Coffee machine with single-cup mode and multi-cup mode

Abstract

The invention belongs to the field of coffee brewing equipment, and particularly relates to a coffee machine with single-cup and multi-cup modes, comprising: a coffee machine body provided with a first filter cone; the control module is arranged on the coffee machine body and used for controlling the coffee machine body to enter a single-cup mode or a multi-cup mode; the tray is located on the coffee machine body and used for bearing the cup body or the kettle body, the volume of the kettle body is larger than that of the cup body, a second filter cone is arranged in the cup body, and at least one of the first filter cone and the second filter cone can contain coffee powder; when the coffee machine body is in the single-cup mode, the tray can support the cup body, and when the coffee machine is in the multi-cup mode, the tray can support the pot body. Compared with an existing coffee machine which can only carry out containing through a single container, the coffee machine is wider in application scene. Besides, in some use scenes, a user can conveniently place coffee powder outside the coffee machine body for brewing, so that the trouble of cleaning the first filter cone is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of coffee brewing equipment, and in particular relates to a coffee machine with single-cup and multi-cup modes. Background Art

[0002] In existing technologies, ground coffee must be placed in a filter or hopper inside the main unit for brewing and filtering. However, these filters and hoppers are large and cumbersome to clean. Frequently changing between different coffee varieties requires constant cleaning of the filter or hopper, which is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. Furthermore, when brewing only small amounts of coffee, the tedious cleaning process degrades the user experience. Furthermore, existing coffee machines typically only work with a single container, lacking flexibility and unable to adapt to varying container sizes. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a coffee machine with single-cup and multi-cup modes, aiming to solve the technical problems in the prior art of frequent cleaning of the filter or hopper in the main unit and the single compatible container.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, an embodiment of the present invention provides a coffee machine with single-cup and multi-cup modes, comprising: a coffee machine body, provided with a first filter bucket; a control module, arranged on the coffee machine body, for controlling the coffee machine body to enter the single-cup mode or the multi-cup mode; a tray, located on the coffee machine body, for supporting a cup body or a pot body, the volume of the pot body being larger than the cup body, a second filter bucket being arranged inside the cup body, and at least one of the first filter bucket and the second filter bucket being capable of holding coffee powder; wherein, when the coffee machine body is in the single-cup mode, the tray can support the cup body, and when the coffee machine is in the multi-cup mode, the tray can support the pot body.

[0005] Optionally, the tray has a first limiting groove whose inner diameter is adapted to the outer diameter of the pot body, and the pot body can be placed in the first limiting groove. A second limiting groove whose inner diameter is adapted to the outer diameter of the cup body is provided in the first limiting groove, and the inner diameter of the second limiting groove is smaller than the inner diameter of the first limiting groove, and the cup body can be placed in the second limiting groove.

[0006] Optionally, a heating element is installed at the bottom of the tray, and the heating element is configured to heat the tray.

[0007] Optionally, an external limiting plate is further included, and the external limiting plate is placed above the tray and covers the tray, and the cup body can be placed on the external limiting plate.

[0008] Optionally, the external limiting disk is provided with a third limiting groove whose inner diameter is adapted to the outer diameter of the cup body, and the cup body can be placed in the third limiting groove.

[0009] Optionally, a sensing element is provided on the coffee machine body, and the sensing element is configured to sense whether the external limit plate is placed on the tray. The sensing element is a Hall sensing element or a photoelectric sensing element. When the sensing element is the Hall sensing element, a magnet is provided at the position of the external limit plate corresponding to the Hall sensing element.

[0010] Optionally, the cup body includes a main body, a lower cup cover buckled on the main body, and an upper cup cover hinged on the lower cup cover, the main body is provided with a storage space for accommodating liquid, and the lower cup cover is provided with an injection port connected to the storage space.

[0011] Optionally, the cup body further includes a filter bracket, the middle part of the filter bracket is used to support the outer edge of the second filter bucket, the edge of the lower cup cover is provided with an avoidance groove along the radial direction of the lower cup cover, the edge of the filter bracket is protruding with a handle, the outer edge of the filter bracket is placed on the injection port of the lower cup cover, the handle is accommodated in the avoidance groove and extends out of the outer surface of the lower cup cover.

[0012] Optionally, the handle on the filter bracket extends in the horizontal direction, and the filter bracket is provided with a support rod extending in the vertical direction below the handle position. When the filter bracket is tilted, the support rod supports the second filter bucket from the side, and a feed port is provided in the middle of the upper cup cover. When the upper cup cover is buckled on the lower cup cover, the feed port is connected with the accommodating space through the injection port.

[0013] Optionally, the second filter is a disposable powder cup.

[0014] Compared to the prior art, the embodiments of the present invention provide a coffee machine with single-cup and multi-cup modes, wherein one or more of the above-mentioned technical solutions has at least one of the following technical effects: When a user needs a single cup of coffee, they can place the cup on the tray and start the coffee machine, which then switches to single-cup mode via the control module. Similarly, when a user needs a larger cup of coffee, they can place the pot on the tray and start the coffee machine, which then switches to multi-cup mode via the control module. Compared to existing coffee machines that can only handle coffee from a single container, the present invention has a wider range of applications. Furthermore, in single-cup mode, users can choose to place coffee grounds in the first filter within the coffee machine, the second filter within the cup, or both. The second filter within the cup allows users to brew coffee outside the coffee machine in certain scenarios, eliminating the need to clean the first filter. Placing coffee grounds in both the first and second filters allows for multiple filtration processes, resulting in a uniquely flavored coffee. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0016] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of a coffee machine with single-cup and multi-cup modes according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure after the cup body is hidden;

[0018] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the external limit plate in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Structural diagram from another perspective;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of a cup body in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the AA direction;

[0022] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the local enlarged structure at B in the middle;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the cup body in an embodiment of the present invention when the upper cup cover is in an open state;

[0024] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure behind the hidden cup;

[0025] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the structure after hiding the upper cup cover and the lower cup cover;

[0026] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the structure after hiding the second filter bucket.

[0027] Among them, the reference numerals in the figures are:

[0028] Coffee machine body 100, control panel 120, adjustment button 121;

[0029] Tray 200, first limiting groove 210, second limiting groove 220;

[0030] Cup body 300, cup body 310, accommodating space 311, lower cup cover 320, injection port 321, upper cup cover 330, feed port 331, second filter hopper 340, filter bracket 350, handle 351, support rod 352;

[0031] An external limiting plate 400 , a third limiting groove 410 , a magnet 420 , and a limiting baffle 430 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the embodiments of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0033] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0035] In the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connected," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, the present invention provides a coffee machine with single-cup and multi-cup modes, including: a coffee machine body 100, a control module and a tray 200.

[0037] The coffee machine body 100 is provided with a first filter bucket, and the control module is arranged on the coffee machine body 100, for controlling the coffee machine body 100 to enter the single cup mode or the multi-cup mode. The tray 200 is located on the coffee machine body 100, for supporting the cup body 300 or the pot body. The volume of the pot body is larger than the cup body 300. The interior of the cup body 300 is provided with a second filter bucket 340. At least one of the first filter bucket and the second filter bucket 340 can hold coffee powder. When the coffee machine body 100 is in the single cup mode, the tray 200 can support the cup body 300. When the coffee machine is in the multi-cup mode, the tray 200 can support the pot body.

[0038] It will be appreciated that when a user needs to prepare a single cup of coffee, they can place the cup 300 on the tray 200 and start the coffee machine 100, with the control module controlling the coffee machine 100 to enter single-cup mode. Similarly, when a user needs to prepare a larger amount of coffee, they can place a pot (not shown) on the tray 200 and start the coffee machine 100, with the control module controlling the coffee machine 100 to enter multi-cup mode. Compared to existing coffee machines that can only accommodate a single container, the present invention has a wider range of applications. Furthermore, in single-cup mode, the user can choose to place coffee grounds in the first filter hopper within the coffee machine 100, in the second filter hopper 340 within the cup 300, or in both the first and second filter hoppers 340. By placing the second filter hopper 340 within the cup 300, in certain usage scenarios, the user can conveniently brew coffee grounds outside the coffee machine 100, eliminating the need to clean the first filter hopper. By placing coffee powder in both the first filter basket and the second filter basket 340 at the same time, multiple filtrations can be achieved, thereby preparing a special strong-flavored coffee.

[0039] It should be noted that the coffee machine body 100 has a control panel 120. The control module may include multiple adjustment buttons 121 located on the control panel 120, such as a power button, a water volume button, and a timer button. The coffee machine body 100 can be switched between single-cup mode and multi-cup mode by pressing different combinations of the adjustment buttons 121. Specifically, for example, according to a pre-configured control program, when the circuit board receives signals from two specific adjustment buttons 121, the single-cup mode is activated, and when the circuit board receives signals from the other two specific adjustment buttons 121, the multi-cup mode is activated. Compared to traditional coffee machines that only have the function of turning on the machine to dispense water or shutting it off to stop dispensing water, the embodiment of the present invention can switch between single-cup mode and multi-cup mode, providing a wider range of applications, reducing the number of adjustment buttons 121, and effectively improving the user experience. Furthermore, the water volume in multi-cup mode can be set to multiple times that of single-cup mode. For example, if the water volume in single-cup mode is sufficient to fill the cup 300, the water volume in multi-cup mode can be 12 times the water volume in single-cup mode, thereby filling the kettle.

[0040] In addition, the control module of the present invention can also switch the single-cup and multi-cup modes of the coffee machine body 100 through photoelectric sensing, voice control, gesture control, APP program control, etc.

[0041] like Figure 2As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the tray 200 has a first limiting groove 210 whose inner diameter is adapted to the outer diameter of the kettle body. In the multi-cup mode, the kettle body can be placed in the first limiting groove 210. A second limiting groove 220 whose inner diameter is adapted to the outer diameter of the cup body 300 is provided in the first limiting groove 210. The inner diameter of the second limiting groove 220 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first limiting groove 210. In the single-cup mode, the cup body 300 can be placed in the second limiting groove 220. By providing the first limiting groove 210 and the second limiting groove 220, the tray 200 is compatible with both the single-cup mode and the multi-cup mode. There is no need to equip the kettle body and the cup body 300 with trays 200 of different sizes, which can save the number of parts, reduce costs, and ensure stable positioning of the cup body 300 and the kettle body.

[0042] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, a heating element may be installed at the bottom of the tray 200, and the heating element is configured to heat the tray 200. When the kettle body is made of glass or other materials, the heating element can be used to heat the kettle body. When the kettle body or cup body 300 is made of a non-heatable material, the heating element can also be turned off by the control module.

[0043] like Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, an external limiting plate 400 is further included. The external limiting plate 400 is placed above the tray 200 and covers the tray 200. The cup body 300 can be placed on the external limiting plate 400. The external limiting plate 400 can be specifically used to support the cup body 300.

[0044] Furthermore, if Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, a third limiting groove 410 with an inner diameter adapted to the outer diameter of the cup body 300 is provided on the external limiting plate 400, and the cup body 300 can be placed in the third limiting groove 410, and the third limiting groove 410 can limit the cup body 300. In addition, as Figure 4 As shown, limiting baffles 430 can be provided on both sides of the external limiting disk 400 to quickly locate the position of the external limiting disk 400 relative to the coffee machine body 100 when the external limiting disk 400 is placed.

[0045] like Figure 4As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, a sensing element is provided on the coffee machine body 100. The sensing element is configured to sense whether an external limit plate 400 is placed on the tray 200. The sensing element is a Hall effect sensor or a photoelectric sensor. When the sensing element is a Hall effect sensor, a magnet 420 is provided on the external limit plate 400 at a position corresponding to the Hall effect sensor. When the external limit plate 400 is in place, the Hall effect sensor senses the magnet, thereby sending a signal to the control module to switch the coffee machine body 100 to single-cup mode. The diameter of the magnet 420 can be 12 mm, and the height of the magnet 420 can be 5 mm.

[0046] like Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the cup body 300 includes a cup body 310, a lower cup cover 320 buckled on the cup body 310, and an upper cup cover 330 hinged on the lower cup cover 320. The cup body 310 is provided with a receiving space 311 for accommodating liquid, and the lower cup cover 320 is provided with an injection port 321 connected to the receiving space 311. When the upper cup cover 330 is opened, water can be manually injected into the receiving space 311 through the injection port 321 to brew coffee, so that the cup body 300 of the present invention is not only suitable for use with a coffee machine, but can also be used as a hand-poured coffee cup.

[0047] like Figures 7 to 10 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the cup body 300 also includes a filter bracket 350, the middle part of the filter bracket 350 is used to support the outer edge of the second filter bucket 340, the edge of the lower cup cover 320 is provided with an avoidance groove along the radial direction of the lower cup cover 320, and the edge of the filter bracket 350 is protruding with a handle 351. The extension of the filter bracket 350 is placed at the injection port 321 of the lower cup cover 320, and the handle 351 is accommodated in the avoidance groove and extends out of the outer surface of the lower cup cover 320. The filter bracket 350 can be lifted or placed by clamping the handle 351, which is convenient for the user to operate. Specifically, the second filter bucket 340 can be composed of filter paper, filter mesh or filter cloth, and the material includes but is not limited to pulp, wood, bamboo, metal or plastic, etc. The material of the cup body 300 includes but is not limited to stainless steel, glass, plastic, etc.

[0048] like Figure 10As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the handle 351 on the filter holder 350 extends in the horizontal direction, and the filter holder 350 is provided with a support rod 352 extending in the vertical direction below the handle 351. The support rod 352 is used to indicate the position of the coffee powder in the cup body 310, which is equivalent to a reference line or scale line for the amount of coffee powder scooped out. The material of the filter holder 350 includes but is not limited to paper pulp, wood, bamboo, metal, plastic, rice husk, etc. An inlet 331 is provided in the middle of the upper cup cover 330. When the upper cup cover 330 is buckled onto the lower cup cover 320, the inlet 331 is connected to the accommodating space 311 through the injection port 321. In the single cup mode, the coffee liquid brewed by the coffee machine body 100 can flow into the accommodating space 311 through the inlet 331.

[0049] It should be noted that, in other embodiments of the present invention, the filter support 350 may not be provided with the handle 351 , or may be provided with multiple handles 351 .

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second filter hopper 340 is a disposable powder cup that does not need to be cleaned after use and can be discarded. Specifically, the second filter hopper 340 can be made of a degradable material.

[0051] The above is a further detailed description of the present invention in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, and the specific implementation of the present invention should not be considered to be limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art of the present invention, without departing from the concept of the present invention, its architecture can be flexible and varied, and a series of products can be derived. Simply making a few simple deductions or substitutions should be considered to fall within the scope of patent protection of the present invention as determined by the submitted claims.

Claims

1. A coffee machine with single-cup and multi-cup modes, characterized in that: include: The coffee machine body is provided with a first filter bucket; A control module, disposed on the coffee machine body, for controlling the coffee machine body to enter a single-cup mode or a multi-cup mode; a tray, located on the coffee machine body, for supporting a cup body or a pot body, wherein the pot body has a larger volume than the cup body, a second filter funnel is disposed inside the cup body, and at least one of the first filter funnel and the second filter funnel can hold coffee powder; Wherein, when the coffee machine body is in the single-cup mode, the tray can support the cup body, and when the coffee machine is in the multi-cup mode, the tray can support the pot body.

2. The coffee machine with single-cup and multi-cup modes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tray has a first limiting groove whose inner diameter is adapted to the outer diameter of the pot body, and the pot body can be placed in the first limiting groove. A second limiting groove whose inner diameter is adapted to the outer diameter of the cup body is provided in the first limiting groove, and the inner diameter of the second limiting groove is smaller than the inner diameter of the first limiting groove, and the cup body can be placed in the second limiting groove.

3. The coffee machine with single-cup and multi-cup modes according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heating element is installed at the bottom of the tray, and the heating element is configured to heat the tray.

4. The coffee machine with single-cup and multi-cup modes according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes an external limiting plate, which is placed above the tray and covers the tray, and the cup body can be placed on the external limiting plate.

5. The coffee machine with single-cup and multi-cup modes according to claim 4, characterized in that: The external limiting disk is provided with a third limiting groove whose inner diameter is adapted to the outer diameter of the cup body, and the cup body can be placed in the third limiting groove.

6. The coffee machine with single-cup and multi-cup modes according to claim 4, characterized in that: A sensing element is provided on the coffee machine body, and the sensing element is configured to sense whether the external limit plate is placed on the tray. The sensing element is a Hall sensing element or a photoelectric sensing element. When the sensing element is the Hall sensing element, a magnet is provided at a position of the external limit plate corresponding to the Hall sensing element.

7. The coffee machine with single-cup and multi-cup modes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cup body comprises a main body, a lower cup cover buckled on the main body and an upper cup cover hinged on the lower cup cover. A receiving space for accommodating liquid is arranged in the main body, and the lower cup cover is provided with an injection port connected to the receiving space.

8. The coffee machine with single-cup and multi-cup modes according to claim 7, characterized in that: The cup body also includes a filter bracket, the middle part of the filter bracket is used to support the outer edge of the second filter bucket, the edge of the lower cup cover is provided with an avoidance groove along the radial direction of the lower cup cover, the edge of the filter bracket is protruding with a handle, the extension of the filter bracket is arranged at the injection port of the lower cup cover, and the handle is accommodated in the avoidance groove and extends out of the outer surface of the lower cup cover.

9. The coffee machine with single-cup and multi-cup modes according to claim 8, characterized in that: The handle on the filter bracket extends in the horizontal direction, and the filter bracket is provided with a support rod extending in the vertical direction below the handle position. When the filter bracket is tilted, the support rod supports the second filter bucket from the side. A feed inlet is provided in the middle of the upper cup cover. When the upper cup cover is buckled on the lower cup cover, the feed inlet is connected with the accommodating space through the injection port.

10. The coffee machine with single-cup and multi-cup modes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second filter bucket is a disposable powder cup.

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