Coffee grounds drying device and coffee machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a coffee grounds drying device and a coffee machine, belongs to coffee beverage brewing equipment, and aims to solve the problem that in the prior art, coffee grounds retained in the coffee machine are mildewed and hairy due to water quality, and potential health hazards are caused. And the drying device provides a drying means for the coffee grounds in the grounds box. Therefore, the drying device is used for drying the coffee grounds in the grounds box, so that water is lost, necessary conditions for eliminating mildewing and hair growing of the coffee grounds are eliminated, and potential sanitation hazards caused by mildewing and hair growing of the coffee grounds retained in the coffee machine due to the fact that the coffee grounds contain water are completely eradicated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to coffee beverage brewing equipment, in particular to a coffee powder and grounds drying device and a coffee machine. Background Art

[0002] Coffee machines with powder filling, brewing, and grounds removal functions require coffee grounds to be added to the brewing chamber of the coffee brewing device. After the grounds are infused with hot water, they are discharged from the brewing chamber as grounds. If the user fails to promptly or forgets to remove the grounds, the discharged grounds may remain inside the coffee machine. The water-borne coffee grounds can cause mold and hair growth, posing a health hazard. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved and the technical task proposed by the utility model are to overcome the defect in the prior art that the coffee grounds retained in the coffee machine will become moldy and hairy due to the water content, thereby causing a hygienic hazard. A coffee grounds drying device and a coffee machine are provided, which are intended to dry the coffee grounds, eliminate the necessary conditions for the coffee grounds to become moldy and hairy, and prevent the coffee grounds retained in the coffee machine from becoming moldy and hairy due to the water content, thereby causing a hygienic hazard.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the coffee powder drying device of the present invention comprises:

[0005] A powder residue box for containing coffee grounds, wherein the upper end of the powder residue box is provided with an opening for receiving the coffee grounds discharged from the brewing chamber;

[0006] The drying device provides a drying means for the coffee grounds in the grounds box.

[0007] Based on this, the drying device dries the coffee grounds in the grounds box, causing moisture to evaporate, eliminating the necessary conditions for the coffee grounds to become moldy and hairy, and preventing the coffee grounds retained in the coffee machine from becoming moldy and hairy due to the water content, thereby preventing a health hazard.

[0008] In one embodiment, the drying device is a blowing device, which is located above the coffee grounds box and is configured to blow air into the coffee grounds box. The blowing device can promote rapid evaporation of moisture in the coffee grounds, thereby quickly drying the coffee grounds.

[0009] Preferably, the blowing device includes a fan. The fan can provide an appropriate airflow rate, for example, in the initial stage of the fan blowing, the fan can provide a high airflow to quickly dry the coffee grounds, and in the middle and later stages of the fan blowing, the fan can provide a low airflow to avoid excessive airflow that may cause dust to be generated by the dried or nearly dried coffee grounds.

[0010] Preferably, the fan is a bidirectional fan that can blow air toward the coffee grounds and also be used to exhaust the moisture above the grounds box to the outside of the machine body, thereby reducing the humidity inside the machine body and delaying mold and hair growth.

[0011] Preferably, the blowing device includes an air guide member having a communicating air inlet channel and a downwardly directed air outlet, and the fan is configured to blow air from the end of the air inlet channel into the air inlet channel. Accordingly, the air guide member and the fan can be positioned appropriately to prevent obstruction of coffee grounds discharged from the brewing chamber from falling into the grounds container.

[0012] Preferably, the air guide member is elongated and arranged horizontally, the air inlet channel is in the form of a horizontal blind hole, and the air outlets are multiple and arranged in a row. This increases the airflow coverage area, allowing the coffee grounds in the grounds box to be dried over a large area, achieving all-around drying of the coffee grounds.

[0013] Preferably, the blowing device is equipped with a heating device for heating the airflow, thereby increasing the temperature of the airflow, and a higher temperature is more conducive to the evaporation of water, thereby increasing the efficiency of the airflow in drying the coffee grounds.

[0014] Preferably, the heating device is a heater arranged on the airflow path, which fully heats the airflow passing through the heater to increase the temperature of the airflow.

[0015] Preferably, a heating device is provided for the air guide member, and the air guide member heats the airflow passing through the air inlet channel and the air outlet. The structure is compact, small in size, and occupies little space.

[0016] Preferably, the heating device is an electric heating pipe embedded in the air guide member or an electric heating plate attached to the surface of the air guide member, thereby increasing the heat transfer efficiency and utilization rate.

[0017] In another embodiment, the drying device is a heating device, and the grounds box is made of a heat-conducting material. The heating device is located below the grounds box and is used to heat the grounds box. Accordingly, the heating device transfers heat to the grounds box, which in turn heats the grounds in the box from all directions, causing the moisture in the grounds to evaporate rapidly. Such a heating device is silent during operation, thus avoiding operating noise; furthermore, such a heating device does not generate airflow during operation, thus preventing the dried grounds from generating dust. Furthermore, when the heating device is configured together with a blower, it can achieve an even better drying effect.

[0018] In another embodiment, the drying device is a heat radiator positioned above the grounds container and configured to radiate heat toward the container. This allows the heat radiator to heat the coffee grounds in a targeted manner, minimizing the transfer of radiant heat to surrounding structures. Such a heat radiator operates silently, thus avoiding noise. Furthermore, such a heat radiator does not generate airflow, thus preventing dust from forming on the dried coffee grounds.

[0019] Preferably, the drying device is fixed to prevent it from moving out of position, especially when the drying device has a high temperature, fixing it can ensure its working position, and the powder and grounds box is movably configured so that it can be taken out from the main unit and the coffee powder and grounds therein can be cleaned.

[0020] The coffee machine of the present invention comprises:

[0021] body;

[0022] A coffee brewing device located inside the machine body for brewing coffee powder and discharging the brewed coffee powder;

[0023] The coffee powder and grounds drying device of the utility model has a powder and grounds box for receiving the coffee powder and grounds discharged by the coffee brewing device, and the drying device provides drying means for the coffee powder and grounds in the powder and grounds box, thereby drying the coffee powder and grounds.

[0024] Accordingly, the coffee machine not only has the role and function of a coffee powder and grounds drying device, but can also ensure the dryness of the machine body to avoid moisture and taste change.

[0025] Preferably, the heating device is fixed to the machine body, and the powder residue box is movable so as to be taken out from the machine body.

[0026] Preferably, the coffee machine comprises a tray with a return water box for placing the container, the tray being connected to the powder residue box for the two to be taken out from the machine body together. Accordingly, it is beneficial to clean the return water box and the powder residue box at the same time.

[0027] Preferably, the machine body is provided with air vents to facilitate ventilation and dry the coffee grounds.

[0028] Preferably, an ultraviolet sterilization device is provided inside the fuselage.

[0029] The utility model equips the coffee grounds box with a drying device, which provides a drying means for the coffee grounds in the coffee grounds box. Thus, the drying device dries the coffee grounds in the coffee grounds box, causing moisture to dissipate, eliminating the necessary conditions for the coffee grounds to become moldy and hairy, and preventing the coffee grounds trapped in the coffee machine from becoming moldy and hairy due to the presence of water, which could pose a health hazard. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the coffee machine according to Example 1 of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the coffee machine of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 is another cross-sectional view of the coffee machine of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the coffee machine tray and grounds box being removed from the machine body;

[0034] Figure 5 A perspective view of the tray and grounds box of the coffee machine of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the air guide component of the utility model;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a coffee machine according to embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a bottom schematic diagram of a coffee machine according to Example 2 of the present utility model;

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a coffee machine according to Example 3 of the present invention;

[0039] Description of the numbers in the figure:

[0040] 100 coffee powder drying device:

[0041] 110 powder residue box, 111 open,

[0042] 121 blowing device, 1211 fan, 1212 air guide member, 1213 air inlet channel, 1214 air outlet, 1215 heating device,

[0043] 122 heating device,

[0044] 123 heat radiation device;

[0045] 200 fuselage, 201 air outlet, 210 tray, 211 water return box;

[0046] 300g coffee grounds. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more clear, the following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0048] The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the description and claims of the present utility model are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a method or product that includes a series of technical features is not necessarily limited to those technical features clearly listed, and may also include other technical features that are not clearly listed and can be included in the method or product.

[0049] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0050] Example 1

[0051] Figure 1-4 A coffee machine is shown, which includes a machine body 200, a coffee brewing device and a coffee grounds drying device 100.

[0052] The body 200 makes the entire coffee machine look like a cube.

[0053] The coffee brewing device, not shown, is located within the coffee machine body 200 and is used to brew coffee powder and discharge the brewed coffee grounds. The coffee powder can be ground by a grinder located within the coffee machine body and delivered directly to the brewing chamber of the coffee brewing device, or it can be ground by a grinder located within the coffee machine body and added indirectly to the brewing chamber of the coffee brewing device. The coffee powder is compressed within the brewing chamber, and hot water is added to the brewing chamber to produce a coffee beverage. The brewed coffee powder becomes coffee grounds and is discharged from the brewing chamber.

[0054] The coffee grounds drying device 100 includes a grounds box 110 and a drying device. The grounds box 110 has an opening 111 at its top end. The grounds box receives coffee grounds 300 discharged from the brewing chamber through the opening 111. The drying device dries the coffee grounds in the grounds box to prevent them from becoming moldy or hairy.

[0055] In addition, the drying device is fixed inside the machine body 200, and the powder grounds box 110 is movable and can be taken out of the machine body to clean the coffee grounds. In this embodiment, the coffee machine includes a tray 210 with a return water box 211 for placing the container. The tray 210 is connected to the powder grounds box 110 so that the two can be Figure 4 As shown, they are taken out from the body 200 together. In order to clean the powder residue box and the return water box together.

[0056] The body 200 is provided with an air vent 201 for ventilation to the outside of the body and serves as an air inlet and an air outlet of the fan when a fan is configured as described below.

[0057] In this embodiment, the drying device is a blowing device 121, which is located above the powder grounds box 110 and is configured to blow air into the powder grounds box. Accordingly, after the coffee grounds are discharged into the powder grounds box, the blowing device can be activated to dry the coffee grounds.

[0058] In particular, the blowing device 121 includes a fan 1211. The fan can provide an appropriate airflow rate. For example, in the initial stage of the fan blowing, the fan provides a high-speed airflow to quickly dry the coffee grounds. In the middle and later stages of the fan blowing, the fan provides a low-speed airflow to prevent excessive airflow from causing dust to form on the dried or nearly dried coffee grounds. Fan 1211 is a bidirectional fan. It can blow air toward the coffee grounds and also be used to exhaust moisture above the grounds box to the outside of the machine, thereby reducing the humidity inside the machine and delaying mold and hair growth. Moreover, fan 1211 faces the air vent 201 of the machine. When blowing air toward the coffee grounds, air vent 201 serves as the fan's air inlet, and when exhausting air to the outside of the machine, air vent 201 serves as the fan's air outlet.

[0059] like Figure 5-6 As shown, the blowing device 121 includes an air guide member 1212, which has a connected air inlet channel 1213 and a downward-facing air outlet 1214. The fan 1211 is configured to blow air from the end of the air inlet channel 1213 into the air inlet channel. Accordingly, the air guide member and the fan can be arranged in a suitable position to avoid obstructing the coffee grounds discharged from the brewing chamber from falling into the powder grounds box. The air guide member 1212 is in the shape of an elongated strip and arranged horizontally, the air inlet channel 1213 is in the shape of a horizontal blind hole, and the air outlet 1214 is multiple and arranged in a row. Accordingly, the coverage area of ​​the airflow is increased, and the coffee grounds in the powder grounds box can be blown and dried over a large area. The coffee grounds are dried in all directions.

[0060] Furthermore, the blowing device 121 is provided with a heating device for heating the airflow. This is used to increase the temperature of the airflow. A higher temperature is more conducive to the evaporation of moisture, thereby increasing the efficiency of the airflow in drying the coffee grounds. In this embodiment, the heating device is embodied as a heating device 1215 provided on the air-guiding member, which is used to transfer heat to the air-guiding member, and the air-guiding member heats the airflow passing through the air inlet and the air outlet. In particular, the heating device 1215 is an electric heating tube embedded in the air-guiding member, which has a compact structure, a small size, and occupies a small space. In other embodiments, the heating device 1215 may be an electric heating plate attached to the surface of the air-guiding member, that is, the electric heating tube embedded in the air-guiding member is replaced by the electric heating plate attached to the surface of the air-guiding member.

[0061] In other embodiments, the heating device may be a heater arranged on the air flow path, such as a positive temperature coefficient thermistor (PTC) heater equipped with a heat sink. When the air flow passes through the heater, the heat radiated from the heat sink is heated to form a hot air flow. The air flow is fully heated by the heater, thereby increasing the temperature of the air flow.

[0062] In addition, since the coffee machine itself has a heating system, the heating device can use the coffee machine's own heating system to dry the coffee grounds.

[0063] Furthermore, an ultraviolet sterilization device, such as an ultraviolet sterilization lamp, is configured in the fuselage to sterilize the internal environment of the fuselage and ensure that the internal environment of the fuselage is clean.

[0064] Example 2

[0065] like Figure 7-8 As shown, this coffee machine differs from Example 1 solely in its drying mechanism. In addition to the blowing mechanism 121 of Example 1, this embodiment also includes a heating mechanism 122. This heating mechanism 122 can be implemented as the aforementioned electric heating tube, a positive temperature coefficient thermistor heater, or the coffee machine's own heating system. The grounds container 110 is made of a thermally conductive material, such as aluminum. The heating mechanism 122 is fixed to the bottom of the machine body 200, located below the grounds container 110, to heat the container. The heating mechanism transfers heat to the grounds container, which then heats the coffee grounds in all directions, rapidly evaporating the moisture within. This also heats and evaporates waste water or waste coffee liquid at the bottom of the container. This heating mechanism 122 operates silently, thus reducing operating noise. Furthermore, it generates no airflow, preventing the generation of dust from the dried coffee grounds.

[0066] The remaining structures are the same as those in Example 1 and will not be described in detail.

[0067] In other embodiments, the drying device may omit the blowing device in embodiment 1 and only be equipped with the heating device in this embodiment.

[0068] Example 3

[0069] like Figure 9As shown, this coffee machine differs from Example 1 solely in the coffee grounds drying device. In this embodiment, the drying device is a heat radiator 123, located above the grounds container and configured to radiate heat toward the container 110. This allows the heat radiator to heat the coffee grounds in a targeted manner, minimizing the transfer of radiant heat to surrounding structures. This heat radiator operates silently, thus reducing operating noise. Furthermore, it generates no airflow, preventing the generation of dust from the dried coffee grounds.

[0070] The remaining structures are the same as those in Example 1 and will not be described in detail.

Claims

1. Coffee powder drying device, characterized by include: A coffee grounds box (110) for containing coffee grounds, wherein an opening (111) is provided at an upper end of the coffee grounds box; A drying device, which provides a drying means for the coffee grounds (300) in the grounds box (110); The drying device is a blowing device (121), and the blowing device (121) is located above the powder-residue box (110) and is configured to blow air into the powder-residue box; The blowing device (121) comprises a fan (1211) and an air guide component (1212), wherein the air guide component has a connected air inlet channel (1213) and a downward air outlet (1214), and the fan (1211) is configured to blow air from the port of the air inlet channel (1213) toward the air inlet channel.

2. The coffee powder drying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fan (1211) is a bidirectional fan.

3. The coffee grounds drying device according to claim 1, wherein: The air guide member (1212) is in the shape of an elongated strip and is arranged transversely, the air inlet channel (1213) is in the shape of a transverse blind hole, and the air outlets (1214) are multiple and arranged in a row.

4. The coffee powder drying device according to claim 1, wherein: The blowing device (121) is provided with a heating device for heating the air flow.

5. The coffee grounds drying device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heating device is a heater arranged on the air flow path.

6. The coffee grounds drying device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: A heating device (1215) is configured for the air guide component (1212), and the air guide component heats the airflow flowing through the air inlet channel and the air outlet.

7. The coffee powder drying device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The heating device (1215) is an electric heating pipe embedded in the air guide component or an electric heating plate attached to the surface of the air guide component.

8. The coffee grounds drying device according to claim 1, wherein: The drying device is a heating device (122), the powder residue box (110) is made of a heat-conducting material, and the heating device (122) is located on the lower side of the powder residue box (110) and is used to heat the powder residue box.

9. The coffee grounds drying device according to claim 1, wherein: The drying device is a heat radiation device (123), which is located above the powder-residue box (110) and is configured to provide heat radiation to the powder-residue box.

10. The coffee grounds drying device according to claim 1, 8 or 9, characterized in that: The drying device is fixedly configured, and the powder residue box (110) is movably configured.

11. Coffee machine, characterized by include: fuselage (200); A coffee brewing device, located inside the machine body, is used to brew coffee powder and discharge the brewed coffee grounds; The coffee grounds drying device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the grounds box (110) receives the coffee grounds (300) discharged from the coffee brewing device and the drying device provides drying means for the coffee grounds in the grounds box to dry the coffee grounds.

12. The coffee machine according to claim 11, wherein: The heating device is fixed to the machine body, and the powder residue box (110) is movable and configured to be taken out from the machine body.

13. The coffee machine according to claim 12, wherein: The coffee machine comprises a tray (210) with a water return box (211) for placing a container, and the tray (210) is connected to the powder and grounds box (110) so that the two can be taken out of the machine body together.

14. The coffee machine according to claim 11, wherein: The fuselage is provided with an air outlet (201).

15. The coffee machine according to claim 11, wherein: The machine body is equipped with an ultraviolet sterilizer.

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