Locking and safety pressure relief systems and coffee machines

Abstract

This application provides a locking and safety pressure relief system and a coffee machine. The locking and safety pressure relief system includes: a pressure relief assembly disposed on a funnel holder of the coffee machine; a locking member rotatably disposed on the funnel holder, having a locking part that interacts with the funnel on the funnel holder and a pushing part that interacts with the pressure relief assembly; and a control member for controlling the rotation of the locking member to switch between a first state and a second state. When the locking member is in the first state, the pushing part pushes against the pressure relief assembly, causing the pressure relief assembly to be in an open state that releases pressure from the brewing chamber of the funnel, and the locking part releases the locking of the funnel. When the locking member is in the second state, the pushing part removes its push against the pressure relief assembly, causing the pressure relief assembly to be in a closed state that maintains pressure in the brewing chamber, and the locking part locks the funnel onto the funnel holder. This application links the locking and pressure relief of the funnel, ensuring that the funnel can only be removed from the funnel holder after the coffee is brewed and the pressure is released, thus guaranteeing safety during use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of coffee machine technology, and particularly relates to a locking and safety pressure relief system and a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] Existing coffee machines that use a heating element to heat water and then pass it under appropriate pressure through a funnel to brew coffee generally lack dedicated pressure relief and electromagnetic pump systems due to their low cost. This means that the pressure generated by the heating element during coffee brewing cannot be released quickly enough after brewing, leaving residual pressure. Furthermore, the funnel lacks a dedicated securing device, allowing it to be easily unscrewed after being attached to its holder. Consequently, if the user removes the funnel after brewing without prior pressure relief, the high-temperature coffee grounds inside can suddenly burst out, scalding the user and causing injury. Therefore, this poses a significant safety hazard. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this application embodiment is to provide a locking and safety pressure relief system, which can realize the locking or releasing of the funnel and the pressure holding or depressurization of the funnel in a linked manner, so as to ensure that the funnel can only be removed from the funnel support when it is in a depressurized state.

[0004] The technical solution adopted in this application embodiment is a locking and safety pressure relief system for use in a coffee machine, wherein the locking and safety pressure relief system includes:

[0005] A pressure relief assembly is provided on the funnel support of the coffee machine;

[0006] A locking member, which is rotatably mounted on the funnel support, and has a locking part for interacting with the funnel on the funnel support and a pushing part for interacting with the pressure relief assembly;

[0007] A control element, disposed on the upper housing of the coffee machine, is used to control the rotation of the locking element to switch the locking element between a first state and a second state. When the locking element is in the first state, the pushing part pushes against the pressure relief assembly, so that the pressure relief assembly is in an open state to relieve pressure on the brewing chamber of the funnel, and the locking part releases the locking of the funnel. When the locking element is in the second state, the pushing part removes its pushing against the pressure relief assembly, so that the pressure relief assembly is in a closed state to maintain pressure on the brewing chamber, and the locking part locks the funnel onto the funnel support.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, the pressure relief assembly includes a pressure relief valve and a pressure relief pipe;

[0009] The pressure relief valve includes:

[0010] The valve body has a pressure relief channel inside. The valve body is provided with a first valve port and a second valve port that communicate with the pressure relief channel. The first valve port is connected to the brewing chamber, and the second valve port is connected to the pressure relief pipe.

[0011] A valve needle is disposed in the pressure relief channel. The first end of the valve needle extends out of the pressure relief channel and is opposite to the pusher. The pusher is used to push the valve needle to move in a first direction so that the valve needle opens the second valve port.

[0012] A reset element acts on the valve needle to push the valve needle to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction, so that the valve needle closes the second valve port. The pressure relief assembly has a simple and reasonable structure and is easy to use.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the valve body is tubular, and the cavity of the valve body forms the pressure relief channel. The pressure relief channel includes a first portion near a first end in the axial direction of the valve body and a second portion near a second end in the axial direction of the valve body. The first valve port communicates with the first portion, and the second valve port communicates with the second portion. The first end of the valve needle extends from the end of the second portion away from the first portion. The first portion and the second portion are connected and form a step at their connection. The valve needle is provided with a first sealing element. When the locking element is in the second state, and the valve needle moves in the second direction under the action of the reset element, the first sealing element presses against the step to cut off the communication between the first portion and the second portion, thereby closing the second valve port. The first sealing element is used to achieve the connection or disconnection between the two parts of the pressure relief channel, resulting in a simple structure, convenient implementation, and excellent sealing performance.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the first valve port is located on the periphery of the valve body and connected to the water inlet on the funnel support; the first end of the valve body has a connection port communicating with the first part, and a water inlet is connected to the connection port. Water is supplied to the brewing chamber of the funnel through the water inlet and sequentially through the first part of the pressure relief channel, the first valve port, and the water inlet. Directly connecting the first valve port of the pressure relief valve to the water inlet of the funnel support simplifies the structure.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the second end of the valve body is provided with a through hole communicating with the second part, the first end of the valve needle extends out of the through hole, and the valve needle is also provided with a second sealing element. The second sealing element is used to seal the valve needle and the through hole when the valve needle closes the second valve port. By setting the second sealing element, pressure can be maintained so that the pressure in the brewing chamber of the funnel reaches the requirements for brewing coffee.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the lower middle portion of the locking member is hinged to the outside of the funnel support, and the upper portion of the locking member is bent toward the pressure relief valve to form a pushing portion, the pushing portion having a pushing surface facing the first end of the valve needle; and / or

[0017] The lower part of the locking component has a buckle, which forms the locking part. When the funnel is installed on the funnel support, the buckle engages with the slot of the funnel. The locking component has a reasonable structure, which facilitates interaction with both the valve needle and the funnel.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, the pushing part further has a pressing surface that is opposite to the pushing surface;

[0019] The control element includes a button, one end of which acts on the pressing surface of the pusher portion. When the button is pressed, the button pushes the pusher portion toward the valve needle via the pressing surface, and the pusher surface pushes the valve needle toward the first direction to open the second valve port and release pressure from the brewing chamber. Designing the control element as a button makes operation convenient and provides precise control.

[0020] This application also provides a coffee machine, including a main unit, a heating pot disposed in the main unit, a funnel support disposed on the main unit, and a funnel detachably disposed on the funnel support. The coffee machine also includes a locking and safety pressure relief system as described in any of the above embodiments, the locking and safety pressure relief system being disposed on the funnel support.

[0021] In an optional embodiment, a buckle is provided on the outer periphery of the upper end of the funnel. The funnel is screwed onto the funnel support via the buckle. The buckle has a slot that extends to both the upper end face and the peripheral side face of the buckle, forming a structure with an upper opening and a side opening. The locking part of the locking member is engaged into the slot from the side of the funnel through the side opening. By providing a slot with a side opening on the buckle, it is easy for the locking part of the locking member to enter the slot, making the locking action smooth.

[0022] In an optional embodiment, the heating pot is connected to a water outlet, which is connected to a water inlet via a water inlet pipe. The water inlet is connected to a water inlet on the funnel support via the pressure relief assembly, so that the high-temperature and high-pressure hot water from the heating pot flows into the funnel through the pressure relief valve to achieve the purpose of making coffee.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application are as follows: This application can lock the funnel on the funnel support, so as to prevent the user from forcibly disassembling the funnel when it is not completely depressurized, which could cause powder explosion and injure the user.

[0024] This application can link the unlocking and pressure relief of the funnel. When the locking part of the locking component disengages from the funnel and the funnel is released from its lock, the pressure relief component performs a pressure relief action on the funnel. This can release at least the pressure remaining in the funnel to the outside of the product through the pressure relief pipe, making it safer and more reliable to use and avoiding residual pressure from harming the user.

[0025] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative only, and are not intended to limit this application.

[0026] The overview of various implementations or examples of the technology described in this application is not a full disclosure of the entire scope or all features of the disclosed technology. Attached Figure Description

[0027] In drawings that are not necessarily drawn to scale, the same reference numerals may describe similar parts in different views. The drawings generally illustrate various embodiments by way of example rather than limitation and, together with the description and claims, serve to illustrate the claimed embodiments. Where appropriate, the same reference numerals are used in all drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the locking and safety pressure relief system of this application applied to a coffee machine.

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of section A.

[0030] Figure 3 An exploded view of the locking and safety pressure relief system of this application applied to a coffee machine.

[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of section B.

[0032] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the locking and safety pressure relief system of this application applied to a coffee machine; wherein the pressure relief valve is in the closed state.

[0033] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of section C.

[0034] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the locking and safety pressure relief system of this application applied to a coffee machine; wherein the pressure relief valve is in the open state.

[0035] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of section D.

[0036] Figure label:

[0037] 1-Pressure relief assembly; 11-Pressure relief valve; 111-Valve body; 112-Pressure relief passage; 113-Stepped portion; 114-First valve port; 115-Second valve port; 116-Valve needle; 117-Reset component; 118-First seal; 119-Second seal; 12-Pressure relief pipe;

[0038] 2-Locking component; 21-Locking part; 22-Pushing part;

[0039] 3-Buttons;

[0040] 4-Return spring;

[0041] 10-Main unit; 20-Function funnel support; 201-Water inlet; 30-Funnel; 301-Brewing chamber; 302-Screw buckle; 303-Card slot; 40-Water inlet; 50-Upper shell; 60-Heating pot; 70-Water outlet; 80-Water inlet pipe; 90-Coffee cup. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0044] To keep the following description of the embodiments of this application clear and concise, detailed descriptions of known functions and known components are omitted.

[0045] This application provides a locking and safety pressure relief system for use in coffee machines. Figures 1 to 8As shown, the locking and safety pressure relief system includes a pressure relief assembly 1, a locking member 2, and a control member. The pressure relief assembly 1 is mounted on the funnel support 20 of the coffee machine and is used to relieve pressure on the brewing chamber 301 of the funnel 30 mounted on the funnel support 20. The locking member 2 is rotatably mounted on the funnel support 20 and has a first state and a second state. The locking member 2 has a locking part 21 for interacting with the funnel 30 and a pushing part 22 for interacting with the pressure relief assembly 1. The control component is located on the upper housing 50 of the coffee machine and is used to control the rotation of the locking component 2, so that the locking component 2 switches between a first state and a second state. When the locking component 2 is in the first state, the pushing part 22 pushes the pressure relief component 1, so that the pressure relief component 1 is in the open state of relieving pressure on the brewing chamber 301, and the locking part 21 releases the lock on the funnel 30, so that the funnel 30 can be removed from the funnel support 20. When the locking component 2 is in the second state, the pushing part 22 removes the push on the pressure relief component 1, so that the pressure relief component 1 is in the closed state of maintaining pressure on the brewing chamber 301, and the locking part 21 locks the funnel 30 on the funnel support 20, so that the funnel 30 cannot be removed from the funnel support 20.

[0046] The locking and safety pressure relief system of this embodiment locks the funnel 30 to the funnel holder 20 by locking member 2 when the brewing chamber 301 of the funnel 30 is not depressurized (the pressure remaining after coffee making). This prevents the user from forcibly disassembling the funnel 30 when it is not depressurized, which could cause a coffee explosion and injure the user. Moreover, when the locking member 2 releases the lock on the funnel 30, it simultaneously triggers the pressure relief component 1 to depressurize the brewing chamber 301 of the funnel 30, releasing the pressure remaining in the funnel 30 to the outside of the product. This ensures that the funnel 30 can only be removed when its brewing chamber 301 is depressurized, preventing residual pressure from injuring the user and making the product safer and more reliable to use.

[0047] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the pressure relief assembly 1 includes a pressure relief valve 11 and a pressure relief pipe 12. The closed and open states of the pressure relief assembly 1 mentioned above specifically refer to the closed and open states of the pressure relief valve 11. Figure 6 and Figure 8As shown, the pressure relief valve 11 includes a valve body 111, a valve needle 116, and a reset member 117. The valve body 111 has a pressure relief channel 112. The valve body 111 is provided with a first valve port 114 and a second valve port 115 communicating with the pressure relief channel 112. The first valve port 114 communicates with the brewing chamber 301, and the second valve port 115 is connected to the pressure relief pipe 12, allowing the second valve port 115 to communicate with the outside environment. The valve needle 116 is located within the pressure relief channel 112. The first end of the valve needle 116 extends out of the pressure relief channel 112 and faces the pusher 22. The pusher 22 is used to push the valve needle 116 to move in a first direction, causing the valve needle 116 to open the second valve port 115. At this time, the pressure relief valve 11 is in the open state, and the residual pressure in the brewing chamber 301 of the funnel 30 will be discharged outwards through the second valve port 115 and the pressure relief pipe 12. The reset member 117 acts on the valve needle 116, pushing the valve needle 116 to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction, so that the valve needle 116 closes the second valve port 115. At this time, the pressure relief valve 11 is in the closed state, and the pressure in the brewing chamber 301 of the funnel 30 cannot be released. The brewing chamber 301 is in a pressure-holding state, which is beneficial to coffee brewing. By setting a pressure relief valve 11 that can switch between open and closed states by the cooperation of the pushing part 22 of the locking member 2 and the reset member 117, it is convenient to control the pressure relief or pressure holding of the brewing chamber 301 of the funnel 30. The structure is simple and reasonable and easy to control.

[0048] It is understandable that the specific structural form of the pressure relief valve 11 is not limited, as long as it can achieve pressure relief and pressure maintenance of the brewing chamber 301 of the funnel 30 through opening and closing. Furthermore, the connection method between the first valve port 114 of the pressure relief valve 11 and the brewing chamber 301 of the funnel 30 is not limited. For example, the funnel support 20 can be provided with a pressure relief port, and the first valve port 114 of the pressure relief valve 11 is connected to the pressure relief port. When the funnel 30 is installed on the funnel support 20, the pressure relief port is connected to the brewing chamber 301 of the funnel 30, thus achieving communication between the first valve port 114 and the brewing chamber 301 of the funnel 30 through the pressure relief port. As another example, the first valve port 114 can be directly connected to the water inlet 201 on the funnel support 20, achieving communication between the first valve port 114 and the brewing chamber 301 of the funnel 30 through the water inlet 201. This part will be described in detail below.

[0049] For example, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the valve body 111 is tubular, and the cavity of the valve body 111 forms a pressure relief channel 112, that is, the pressure relief channel 112 extends from the first end of the valve body 111 in the axial direction to its second end in the axial direction. See [reference needed]. Figure 6 and Figure 8The pressure relief channel 112 includes a first portion near the first end of the valve body 111 in the axial direction and a second portion near the second end of the valve body 111 in the axial direction. A first valve port 114 communicates with the first portion, and a second valve port 115 communicates with the second portion. The first portion and the second portion are connected and a step portion 113 is formed at the connection between them. The first end of the valve needle 116 extends from the end of the second portion away from the first portion (i.e., the second end of the valve body 111). The valve needle 116 is provided with a first sealing element 118. When the locking element 2 is in the second state, and the valve needle 116 moves in the second direction under the action of the reset element 117, the first sealing element 118 presses against the step portion 113 to cut off the communication between the first portion and the second portion. The pressure in the brewing chamber 301 of the funnel 30 cannot enter the second portion through the first valve port 114 and the first portion of the pressure relief channel 112, which is equivalent to closing the second valve port 115. At this time, the pressure relief valve 11 is in the closed state. At the same time, the locking part 21 of the locking member 2 locks the funnel 30 onto the funnel support 20, so that the material cannot be removed under pressure, thus avoiding a powder explosion accident.

[0050] By setting a stepped portion 113 between the two parts of the pressure relief channel 112 and setting a first sealing element 118 on the valve needle 116 that moves synchronously with the valve needle 116, the first sealing element 118 is used to realize the conduction or cut-off between the two parts of the pressure relief channel 112 (the so-called cut-off means separating the first part and the second part, preventing them from connecting and blocking the passage of fluid). This not only has a simple structure and is easy to implement, but also ensures the sealing performance.

[0051] The specific structure and arrangement of the reset member 117 are not limited, as long as it can apply a force to the valve needle 116 to move it in the second direction, so that the first seal 118 is tightly pressed against the step portion 113. For example, the reset member 117 may include a plurality of elastic bodies arranged circumferentially around the valve needle 116. When the pushing part 22 of the locking member 2 pushes the valve needle 116 to move in the first direction, the first seal 118 disengages from the step portion 113, and the plurality of elastic bodies are simultaneously compressed and accumulate elastic potential energy. When the pushing part 22 removes its pushing on the valve needle 116, the plurality of elastic bodies simultaneously release elastic potential energy and push the valve needle 116 to reset in the second direction until the first seal 118 is tightly pressed against the step portion 113. At this time, the pressure relief valve 11 is in the open state.

[0052] like Figure 6 and Figure 8As shown, the reset member 117 in this embodiment is a spring. One end of the spring is connected to the second end of the valve needle 116, and the other end of the spring is connected to the inner wall of the first part of the pressure relief channel 112 away from the second part, or the other end of the spring is connected to the water inlet 40 (described below) provided at the first end of the valve body 111. When the pushing part 22 of the locking member 2 pushes the valve needle 116 to move in the first direction, the first sealing member 118 disengages from the step part 113, and the spring is compressed to accumulate elastic potential energy. When the pushing part 22 removes its pushing on the valve needle 116, multiple elastic bodies release elastic potential energy simultaneously and push the valve needle 116 to reset in the second direction until the first sealing member 118 is tightly pressed against the step part 113. At this time, the pressure relief valve 11 is in the closed state.

[0053] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the first valve port 114 of the pressure relief valve 11 is located on the periphery of the valve body 111 and is connected to the water inlet 201 on the funnel support 20. The first end of the valve body 111 is provided with a connection port communicating with the first part (the connection port is not shown because it is occupied by the water inlet 40), that is, the first part extends to the first end of the valve body 111 to form a connection port. The water inlet 40 is connected to the connection port, and water is supplied to the brewing chamber 301 of the funnel 30 through the water inlet 40 and sequentially through the first part of the pressure relief channel 112, the first valve port 114, and the water inlet 201. By directly connecting the first valve port 114 of the pressure relief valve 11 to the water inlet 201 of the funnel support 20, the water inlet 201 can be used to simultaneously form a pressure relief port. This not only simplifies the structure, but also allows for pressure relief of the connected pipelines and heating pot 60 through the water inlet 40, avoiding safety hazards caused by residual pressure.

[0054] Continue to combine Figure 6 and Figure 8 The valve body 111 has a through hole at its second end that communicates with the second part (the through hole is not shown because it is occupied by the valve needle 116). The first end of the valve needle 116 extends out of the through hole and abuts against the pushing part 22 of the locking member 2. The valve needle 116 is also provided with a second sealing member 119. The second sealing member 119 is used to seal the valve needle 116 and the through hole when the valve needle 116 closes the second valve port 115, that is, when the locking member 2 is in the second state and the pressure relief valve 11 is in the closed state. See [reference needed] Figure 6 Thus, the pressure is kept constant by the tight fit between the second seal 119 and the through hole on the valve body 111, so that the pressure in the brewing chamber 301 of the funnel 30 reaches the requirements for brewing coffee.

[0055] It is understood that the specific structural form of the first sealing element 118 and the second sealing element 119 is not limited, as long as a good sealing effect can be achieved. In the embodiments of this application, the first sealing element 118 and the second sealing element 119 can both be sealing rings. The sealing rings are fixedly sleeved on the valve needle 116 and can move synchronously with the valve needle 116 to achieve the functions of sealing and releasing the seal.

[0056] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the lower middle part of the locking member 2 is hinged to the outside of the funnel support 20, and the upper part of the locking member 2 is bent toward the pressure relief valve 11 to form a pushing part 22. The pushing part 22 has a pushing surface facing the first end of the valve needle 116. The pushing surface can be a plane, which is convenient to act on the first end of the valve needle 116 and provide a stable pushing force.

[0057] Continue to combine Figure 6 and Figure 8 The lower part of the locking member 2 is provided with a buckle, which forms a locking part 21. When the funnel 30 is installed on the funnel support 20, the buckle is engaged in the slot 303 of the funnel 30. By setting the locking part 21 as a buckle and providing a slot 303 on the funnel 30, the funnel 30 can be effectively locked by the engagement of the buckle and the slot 303, so that the funnel 30 cannot be removed when locked.

[0058] The push-off portion 22 also has a pressing surface opposite to the push-off surface. For example, the locking member 2 can be formed by bending and stamping a sheet metal, so that the push-off portion 22 is formed into a long strip shape, with the two side surfaces of the strip forming a push-off surface facing the valve needle 116 and a pressing surface facing the control member, respectively. The push-off portion 22 with such a structure can easily receive the action of the control member and transmit it to the valve needle 116 to realize the opening and closing of the pressure relief valve 11.

[0059] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 and combined Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the control component includes a button 3. One end of the button 3 acts on the pressing surface of the pusher 22. When the button 3 is pressed, the button 3 pushes the pusher 22 toward the valve needle 116 through the pressing surface, and uses the pusher surface to push the valve needle 116 to move in the first direction, thereby opening the second valve port 115 to release pressure from the brewing chamber 301. Designing the control component in the form of a button 3 makes operation convenient and control precise.

[0060] Continue to combine Figure 6 and Figure 8 The button 3 is equipped with a reset spring 4. When the pressing force applied to the button 3 is removed, the button 3 returns to its initial position under the action of the reset spring 4 so that it can accept the next pressing operation.

[0061] It is understandable that, in addition to using mechanical buttons 3, the control element can also use an electronic control method to actuate the pushing part 22 of the locking element 2. The electronic control method can be, for example, using an electronically controlled push rod or an electromagnet. When energized, the electronically controlled push rod or electromagnet pushes the pushing part 22 in a first direction, and pushes the valve needle 116 in the first direction, opening the pressure relief valve 11. When de-energized, the electronically controlled push rod cancels its action on the pushing part 22, and the valve needle 116 moves in a second direction and resets under the action of the reset element 117, closing the pressure relief valve 11.

[0062] This application provides a locking element 2 on the funnel support 20 to fix the funnel 30 to the funnel support 20. At the same time, the upper part of the locking element 2 is connected to a control element. By controlling the control element, the locking element 2 is disengaged from the funnel 30. Simultaneously, the pressure relief valve 11 is activated to discharge the residual pressure through the pressure relief pipe 12, ensuring the safety of use.

[0063] This application also provides a coffee machine, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the coffee machine includes a main unit 10, an upper shell 50, a heating pot 60, a funnel support 20, a funnel 30, and a locking and safety pressure relief system as described in any of the above embodiments. The upper shell 50 is mounted on the main unit 10, the heating pot 60 is located inside the main unit 10 and connected to the water inlet 40, the funnel support 20 is located on the upper side of the main unit 10, the funnel 30 is detachably mounted on the funnel support 20, and a base connected to the main unit 10 is located below the funnel support 20. A coffee cup 90 is placed on the base, and the coffee cup 90 is located below the funnel 30 to collect the coffee liquid dripping from the funnel 30. A locking and safety relief system is provided on the funnel support 20 for locking the funnel 30 to or releasing it from the funnel support 20. The locking and safety relief system also maintains pressure in the brewing chamber 301 of the funnel 30 when the funnel 30 is locked to ensure pressure coffee making, and depressurizes the brewing chamber 301 of the funnel 30 when the funnel 30 is released so that the funnel 30 can be safely removed.

[0064] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3As shown, a buckle 302 is provided on the outer periphery of the upper end of the funnel 30. The funnel 30 is screwed onto the funnel support 20 through the buckle 302 (that is, when the funnel 30 rotates relative to the funnel support 20, the buckle 302 and the funnel support 20 are fastened together). The buckle 302 is provided with a slot 303, which extends to the upper end face and the peripheral side face of the buckle 302 respectively, to form a structure with an upper opening and a side opening. The locking part 21 (buckle) of the locking member 2 is inserted into the slot 303 from the side of the funnel 30 through the side opening. The upper opening is used to avoid the locking member 2 located above the locking part 21. By providing a slot 303 with a side opening on the thimble 302, after the funnel 30 is rotated and connected to the funnel support 20, the locking part 21 of the locking member 2 can enter the slot 303 by swinging (rotating) to lock the funnel 30, thereby restricting the rotational movement of the funnel 30 (preventing it from continuing or rotating in the opposite direction).

[0065] Continue to combine Figure 2 and Figure 4 The heating pot 60 is connected to a water outlet 70, which is connected to a water inlet 40 via a water inlet pipe 80. The water inlet 40 is connected to a water inlet 201 on a funnel support 20 via a pressure relief assembly 1, so that the high-temperature and high-pressure hot water from the heating pot 60 flows into the funnel 30 through the pressure relief valve 11 to achieve the purpose of making coffee.

[0066] The working process and principle of the coffee machine according to an embodiment of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0067] When brewing coffee, first, the funnel 30 is mounted on the funnel holder 20. At this time, the locking member 2 is in the second state, and the locking part 21 (buckle) of the locking member 2 is engaged in the slot 303 of the funnel 30, locking the funnel 30 onto the funnel holder 20. At the same time, the pushing part 22 of the locking member 2 releases its pushing on the valve needle 116. Under the action of the reset member 117, the valve needle 116 tends to move in the second direction, causing the first sealing member 118 on it to press against the step part 113, cutting off the connection between the two parts of the pressure relief channel 112. That is, the valve needle 116 closes the second valve port 115. At the same time, the second sealing member 119 is tightly fitted with the through hole of the valve body 111 to keep the pressure constant, maintaining the pressure in the brewing chamber 301 inside the funnel 30 for making coffee. See Figure 6 ;

[0068] When the coffee brewing process is complete and the funnel 30 needs to be disassembled, press button 3. Button 3 pushes the pushing part 22 of the locking member 2 towards the first end of the valve needle 116. The pushing part 22 pushes the valve needle 116 to move in the first direction, creating a gap between the first sealing member 118 and the stepped part 113. This connects the two parts of the pressure relief channel 112, which is equivalent to the valve needle 116 opening the second valve port 115. See below. Figure 8The residual pressure inside the heating pot 60 and the residual pressure inside the brewing chamber 301 of the funnel 30 both enter the pressure relief channel 112 and are released through the second valve port 115 to the pressure relief pipe 12. The pressure relief pipe 12 can be connected to the drain port of the coffee machine, releasing the pressure (including gas and water) to the outside of the coffee machine. At the same time, the latch of the locking member 2 disengages from the slot 303 of the funnel 30 (the locking member 2 is similar to a seesaw; when the locking member 2 rotates, the pushing part 22 and the locking part 21 at both ends move in opposite directions). See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 8 Release the lock on the funnel 30 so that the funnel 30 can be rotated relative to the funnel support 20 and removed from the funnel support 20 for future use.

[0069] The coffee machine in this embodiment is equipped with a locking and safety pressure relief system. During coffee making, the funnel 30 is locked to the funnel support 20 and cannot be forcibly removed. After the coffee is made, pressing the button 3 releases the lock on the funnel 30 and also releases the pressure remaining in the funnel 30 and the heating pot 60, allowing the funnel 30 to be safely removed. This prevents the hot coffee grounds in the funnel 30 from suddenly bursting out and scalding the user due to pressure release, thus improving safety and protecting the user.

[0070] The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make variations, modifications, substitutions, and alterations to the above embodiments within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, the above examples (or one or more of them) can be used in combination with each other, and these embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or arrangements.

Claims

1. A locking and safety relief system for use on a coffee machine, characterized in that, The locking and safety relief system includes: A pressure relief assembly (1) is provided on the funnel support (20) of the coffee machine; The locking member (2) is rotatably mounted on the funnel support (20) and has a locking part (21) for interacting with the funnel (30) on the funnel support (20) and a pushing part (22) for interacting with the pressure relief assembly (1); A control component, located on the upper housing (50) of the coffee machine, is used to control the rotation of the locking component (2) to switch between a first state and a second state. When the locking component (2) is in the first state, the pushing part (22) pushes against the pressure relief assembly (1), so that the pressure relief assembly (1) is in an open state that releases pressure to the brewing chamber (301) of the funnel (30), and the locking part (21) releases the locking of the funnel (30). When the locking component (2) is in the second state, the pushing part (22) removes the pushing against the pressure relief assembly (1), so that the pressure relief assembly (1) is in a closed state that maintains pressure to the brewing chamber (301), and the locking part (21) locks the funnel (30) onto the funnel support (20).

2. The lock and safety relief system of claim 1, wherein, The pressure relief assembly (1) includes a pressure relief valve (11) and a pressure relief pipe (12); The pressure relief valve (11) includes: The valve body (111) has a pressure relief channel (112) inside. The valve body (111) is provided with a first valve port (114) and a second valve port (115) communicating with the pressure relief channel (112). The first valve port (114) is communicating with the brewing chamber (301), and the second valve port (115) is connected to the pressure relief pipe (12). A valve needle (116) is disposed in the pressure relief channel (112). The first end of the valve needle (116) extends out of the pressure relief channel (112) and is opposite to the push part (22). The push part (22) is used to push the valve needle (116) to move in a first direction so that the valve needle (116) opens the second valve port (115). A reset member (117) acts on the valve needle (116) to push the valve needle (116) to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction, so that the valve needle (116) closes the second valve port (115).

3. The lock and relief system according to claim 2, wherein, The valve body (111) is tubular, and the cavity of the valve body (111) forms the pressure relief channel (112). The pressure relief channel (112) includes a first part near the first end of the valve body (111) in the axial direction and a second part near the second end of the valve body (111) in the axial direction. The first valve port (114) is connected to the first part, and the second valve port (115) is connected to the second part. The first end of the valve needle (116) extends from the end of the second part away from the first part. The first part and the second part are connected and a step (113) is formed at the connection between them. The valve needle (116) is provided with a first sealing element (118). When the locking element (2) is in the second state, and the valve needle (116) moves in the second direction under the action of the reset element (117), the first sealing element (118) presses against the step (113) to cut off the connection between the first part and the second part, so as to close the second valve port (115).

4. The lock and relief system according to claim 3, wherein, The first valve port (114) is located on the periphery of the valve body (111) and is connected to the water inlet (201) on the funnel support (20); the first end of the valve body (111) is provided with a connection port communicating with the first part, and a water inlet (40) is connected to the connection port. Water is supplied to the brewing chamber (301) of the funnel (30) through the water inlet (40) and sequentially through the first part of the pressure relief channel (112), the first valve port (114) and the water inlet (201).

5. The lock and relief pressure system of claim 3, wherein, The valve body (111) has a through hole at its second end that communicates with the second part. The first end of the valve needle (116) extends out of the through hole. The valve needle (116) is also provided with a second sealing member (119). The second sealing member (119) is used to seal the valve needle (116) and the through hole when the valve needle (116) closes the second valve port (115).

6. The lock and relief system according to claim 2, wherein, The lower middle part of the locking member (2) is hinged to the outside of the funnel support (20), and the upper part of the locking member (2) is bent toward the pressure relief valve (11) to form the push part (22), the push part (22) having a push surface facing the first end of the valve needle (116); and / or The lower part of the locking member (2) is provided with a buckle, which forms the locking part (21). When the funnel (30) is installed on the funnel support (20), the buckle is engaged in the slot (303) of the funnel (30).

7. The lock and relief pressure system of claim 6, wherein, The pushing part (22) also has a pressing surface opposite to the pushing surface; The control element includes a button (3), one end of which acts on the pressing surface of the pusher (22). When the button (3) is pressed, the button (3) pushes the pusher (22) toward the valve needle (116) through the pressing surface, and pushes the valve needle (116) toward the first direction through the pusher surface, so as to open the second valve port (115) and depressurize the brewing chamber (301).

8. A coffee maker comprising a main body (10), a heatable boiler (60) arranged in the main body (10), a funnel holder (20) arranged on the main body (10), and a funnel (30) detachably arranged on the funnel holder (20), characterized in that, The coffee machine further includes a locking and safety pressure relief system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, the locking and safety pressure relief system being disposed on the funnel support (20).

9. The coffee maker of claim 8, wherein, The funnel (30) has a swivel (302) on its upper outer periphery. The funnel (30) is screwed onto the funnel support (20) through the swivel (302). The swivel (302) has a slot (303) that extends to the upper end face and the peripheral side face of the swivel (302) to form a structure with an upper opening and a side opening. The locking part (21) of the locking member (2) is inserted into the slot (303) from the side of the funnel (30) through the side opening.

10. The coffee maker of claim 8, wherein, The heating pot (60) is connected to a water outlet (70), which is connected to a water inlet (40) via a water inlet pipe (80). The water inlet (40) is connected to the water inlet (201) on the funnel support (20) via the pressure relief assembly (1).

Images