Coffee machine and automatic coffee brewing method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of coffee machines, and provides a coffee machine which comprises a main body, a bean grinding assembly, a water outlet assembly, a weighing assembly, a filter cup, a cup body and a control assembly. The bean grinding assembly is arranged on the main body; the filter cup, the cup body, the water outlet assembly and the weighing assembly are arranged on the same side of the main body, the filter cup and the cup body are arranged above the weighing assembly, and the water outlet assembly is arranged above the filter cup; wherein the bean grinding assembly is provided with a powder outlet channel, the powder outlet channel extends to the position above the filter cup, and coffee powder ground by the bean grinding assembly falls into the filter cup along the powder outlet channel; the control assembly is electrically connected with the bean grinding assembly, the weighing assembly and the water outlet assembly, and the control assembly controls the water outlet amount of the water outlet assembly according to weight data of the weighing assembly. According to the coffee machine, through the overall structural design, coffee powder ground through the bean grinding assembly can directly enter the filter cup, the weight of the coffee powder is obtained at the same time, the water outlet assembly conducts water outlet brewing according to the corresponding water-powder proportion, and finally coffee meeting the expectation of customers is automatically obtained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of hand-brewed coffee, and in particular to a coffee machine and an automatic coffee brewing method. Background Art

[0002] After the introduction of coffee, with the passage of time and the development of social and economic levels, the coffee market has become increasingly large. Ordinary consumers are no longer satisfied with instant coffee and have begun to try to make their own coffee to meet their needs.

[0003] The process of hand-brewed coffee mainly involves grinding the coffee beans into powder and then brewing and filtering them. The steps are complicated and require extremely high experience and skills. Ordinary consumers usually find it difficult to get hand-brewed coffee that meets their expectations.

[0004] Therefore, all-in-one coffee machines that simply integrate the bean grinding function and brewing function have begun to appear on the market. They can automatically grind and brew coffee. However, the flavor of the coffee obtained by the brewing method is fixed, and it is impossible to obtain coffee with different flavors by adjusting the brewing method, which cannot meet the needs of consumers.

[0005] Therefore, how to make the coffee machine fully automatic to brew coffee and ultimately obtain coffee that meets expectations has become a research hotspot. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to solve the problem that the existing coffee machines have a single brewing flavor and are difficult to meet consumer needs, the present application provides a coffee machine, including a main body, a bean grinding assembly, a water outlet assembly, a weighing assembly, a filter cup, a cup body and a control assembly; The bean grinding assembly is set on the main body; the filter cup, cup body, water outlet assembly and weighing assembly are set on the same side of the main body, the filter cup and cup body are set above the weighing assembly, and the water outlet assembly is set above the filter cup; The bean grinding assembly is provided with a powder outlet channel, which extends to the top of the filter cup. The coffee powder ground by the bean grinding assembly falls into the filter cup along the powder outlet channel. The control component is electrically connected to the bean grinding component, the weighing component, and the water outlet component. The control component controls the water output of the water outlet component according to the weight data of the weighing component.

[0007] In one embodiment, a filter screen is provided at the bottom of the filter cup, and the filter screen is used to receive coffee powder and allow brewed coffee liquid to fall into the cup body through the filter screen.

[0008] In one embodiment, the water outlet assembly includes a rotating water outlet, which starts to discharge water from the middle of the water outlet assembly and gradually moves to the edge of the water outlet assembly.

[0009] In one embodiment, a powder outlet hole is provided at the center of the water outlet assembly, and the powder outlet channel extends through the powder outlet hole to above the filter cup.

[0010] In one embodiment, the powder outlet channel and the center of the filter cup are in the same straight line, so that the coffee powder falls vertically into the middle of the filter cup.

[0011] In one embodiment, the powder outlet channel includes a fixed section and a telescopic section. One end of the fixed section is fixedly connected to the bean grinding assembly, and the other end of the fixed section is connected to the telescopic section through a telescopic drive structure for sliding. The telescopic section slides along the fixed section under the action of the telescopic drive structure.

[0012] In one embodiment, the telescopic drive structure includes a connecting rod bracket, a telescopic connecting rod, and a drive motor; the drive motor is fixed to the end of the fixed section away from the grinding assembly through the connecting rod bracket, the output end of the drive motor is fixedly connected to one end of the telescopic connecting rod, and the other end of the telescopic connecting rod is sleeved on a transmission column on the surface of the telescopic section; the telescopic connecting rod rotates back and forth under the drive motor, thereby driving the telescopic section to reciprocate and extend.

[0013] In one embodiment, a filter cup holder is further included, which is connected to the main body and is used to support the filter cup.

[0014] In one embodiment, a water storage tank is further included, and the water storage tank pumps water to the water outlet assembly through a water pump.

[0015] The present application also provides a method for automatically brewing coffee, comprising the following steps: Select the desired type of coffee through the control component; The control component controls the bean grinding component to grind out the required weight of coffee powder, and delivers the coffee powder to the filter cup through the powder outlet channel. The weighing component feeds back the weight change of the filter cup to the control component in real time; The control component controls the bean grinding component to stop running when the weight change of the filter cup reaches a set value; After the bean grinding component stops, the control component starts the water outlet component to inject water into the coffee powder in the filter cup for brewing; While the water outlet component is injecting water for brewing, the weighing component continues to record the weight change of the filter cup. When the weight change reaches the set value, the control component controls the water outlet component to stop discharging water. After the coffee liquid in the filter cup is filtered, it falls into the cup body to obtain the required coffee.

[0016] Based on the above, compared with the existing technology, the coffee machine provided by the present application, through the overall structural design, allows the coffee powder ground by the bean grinding component to directly enter the filter cup, and at the same time obtain the weight of the coffee powder. The water outlet component brews water corresponding to the water-powder ratio, and finally automatically obtains coffee that meets the customer's expectations. It is simple and convenient while ensuring the flavor of the coffee.

[0017] Other features and benefits of the present application will be described in the following description, and in part will become apparent from the description or be understood through practice of the present application. The objectives and other benefits of the present application can be achieved and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims, and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work. The positional relationships described in the drawings in the following description are based on the directions of the components shown in the diagrams, unless otherwise specified.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a front view of an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the bean grinding assembly in one embodiment of the present application; Figure 4 This is a front view of another embodiment of the present application; Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present application; Figure 6 This is an exploded view of another embodiment of the present application; Figure 7 This is a diagram of the water outlet trajectory of the water outlet component in one embodiment of the present application; Figure 8 This is a flow chart of the automatic coffee brewing method provided in this application.

[0020] Reference numerals: 100 entities 200 bean grinding components 210 powder outlet channel 211 fixed segment 212 telescopic section 213 telescopic drive structure 212a transmission column 213a connecting rod bracket 213b drive motor 213c telescopic connecting rod 300 water outlet components 400 filter cup 500 weighing components 510 water storage tray 600 water tank 700 cup body DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments; the technical features designed in different implementation modes of the present application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other; based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] In the description of this application, it should be noted that all terms used in this application (including technical terms and scientific terms) have the same meanings as those commonly understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which this application belongs, and should not be understood as limiting this application; it should be further understood that the terms used in this application should be understood to have meanings consistent with the meanings of these terms in the context of this specification and the relevant field, and should not be understood in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless explicitly defined as such in this application.

[0023] Although the numerical ranges and parameters set forth herein are approximate, the numerical values ​​set forth in the specific examples are reported as accurately as possible. However, any numerical value inherently has certain errors. Such errors are the inevitable result of the standard deviation of the respective measurements.

[0024] Furthermore, it should be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of "1 to 10" is intended to include all subranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, i.e., having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.

[0025] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the present application provides a coffee machine, including a main body 100, a bean grinding assembly 200, a water outlet assembly 300, a weighing assembly 500, a filter cup 400, a cup body 700 and a control assembly.

[0026] The bean grinding assembly 200 is mounted on the main body 100 and is used to grind coffee beans into coffee powder. The grinding portion of the bean grinding assembly 200 can be adjusted by those skilled in the art based on practical needs and is not specifically limited. Specifically, the bean grinding assembly 200 is integrated with a bean storage bin for storing coffee beans. When the bean grinding assembly 200 is started, the coffee beans in the bean storage bin enter the grinding assembly 200, facilitating the grinding process.

[0027] The filter cup 400, cup body 700, water outlet assembly 300, and weighing assembly 500 are positioned on the same side of the main body 100. The filter cup 400 and cup body 700 are positioned above the weighing assembly 500, and the water outlet assembly 300 is positioned above the filter cup 400. That is, the filter cup 400, cup body 700, water outlet assembly 300, and weighing assembly 500 are all located on the same straight line. The filter cup 400 receives the coffee grounds ground by the grinding assembly 200. The water outlet assembly 300 then dispenses water to the coffee grounds for brewing, filtering the brewed coffee into the cup body 700. The weighing assembly 500 directly weighs the filter cup 400, cup body 700, and their contents. The water outlet assembly 300 directly sprays brewing water into the filter cup 400. The co-location of these components allows the coffee machine to simulate hand-poured coffee without requiring any positional adjustments, meaning no manual adjustments are required.

[0028] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the bean grinding assembly 200 is provided with a powder outlet channel 210 , which extends to above the filter cup 400 . The coffee powder ground by the bean grinding assembly 200 falls into the filter cup 400 along the powder outlet channel 210 .

[0029] The control assembly is electrically connected to the bean grinding assembly 200, the weighing assembly 500, and the water outlet assembly 300. The control assembly controls the water output of the water outlet assembly 300 based on the weight data from the weighing assembly 500. Specifically, the control assembly can use a touch panel or touch buttons for information input. Those skilled in the art can select the appropriate one based on actual needs, and this is not a specific limitation.

[0030] During actual operation, the user selects the required type of coffee through the control component. The control component controls the bean grinding component 200 to grind out the required weight of coffee powder, and transports the coffee powder to the filter cup 400 through the powder outlet channel 210. The weighing component 500 feeds back the weight change of the filter cup 400 to the control component in real time. The control component controls the bean grinding component 200 to stop running when the weight change of the filter cup 400 reaches the set value. After the bean grinding component 200 stops, the control component starts the water outlet component 300 to inject water into the coffee powder in the filter cup 400 for brewing. While the water outlet component 300 is injecting water for brewing, the weighing component 500 continues to record the weight change of the filter cup 400. After the weight change reaches the set value, the control component controls the water outlet component 300 to stop discharging water to ensure the water-powder ratio of brewing. After the coffee liquid in the filter cup 400 is filtered, it falls into the cup body 700 to obtain the required coffee.

[0031] Preferably, the bean storage bin is located on the top of the main body 100, which is convenient for the user to add coffee beans and enables the user to intuitively observe the remaining coffee beans in the bean storage bin.

[0032] In one embodiment, a filter is provided at the bottom of the filter cup 400, which is used to receive coffee powder and allow the brewed coffee liquid to pass through the filter and fall into the cup body 700. Furthermore, the filter is fixed to the bottom of the filter cup 400 in a buckle form, which is convenient for the user to clean.

[0033] Preferably, Figure 7 As shown, the water outlet assembly 300 includes a rotating water outlet. The rotating water outlet begins discharging water from the center of the water outlet assembly 300 and gradually moves to the edge of the water outlet assembly 300. In other words, the water outlet assembly 300 as a whole adopts a spiral water outlet brewing structure, so that the water outlet trajectory spirals along the center of the filter cup 400 toward the edge. Those skilled in the art can select and adjust an appropriate rotating water outlet brewing device as needed, and there are no specific limitations. The rotating water outlet enables the water outlet assembly 300 to simulate the hand-pour brewing method, ultimately producing a flavorful coffee liquid.

[0034] Specifically, the brewing structure of the water outlet assembly 300 can use the solution of CN218304535U.

[0035] Preferably, Figures 5-6 As shown, the water outlet assembly 300 is centrally provided with a powder outlet hole, through which the powder outlet channel 210 extends to the top of the filter cup 400. Extending the powder outlet channel 210 through the powder outlet hole enhances the overall integration of the coffee machine and helps reduce its overall size. Specifically, after the powder outlet hole is provided in the water outlet assembly 300, those skilled in the art can adjust the structure of the water outlet assembly 300 as needed to ensure the proper water outlet trajectory.

[0036] In one embodiment, if Figures 4-6 As shown, the powder outlet channel 210 is aligned with the center of the filter cup 400, allowing the coffee powder to fall vertically into the center of the filter cup 400. The vertical arrangement of the powder outlet channel 210 ensures that the coffee powder slides outward from the center of the filter cup 400 when it falls into the filter cup 400, ensuring that the distribution of the coffee powder in the filter cup 400 meets the desired conditions, thereby ensuring a good brewing effect.

[0037] Preferably, Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the powder outlet channel 210 includes a fixed section 211 and a telescopic section 212. One end of the fixed section 211 is fixedly connected to the bean grinding assembly 200, and the other end of the fixed section 211 is connected to the telescopic section 212 by sliding through a telescopic drive structure 213. The telescopic section 212 slides along the fixed section 211 under the action of the telescopic drive structure 213.

[0038] Furthermore, a dust baffle is provided on the main body 100 at a position corresponding to the powder outlet passage 210, and a torsion spring is provided between the dust baffle and the main body 100. When the telescopic section 212 of the powder outlet passage 210 slides out, the torsion spring pushes open the dust baffle and reaches above the filter cup 400. When the telescopic section 212 of the powder outlet passage 210 slides back in, the torsion spring resets the dust baffle and blocks the powder outlet passage 210, preventing dust from entering the powder outlet passage 210 and ensuring cleanliness.

[0039] Preferably, Figures 2-3 As shown, the telescopic drive structure 213 includes a connecting rod bracket 213a, a telescopic connecting rod 213c, and a drive motor 213b. The drive motor 213b is fixed to the end of the fixed section 211 away from the grinding assembly 200 via the connecting rod bracket 213a. The output end of the drive motor 213b is fixedly connected to one end of the telescopic connecting rod 213c. The other end of the telescopic connecting rod 213c is sleeved on the transmission column 212a on the surface of the telescopic section 212. The telescopic connecting rod 213c rotates back and forth under the drive motor 213b, thereby driving the telescopic section 212 to reciprocate and extend.

[0040] Preferably, a filter cup 400 bracket is further included, which is connected to the main body 100 and is used to support the filter cup 400.

[0041] Furthermore, a vibration motor is provided on the filter cup 400 support, which vibrates the filter cup 400 before brewing, so that the coffee powder in the filter cup 400 is vibrated until the surface is smooth, thereby ensuring the brewing effect.

[0042] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the main body 100 also includes a water tank 600, which pumps water to the water outlet assembly 300 via a water pump. The provision of the water tank 600 eliminates the need for manual water addition during brewing and integrates the entire water system into the main body 100, reducing the risk of water contamination. Specifically, the water tank 600 is directly connected to an external water supply device or pipeline.

[0043] Furthermore, a heating module and a filtering module are provided in the water storage tank 600 to ensure the temperature and quality of the brewing water.

[0044] In one embodiment, if Figure 6 As shown, a water reservoir 510 is located above the weighing assembly 500. Specifically, the water reservoir 510 is used to collect liquid that drips or is discarded from the cup 700 and filter cup 400. Furthermore, a drain port is provided within the water reservoir 510, which is connected to an external sewage pipe. This drain port is used to drain liquid in the water reservoir 510 that exceeds a set height, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the weighing assembly 500.

[0045] like Figure 8As shown, the present application also provides a method for automatically brewing coffee, comprising the following steps: Select the desired type of coffee through the control component; The control component controls the bean grinding component 200 to grind the coffee powder of the required weight, and delivers the coffee powder to the filter cup 400 through the powder outlet channel 210. The weighing component 500 feeds back the weight change of the filter cup 400 to the control component in real time. The control component controls the bean grinding component 200 to stop operating when the weight change of the filter cup 400 reaches a set value; After the bean grinding assembly 200 stops, the control assembly starts the water outlet assembly 300 to inject water into the coffee powder in the filter cup 400 for brewing; While the water outlet component 300 is injecting water for brewing, the weighing component 500 continues to record the weight change of the filter cup 400. When the weight change reaches the set value, the control component controls the water outlet component 300 to stop discharging water. After the coffee liquid in the filter cup 400 is filtered, it falls into the cup body 700 to obtain the desired coffee.

[0046] In one embodiment, when the weighing assembly 500 detects that the weight of the filter cup 400 stops changing, the weighing assembly 500 provides feedback to the control assembly, which then detects whether the grinding assembly 200 or the water outlet assembly 300 is in operation. If the grinding assembly 200 or the water outlet assembly 300 is still in operation, the control assembly stops the grinding assembly 200 or the water outlet assembly 300 and issues an error message.

[0047] In addition, those skilled in the art should understand that, although there are many problems in the prior art, each embodiment or technical solution of the present application may be improved in only one or several aspects, without having to simultaneously solve all the technical problems listed in the prior art or background art. Those skilled in the art should understand that the absence of any content in a claim should not be construed as a limitation on that claim.

[0048] Although terms such as main body, bean grinding assembly, powder outlet channel, fixed section, telescopic section, telescopic drive structure, transmission column, connecting rod bracket, drive motor, telescopic connecting rod, water outlet assembly, filter cup, weighing assembly, water storage tray, water storage tank, and cup body are frequently used in this document, the possibility of using other terms is not excluded. The use of these terms is merely to more conveniently describe and explain the essence of this application; interpreting them as any additional limitations is contrary to the spirit of this application; the terms "first", "second", etc. (if any) in the description and claims of the embodiments of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0049] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A coffee machine, characterized in that: It comprises a main body (100), a bean grinding assembly (200), a water outlet assembly (300), a weighing assembly (500), a filter cup (400), a cup body (700), and a control assembly; The bean grinding assembly (200) is arranged on the main body (100); the filter cup (400), the cup body (700), the water outlet assembly (300) and the weighing assembly (500) are arranged on the same side of the main body (100); the filter cup (400) and the cup body (700) are arranged above the weighing assembly (500); and the water outlet assembly (300) is arranged above the filter cup (400); The bean grinding assembly (200) is provided with a powder outlet channel (210), the powder outlet channel (210) extending above the filter cup (400), and the coffee powder ground by the bean grinding assembly (200) falls into the filter cup (400) along the powder outlet channel (210); The control component is electrically connected to the bean grinding component (200), the weighing component (500), and the water outlet component (300), and the control component controls the water output of the water outlet component (300) according to weight data of the weighing component (500).

2. The coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein: A filter is provided at the bottom of the filter cup, and the filter is used to receive coffee powder and allow brewed coffee liquid to pass through the filter and fall into the cup body (700).

3. The coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein: The water outlet assembly (300) comprises a rotating water outlet, and the rotating water outlet starts to discharge water from the middle of the water outlet assembly (300) and gradually moves to the edge of the water outlet assembly.

4. The coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein: A powder outlet hole is provided at the center of the water outlet assembly (300), and the powder outlet channel (210) extends through the powder outlet hole to above the filter cup (400).

5. The coffee machine according to claim 2, wherein: The powder outlet channel (210) and the center of the filter cup (400) are in the same straight line, so that the coffee powder falls vertically into the middle of the filter cup.

6. The coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein: The powder outlet channel (210) comprises a fixed section (211) and a telescopic section (212); one end of the fixed section (211) is fixedly connected to the bean grinding assembly (200); the other end of the fixed section (211) is slidably connected to the telescopic section (212) via a telescopic drive structure (213); and the telescopic section (212) slides along the fixed section (211) under the action of the telescopic drive structure (213).

7. The coffee machine according to claim 4, wherein: The telescopic drive structure (213) comprises a connecting rod bracket (213a), a telescopic connecting rod (213c) and a driving motor (213b); the driving motor (213b) is fixed to an end of the fixed section (211) away from the bean grinding assembly (200) via the connecting rod bracket (213a); the output end of the driving motor (213b) is fixedly connected to one end of the telescopic connecting rod (213c); the other end of the telescopic connecting rod (213c) is sleeved on a transmission column (212a) on the surface of the telescopic section (212); the telescopic connecting rod (213c) is driven by the driving motor (213b) to reciprocate and thereby drive the telescopic section (212) to reciprocate and extend.

8. The coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein: A filter cup bracket is also included, which is connected to the main body and is used to support the filter cup.

9. The coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a water storage tank (600), and the water storage tank (600) pumps water to the water outlet assembly (300) through a water pump.

10. A method for automatically brewing coffee, characterized in that: The steps include: Select the desired type of coffee through the control component; The control component controls the bean grinding component (200) to grind out coffee powder of a required weight, and delivers the coffee powder to the filter cup through the powder outlet channel (210). The weighing component (500) feeds back the weight change of the filter cup (400) to the control component in real time. The control component controls the bean grinding component (200) to stop operating when the weight change of the filter cup (400) reaches a set value; After the bean grinding assembly (200) stops, the control assembly starts the water outlet assembly (300) to inject water into the coffee powder in the filter cup (400) for brewing; While the water outlet component (300) is injecting water for brewing, the weighing component (500) continues to record the weight change of the filter cup (400). When the weight change reaches a set value, the control component controls the water outlet component (300) to stop discharging water. After the coffee liquid in the filter cup (400) is filtered, it falls into the cup body (700) to obtain the desired coffee.

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