A coffee maker heating cup assembly and method of manufacture

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of coffee machine heating cup, disclose a kind of coffee machine heating cup assembly, the cup wall of the heating cup includes stainless steel liner and the aluminum outer layer being arranged outside the stainless steel liner, the bottom end outside of the stainless steel liner is gradually thinned from top to bottom, the bottom end outside of the stainless steel liner is equipped with several annular equidistant distribution protruding portions, the bottom end inside of the aluminum outer layer is equipped with several recesses for accommodating the protruding portion, stainless steel liner provides structural strength and corrosion resistance;Aluminum outer layer provides rapid heat conduction performance;Stainless steel accounts for 45%-68%, aluminum material accounts for 32%-55%, realize the best balance of structure and heat conduction;Trapezoidal nesting structure of protruding portion and recess, form multiple-point annular occlusion, not only enhance the physical anchoring effect between stainless steel and aluminum layer, give consideration to heat conduction efficiency and structural strength in limited space, especially suitable for the coffee machine heating cup assembly with high requirements on heating speed, temperature control accuracy and long-term stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of coffee machine heating cups, and more particularly to a coffee machine heating cup assembly and its manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] Existing coffee machine heating cup assemblies typically use bottom heating, meaning the bottom of the cup is heated via a heating plate or heating element. To balance structural rigidity and heating efficiency, the cup walls are usually made of a composite structure of stainless steel and aluminum. The inner liner is made of stainless steel, which has high corrosion resistance and mechanical strength, while the outer layer is made of aluminum, which has good thermal conductivity, to improve overall heat conduction efficiency and heating speed.

[0003] However, the significant differences in physical properties between stainless steel and aluminum, particularly in their coefficients of thermal expansion, lead to several problems, especially when the heated area at the bottom of the heating cup experiences rapid temperature rise: Stress concentration at the material interface: The inconsistent expansion of the two materials during thermal expansion and contraction generates significant thermal stress at the interface. Long-term, repeated stress can lead to material fatigue, structural cracking, or delamination. Reduced thermal conductivity: Minor displacements between materials caused by changes in interface stress can create poor contact or even gaps, increasing thermal resistance and weakening effective heat transfer, thus affecting heating efficiency and temperature control accuracy. Furthermore, in practical applications, to meet users' demands for rapid coffee dispensing, precise temperature control, and efficient extraction, the heating system must not only have good heating capacity but also conduct heat from the bottom to the cup wall and upper part of the cup as quickly as possible to ensure uniform heating of the liquid and shorten the overall heating time. Therefore, mitigating the structural and thermal conductivity problems caused by the difference in thermal expansion between stainless steel and aluminum is a key technical challenge that needs to be addressed when designing composite heating cup components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a coffee machine heating cup assembly and manufacturing method to solve the problems of existing heating cups, which are made of stainless steel and aluminum, and the significant difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion between stainless steel and aluminum, as well as the low efficiency of heat transfer from the heating area concentrated at the bottom to the cup wall. The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0005] A coffee machine heating cup assembly, wherein the cup wall includes a stainless steel inner liner and an aluminum outer layer disposed on the outside of the stainless steel inner liner. The bottom outer side of the stainless steel inner liner gradually thins from top to bottom, and the bottom outer side of the stainless steel inner liner is provided with a plurality of annularly distributed protrusions. The bottom inner side of the aluminum outer layer is provided with a plurality of grooves for receiving the protrusions. A heat-conducting part is provided between two adjacent grooves on the aluminum outer layer. A heat-conducting layer is filled between the heat-conducting part and the stainless steel inner liner, and the heat-conducting layer gradually becomes thicker from top to bottom.

[0006] As one of the improvements to the above technical solution, the thickness ratio of the stainless steel inner liner to the aluminum outer layer is such that the thickness of the stainless steel inner liner accounts for 45%-68%, and the thickness of the aluminum outer layer accounts for 32%-55%.

[0007] As one of the improvements to the above technical solution, it also includes a heat-conducting chassis, wherein the stainless steel inner liner, the heat-conducting layer and the aluminum outer layer are respectively connected to the heat-conducting chassis.

[0008] As an improvement to the above technical solution, both the protrusion and the groove are trapezoidal in shape.

[0009] As one of the improvements to the above technical solution, the thickness ratio of the protrusion of the stainless steel inner liner gradually increases from 61% to 68% from top to bottom, while the thickness ratio of the groove of the aluminum outer layer gradually decreases from 37% to 28% from top to bottom.

[0010] As one of the improvements to the above technical solution, the thickness ratio of the heat-conducting part gradually increases from 63% to 72% from top to bottom.

[0011] A method for manufacturing a coffee machine heating cup assembly, the coffee machine heating cup assembly comprising the following steps:

[0012] S1. Calculate the dimensions of the stainless steel inner liner and aluminum outer layer to be produced, and determine the size of the protrusions and grooves;

[0013] S2. Prepare a stainless steel inner liner and an aluminum outer layer;

[0014] S3. Assemble the aluminum outer layer onto the stainless steel inner liner;

[0015] S4. Invert the assembled stainless steel inner liner and aluminum outer layer to create a receiving groove between the heat-conducting part and the stainless steel inner liner.

[0016] S5. Fill the containment tank with liquid thermally conductive material, and form a thermally conductive layer after the liquid thermally conductive material cools down.

[0017] S6. Assemble the thermally conductive low-density components to complete the preparation.

[0018] As an improvement to the above technical solution, the outer and inner surfaces of the aluminum outer layer and the stainless steel inner liner are first cleaned of dust, and then the aluminum outer layer and the stainless steel inner liner are assembled.

[0019] As one of the improvements to the above technical solution, the liquid thermal conductive material is a ceramic-based adhesive. When using the ceramic-based adhesive, it is necessary to stir and defoam it.

[0020] As an improvement to the above technical solution, in step S5, liquid thermal conductive material is filled into the receiving tank to fill the entire receiving tank. After standing for 3-5 minutes, liquid thermal conductive material is selectively added to the receiving tank depending on whether the liquid level of the liquid thermal conductive material is lower than the opening of the receiving tank.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are: the stainless steel inner liner provides structural strength and corrosion resistance; the aluminum outer layer provides rapid heat conduction; the thickness of the two layers is set in proportion, with stainless steel accounting for 45%-68% and aluminum accounting for 32%-55%, achieving the best balance between structure and heat conduction;

[0022] By optimizing the heat conduction path, the heat conduction efficiency at the bottom of the cup wall is improved. By setting up a nested heat conduction channel consisting of protrusions, a heat conduction layer, and grooves, a multi-point, distributed heat conduction path is formed, which increases the heat distribution density in the bottom area.

[0023] This further alleviates the problem of heat concentration, thereby significantly improving heating efficiency and temperature control response speed, coordinating differences in thermal expansion, and enhancing structural durability and interface stability. By gradually thinning the bottom of the stainless steel and setting a raised structure, the volumetric strain caused by heating is effectively buffered. At the same time, the introduction of a gradually thickening thermally conductive layer between the raised part and the aluminum groove can act as a "buffer layer" to absorb the stress difference caused by thermal expansion and contraction, reduce the probability of interface fatigue damage, and improve the long-term stability of the product.

[0024] Furthermore, it enhances the mechanical bonding strength and impact resistance of the bottom of the cup wall. The trapezoidal nested structure of the protrusions and grooves forms a multi-point ring-like interlocking, which not only strengthens the physical anchoring effect between the stainless steel and aluminum layers but also improves the overall bottom of the cup wall's ability to withstand vertical impacts and pressure loads. Through the synergistic design of shape matching, material buffering, and multi-path heat conduction, this structure balances thermal efficiency and structural strength within a limited space, making it particularly suitable for coffee machine heating cup components that require high heating speed, precise temperature control, and long-term stability.

[0025] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Of course, implementing any product or method of this application does not necessarily require achieving all of the advantages described above at the same time. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the usage state of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another usage state of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the aluminum outer layer of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the aluminum outer layer of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the stainless steel inner liner of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat-conducting layer of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the comparative data from the temperature rise experiment.

[0035] In the diagram: 1. Stainless steel inner liner; 2. Aluminum outer layer; 3. Heat-conducting layer; 11. Protrusion; 21. Groove; 22. Heat-conducting part. Detailed Implementation

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

[0037] Existing heating cups are made of stainless steel and aluminum, which have significant differences in physical properties, especially in their coefficients of thermal expansion: aluminum's linear coefficient of thermal expansion is approximately 22 × 10⁻⁶. -6 / K, while stainless steel (such as type 304) is approximately 16×10 -6 / K. During heating, aluminum expands at a significantly higher rate than stainless steel, leading to stress concentration at the material interface, decreased thermal conductivity, and poor structural stability. Therefore, please refer to [the relevant documentation / reference needed]. Figure 1-8 This invention provides several embodiments to address the aforementioned problems. Specifically, it includes a stainless steel inner liner 1 and an aluminum outer layer 2 disposed on the outside of the stainless steel inner liner 1. The thickness ratio of the stainless steel inner liner 1 to the aluminum outer layer 2 is such that the stainless steel inner liner 1 accounts for 45%-68% of the thickness, and the aluminum outer layer 2 accounts for 32%-55%. The cup wall is composed of the stainless steel inner liner 1 and the aluminum outer layer 2. The stainless steel inner liner 1 provides structural strength and corrosion resistance; the aluminum outer layer 2 provides rapid heat conduction. The thicknesses of the two layers are set proportionally, with stainless steel accounting for 45%-68% and aluminum accounting for 32%-55%, achieving an optimal balance between structure and heat conduction.

[0038] For details, please refer to Figure 5 Comparison data from heating experiments:

[0039] Multiple sets of samples were tested; the heating time after water injection (e.g., the time required to go from 30°C to 90°C) was measured; the results showed that the samples with a stainless steel content of 45%-68% heated up the fastest and had the most uniform temperature distribution. When the stainless steel content was too high (>68%), the heating was slow and the heat was difficult to conduct evenly. In the structural damage test, when the stainless steel content was too low (<45%), the cup wall was prone to bulging or cracking.

[0040] In existing coffee machine heating cup assemblies, the bottom area of ​​the cup wall is not only a crucial connecting part supporting the entire cup structure, but also serves as an important channel for heat transfer from the heating base to the liquid inside the cup. Therefore, it holds a special technical position in the structural design. On the one hand, the bottom of the cup wall needs to be tightly connected to the bottom of the cup, bearing the heat transfer pressure from the heating base, the weight of the liquid, and the thermal expansion and contraction cycles during use, which places higher demands on structural strength and fatigue resistance. Especially in scenarios with frequent thermal cycling or sudden impacts or drops, a weak bottom structure will directly lead to failure problems such as deformation, bulging, or even weld cracking.

[0041] On the other hand, as the starting point of the heat transfer path, the bottom of the cup wall is also the first contact interface where heat flows into the cup wall. Its thermal conductivity directly affects whether heat can be quickly and evenly transferred to the liquid inside the cup, thus determining the overall heating speed and temperature control accuracy. If the thermal conductivity is insufficient or the thermal resistance is too high, it will lead to slow temperature rise, uneven heating, increased power consumption, and even local overheating damage to the inner liner. Therefore, how to balance sufficient mechanical strength and durability, high thermal conductivity, and excellent material interface compatibility in the bottom structure of the heating cup is crucial.

[0042] To this end, the present invention also provides some embodiments in which the outer side of the bottom end of the stainless steel inner liner 1 gradually thins from top to bottom, and the outer side of the bottom end of the stainless steel inner liner 1 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 11 distributed in a ring at equal intervals. The inner side of the bottom end of the aluminum outer layer 2 is provided with a plurality of grooves 21 for receiving the protrusions 11. A heat-conducting part 22 is provided between two adjacent grooves 21 of the aluminum outer layer 2. A heat-conducting layer 3 is filled between the heat-conducting part 22 and the stainless steel inner liner 1. The heat-conducting layer 3 gradually becomes thicker from top to bottom.

[0043] This embodiment improves the heat conduction efficiency at the bottom of the cup wall by optimizing the heat conduction path. A nested heat conduction channel, consisting of protrusions 11, a heat-conducting layer 3, and grooves 21, forms a multi-point, distributed heat conduction path, increasing the heat distribution density in the bottom region. This further alleviates the problem of heat concentration, significantly improving heating efficiency and temperature control response speed, coordinating differences in thermal expansion, and enhancing structural durability and interface stability. By gradually thinning the stainless steel bottom and incorporating the protrusions 11, the volumetric strain caused by heating is effectively buffered. Simultaneously, the gradually thickening heat-conducting layer 3 acts as a "buffer layer," absorbing the stress difference caused by thermal expansion and contraction, reducing the probability of interface fatigue damage, and improving the long-term stability of the product.

[0044] Furthermore, it enhances the mechanical bonding strength and impact resistance of the bottom of the cup wall. The trapezoidal nested structure of the protrusion 11 and the groove 21 forms a multi-point annular interlocking, which not only enhances the physical anchoring effect between the stainless steel and aluminum layers, but also improves the overall bottom of the cup wall's ability to withstand vertical impacts and pressure loads. Compared with traditional planar bonding, the force transmission is more uniform and the local stress is lower, reducing the risk of cracking or delamination due to structural fatigue during use. In summary, this structure, through the synergistic design of shape matching, material buffering, and multi-path heat conduction, balances thermal efficiency and structural strength within a limited space, making it particularly suitable for coffee machine heating cup components that require high heating speed, precise temperature control, and long-term stability.

[0045] In some embodiments, the system also includes a heat-conducting chassis. The stainless steel inner liner 1, the heat-conducting layer 3, and the aluminum outer layer 2 are each connected to the heat-conducting chassis. By directly contacting the stainless steel inner liner 1, the heat-conducting layer 3, and the aluminum outer layer 2 with the heat-conducting chassis, a multi-path parallel heat-conducting structure is formed, avoiding bottlenecks caused by heat flow relying solely on a single material. Different materials can form a synergistic heat-conducting mechanism based on their respective thermal conductivity characteristics (high for aluminum, low but stable for stainless steel), increasing the overall heat flux density, shortening the time required for liquid heating, and optimizing the heating response performance of the coffee machine. Secondly, it reduces interfacial thermal resistance and improves heating uniformity. By connecting multiple structural layers (inner liner, heat-conducting layer 3, and outer shell) to the heat source chassis, the interfacial thermal resistance between layers can be significantly reduced, allowing heat to be distributed more evenly across the entire bottom area of ​​the cup. This effectively avoids problems such as localized overheating and excessive temperature gradients, thereby improving the heating uniformity of the liquid and enhancing the user experience.

[0046] Compared to methods that rely on only one layer of structure in contact with the heat source, this invention connects multiple layers of material to the chassis simultaneously, enhancing the overall structural integrity and the strength of the heated surfaces. Especially under conditions such as high-frequency thermal cycling and prolonged power-on use, it can reduce the accumulation of thermal stress between material layers, effectively preventing failure phenomena such as material delamination, warping, and bulging.

[0047] Preferably, both the protrusion 11 and the groove 21 are trapezoidal in shape. The thickness of the protrusion 11 of the stainless steel inner liner 1 gradually increases from 61% to 68% from top to bottom, the thickness of the groove 21 of the aluminum outer layer 2 gradually decreases from 37% to 28% from top to bottom, and the thickness of the heat-conducting part 22 gradually increases from 63% to 72% from top to bottom. This design, through local thickness gradient distribution, establishes a scientific and reasonable thermal conductivity-strength synergistic structural system between key heat flow paths and stress points. This not only optimizes the continuity and uniformity of the heat transfer path, but also enhances the structural stability and fatigue resistance of the materials, significantly improving the overall heating efficiency, service life, and structural safety of the heating cup assembly.

[0048] A method for manufacturing a coffee machine heating cup assembly, the coffee machine heating cup assembly comprising the following steps:

[0049] S1. Calculate the dimensions of the stainless steel inner liner 1 and the aluminum outer layer 2 to be produced, and determine the size of the protrusion 11 and the groove 21. Specifically, calculate the structural dimensions of the stainless steel inner liner 1 and the aluminum outer layer 2 according to the required specifications, and determine the geometry and fitting clearance of the protrusion 11 and the corresponding groove 21 at the bottom of the cup; achieve a tight fit between the protrusion 11 and the groove 21 to effectively improve the overall heat conduction efficiency and structural strength.

[0050] S2. Prepare the stainless steel inner liner 1 and the aluminum outer layer 2;

[0051] S3. First, remove dust from the outer and inner surfaces of the aluminum outer layer 2 and the stainless steel inner liner 1. Then, assemble the aluminum outer layer 2 with the stainless steel inner liner 1. Finally, assemble the aluminum outer layer 2 onto the stainless steel inner liner 1. Surface cleaning removes oil and dust, improves the adhesion between the heat-conducting material and the metal surface, prevents poor adhesion that could lead to gaps in the heat-conducting layer 3, ensures a continuous and stable heat conduction path, and improves heat transfer efficiency.

[0052] S4. Invert the assembled stainless steel inner liner 1 and aluminum outer layer 2 so that a receiving groove is formed between the heat-conducting part 22 and the stainless steel inner liner 1. The receiving groove facilitates the injection and uniform distribution of liquid heat-conducting material. Gravity and structural shape ensure that the heat-conducting layer 3 completely fills the entire receiving groove, avoiding the generation of air bubbles and voids, and ensuring the thermal conductivity and mechanical integrity of the heat-conducting layer 3.

[0053] S5. Fill the receiving tank with liquid thermal conductive material. After the liquid thermal conductive material cools, a thermal conductive layer 3 is formed. The liquid thermal conductive material is a ceramic-based adhesive. When using ceramic-based adhesive, it is necessary to stir and defoam it. Fill the receiving tank with liquid thermal conductive material so that the liquid thermal conductive material fills the entire receiving tank. Let it stand for 3-5 minutes. Depending on whether the liquid level of the liquid thermal conductive material is lower than the opening of the receiving tank, selectively replenish the receiving tank with liquid thermal conductive material.

[0054] During this process, thorough stirring and defoaming prevent air bubbles from being contained within the thermally conductive material, thus avoiding increased thermal resistance and structural fragility caused by air bubbles. Staged filling and settling ensure that the thermally conductive material fully fills all tiny spaces, improving the continuity and mechanical strength of the thermally conductive layer 3, and guaranteeing efficient heat transfer and durability.

[0055] S6. Assemble the thermally conductive low-density components to complete the preparation.

[0056] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within the present invention.

Claims

1. A coffee maker heat cup assembly, characterized by, The heating cup wall includes a stainless steel inner liner and an aluminum outer layer disposed on the outside of the stainless steel inner liner. The bottom outer side of the stainless steel inner liner gradually thins from top to bottom. The bottom outer side of the stainless steel inner liner is provided with a number of protrusions distributed in a ring at equal intervals. The bottom inner side of the aluminum outer layer is provided with a number of grooves for receiving the protrusions. A heat-conducting part is provided between two adjacent grooves on the aluminum outer layer. A heat-conducting layer is filled between the heat-conducting part and the stainless steel inner liner. The heat-conducting layer gradually becomes thicker from top to bottom. The thickness ratio of the stainless steel inner liner to the aluminum outer layer is 45%-68% for the stainless steel inner liner and 32%-55% for the aluminum outer layer. It also includes a heat-conducting chassis, wherein the stainless steel inner liner, the heat-conducting layer and the aluminum outer layer are respectively connected to the heat-conducting chassis; Both the protrusion and the groove are trapezoidal in shape.

2. A coffee maker heating cup assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness percentage of the protrusions in the stainless steel inner liner gradually increases from 61% to 68% from top to bottom, while the thickness percentage of the grooves in the aluminum outer layer gradually decreases from 37% to 28% from top to bottom.

3. A coffee maker heating cup assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The thickness of the heat-conducting part gradually increases from 63% to 72% from top to bottom.

4. A manufacturing method of a coffee maker heating cup assembly applied to the coffee maker heating cup assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Calculate the dimensions of the stainless steel inner liner and aluminum outer layer to be produced, and determine the size of the protrusions and grooves; S2. Prepare a stainless steel inner liner and an aluminum outer layer; S3. Assemble the aluminum outer layer onto the stainless steel inner liner; S4. Invert the assembled stainless steel inner liner and aluminum outer layer to create a receiving groove between the heat-conducting part and the stainless steel inner liner. S5. Fill the containment tank with liquid thermally conductive material, and form a thermally conductive layer after the liquid thermally conductive material cools down. S6. Assemble the thermally conductive low-density components to complete the preparation.

5. A method of manufacturing a heating cup assembly for a coffee maker as defined in claim 4, characterized in that: In step S3, the outer and inner surfaces of the aluminum outer layer and the stainless steel inner liner are first cleaned of dust, and then the aluminum outer layer and the stainless steel inner liner are assembled.

6. A method of manufacturing a heating cup assembly for a coffee maker as defined in claim 5, characterized in that: In step S5, the liquid thermally conductive material is a ceramic-based adhesive, which requires stirring and defoaming before use.

7. A method of manufacturing a heating cup assembly for a coffee maker as defined in claim 6, characterized in that: In step S5, liquid thermal conductive material is filled into the receiving tank to fill the entire tank. The tank is left to stand for 3-5 minutes. Depending on whether the liquid level of the thermal conductive material is lower than the opening of the receiving tank, liquid thermal conductive material is selectively added to the receiving tank.

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