. The locking block has a second sliding groove identical to the first sliding groove, and the pillar passes through the second sliding groove. The end of the locking block is slidably connected to the first sliding groove of the upper annular plate by a limiting pin. The locking block can rotate around the limiting pin, and the limiting pin of one locking block passes through the first sliding groove and is fixedly connected to the housing. When the pillar and limiting pin of the corresponding locking block rotate to their farthest point, the inner sides of the three locking blocks form a circle that clamps the water cup.

3. The cold brew tea brewing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotating component is equipped with a horizontal handle.

4. The cold brew tea brewing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper annular disk is mounted to the housing via a rotating bearing. An annular limiting plate is provided on the upper surface of the upper annular disk, and the inner diameter of the limiting plate is adapted to the outer diameter of the rotating bearing.

5. The cold brew tea brewing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking block connects to the limiting pin by pushing the bearing.

6. The cold brew tea brewing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cold extraction tube and the tea container are detachably connected.

7. The cold brew tea brewing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The casing has a water inlet at the position corresponding to the water cup, and the opening and closing of the water inlet is controlled by a solenoid valve.

8. The cold brew tea brewing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The housing has a first water level probe on its lower surface near the upper end of the cold extraction tube, and the cold extraction chamber has a second water level probe. The first water level probe and the second water level probe are electrically connected to the controller, respectively.

9. The cold brew tea brewing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Below the cold extraction tube is a horizontally pull-out placement plate and a third sliding groove for accommodating the placement plate, the third sliding groove being located inside the casing.

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