Durable coffee extraction cylinder structure and coffee machine

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of coffee extraction, and provides a durable coffee extraction barrel structure and a coffee maker, the durable coffee extraction barrel structure comprises a shell, and an extraction cavity is arranged in the shell; the metal sleeve is arranged in the extraction cavity; the piston is slidably arranged in the metal sleeve; wherein the axial length of the metal sleeve covers the full-stroke sliding area of the piston. According to the technical scheme, the metal sleeve is additionally arranged in the shell, and the piston is matched with the inner wall of the metal sleeve, so that the piston sealing ring is prevented from being directly rubbed with the inner wall of the cavity of the brewing head, the abrasion of the inner wall of the cavity is effectively reduced, and the durability of the whole extraction structure is improved. The technical problem that in the prior art, the inner wall of an extraction cavity of a coffee machine is prone to abrasion is solved, in addition, by means of the excellent heat conductivity of metal and the additional attaching electric heating of the cylinder wall, the heat preservation performance in the coffee extraction process is improved, the coffee outlet temperature is increased, and customers (consumers) can obtain the best taste.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this utility model relate to the field of coffee extraction technology, specifically to a durable coffee extraction cylinder structure and a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] In the current coffee machine technology field, coffee extraction systems typically rely on the reciprocating sliding of a piston within the extraction chamber to compact and extract the coffee grounds. This type of structure applies pressure to the coffee grounds bed through the linear motion of the piston, while utilizing a sealing ring on the outer periphery of the piston to form a sealed space with the inner wall of the extraction chamber to ensure stable pressure during the extraction process.

[0003] However, in this type of traditional extraction structure, the piston needs to slide back and forth during each extraction, resulting in continuous frictional wear between the sealing ring and the inner wall of the extraction chamber. After long-term use, scratches, grooves, and other wear marks easily appear on the inner wall of the extraction chamber, leading to a decrease in the surface precision of the inner wall, an increase in the sealing gap, and consequently, problems such as extraction pressure leakage and unstable coffee flow rate. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the above-mentioned defects, embodiments of this utility model provide a durable coffee extraction cylinder structure and coffee machine, which solves the technical problem that the inner wall of the extraction chamber of the coffee machine is easily worn, resulting in a short lifespan of the coffee machine.

[0005] According to one aspect, at least one embodiment of the present invention provides a durable coffee extraction cylinder structure, comprising:

[0006] A housing, wherein an extraction chamber is provided within the housing;

[0007] A metal sleeve is disposed inside the extraction chamber;

[0008] A piston, which is slidably disposed within the metal sleeve;

[0009] The axial length of the metal sleeve covers the entire sliding area of ​​the piston.

[0010] For example, in a durable coffee extraction cylinder structure provided in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the housing is further provided with a preheating device, which abuts against the outer peripheral wall of the metal sleeve and is used to raise the temperature of the metal sleeve.

[0011] For example, in a durable coffee extraction cylinder structure provided in at least one embodiment of the present invention, a heat-conducting layer is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the metal sleeve, and the heat-conducting layer is in close contact with the heating surface of the preheating device so as to achieve uniform preheating of the metal sleeve through the heat-conducting layer.

[0012] For example, in a durable coffee extraction cylinder structure provided by at least one embodiment of the present invention, the heat-conducting layer is a sleeve component with an opening, the inner diameter of which is smaller than the outer diameter of the metal sleeve, and the heat-conducting layer is elastically deformed and fitted onto the outer periphery of the metal sleeve.

[0013] For example, in a durable coffee extraction cylinder structure provided in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the areas of the openings are staggered relative to the heating surface of the preheating device.

[0014] For example, in a durable coffee extraction cylinder structure provided in at least one embodiment of this utility model, the connection between the preheating device and the external power supply adopts a magnetic electrical connection component.

[0015] For example, in a durable coffee extraction cylinder structure provided in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the metal sleeve is a wear-resistant metal component, and the heat-conducting layer is an aluminum alloy or copper alloy component.

[0016] For example, in a durable coffee extraction cylinder structure provided in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the wall thickness of the heat-conducting layer is 0.5-3mm.

[0017] For example, in a durable coffee extraction cylinder structure provided in at least one embodiment of this utility model, the preheating device includes:

[0018] A temperature sensor is embedded inside the housing and abuts against the heat-conducting layer, used to detect the temperature of the metal sleeve;

[0019] A temperature control module is electrically connected to the temperature sensor and abuts against the heat-conducting layer, and the temperature control module is used to control the temperature of the heat-conducting layer.

[0020] According to another aspect, at least one embodiment of the present invention also provides a coffee machine, including a durable coffee extraction cylinder structure.

[0021] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this utility model are as follows:

[0022] In this invention, a metal sleeve is added inside the housing, and the piston mates with the inner wall of the metal sleeve. This avoids direct friction between the piston sealing ring and the inner wall of the extraction chamber, effectively reducing wear on the inner wall of the chamber and improving the durability of the entire extraction structure. Simultaneously, the sealing connection between the metal sleeve and the inner wall of the chamber, as well as the dynamic sealing fit between the piston sealing ring and the inner wall of the metal sleeve, ensures stable pressure during the extraction process, thus improving the quality of coffee extraction. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some exemplary embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the exemplary embodiments of this utility model and these drawings without any creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a coffee machine according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of a coffee machine in one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a durable coffee extraction cylinder in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Another structural diagram of the durable coffee extraction cylinder structure in the embodiment;

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 4 The embodiment shows a schematic diagram of the metal sleeve, heat-conducting layer, and magnetic electrical connection assembly of the durable coffee extraction cylinder structure.

[0030] In the diagram: 1. Shell, 2. Extraction chamber, 3. Metal sleeve, 4. Piston, 5. Sealing ring, 6. Preheating device, 7. Heat-conducting layer, 71. Opening, 8. Magnetic electrical connection assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit its scope.

[0032] To keep the drawings concise, each drawing only schematically shows the parts relevant to the disclosure; these do not represent the actual structure of the product. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, in some drawings, only one of components with the same structure or function is schematically shown, or only one is labeled. In this document, "one" not only means "only one," but can also mean "more than one," and "several" includes "two" and "more than two."

[0033] In this document, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0035] In the description of this embodiment, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0036] Furthermore, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0037] like Figures 1-4 The diagram illustrates a durable coffee extraction cylinder structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a housing 1, a metal sleeve 3, and a piston 4. The housing 1 is a hollow cylindrical shape with an extraction chamber 2 extending vertically inside. This chamber extends through both ends of the housing 1, forming openings 71. A filter screen is installed at the upper opening 71 of the extraction chamber 2. The filter screen is detachably installed via a snap-fit ​​structure. An annular protrusion is provided on the outer periphery of the filter screen, and a corresponding annular groove is provided on the inner wall of the upper end of the extraction chamber 2. The annular protrusion and groove of the filter screen cooperate to fix and remove the filter screen. Multiple through holes for discharging the extracted liquid are distributed on the surface of the filter screen.

[0038] The metal sleeve 3 has two installation methods: In the first method, during the injection molding of the housing 1, the metal sleeve 3 is directly embedded into the corresponding position in the mold, allowing it to be directly injected into the housing 1 during injection molding. The outer wall of the metal sleeve 3 is integrally formed with the inner wall of the extraction chamber 2, creating an interference fit seal. The second method is a detachable installation. The outer wall of the metal sleeve 3 has external threads, and the inner wall of the extraction chamber 2 has corresponding internal threads. The metal sleeve 3 is installed in the extraction chamber 2 by screwing on the threads. A sealing ring is placed at the threaded connection to achieve a sealed connection. Simultaneously, the annular limiting flange on the outer wall of the metal sleeve 3 abuts against the limiting step surface on the inner wall of the chamber to prevent axial movement of the sleeve. Regardless of the installation method, the axial length of the metal sleeve 3 covers the entire sliding area of ​​the piston 4.

[0039] The piston 4 is cylindrical and can slide axially within the metal sleeve 3 along the extraction chamber 2. A sealing ring 5 mounting groove is formed around the center of the piston's outer circumference. The sealing ring 5 is embedded in this groove and protrudes outward, forming a dynamic seal with the inner wall of the metal sleeve 3. A drive mechanism is connected to the lower end of the piston, which can move the piston up and down within the sleeve to compact the coffee powder and apply pressure during the extraction process. When the piston slides upward, its upper surface compresses the coffee powder bed, and the sealing ring 5 moves with the piston, rubbing against the inner wall of the sleeve to form a sealed space. When the piston slides upward, the extract is discharged through the filter under pressure.

[0040] In traditional coffee extraction structures, the piston 4 slides back and forth within the extraction chamber 2, causing easy wear on the inner wall of the chamber, affecting sealing performance and the lifespan of the coffee machine. This design adds a metal sleeve 3, which engages with the inner wall of the piston, preventing the piston sealing ring 5 from directly rubbing against the inner wall of the extraction chamber 2. This effectively reduces wear on the inner wall of the chamber and improves the durability of the entire extraction structure. Simultaneously, the sealing connection between the metal sleeve 3 and the inner wall of the chamber, as well as the dynamic sealing engagement between the piston sealing ring 5 and the inner wall of the metal sleeve 3, ensures stable pressure during extraction, improving the quality of coffee extraction.

[0041] In this durable coffee extraction cylinder structure, the filter is installed at the upper end of the extraction chamber 2 using a detachable snap-fit ​​method. Compared to the traditional bottom-fixed method, this makes it easier to clean and replace the filter, reducing the impact of coffee residue on extraction quality and simplifying maintenance procedures. The metal sleeve 3 offers two installation methods for flexible use and maintenance. The injection-molded one-piece installation method ensures a tight fit between the metal sleeve 3 and the housing 1, resulting in high structural stability and effectively preventing loosening of the sleeve due to long-term use, which could affect sealing performance. The detachable threaded installation method allows for quick removal and replacement of the sleeve when the inner wall of the metal sleeve 3 wears down, without needing to replace the entire housing 1, significantly reducing maintenance costs and repair time.

[0042] like Figures 4-6As shown, a preheating device 6 is installed inside the housing 1. The preheating device 6 is an electric heating element, which is rectangular or annular and fits tightly against the outer peripheral wall of the metal sleeve 3. The electric heating element is connected to an external power source via a wire. When the power is turned on, the electric heating element generates heat and transfers it to the metal sleeve 3, thereby raising the temperature of the metal sleeve 3. The electric heating element is embedded in an annular groove inside the housing 1. The groove is adapted to the shape of the electric heating element to ensure full contact between the electric heating element and the outer peripheral wall of the metal sleeve 3.

[0043] Because the metal sleeve 3 has a certain heat capacity, after adding a fixed amount of hot water during the extraction process, some of the heat from the first cup of extract will be absorbed by the metal sleeve 3, causing the extract to not reach the required temperature. Adding too much hot water to maintain the temperature will reduce the concentration of the first cup of extract. Adding a preheating device 6 to preheat the metal sleeve 3 increases its initial temperature and reduces the amount of heat absorbed by the sleeve during extraction, thus ensuring that the temperature and concentration of the first cup of extract meet the standards and improving the quality of the coffee extraction.

[0044] By utilizing the excellent thermal conductivity of metal, an electric heater is added to the cylinder wall, improving the heat retention during the coffee extraction process and increasing the coffee's output temperature, thus providing customers (consumers) with the best possible taste. At the same time, a stable temperature environment reduces the impact of temperature variations on extraction pressure and coffee flow rate, further enhancing the stability of the extraction process.

[0045] like Figures 4-6 As shown, a heat-conducting layer 7 is fitted onto the outer periphery of the metal sleeve 3. The heat-conducting layer 7 is an annular sleeve made of aluminum alloy. The inner wall of the heat-conducting layer 7 is tightly fitted to the outer wall of the metal sleeve 3, and its outer wall is in close contact with the heating surface of the preheating device 6. The axial length of the heat-conducting layer 7 is basically the same as that of the metal sleeve 3 to ensure that it can cover the entire heating area. During installation, the heat-conducting layer 7 is first fitted onto the metal sleeve 3, and then they are integrally injection molded or installed into the housing 1, so that the heat-conducting layer 7 is fully fitted with the heating surface of the preheating device 6.

[0046] The heat-conducting layer 7 allows the heat generated by the preheating device 6 to be transferred more evenly to the metal sleeve 3. The aluminum alloy material has excellent thermal conductivity, enabling it to quickly distribute heat across the entire surface of the metal sleeve 3, preventing localized overheating or undercooling. This ensures a more uniform temperature in the metal sleeve 3 during extraction, thereby improving the consistency and stability of coffee extraction.

[0047] like Figures 4-6As shown, the heat-conducting layer 7 is a sleeve component with an opening 71, the inner diameter of which is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the metal sleeve 3. During installation, an external force causes the heat-conducting layer 7 to undergo elastic deformation, opening its opening 71, and then it is fitted onto the outer circumference of the metal sleeve 3. When the external force is removed, the heat-conducting layer 7 returns to its elasticity, forming an interference fit with the metal sleeve 3. The width of the opening 71 is moderate, ensuring both easy opening during installation and maintaining a good fit after installation.

[0048] The design of this elastic heat-conducting layer 7 with an opening 71 makes the installation process more convenient and quick. The interference fit ensures a tight contact between the heat-conducting layer 7 and the metal sleeve 3, which is conducive to efficient heat transfer. At the same time, the elastic deformation characteristics allow the heat-conducting layer 7 to adapt to the expansion and contraction of the metal sleeve 3 at different temperatures, avoiding poor contact problems caused by thermal expansion and contraction, and further improving the heat conduction effect.

[0049] like Figures 4-6 As shown, when installing the heat-conducting layer 7 and the preheating device 6, ensure that the area of ​​the opening 71 of the heat-conducting layer 7 does not overlap with the heating surface of the preheating device 6. By reasonably arranging the installation position and structure within the housing 1, the opening 71 of the heat-conducting layer 7 is positioned on the side away from the heating surface of the preheating device 6, avoiding direct contact between the heating surface and the opening 71.

[0050] If the opening 71 of the heat-conducting layer 7 faces the preheating device 6, the contact area between the heating surface and the heat-conducting layer 7 will be reduced, affecting the heat transfer effect. By avoiding the preheating device 6, the limited heating area of ​​the preheating device 6 can be fully in contact with the heat-conducting layer 7, allowing heat to be transferred to the metal sleeve 3 more effectively, further improving the preheating effect and the quality of coffee extraction.

[0051] like Figures 4-6 As shown, the preheating device 6 is connected to an external power source using a magnetic electrical connection assembly 8. The magnetic electrical connection assembly 8 includes a magnetic plug mounted on the preheating device 6 and a magnetic socket mounted on the housing 1 that connects to the external power source. When the two are close together, they automatically attract each other, thus connecting the circuit.

[0052] Traditional plug-in electrical connections can leave liquid residue in the slots during cleaning, posing a risk to subsequent connections. Magnetic electrical connections eliminate the slots, avoiding liquid residue issues and allowing the entire device to be washed, thus improving cleaning convenience and safety.

[0053] like Figures 4-6 As shown, the metal sleeve 3 is made of wear-resistant metal components, such as stainless steel, which has high hardness and wear resistance and can withstand long-term friction of the piston 4 and sealing ring 5. The heat-conducting layer 7 is made of aluminum alloy or copper alloy components, both of which have good thermal conductivity.

[0054] The wear-resistant properties of the metal sleeve 3 ensure that its inner wall is not easily worn during long-term use, extending the service life of the metal sleeve 3 and thus improving the durability of the entire coffee extraction cylinder structure. The heat-conducting layer 7 is made of aluminum alloy or copper alloy, which can quickly and efficiently transfer heat, ensuring the temperature uniformity of the metal sleeve 3, thereby improving the quality and stability of coffee extraction.

[0055] like Figures 4-6 As shown, the wall thickness of the heat-conducting layer 7 is designed to be between 0.5 and 2 mm. In actual manufacturing, the appropriate wall thickness value is selected based on the size of the metal sleeve 3, the power of the preheating device 6, and the specific requirements of coffee extraction. For example, a thinner wall thickness can be selected for a smaller metal sleeve 3 and a lower-power preheating device 6; while a thicker wall thickness can be selected for a larger metal sleeve 3 and a higher-power preheating device 6.

[0056] A suitable wall thickness ensures effective thermal conductivity while balancing the structural strength and cost of the thermally conductive layer 7. If the wall thickness is too thin, the thermally conductive layer 7 may lack structural strength and be easily damaged; if the wall thickness is too thick, it will increase the resistance to heat transfer and affect thermal conductivity. Controlling the wall thickness between 0.5-2 mm achieves the optimal balance between thermal conductivity and structural strength.

[0057] like Figures 4-6 As shown, the preheating device 6 includes a temperature sensor and a temperature control module. The temperature sensor is embedded in the housing 1, and its probe abuts against the heat-conducting layer 7, enabling it to detect the temperature of the heat-conducting layer 7 in real time, thereby indirectly reflecting the temperature of the metal sleeve 3. The temperature control module is electrically connected to the temperature sensor and also abuts against the heat-conducting layer 7. The temperature control module contains a control circuit and a heating element. Based on the temperature signal fed back by the temperature sensor, it controls the working state of the heating element to achieve precise control of the temperature of the heat-conducting layer 7. When the temperature is lower than the set value, the temperature control module starts the heating element to heat; when the temperature reaches the set value, the temperature control module stops heating to maintain a stable temperature.

[0058] The temperature sensor and temperature control module enable the preheating device 6 to precisely control the temperature of the metal sleeve 3. Precise temperature control ensures that the coffee extraction process is always conducted within a suitable temperature environment, further improving the quality and stability of the coffee extraction. At the same time, it avoids the adverse effects of excessively high or low temperatures on the coffee flavor.

[0059] like Figures 1-3As shown, this illustrates a coffee machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, employing a durable coffee extraction cylinder structure. This extraction cylinder structure is installed within the main frame of the coffee machine and connected and integrated with other components such as the water pump, water tank, and control board. The control board controls the movement of the piston 4, the operation of the preheating device 6, and the water supply from the water pump, achieving automated control of the entire coffee extraction process.

[0060] This coffee machine features a durable coffee extraction cylinder structure, resulting in a longer lifespan and higher coffee extraction quality. The wear-resistant design of the metal sleeve 3 and the precise temperature control of the preheating device 6 ensure stable performance during long-term use, reducing the probability of malfunctions. Simultaneously, the excellent coffee extraction quality provides users with better-tasting and more flavorful coffee beverages, enhancing the user experience.

[0061] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A durable coffee extraction cylinder structure, characterized in that, include: The housing (1) has an extraction chamber (2) inside it. A metal sleeve (3) is disposed inside the extraction chamber (2); Piston (4), which is slidably disposed inside the metal sleeve (3); The axial length of the metal sleeve (3) covers the entire sliding area of ​​the piston (4).

2. The durable coffee extraction cylinder structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) also has a preheating device (6), which abuts against the outer peripheral wall of the metal sleeve (3) to raise the temperature of the metal sleeve (3).

3. The durable coffee extraction cylinder structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, A heat-conducting layer (7) is fitted on the outer peripheral wall of the metal sleeve (3). The heat-conducting layer (7) is in close contact with the heating surface of the preheating device (6) so as to achieve uniform preheating of the metal sleeve (3) through the heat-conducting layer (7).

4. The durable coffee extraction cylinder structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heat-conducting layer (7) is a sleeve component with an opening (71), the inner diameter of which is smaller than the outer diameter of the metal sleeve (3). The heat-conducting layer (7) is fitted onto the outer periphery of the metal sleeve (3) through elastic deformation and adheres to it.

5. The durable coffee extraction cylinder structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The area of ​​the opening (71) is staggered relative to the heating surface of the preheating device (6).

6. The durable coffee extraction cylinder structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The preheating device (6) is connected to the external power source using a magnetic electrical connection assembly (8).

7. The durable coffee extraction cylinder structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The metal sleeve (3) is a wear-resistant metal component, and the heat-conducting layer (7) is an aluminum alloy or copper alloy component.

8. The durable coffee extraction cylinder structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the heat-conducting layer (7) is 0.5-3mm.

9. The durable coffee extraction cylinder structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The preheating device (6) includes: A temperature sensor is embedded inside the housing (1) and abuts against the heat-conducting layer (7) to detect the temperature of the metal sleeve (3); A temperature control module is electrically connected to the temperature sensor and abuts against the heat-conducting layer (7). The temperature control module is used to control the temperature of the heat-conducting layer (7).

10. A coffee machine, characterized in that, Includes the durable coffee extraction cylinder structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

Images