Capsule foolproof structure and coffee machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a capsule prevents stupid structure and coffee machine, including base, be equipped with first machine spare and second machine spare in base, second machine spare can slide away or be close to first machine spare, and capsule is contained between first machine spare and second machine spare, and the front end surface of second machine spare is opposite with the sealed end surface of capsule, and second machine spare can be divided into inner circle department and outer ring department, and the water inlet channel opposite with the water inlet of sealed end surface of special capsule is equipped in inner circle department, and the hard shell area opposite with sealed end surface of special capsule of outer ring department, the outer ring department is equipped with valve rod channel, and valve rod channel can be linked together with the water supply channel of water supply channel of base inside with the water inlet channel, and be equipped with valve rod and elastic part in valve rod channel, and the front end of valve rod is stretched out the front end surface of second machine spare under the action of elastic part, makes water supply channel with water inlet channel disconnected, when putting special capsule in base, the rear top of valve rod is made with the hard shell area of special capsule, makes water supply channel with water inlet channel linked together.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of beverage brewing equipment technology, and in particular to a capsule anti-mistake structure and a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] When the external dimensions and internal structure are almost identical, many coffee capsules are compatible with the same model of coffee machine. However, the market is flooded with counterfeit Delta capsules, which can be used without hindrance in Delta coffee machines, clearly infringing on the brand's legitimate rights.

[0003] Delta coffee capsules have a unique structure, such as Figure 3 As shown, the center of its sealed end face is the water inlet, and the rest is a hard plastic shell area about 2mm thick. In contrast, the sealed end face of counterfeit capsules is usually an entire thin film that is easily punctured. This feature allows for the design of exclusive brewing systems and coffee machines. Only Delta capsules can work perfectly on these customized coffee machines, effectively preventing the proliferation of counterfeit products.

[0004] For example, patent 201510237466.8 discloses a special capsule brewing device for a coffee machine. This patent addresses the structural characteristics of Delta capsules by providing an intermediate sealing structure at the center of the front side of the rear baffle, which seals against the middle sealing surface of the rear side of the special capsule, ensuring the seal of the rear side of the Delta capsule. At the same time, a capsule top plate is provided at the center of the front side of the rear baffle, which acts on the protruding point of the middle position of the special capsule. After the capsule is in place, the capsule top plate directly acts on the protruding point of the middle position of the capsule, breaking the capsule and allowing water to enter, thus completing the brewing process. However, if a foreign capsule is inserted, a foreign capsule leakage structure is provided on the outer periphery of the intermediate sealing structure on the front side of the rear baffle, causing the foreign capsule to leak after being inserted, and the coffee machine will not function properly.

[0005] While this patent does prevent accidental leakage, its drawback lies in the fact that unconventional capsules inserted into the coffee machine can leak. Once removed, they cannot be used for brewing and must be discarded. Furthermore, leaked coffee grounds enter the machine, requiring cleaning and potentially clogging the coffee outlet. This could lead to user dissatisfaction or aversion. Users might perceive it as wasteful or feel the machine's design is not user-friendly, restricting their freedom to use other capsule types, thus developing a negative attitude towards the coffee machine. Utility Model Content

[0006] The first technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to propose a capsule-proof structure that enables the coffee machine to brew only Delta capsules without causing leakage of foreign capsules, in response to the above-mentioned technical status quo.

[0007] The second technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to propose a capsule-proof structure that can boil water even without inserting a capsule.

[0008] The third technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a coffee machine that uses the above-mentioned capsule anti-mistake structure.

[0009] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the first technical problem is as follows: a capsule anti-mistake structure, including a base, a first component and a second component are provided in the base, the second component can be away from or close to the first component, the capsule is accommodated between the first component and the second component, the front end face of the second component is opposite to the sealing end face of the capsule, the second component can be divided into an inner circle part and an outer ring part, the inner circle part is provided with a water inlet channel opposite to the water inlet of the sealing end face of the special capsule, and the outer ring part is opposite to the hard shell area of ​​the sealing end face of the special capsule;

[0010] Its characteristic is that the outer ring portion is provided with a valve stem channel, which can connect the water inlet channel to the water supply channel that supplies water to the machine base;

[0011] The valve stem channel is equipped with a valve stem and an elastic element. Under the action of the elastic element, the front end of the valve stem always tends to extend beyond the front end face of the second component. A sealing structure is provided between the valve stem channel and the valve stem. When the valve stem extends beyond the front end face of the second component under the action of the elastic element, the forward movement of the valve stem will cause the sealing structure to be in a sealed state, thereby disconnecting the water supply channel from the water inlet channel.

[0012] When the special capsule is placed inside the base and the second component is close to the first component and closed, the valve stem will be pushed back by the hard shell area of ​​the special capsule, thus moving backward relative to the valve stem channel. The backward movement of the valve stem will open the sealing structure, thereby connecting the water supply channel and the water inlet channel.

[0013] Specifically, the second component also includes a flow-blocking element, which intersects with the valve stem channel to divide the valve stem channel into a front section and a rear section. The water inlet channel is connected to the front section of the valve stem channel, and the water supply channel is connected to the rear section of the valve stem channel. The flow-blocking element has a water outlet that connects the front and rear sections of the valve stem channel. The valve stem passes through the water outlet and can move back and forth relative to the water outlet. There is a gap between the valve stem and the water outlet. A first sealing ring is fitted onto the portion of the valve stem located in the rear section of the valve stem channel, thereby forming the sealing structure between the valve stem and the valve stem channel. The sealing structure can be formed by a sealing ring on the valve stem, which seals with the water outlet on the flow-blocking element. Alternatively, a sealing ring can be placed on the rear side of the water outlet on the flow-blocking element, while the rear end of the valve stem is tapered, with a smaller front and a larger rear, thus forming a seal with the sealing ring.

[0014] Furthermore, when no special capsule is placed inside the base, the valve stem extends out of the front end of the second component under the action of the elastic element, and the first sealing ring abuts against the rear surface of the intercepting component and seals the water outlet;

[0015] When a special capsule is placed inside the base, the capsule pushes the valve stem backward, causing the first sealing ring to detach from the rear surface of the flow-blocking component, thus opening the water inlet.

[0016] To solve the second technical problem, enabling the machine base to boil water even without inserting a capsule, preferably, the valve stem is axially hollow to form a flow channel that axially penetrates the valve stem, and the rear end of the flow channel is connected to the rear end of the valve stem channel.

[0017] A flow path switching device can also be further set up. Specifically, when a special capsule is placed in the base, the special capsule pushes the valve stem back, the first sealing ring seals the rear section of the valve stem channel, the water outlet opens, the water supply channel is connected to the water inlet channel, and the water supply channel is disconnected from the rear section of the valve stem channel, so that water cannot flow to the flow channel through the rear section of the valve stem channel.

[0018] When no special capsule is placed in the base, the front end of the valve stem extends out of the front end of the second component under the action of the elastic element. The first sealing ring seals the water inlet, the water supply channel is disconnected from the water inlet channel, and the water supply channel is connected to the rear section of the valve stem channel, so that water will flow to the flow channel through the rear section of the valve stem channel.

[0019] Preferably, the portion of the valve stem located at the front end of the valve stem channel has an annular groove, and a second sealing ring is provided in the annular groove, the second sealing ring filling the gap between the valve stem and the valve stem channel.

[0020] There are multiple ways to realize the mutual structure between the elastic element and the valve stem. As a simple and reliable implementation scheme, preferably, the elastic element is sleeved on the outer periphery of the valve stem, with one end of the elastic element abutting against the protrusion of the valve stem and the other end abutting against the front surface of the flow-blocking element.

[0021] When a foreign capsule with a soft membrane is placed inside the base, the valve stem preferably has a gradually decreasing diameter tip to allow it to press the membrane more deeply. When a solid valve stem is used, the tip can be configured to either puncture the membrane or not; when a valve stem with a water passage is used, the diameter of the valve stem tip must be controlled to gradually decrease without puncturing the membrane.

[0022] To facilitate water flow through the inlet, preferably, the valve stem has a guide groove extending forward and backward on its peripheral wall. The guide groove is configured as follows:

[0023] When no special capsule is placed inside the base, the entire flow channel is located outside the water inlet;

[0024] When a special capsule is placed inside the base, the guide channel intersects with the water outlet.

[0025] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the third technical problem is: a coffee machine, characterized in that it applies the capsule anti-mistake structure described in any one of the above.

[0026] Compared with existing technologies, the advantage of this invention's capsule-proof structure lies in the addition of a valve stem channel between the water inlet channel and the water supply channel. A valve stem, acted upon by an elastic element, is installed within this channel, controlling the connection and disconnection between the valve stem channel and the water inlet channel. When no dedicated capsule is placed in the machine base (including when no capsule is placed or when an unsuitable capsule is placed), the valve stem, under the action of the elastic element, disconnects the water supply channel from the water inlet channel. This prevents water from entering the water inlet channel and thus stops water supply to the machine base. However, when a dedicated capsule is placed, the valve stem is pushed back by the hard shell area of ​​the capsule, connecting the water supply channel and the water inlet channel, allowing water to enter the machine base. This invention limits the brewing of unsuitable capsules by controlling the water supply, achieving capsule-proof protection without causing damage or leakage to the capsules as in existing technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein (a) is a structural schematic diagram and (b) is a cross-sectional view;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement relationship between the second component and the capsule in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the special capsule described in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second component in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 5 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the capsule anti-mistake structure of Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the valve stem, first sealing ring, second sealing ring, and elastic element in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the capsule anti-mistake structure in Embodiment 1 of this utility model when no special capsule is placed in the machine base;

[0034] Figure 8This is a cross-sectional view of the capsule anti-mistake structure when a special capsule is placed inside the machine base in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the capsule anti-mistake structure in Embodiment 2 of this utility model when no special capsule is placed in the machine base;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the capsule anti-mistake structure when a special capsule is placed inside the machine base in Embodiment 2 of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] like Figures 1-8 The image shows a preferred embodiment of the capsule-based foolproof structure and coffee machine of this utility model.

[0040] The coffee machine in this embodiment includes, for example: Figure 1 The base 1 shown in (a) and (b) contains a first component 7 and a second component 2. The second component 2 can slide away from or towards the first component 7. A capsule is disposed between the first component 7 and the second component 2. The capsule here can be a special capsule 3 (Delta capsule) or a non-specific capsule (capsule other than Delta capsule). The special capsule 3 has a unique structure, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the center of its sealing end face is the water inlet 31, and the rest of the part is a plastic hard shell area 32 with a thickness of about 2mm, while the sealing end face of the alien capsule is generally a thin film that is easy to puncture.

[0041] The sealed end face of the capsule is as follows Figure 2 The surface shown is opposite to the front end face of the second component 2. The second component 2 can be divided into an inner circular portion 21 and an outer ring portion 22, please refer to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The inner circular portion 21 of the second component 2 is provided with a water inlet channel 201 that is opposite to the water inlet 31 of the sealing end face of the special capsule 3. The outer ring portion 22 is opposite to the hard shell area 32 of the sealing end face of the special capsule 3, and a valve stem channel 202 is provided therein. The valve stem channel 202 can connect the water inlet channel 201 to the water supply channel 6 that supplies water to the machine base 1.

[0042] The valve stem channel 202 contains a valve stem 4 and an elastic element 41. The valve stem 4, under the action of the elastic element 41, always tends to extend forward beyond the front end of the second component 2. A sealing structure is provided between the valve stem channel 202 and the valve stem 4, which seals the front end of the valve stem 4 with the valve stem channel 202, preventing water from flowing out through the gap between the valve stem 4 and the valve stem channel 202 to the front side of the second component 2. Specifically, in this embodiment, an annular groove 402 is provided at the front of the valve stem 4, and a fitting such as... Figure 6 The second sealing ring 42 shown is used to fill the gap between the valve stem 4 and the valve stem passage 202 to form a sealing fit.

[0043] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, a flow-blocking component 5 is also provided in the second component 2, which cooperates with the valve stem 4 to control the flow path. The flow-blocking component 5 is intersecting with the valve stem channel 202 and partially disposed in the inlet channel 201, thereby dividing the valve stem channel 202 into a front section 202a and a rear section 202b. The portion of the flow-blocking component 5 that contacts the second component 2 forms a sealed fit by a sealing ring. The flow-blocking component 5 has a water outlet 501. The water supply channel 6 is connected to the rear section 202b of the valve stem channel. The front section 202a and the rear section 202b of the valve stem channel are connected through the water outlet 501. The inlet channel 201 is connected to the front section 202a of the valve stem channel. The valve stem 4 passes through the water outlet 501 and can move back and forth relative to the water outlet 501. There is a gap between the valve stem 4 and the water outlet 501, and the portion of the valve stem 4 located at the rear section 202b of the valve stem channel is fitted with a first sealing ring 43.

[0044] When no capsule is placed in the base, or when an unusual capsule is placed inside, the valve stem 4 extends out from the front end of the second component 2 under the action of the elastic element 41. At this time, the first sealing ring 43 abuts against the rear surface of the flow-blocking element 5, sealing the gap between the valve stem 4 and the water outlet 501, thus closing the water outlet 501, and the water flow path is as follows. Figure 7 As shown by the thick arrow, the water flows through the water supply channel 6 and then through the rear section 202b of the valve stem channel. Here, due to the seal of the water inlet 501, it cannot continue to flow towards the machine base.

[0045] When the special capsule 3 is placed inside the base, such as Figure 8 As shown, the valve stem 4 is pushed back by the hard shell area 32 of the special capsule 3. As the first sealing ring 43 moves backward, the first sealing ring 43 disengages from the rear surface of the interceptor 5, and the gap between the valve stem 4 and the water outlet 501 is no longer sealed. At this time, the water flow path is as follows: Figure 8 As shown by the thick arrow, after the water flows through the water supply channel 6 and the rear section 202b of the valve stem channel, it enters the front section 202a of the valve stem channel through the opened water inlet 501, then flows into the water inlet channel 201, and finally flows into the machine base, entering the water inlet 31 of the dedicated capsule 3 to brew coffee.

[0046] The elastic element 41 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the valve stem 4, with one end abutting against the protrusion of the valve stem 4 and the other end abutting against the front surface of the throttling element 5. The portion of the valve stem 4 extending beyond the front end face of the second component 2 is designed as a pointed tip 403 with a gradually decreasing diameter. When the pointed tip 403 of the valve stem 4 abuts against the foreign capsule with a soft membrane, the valve stem 4 can press the soft membrane forward more deeply. Correspondingly, the first sealing ring 43 can tightly abut against the throttling element 5 to ensure a sealing effect.

[0047] To facilitate water flow through the inlet 501, this embodiment also includes a circumferential opening on the valve stem 4. Figure 6 The guide channel 401 extending forward and backward is configured such that when the special capsule 3 is not placed in the base 1, the guide channel 401 is completely outside the water outlet 501; when the special capsule 3 is placed in the base, the guide channel 401 intersects with the water outlet 501.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] This implementation example Figure 9 and 10 As shown, the difference from Embodiment 1 is that the valve stem 4 is axially hollow to form a flow passage 404. The inlet of the flow passage 404 is located at the rear end of the valve stem 4 and is connected to the rear part of the valve stem passage rear section 202b. The outlet of the flow passage 404 is located at the front end of the valve stem 4 and is connected to the front end of the second component 2. The water supply passage 6 is connected to the front part of the valve stem passage rear section 202b.

[0050] By sliding the valve stem 4, the water supply channel 6 can switch the flow direction between the rear section 202b of the valve stem channel and the water outlet 501. Specifically:

[0051] There are gaps between the valve stem 4 and the water inlet 501 and the rear section 202b of the valve stem channel. The portion of the valve stem 4 located in the rear section 202b of the valve stem channel is fitted with a first sealing ring 43.

[0052] When no special capsule 3 is placed in the base 1, the tip 403 of the valve stem 4 extends out of the front end face of the second component 2 under the action of the elastic element 41. The first sealing ring 43 abuts against the rear surface of the intercepting element 5 to seal the water outlet 501. At this time, the water passage from the water supply channel 6 to the water inlet channel 201 is blocked, and the water passage from the water supply channel 6 to the overflow channel 404 is opened. The water flow path is shown by the thick arrow in 9. The water flows from the water supply channel 6 to the rear section 202b of the valve stem channel, and flows into the space between the first component 7 and the second component 2 through the overflow channel 404. That is, hot water can be boiled without placing a capsule. In addition, in order to deal with the case where a different type of capsule is placed in the base, the front end face of the second component 2 is provided with an overflow groove 203 extending to the peripheral wall to discharge the water flow out of the base 1.

[0053] When the special capsule 3 is placed inside the base 1, the valve stem 4 pushes back, the first sealing ring 43 separates from the rear surface of the flow-stopping component 5 and retracts into the rear section 202b of the sealing valve stem channel. At this time, the water passage from the water supply channel 6 to the inlet channel 201 is opened, and the water passage from the water supply channel 6 to the overflow channel 404 is blocked. The water flow path is as follows: Figure 10 As shown by the thick arrow, the water flows from the water supply channel 6 to the water outlet 501, then enters the front section 202a of the valve stem channel, and then flows through the water inlet channel 201 to the space between the first component 7 and the second component 2, where coffee can be brewed.

Claims

1. A capsule anti-mistake structure, comprising a base (1), a first component (7) and a second component (2) provided in the base (1), the second component (2) being able to move away from or close to the first component (7), the capsule being accommodated between the first component (7) and the second component (2), the front end face of the second component (2) being opposite to the sealing end face of the capsule, the second component (2) being divided into an inner circle (21) and an outer ring (22), the inner circle (21) being provided with a water inlet channel (201) opposite to the water inlet (31) of the sealing end face of the special capsule (3), and the outer ring (22) being opposite to the hard shell area (32) of the sealing end face of the special capsule (3); Its features are, The outer ring (22) is provided with a valve stem channel (202), which can connect the water inlet channel (201) to the water supply channel (6) that supplies water to the inside of the base (1); The valve stem channel (202) is provided with a valve stem (4) and an elastic element (41). The valve stem (4) is subjected to the action of the elastic element (41), and its front end always tends to extend out of the front end face of the second component (2). A sealing structure is provided between the valve stem channel (202) and the valve stem (4). When the valve stem (4) extends out of the front end face of the second component under the action of the elastic element (41), the forward movement of the valve stem will make the sealing structure in a sealed state, thereby disconnecting the water supply channel (6) from the water inlet channel (201). When the special capsule (3) is placed in the base (1) and the second component closes to the first component, the valve stem (4) will be pushed back by the hard shell area (32) of the special capsule (3), thereby moving backward relative to the valve stem channel. The backward movement of the valve stem will put the sealing structure in the open state, thereby connecting the water supply channel (6) with the water inlet channel (201).

2. The capsule anti-mistake structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second component (2) is also provided with a flow-blocking component (5), which is arranged to cross the valve stem channel (202) to divide the valve stem channel (202) into a front section (202a) and a rear section (202b). The water inlet channel (201) is connected to the front section (202a) of the valve stem channel, and the water supply channel (6) is connected to the rear section (202b) of the valve stem channel. The flow-blocking component (5) is provided with a water outlet (501). The valve stem channel front section (202a) and valve stem channel rear section (202b) are connected. The valve stem (4) passes through the water inlet (501) and can move back and forth relative to the water inlet (501). There is a gap between the valve stem (4) and the water inlet (501). The portion of the valve stem (4) located in the valve stem channel rear section (202b) is fitted with a first sealing ring (43), thereby forming the sealing structure between the valve stem (4) and the valve stem channel (202).

3. The capsule anti-mistake structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the special capsule (3) is not placed in the base, the valve stem (4) extends out of the front end of the second component (2) under the action of the elastic element (41), and the first sealing ring (43) abuts against the rear surface of the intercepting element (5) and seals the water outlet (501). When the special capsule (3) is placed in the base, the special capsule (3) pushes the valve stem (4) backward, the first sealing ring (43) separates from the rear surface of the interceptor (5), and the water outlet (501) opens.

4. The capsule anti-mistake structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The valve stem (4) is axially hollow to form a flow passage (404) that axially penetrates the valve stem. The rear end of the flow passage (404) is connected to the rear end of the valve stem passage (202).

5. The capsule anti-mistake structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, When a special capsule (3) is placed inside the base (1), the special capsule (3) pushes the valve stem (4) backward, the first sealing ring (43) seals the rear section (202b) of the valve stem channel, the water outlet (501) opens, the water supply channel (6) is connected to the water inlet channel (201), and the water supply channel (6) is disconnected from the rear section (202b) of the valve stem channel, so that water cannot flow to the flow passage (404) through the rear section (202b) of the valve stem channel; When the special capsule (3) is not placed in the base (1), the valve stem (4) extends out of the front end of the second component (2) under the action of the elastic element (41), the first sealing ring (43) seals the water inlet (501), the water supply channel (6) is disconnected from the water inlet channel (201), and the water supply channel (6) is connected to the rear section (202b) of the valve stem channel, so that water will flow through the rear section (202b) of the valve stem channel to the flow passage (404).

6. The capsule anti-mistake structure according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The valve stem (4) has an annular groove (402) in the front section (202a) of the valve stem channel. A second sealing ring (42) is provided in the annular groove (402), and the second sealing ring (42) fills the gap between the valve stem (4) and the valve stem channel (202).

7. The capsule anti-mistake structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The elastic element (41) is sleeved on the outer periphery of the valve stem (4). One end of the elastic element (41) abuts against the protrusion of the valve stem (4), and the other end abuts against the front surface of the flow-blocking element (5).

8. The capsule anti-mistake structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The valve stem (4) has a tip (403) with a gradually decreasing diameter.

9. The capsule anti-mistake structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The valve stem (4) has a flow guide groove (401) extending forward and backward on its peripheral wall. The flow guide groove (401) is configured as follows: When no special capsule (3) is placed in the base, the guide channel (401) is completely outside the water outlet (501); When a special capsule (3) is placed inside the base, the guide channel (401) intersects with the water outlet (501).

10. A coffee machine, characterized in that, The application has the capsule anti-mistake structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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