Compatible capsule bin structure of portable coffee machine

By setting off-axis needles in the coffee machine capsule compartment, the problem of capsule compartment in the prior art is solved, and compatibility of various styles of capsules is achieved, reducing costs and improving coffee quality.

CN119969830APending Publication Date: 2025-05-13LINKCO ELECTRICAL LNDUSTRIES LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510347107.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-24
Publication Date
2025-05-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing coffee machine capsule cartridges are not compatible with capsules of different shapes, resulting in the need of a variety of different types of capsule cartridges, which increases the cost of the whole machine, operational complexity and inconvenience to carry.

Method used

A portable coffee machine compatible capsule compartment structure is designed. By setting off the axial needle, the capsule compartment can adapt to spherical and conical capsules, achieving compatibility of various styles of capsules.

Benefits of technology

It realizes that capsules can be adapted to different shapes without changing the capsule compartment, which reduces costs, improves extraction quality and coffee quality, and simplifies operation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a portable coffee machine compatible capsule bin structure, which belongs to the technical field of capsule coffee machines and comprises a brewing seat, a capsule bin pricking needle, a spherical capsule and a conical capsule. The capsule bin is used for containing a spherical capsule or a conical capsule, the capsule bin is installed on the brewing base and used for brewing coffee, the capsule bin comprises an abutting table and a bin body provided with a containing space, the abutting table is located in the containing space and arranged on the lower middle portion of the bin body, the pricking needle is upwards arranged on the abutting table, and a deformation space is reserved between the spherical capsule and the containing space. The pricking needle and the deformation space form a first dripping channel of the spherical capsule; according to the capsule bin, the pricking needle deviating from the axis is arranged, so that the capsule bin can adapt to two kinds of capsules in different shapes without replacing the capsule bin, the purpose of compatibility of various types of capsules is achieved, the capsule bin is convenient to use, and the capsule bin is suitable for various types of capsules in different shapes. And the cost is greatly reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of capsule coffee machines, and in particular relates to a portable coffee machine compatible with a capsule compartment structure. Background Art

[0002] With the popularization of coffee culture and the growing demand of consumers for convenient, high-quality coffee, coffee capsules have been widely welcomed in the market as a fast and easy-to-use way to prepare coffee. Coffee capsules not only ensure the freshness of coffee and the consistency of flavor, but also greatly simplify the coffee making process, allowing users to enjoy delicious coffee without having to master complicated brewing techniques.

[0003] However, there are many coffee capsule manufacturers on the market. There are significant differences in the appearance design, specifications and sizes, and coffee dispensing methods of capsules of different brands and models. Although this diversity provides consumers with more choices, it also brings a series of problems; in particular, the difference between spherical capsules and conical capsules is particularly obvious in the coffee dispensing method. Spherical capsules need to puncture the bottom to form a puncture hole to release coffee, while conical capsules directly burst the internal screen from the bottom to discharge coffee. This different coffee dispensing method makes it impossible for capsules to share a capsule compartment for coffee preparation.

[0004] In order to address this problem, coffee machines currently on the market often need to be equipped with a variety of different types of capsule compartments to accommodate capsules of different shapes. Although this approach has solved the compatibility problem to a certain extent, it also brings about the following defects: increased cost of the entire machine, complicated operation, and inconvenient to carry.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, this patent proposes an innovative solution to compatible capsule magazines, so that one capsule magazine is compatible with multiple coffee capsules. Summary of the invention

[0006] In order to solve the above problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a portable coffee machine compatible with a capsule compartment structure, which solves the problem that the existing capsule compartment is incompatible with different types of capsule coffee.

[0007] The purpose of the present invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0008] A portable coffee machine compatible with a capsule bin structure, comprising a brewing seat, a capsule bin pricking needle, a spherical capsule and a conical capsule; the capsule bin is used to place the spherical capsule or the conical capsule, and the capsule bin is installed on the brewing seat for brewing coffee;

[0009] The capsule bin includes an abutment platform and a bin body with a storage space, the abutment platform is located in the storage space and is arranged in the lower middle part of the bin body, the pricking needle is arranged upward on the abutment platform, a deformation space is left between the spherical capsule and the storage space, the pricking needle and the deformation space constitute a first drip channel of the spherical capsule; the conical capsule abuts against the abutment platform, and the conical capsule directly forms a second drip channel with the drip opening provided on the bin body.

[0010] Preferably, the needle is a solid structure, and the top of the needle is a slope.

[0011] Preferably, a bursting layer is provided at the bottom of the conical capsule, and the distance from the bursting layer to the dripping outlet is smaller than the distance from the puncture needle to the dripping outlet.

[0012] Preferably, the bursting layer is located at the bottom of the abutment platform to generate bursting pressure on the bursting layer.

[0013] Preferably, the shape of the conical capsule is a copy of the capsule compartment.

[0014] Preferably, the brewing seat comprises a brewing box seat, a brewing box cover and a sealing assembly; the capsule compartment is placed on the brewing box seat, the sealing assembly is installed on the brewing box cover, the brewing box cover is detachably connected to the brewing box seat, the brewing box cover is used in conjunction with an external solution compartment to transport solution into the capsule compartment, and the sealing assembly is used to prevent the brewing box cover from leaking.

[0015] Preferably, the sealing assembly comprises a water inlet sealing ring and a fixing frame; the brewing box seat is provided with a water inlet cavity, the water inlet sealing ring is installed in the water inlet cavity and fixed to the brewing box seat through the fixing frame.

[0016] Preferably, the brewing seat further comprises a shower plate, which is connected to the fixing frame and is used for evenly dispersing the water flow from the water inlet and flowing the water into the capsule compartment.

[0017] Preferably, the brewing seat further comprises an upper puncture needle, and the puncture needle is used to puncture the spherical capsule or the conical capsule.

[0018] Preferably, the sealing assembly further comprises an inner sealing ring and an outer sealing ring; the inner sealing ring is used to ensure the connection seal between the shower plate and the fixing frame; the outer sealing ring is used to ensure the pressure seal between the brewing box seat and the brewing box cover.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0020] The present invention arranges a needle that deviates from the axis so that the capsule chamber can adapt to two capsules of different shapes without replacing the capsule chamber, which not only solves the compatibility problem of various styles of capsules, but also greatly reduces the cost, and also improves the extraction quality, simplifies the operation, and improves the coffee quality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, the present invention is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of a compatible capsule compartment using a conical capsule provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 It is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of a spherical capsule used in a compatible capsule compartment provided by one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a needle installation structure provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a compatible capsule compartment provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a conical capsule provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Legend: 1. Brewing seat; 11. Brewing box seat; 12. Brewing box cover; 13. Upper puncture needle; 14. Shower plate; 2. Capsule compartment; 21. Compartment body; 211. Drip port; 22. Abutment platform; 3. puncture needle; 4. Spherical capsule; 5. Conical capsule; 51. Bursting layer; 6. Sealing component; 61. Water inlet sealing ring; 62. Fixing bracket; 63. Inner sealing ring; 64. Outer sealing ring; 71. Second drip channel; 72. First drip channel; 8. Deformation space. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In order to further explain the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the predetermined invention purpose, the specific implementation methods, structures, features and effects of the present invention are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0029] like Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, a portable coffee machine compatible with a capsule bin structure comprises a brewing seat 1, a capsule bin 2, a pricking needle 3, a spherical capsule 4 and a conical capsule 5; the capsule bin 2 is used to place the spherical capsule 4 or the conical capsule 5, and the capsule bin 2 is installed on the brewing seat 1 for brewing coffee;

[0030] The capsule bin 2 comprises an abutment platform 22 and a bin body 21 with a receiving space. The abutment platform 22 is located in the receiving space and is arranged at the middle and lower part of the bin body 21. The puncture needle 3 is arranged upward on the abutment platform 22. A deformation space 8 is left between the spherical capsule 4 and the receiving space. The puncture needle 3 and the deformation space 8 form a first drip channel 72 of the spherical capsule 4. The conical capsule 5 abuts on the abutment platform 22. The conical capsule 5 directly forms a second drip channel 71 with the drip opening 211 provided on the bin body 21.

[0031] Extraction mechanism of spherical capsule 4:

[0032] When the spherical capsule 4 is placed in the accommodation space of the capsule bin 2, a deformation space 8 is naturally formed between the spherical capsule 4 and the bin body 21 because the puncture needle 3 is arranged off the axis. The deformation space 8 allows the spherical capsule 4 to partially deform when it expands due to heat.

[0033] During the extraction process, pressure is generated inside the spherical capsule 4. Due to the presence of the puncture needle 3 and the deformation space 8, the internal pressure of the spherical capsule 4 forces the coffee liquid to flow out from the position penetrated by the puncture needle 3, forming a first drip channel 72. The presence of the deformation space 8 satisfies the condition that the spherical capsule 4 can expand toward the puncture needle 3 and overflow, thereby ensuring the stable outflow of the coffee liquid.

[0034] Extraction mechanism of Conical Capsule 5:

[0035] The conical capsule 5 is designed to have a bursting layer 51, which is a significantly different feature from the spherical capsule 4. The bursting layer 51 can rupture under a certain temperature and pressure to release the coffee liquid.

[0036] Although the pricking needle 3 will also pass through the conical capsule 5, the pricking needle 3 does not form a drip channel, because when the coffee is extracted, the conical capsule 5 will also be heated and generate pressure, but because the conical capsule 5 is placed in the capsule chamber 2 and abuts on the abutment platform 22, the pressure generated inside the conical capsule 5 will instead abut the pricking needle 3 against the abutment platform 22, so the coffee liquid will not overflow from the pricking needle 3; on the contrary, as the internal pressure increases during the heating process, the bursting layer 51 will rupture at a predetermined pressure to form an outflow channel for the coffee liquid, and the outflow channel is aligned with the preset drip opening 211 on the chamber body 21, thereby forming a second drip channel 71;

[0037] Therefore, by setting the needle 3 offset from the axis, the capsule compartment 2 of the present invention can adapt to two capsules of different shapes without replacing the capsule compartment 2, which greatly improves the flexibility of the coffee machine and reduces the cost. Different extraction mechanisms adapt to the characteristics of the spherical capsule 4 and the conical capsule 5, thereby maximally extracting the flavor and aroma of the coffee, which enables users to choose different types of capsules according to their preferences and enjoy a high-quality coffee experience.

[0038] In summary, the present invention sets a needle 3 that deviates from the axis, so that the capsule chamber 2 can adapt to two capsules of different shapes without replacing the capsule chamber 2. It not only solves the compatibility problem of various styles of capsules, but also greatly reduces the cost. It also improves the extraction quality, simplifies the operation, and improves the coffee quality.

[0039] In one embodiment, the puncture needle 3 is a solid structure, and the top of the puncture needle 3 is a bevel. When penetrating the capsule, the top of the bevel of the puncture needle 3 can more easily cut into the capsule wall and reduce the penetration resistance. At the same time, the bevel also plays a guiding role, so that the coffee liquid can flow out more easily along the bevel under the action of the internal pressure. This design ensures that the coffee liquid can flow out smoothly from the puncture needle 3, avoiding the problem of uneven extraction or coffee liquid blockage caused by poor outflow; in addition, since the capsule chamber 2 needs to be compatible with the spherical capsule 4 and the conical capsule 5, the solidity of the puncture needle 3 can prevent the extracted coffee liquid from flowing out directly from the puncture needle 3, and then when the conical capsule 5 is used, the conical capsule 5 will have multiple coffee liquid leaks, affecting the user's experience; of course, the solid structure of the puncture needle 3 provides sufficient strength and rigidity to ensure that it will not bend or break due to force when penetrating the capsule, and the stability ensures that the puncture needle 3 can accurately penetrate the capsule to form a stable drip channel.

[0040] In one embodiment, the bursting layer 51 is a special structure at the bottom of the conical capsule 5. This technology is a common product on the market, and the principle is not explained in detail. The distance from the bursting layer 51 to the dripping port 211 is smaller than the distance from the pricking needle 3 to the dripping port 211, ensuring that when the pricking needle 3 penetrates the capsule and extracts coffee, the bursting layer 51 can feel more heat and pressure than the pricking needle 3, so that the bursting layer 51 bursts, and the coffee liquid flows out through the opening formed by the bursting layer 51 instead of flowing out from the pricking needle 3, thereby improving the extraction efficiency and the outflow speed of the coffee liquid. At the same time, the shape characteristics of the conical capsule 5 are cleverly considered, so that it can be compatible with the spherical capsule 4 without changing the structure or operation process of the coffee machine. At the same time, due to the bottom shape of the conical capsule 5, it is easier for the pricking needle 3 to penetrate and the bursting layer 51 to rupture.

[0041] In one embodiment, the bursting layer 51 is located at the bottom of the abutment 22, and the bursting layer 51 is located at the bottom of the pricking needle 3. When the coffee liquid flows out from the bursting layer 51, the pressure inside the conical capsule 5 gradually decreases and tends to be balanced with the pressure of the external environment, while avoiding excessive pressure at the pricking needle 3, thereby achieving a state of pressure balance, which helps to ensure the stability and consistency of the extraction process, thereby improving the quality of the coffee.

[0042] In one embodiment, the shape of the conical capsule 5 is a copy of the capsule compartment 2, so that the conical capsule 5 can fit tightly in the capsule compartment 2 when placed, and in particular, the side wall of the conical capsule 5 can firmly abut against the abutment platform 22. The cooperation of this copying design and the abutment platform 22 can prevent the coffee liquid from flowing out from the puncture needle 3; in addition, the copying design not only enhances the sealing performance, but also ensures that the coffee liquid can flow out smoothly from the predetermined channel by guiding the coffee liquid to flow to the opening formed by the bursting layer 51. Since the puncture needle 3 is not directly connected to the coffee liquid contact area of ​​the conical capsule 5, even if the puncture needle 3 penetrates the capsule, the coffee liquid is more likely to flow out through the opening after the bursting layer 51 is ruptured, rather than leaking from the puncture needle 3.

[0043] In one embodiment, the brewing seat 1 includes a brewing box seat 11, a brewing box cover 12 and a sealing assembly 6; the capsule compartment 2 is placed on the brewing box seat 11, the sealing assembly 6 is installed on the brewing box cover 12, the brewing box cover 12 is detachably connected to the brewing box seat 11, the brewing box cover 12 is used in conjunction with an external solution compartment to transport the solution into the capsule compartment 2, and the sealing assembly 6 is used to prevent the brewing box cover 12 from leaking;

[0044] First, place the capsule containing coffee powder in the capsule compartment 2 in the brewing box seat 11. The capsule compartment 2 is designed to accommodate and fix the coffee capsule to ensure that the coffee powder will not scatter or move during the extraction process; the brewing box cover 12 equipped with the sealing component 6 is detachably connected to the brewing box seat 11, and the brewing seat 1 can be easily opened or closed when necessary to facilitate the replacement of capsules or cleaning of the equipment; when the brewing box cover 12 is used in conjunction with the external solution compartment, the solution (usually hot water) is pumped to the brewing box cover 12 and then transported to the capsule compartment 2, so that the solution can evenly and fully soak the coffee powder. Under the action of the solution, the soluble substances in the coffee powder are dissolved and the coffee liquid is released and flows out of the brewing seat 1 into the coffee cup or other receiving container; the sealing component 6 can prevent the brewing box cover 12 from leaking during the extraction process.

[0045] In one embodiment, the sealing assembly 6 includes a water inlet sealing ring 61 and a fixing frame 62; the brewing box seat 11 is provided with a water inlet cavity, the water inlet sealing ring 61 is installed in the water inlet cavity and fixed to the brewing box seat 11 through the fixing frame 62, and the water inlet sealing ring 61 is designed to be installed in the water inlet cavity of the brewing box seat 11. This sealing ring is usually made of elastic material to ensure that it can closely fit the wall surface of the water inlet cavity when subjected to external pressure to form an effective sealing effect, and the fixing frame 62 is used to firmly fix the water inlet sealing ring 61 on the brewing box seat 11. Through appropriate fixing methods such as screws, buckles, etc., the fixing frame 62 can ensure that the sealing ring will not loosen or fall off during long-term use, thereby maintaining the stability and reliability of the sealing effect; when the coffee machine starts working, the solution (such as hot water) enters the water inlet cavity in the brewing box seat 11 through the channel on the brewing box cover 12; at this time, the water inlet sealing ring 61 plays its sealing role to prevent the solution from leaking out from the gap between the water inlet cavity and the brewing box seat 11. Under the protection of the sealing ring, the solution smoothly enters the area connected to the capsule compartment 2 and starts to extract coffee.

[0046] In one embodiment, the brewing seat 1 further comprises a shower plate 14, which is connected to the fixing frame 62 and is used to evenly disperse the water flow from the water inlet and flow into the capsule compartment 2; when the coffee machine starts working, the heated water flows into the brewing seat 1 through the water inlet, at which time the water first contacts the shower plate 14 connected to the fixing frame 62, which is designed with a plurality of fine water outlet holes or channels, which are evenly distributed on the surface of the shower plate 14, and when the water contacts the shower plate 14, it will be evenly dispersed into fine water streams by these water outlet holes or channels, and the fine water streams dispersed by the shower plate 14 will evenly flow into the capsule compartment 2 located below. These water streams can more fully contact the coffee powder in the capsule, thereby improving the extraction efficiency and quality of the coffee, and because the water flow is more evenly dispersed after passing through the shower plate 14, the soluble substances in the coffee powder can be more evenly dissolved in the water. This helps to optimize the taste and aroma of the coffee, so that users can enjoy more delicious coffee.

[0047] In one embodiment, the brewing seat 1 also includes an upper puncture needle 13, and the puncture needle 3 is used to puncture the spherical capsule 4 or the conical capsule. The automatic puncture function of the upper puncture needle 13 simplifies the operation process of the coffee machine. The user does not need to manually puncture the capsule, but only needs to buckle the brewing seat 1 and the brewing box cover 12 together, and the upper puncture needle 13 directly punctures the sealing layer of the spherical capsule 4 or the conical capsule 5, which greatly improves the convenience of use. The design of the upper puncture needle 13 ensures the quick and accurate puncture of the capsule, so that the water flow can quickly enter the capsule and fully contact with the coffee powder, which greatly improves the extraction efficiency of the coffee and shortens the user's waiting time.

[0048] In one embodiment, the sealing assembly 6 further includes an inner sealing ring 63 and an outer sealing ring 64; the inner sealing ring 63 is used to ensure the connection seal between the shower plate 14 and the fixing frame 62; when the shower plate 14 is connected to the fixing frame 62, the inner sealing ring 63 is squeezed and fits tightly on the contact surface of the two. This tight fit prevents water or other liquids from leaking from the connection. The inner sealing ring 63 is usually made of elastic materials, such as rubber or silicone, to ensure that a good sealing effect can be maintained when under pressure; when the brewing box cover 12 is installed on the brewing box seat 11, the outer sealing ring 64 is pressed and fits tightly on the contact surface of the two, ensuring that the inside of the brewing box will not leak under high pressure (such as when extracting coffee). The design of the outer sealing ring 64 can withstand a certain pressure, thereby ensuring that the inside of the brewing box remains sealed under high pressure operations such as extracting coffee.

[0049] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention in any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed as a preferred embodiment as above, it is not used to limit the present invention. Any technical personnel in this field can make some changes or modify the technical contents disclosed above into equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. However, any brief modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention are still within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A portable coffee machine compatible with a capsule compartment structure, characterized in that: It includes a brewing seat, a capsule bin pricking needle, a spherical capsule and a conical capsule; the capsule bin is used to place the spherical capsule or the conical capsule, and the capsule bin is installed on the brewing seat for brewing coffee; The capsule bin includes an abutment platform and a bin body with a storage space, the abutment platform is located in the storage space and is arranged in the lower middle part of the bin body, the pricking needle is arranged upward on the abutment platform, a deformation space is left between the spherical capsule and the storage space, the pricking needle and the deformation space constitute a first drip channel of the spherical capsule; the conical capsule abuts against the abutment platform, and the conical capsule directly forms a second drip channel with the drip opening provided on the bin body.

2. A portable coffee machine compatible capsule compartment structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The needle is a solid structure, and the top of the needle is a slope.

3. The portable coffee machine compatible capsule compartment structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A bursting layer is arranged at the bottom of the conical capsule, and the distance from the bursting layer to the dripping opening is smaller than the distance from the puncture needle to the dripping opening.

4. The portable coffee machine compatible capsule compartment structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bursting layer is located at the bottom of the abutting platform and is used to generate bursting pressure on the bursting layer.

5. The portable coffee machine compatible capsule compartment structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The shape of the conical capsule is a copy of the capsule compartment.

6. The portable coffee machine compatible capsule compartment structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The brewing seat includes a brewing box seat, a brewing box cover and a sealing assembly; the capsule compartment is placed on the brewing box seat, the sealing assembly is installed on the brewing box cover, the brewing box cover is detachably connected to the brewing box seat, the brewing box cover is used in conjunction with an external solution compartment to transport solution into the capsule compartment, and the sealing assembly is used to prevent the brewing box cover from leaking.

7. The portable coffee machine compatible capsule compartment structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The sealing assembly comprises a water inlet sealing ring and a fixing frame; the brewing box seat is provided with a water inlet cavity, the water inlet sealing ring is installed in the water inlet cavity and is fixed to the brewing box seat through the fixing frame.

8. The portable coffee machine compatible capsule compartment structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The brewing seat also includes a shower plate, which is connected to the fixing frame and is used to evenly disperse the water flow from the water inlet and flow it into the capsule compartment.

9. The portable coffee machine compatible capsule compartment structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The brewing seat further comprises an upper puncture needle, and the puncture needle is used for puncturing the spherical capsule or the conical capsule.

10. The portable coffee machine compatible capsule compartment structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The sealing assembly further comprises an inner sealing ring and an outer sealing ring; the inner sealing ring is used to ensure the connection seal between the shower plate and the fixing frame; the outer sealing ring is used to ensure the pressure seal between the brewing box seat and the brewing box cover.