Liquid outlet device and coffee machine

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of liquid outlet device and coffee machine, and the liquid outlet device includes a detachable cover and is arranged at the bottom of coffee powder bowl, and the liquid outlet body is the cover structure with top opening, and a concave cavity for collecting coffee liquid is formed inside;The bottom of the liquid outlet body is provided with a liquid outlet, and the collected coffee liquid is discharged from the liquid outlet;The design of the cover structure and the concave cavity of the liquid outlet body in the liquid outlet device completely collects and collects all possible coffee liquid streams that may splash, and is controllably discharged from the single liquid outlet at the bottom, completely solving the problem of splashing of the bottomless powder bowl;Users can choose to install or remove the liquid outlet body according to proficiency, install to prevent splashing for beginners, and remove to obtain a completely open experience after proficiency;Users can still observe the extraction process through the bottomless powder bowl, retaining its core diagnosis and value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of coffee making equipment technology, specifically to a liquid dispensing device and a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] An espresso machine is a core piece of equipment in modern coffee shops and for home coffee lovers. It extracts a rich and aromatic coffee by using high-temperature, high-pressure water to penetrate and compact coffee grounds. The portafilter is the central component that holds the coffee grounds. Traditional portafilters have a closed bottom, with the coffee dispensing through multiple small holes. Bottomless portafilters, however, are completely different; their bottoms are fully open, forming a large outlet.

[0003] The advantages of a bottomless coffee bowl are significant: First, it provides complete visualization of the extraction process, allowing users to directly observe the flow of coffee liquid from the bottom of the bowl, including whether the liquid stream is uniform, whether there is channeling, and color changes. This is crucial for diagnosing extraction problems and improving brewing techniques. Second, its simple structure makes cleaning much easier.

[0004] However, bottomless coffee bowls also have a significant drawback: coffee splattering. Especially when users (particularly beginners) tamp the coffee grounds unevenly or when there are variations in density in the coffee puck, the high-pressure hot water will preferentially pass through the less dense areas, creating a high-speed jet. This jet sprays directly from the open end of the bottomless bowl, easily impacting the coffee cup or table below, causing coffee splattering. This not only wastes coffee and makes cleaning difficult but also negatively impacts the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, this utility model proposes a liquid dispensing device and a coffee machine, which can effectively prevent coffee liquid from splashing, while retaining the advantage of visual extraction, and can be flexibly disassembled and assembled according to the user's proficiency.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0007] A dispensing device, the core of which is a dispensing body that can be detachably fitted to the bottom of a coffee grounds container. The dispensing body has a cap-like structure with an open top, and its interior forms a concave cavity for collecting coffee liquid. A dispensing port is located at the bottom of the dispensing body, where all the collected coffee liquid is finally collected and discharged.

[0008] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the dispensing body is provided with an annular protrusion surrounding the dispensing port, which extends the path of the coffee liquid from the edge of the concave cavity to the central dispensing port.

[0009] Furthermore, the concave cavity of the dispensing body is equipped with multiple dispersed defoaming protrusions, which can physically impact and break large air bubbles in the coffee liquid.

[0010] Preferably, a support ring is provided at the bottom edge of the liquid outlet body. This support ring provides a stable base surface, which helps to improve the stability of the liquid outlet device; at the same time, this structure also enhances the rigidity of the bottom edge and reduces overall deformation.

[0011] Preferably, it also includes a portafilter holder, which is fitted onto the outside of the coffee portafilter. The top of the dispensing body is directly snapped into place between the portafilter holder and the bottom of the coffee portafilter using an interference fit. This is a simple, reliable installation method that requires no additional fasteners.

[0012] Preferably, the liquid outlet body is made of silicone or plastic material. Food-grade silicone has the characteristics of high temperature resistance, safety and non-toxicity, and softness and elasticity.

[0013] Preferably, the inner wall of the coffee bowl holder is provided with a ring-shaped groove, and a metal retaining spring is embedded in the groove. The metal retaining spring uses its elastic deformation ability to clamp the outer wall of the coffee bowl, firmly locking the coffee bowl in the holder and preventing it from loosening during use.

[0014] Preferably, the opening edge of the coffee portafilter extends radially outward to form a limiting stop. This limiting stop abuts against the upper surface of the portafilter holder, defining the installation position of the portafilter.

[0015] Specifically, the top outer wall of the powder holder has external threads, which can be screwed onto the coffee machine body.

[0016] Finally, this utility model also protects a coffee machine that includes the liquid dispensing device of any of the above.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0018] The cap-shaped structure and concave cavity design of the dispensing unit completely gather and collect any potentially splashing coffee liquid, allowing it to be discharged controllably from a single outlet at the bottom, thus completely solving the splashing problem of bottomless bowls. Users can choose to install or remove the dispensing unit according to their skill level; beginners can install it to prevent splashing, while experienced users can remove it for a completely open experience. Users can still observe the extraction process through the bottomless bowl, preserving its core diagnostic and value features. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid dispensing device in this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the liquid outlet body in this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the coffee machine in this utility model.

[0022] Attached image labels:

[0023] 1-Coffee container; 11-Limit stop; 2-Dispensing body; 21-Concave cavity; 22-Dispensing port; 23-Annular protrusion; 24-Defoaming protrusion; 25-Support ring; 3-Container fixing seat; 31-Slot; 32-External thread; 4-Metal retaining spring; 5-Coffee machine body. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 A liquid dispensing device, comprising:

[0027] A liquid dispensing body 2 is detachably installed on the bottom of the coffee powder container 1. The liquid dispensing body 2 has a cap-like structure with an open top and a concave cavity 21 for collecting coffee liquid inside. The bottom of the liquid dispensing body 2 is provided with a liquid outlet 22, from which the collected coffee liquid is discharged.

[0028] The liquid outlet body 2 is the core of this utility model. Its cap-shaped structure and concave cavity 21 design completely gather and collect all possible splashing coffee liquid, and discharge it controllably from the single liquid outlet 22 at the bottom, thus completely solving the splashing problem of bottomless coffee bowls.

[0029] Furthermore, existing technologies lack a simple and effective solution to the splashing problem in bottomless powder bowls without sacrificing their visualization advantages. Some users choose to continue using traditional powder bowls, but this completely negates the core advantages of bottomless powder bowls. With this dispensing device, users can still observe the extraction process through the bottomless powder bowl, preserving its core diagnostic value. Users can choose to install or remove the dispensing unit 2 based on their skill level; beginners should install it to prevent splashing, while experienced users can remove it for a completely open experience.

[0030] The outlet 22 is preferably located at the bottom center of the outlet body 2. The path of coffee liquid flowing out from any position on the edge of the cavity 21 to the outlet 22 is relatively short and symmetrical. This ensures that the liquid can naturally, smoothly and unobstructedly converge to the center and be discharged from the single outlet, reducing the residue and stagnation of liquid in the cavity, avoiding the "dead water zone" caused by the offset of the outlet 22, and ensuring that every cup of coffee is freshly extracted and will not mix with the residual liquid of the previous cup.

[0031] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The bottom surface of the liquid dispensing body 2 is provided with an annular protrusion 23 surrounding the liquid dispensing port 22. This annular protrusion 23 extends the path of the coffee liquid from the edge of the concave cavity 21 to the central liquid dispensing port 22, and plays a role in buffering and stabilizing the flow, so that multiple thin streams can merge more smoothly and avoid the generation of a large number of large bubbles due to the rapid merging and air entrainment.

[0032] See Figure 1 The cavity 21 of the liquid outlet body 2 is equipped with multiple dispersed defoaming protrusions 24. These defoaming protrusions 24 are located along the liquid flow path and can physically impact and break large air bubbles in the coffee liquid, transforming them into finer and denser foam, thereby improving the taste and visual appeal of the coffee. Furthermore, the defoaming protrusions 24 are arranged around the central liquid outlet 22. When all the liquid must flow towards the center, they will interact with this defoaming protrusion 24, forcing them to change their flow path, thereby effectively eliminating large air bubbles.

[0033] The dispensing device (especially when containing coffee grounds) is a component with a certain weight and often needs to be stably placed on the table before and after use. See also Figure 1 and Figure 2The bottom edge of the liquid outlet body 2 is provided with a support ring 25. The axial support ring 25 forms a flat annular support surface, which has better stability and balance than a completely flat bottom. Moreover, the support ring 25 "lifts" the central area of ​​the bottom of the liquid outlet body 2 away from the table surface, forming a small gap. This gap ensures air circulation between the liquid outlet 22 and its surrounding area, preventing water accumulation, mold growth, or odors due to prolonged contact with a wet table surface, thus helping to keep the equipment clean and dry. In addition, the support ring 25 increases the thickness and rigidity of the bottom edge of the liquid outlet body 2, which can reduce the degree of deformation of the entire bottom under stress or heat, making the structure more durable, and also making it easier to grip and apply force during disassembly and assembly.

[0034] See Figure 1 It also includes a coffee bowl holder 3, which is a ring-shaped seat made of metal (such as stainless steel) with a hollow interior for accommodating the coffee bowl 1. The coffee bowl holder 3 is fitted around the coffee bowl 1.

[0035] The top of the dispensing body 2 is clamped and fixed between the portafilter holder 3 and the bottom of the coffee portafilter 1 by an interference fit. The dispensing body is preferably made of an elastic material, and its top opening edge is clamped and fixed between the portafilter holder and the bottom of the coffee portafilter by elastic deformation.

[0036] See Figure 1 The inner wall of the coffee bowl holder 3 is provided with a ring-shaped groove 31, and also includes a metal retaining spring 4. The metal retaining spring 4 is an elastic open annular ring that is embedded in the groove 31 of the coffee bowl holder 3 to elastically lock the outer wall of the coffee bowl 1. The opening edge of the coffee bowl 1 extends radially outward to form a limiting stop 11, which abuts against the upper end surface of the coffee bowl holder 3. When assembling the coffee bowl, the coffee bowl 1 is inserted downward from the top of the coffee bowl holder 3. The bowl body of the coffee bowl passes through the metal retaining spring 4, and when its limiting stop 11 descends to contact the upper end surface of the coffee bowl holder 3, it reaches the installation position. At this time, the metal retaining spring 4, under its own elasticity, tightly locks the outer wall of the coffee bowl 1, thereby firmly locking it in the coffee bowl holder 3 and preventing it from falling out. The contact between the limiting stop 11 and the upper end surface of the coffee bowl holder 3 achieves axial limiting.

[0037] When installing the dispensing body 2 onto the assembled coffee container holder 3, utilize the softness and elasticity of the silicone material. Align the top opening edge of the dispensing body 2 with the gap between the coffee container holder 3 and the bottom of the coffee container 1, and push upwards firmly. The silicone will elastically deform, causing the top opening edge of the dispensing body 2 to be inserted and tightly locked into the gap, achieving fixation and sealing through an interference fit. To disassemble, simply pull the dispensing body 2 downwards by hand to release it from the locked state.

[0038] Preferably, the dispensing body 2 is made of silicone. Under high-pressure extraction, the flexibility of silicone allows it to adaptively deform slightly, tightly conforming to the bottom of the coffee bowl and the metal surface of the mounting base, forming a highly reliable dynamic seal. This effectively prevents high-pressure coffee liquid from leaking through installation gaps, something difficult to achieve with rigid materials. Furthermore, food-grade silicone typically withstands temperatures from -40°C to 230°C, is non-toxic and odorless, fully meeting the requirements of espresso extraction (90-96°C) and high-temperature rinsing. It will not deform, melt, or release harmful substances, and can be in long-term contact with food. Simultaneously, the noise generated by the coffee liquid flowing against the inner wall of the silicone is far less than the noise from the inner wall of the metal, improving the user experience. In practice, the dispensing body 2 can also be made of plastic or other materials.

[0039] See Figure 1 The coffee bowl 1 is a standard bottomless bowl with a completely open bottom. The top outer wall of the bowl holder 3 is provided with external threads 32 for screwing the entire device onto the coffee machine body 5. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid dispensing device being installed on the main body 5 of the coffee machine.

[0040] Working principle:

[0041] During extraction, the coffee liquid flows out from the open end of the bottomless pitcher. Regardless of whether the flow is uniform or a high-speed jet, it is all received by the concave cavity 21 of the dispensing body 2, thus preventing splashing. The coffee liquid gathers in the concave cavity 21 and flows towards the dispensing port 22. During the flow, the liquid passes through the defoaming protrusions 24, where large bubbles are impacted and broken, becoming finer. It then flows out of the dispensing port 22 through the flow channel formed by the annular protrusions 23. The annular protrusions 23 extend the dispensing path and slow down the flow rate, allowing the multiple liquid streams to merge more smoothly and reducing turbulence and the generation of large bubbles. Finally, all the processed coffee liquid flows out in a concentrated and smooth manner into the cup below.

[0042] For experienced users, simply apply downward force to remove the liquid dispensing body 2 and restore the standard bottomless powder bowl usage mode.

[0043] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing device, characterized in that, include: A removable dispensing body is attached to the bottom of the coffee powder container. The dispensing body has a cap-like structure with an open top and a concave cavity inside for collecting coffee liquid. The bottom of the dispensing body has a dispensing port from which the collected coffee liquid is discharged.

2. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the liquid outlet body is provided with an annular protrusion surrounding the liquid outlet.

3. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cavity of the liquid outlet body is provided with multiple dispersed defoaming protrusions.

4. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom edge of the liquid outlet body is provided with a support ring.

5. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a coffee bowl holder, which is fitted over the coffee bowl. The top of the liquid dispensing body is fixed between the coffee bowl holder and the bottom of the coffee bowl by an interference fit.

6. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, The liquid outlet body is made of silicone or plastic material.

7. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner wall of the coffee bowl holder is provided with a ring-shaped groove, and a metal retaining spring is embedded in the groove. The metal retaining spring is used to elastically lock the outer wall of the coffee bowl.

8. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The opening edge of the coffee bowl extends radially outward to form a limiting stop, which abuts against the upper surface of the coffee bowl holder.

9. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The top outer wall of the powder bowl holder is provided with external threads for screwing the entire device onto the coffee machine body.

10. A coffee machine, characterized in that, Includes the liquid dispensing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images