Portable coffee maker

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of portable coffee machines, comprising: shell, water tank, heating piece, PCB circuit board and fuse, water tank is arranged in shell, water tank includes: water inlet opening and water containing bottom surface, water outlet is opened on water containing bottom surface, water containing bottom surface is obliquely arranged, to make water inlet opening be in horizontal position, water containing bottom surface forms the flow guide structure with water outlet diversion, heating piece and at least part of structure of water containing bottom surface are interconnected, PCB circuit board is arranged in shell, PCB circuit board is electrically connected with heating piece, fuse is arranged in shell, fuse is electrically connected with PCB circuit board, and fuse is located in the projection range defined by water outlet and the axis of water tank.According to the portable coffee machine of the utility model, the water level in the water tank is accurately monitored, so that the heating element can be powered off in time to protect the heating element, and the use safety of the portable coffee machine in dry burning, water inlet short circuit and temperature anomaly and other scenarios is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a portable coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] Related technologies indicate that existing portable coffee makers are popular due to their small size, portability, and ease of operation. They operate by adding cold water to the water tank, then heating the water and extracting coffee once the set temperature is reached. However, due to size limitations, the circuitry cannot be overly complex, leading to safety risks such as dry burning, water ingress into the main unit causing short circuits, and failure to promptly shut off power in case of abnormal temperature rises. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention provides a portable coffee machine that can promptly cut off power to the heating element, improving the safety of the portable coffee machine in scenarios such as dry burning, water ingress short circuits, and abnormal temperature, and reducing the operational hazards of the portable coffee machine.

[0004] The portable coffee machine according to this utility model includes: a housing; a water tank disposed within the housing, the water tank including: a water inlet and a water-holding bottom surface opposite to the water inlet, the water-holding bottom surface having a water outlet, the water-holding bottom surface being inclined so that when the water inlet is in a horizontal position, the water-holding bottom surface forms a flow-guiding structure that guides the flow to the water outlet; a heating element, the heating element being interconnected with at least a portion of the structure of the water-holding bottom surface; a PCB circuit board disposed within the housing, the PCB circuit board being electrically connected to the heating element; and a fuse disposed within the housing, the fuse being electrically connected to the PCB circuit board, and the fuse being located within the projection range defined by the axis of the water outlet and the water tank.

[0005] According to this utility model, the portable coffee machine achieves accurate monitoring of the water level in the water tank by arranging the fuse within the projection range of the water outlet and the water tank axis. This allows for timely power-off protection of the heating element, improving the safety of the portable coffee machine in scenarios such as dry burning, water inlet short circuit, and abnormal temperature, and reducing the operational risks of the portable coffee machine.

[0006] In some feasible embodiments, the outlet is located between the lowest horizontal point of the water-bearing bottom surface and the axis, so that the water tank maintains a safe water level when the outlet is open.

[0007] In some feasible embodiments, the heating area of ​​the heating element is smaller than the area of ​​the bottom surface of the water container.

[0008] In some feasible embodiments, the portable coffee machine further includes a support frame disposed within the housing and on the side of the fuse facing away from the water tank, the support frame being spaced apart from the water tank to define a cavity.

[0009] In some feasible embodiments, a support boss is formed on the support frame, the fuse is disposed on the support boss, the top of the support boss is spaced apart from the heating element, and a fireproof layer is provided on the outside of the fuse.

[0010] In some feasible embodiments, the portable coffee machine further includes: a water tank bracket, the water tank bracket being disposed on the outer shell, the water tank being fitted inside the water tank bracket, the bottom end of the water tank bracket being spaced apart from the heating element, and the water tank bracket being connected to the support frame.

[0011] In some feasible embodiments, the support frame has a plurality of support columns arranged circumferentially on the water tank, the water tank support is mounted on the support columns, the water tank has a first connecting portion, and the support columns have a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion cooperating to connect the water tank to the support columns.

[0012] In some feasible embodiments, one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is formed as a hook, and the other of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is formed as a slot, wherein the hook extends into the slot.

[0013] In some feasible embodiments, the portable coffee machine further includes a pump body, a grinder, and a battery, wherein the pump body and the battery are both mounted on the support frame, the grinder is located below the water tank, the pump body is in communication with the inside of the water tank to drive the flow of liquid in the water tank, and the battery is electrically connected to both the pump body and the heater.

[0014] In some feasible embodiments, the water tank has a lid that covers the top of the water tank, a sealing ring is provided between the lid and the water tank, and a vent hole is formed on the lid.

[0015] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a portable coffee machine according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 yes Figure 1A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the portable coffee machine shown; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of point C of the portable coffee machine shown; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the portable coffee machine shown.

[0017] Figure label: 100. Portable coffee machine; 1. Outer shell; 2. Water tank; 21. Lid; 211. Vent; 22. Sealing ring; 23. Water outlet; 24. Slot; 3. Heating element; 4. Fuse; 5. Support frame; 51. Support boss; 52. Support column; 521. Hook; 6. Cavity; 7. Water tank bracket; 8. Pump body; 9. Grinding parts; 10. Battery; 11. Coffee cup. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0019] The following is for reference. Figures 1-4 A portable coffee machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0020] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the portable coffee machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a housing 1, a water tank 2, a heating element 3, a PCB circuit board and a fuse 4.

[0021] Specifically, the water tank 2 is installed inside the outer shell 1. The water tank 2 includes: a water inlet opening and a water-filled bottom surface opposite to the water inlet opening. A water outlet 23 is provided on the water-filled bottom surface. The water-filled bottom surface is inclined so that when the water inlet opening is in a horizontal position, the water-filled bottom surface forms a flow guiding structure that guides the flow to the water outlet 23. The heating element 3 is connected to at least a part of the structure of the water-filled bottom surface. The PCB circuit board is installed inside the outer shell 1 and is electrically connected to the heating element 3. The fuse 4 is installed inside the outer shell 1 and is electrically connected to the PCB circuit board. The fuse 4 is located within the projection range defined by the axis of the water outlet 23 and the water tank 2.

[0022] Understandably, the outer casing 1 is used to house and secure components such as the water tank 2, heating element 3, PCB circuit board, and fuse 4. The outer casing 1 can be made of heat-resistant and insulating plastic or metal materials, and it protects the internal circuitry and heating components. The bottom of the water tank 2 is not horizontal but sloped, causing the outlet 23 to be located at the lower part of the water-filled bottom surface. Water naturally flows towards the outlet 23 under gravity, preventing water accumulation and residue at the bottom. With the radial dimension unchanged, the inclined arrangement increases the surface area of ​​the water-filled bottom surface, thereby improving the water heating rate. The heating element 3 is directly connected to the water-filled bottom surface, allowing heat to be efficiently transferred to the water in the water tank 2, improving heating efficiency. The PCB circuit board provides electrical control of the heating element 3, enabling the coffee machine to operate according to the settings. The heating and extraction processes are automatically completed by a pre-programmed procedure. Fuse 4 is located inside the outer casing 1 and electrically connected to the PCB circuit board. Fuse 4 is situated within the projection range defined by the axis of the outlet 23 and the water tank 2. When the temperature of the heating element 3 abnormally rises above a set threshold, fuse 4 will permanently melt, cutting off the entire circuit and forcibly stopping heating. Fuse 4 is positioned within the projection range of the axis of the outlet 23 and the water tank 2, which is the location of the last remaining water in the water tank 2. When the water level in the water tank 2 is insufficient, this location will subsequently become waterless. The accumulation of heat from the heating element 3 at this location indicates that all the water in the water tank 2 has evaporated, and the entire water tank 2 is completely dry. Placing fuse 4 at this location allows it to detect and activate in time at the initial stage of dry burning, before the temperature reaches a dangerous level. However, if fuse 4 were placed on the other side of the axis of the water tank 2, the water in the water tank 2 would not have dried up before fuse 4 melts, resulting in premature triggering of fuse 4. When the fuse 4 is placed within the corresponding projection range between the outlet 23 and the corresponding side of the water tank 2, the water in this location will evaporate last. By the time the fuse 4 blows, the temperature in other locations will be too high, potentially causing a safety hazard. Therefore, the fuse 4 is most timely when it is located within the projection range defined by the axis between the outlet 23 and the water tank 2.

[0023] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the portable coffee machine 100 achieves accurate monitoring of the water level in the water tank 2 by arranging the fuse 4 within the projection range of the water outlet 23 and the axis of the water tank 2. This enables timely power-off protection of the heating element 3, improving the safety of the portable coffee machine 100 in scenarios such as dry burning, water inlet short circuit, and abnormal temperature, and reducing the operational danger of the portable coffee machine 100.

[0024] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2As shown, the outlet 23 is located between the lowest horizontal point of the water-bearing bottom surface and the axis, so that the water tank 2 maintains a safe water level when the outlet 23 is open. It can be understood that since the water-bearing bottom surface is inclined, there must be a physical lowest point. Since the outlet 23 is higher than the lowest horizontal point, when the water pump draws water or the outlet 23 drains water naturally, gravity cannot discharge the water at the lower position. A portion of water remains at the bottom of the water tank 2 to ensure a safe water level. The remaining safe water level can cover at least part of the water-bearing bottom surface. Even if the electronic temperature control system fails or the user misoperates and causes continuous heating, the remaining water can absorb heat. At this time, the fuse 4 senses the temperature through the heat conducted by the water medium, which is more realistic and accurate than directly sensing dry burning air. It avoids the sensing delay caused by poor air heat conduction, so that the fuse 4 can blow in time when the water temperature actually rises abnormally.

[0025] In some embodiments of this utility model, the heating area of ​​the heating element 3 is smaller than the area of ​​the bottom surface of the water tank. It is understood that the actual heating area of ​​the heating element 3 does not cover the entire bottom of the water tank 2. The area on the bottom surface of the water tank not covered by the heating element 3 forms a transition zone, which prevents the high temperature generated by the heating element 3 from being directly conducted to the bottom surface of the outer casing 1 side wall, PCB circuit board mounting bracket and water tank 2 sealing ring 22 and other components. This extends the service life of non-metallic structural components and electrical insulation layers, and reduces the risk of sealing failure or insulation breakdown caused by long-term thermal aging.

[0026] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2 As shown, the portable coffee machine 100 also includes a support frame 5, which is disposed inside the outer casing 1 and on the side of the fuse 4 away from the water tank 2. The support frame 5 is spaced apart from the water tank 2 to define a cavity 6. It is understood that by spaced apart from the water tank 2 and defining the cavity 6, the high temperature generated by the heating element 3 can be prevented from being directly conducted to the outer casing 1 through the support frame 5, reducing the surface temperature of the outer casing 1 and improving the thermal comfort and safety of the user when holding it. At the same time, the spaced arrangement avoids mutual compressive stress between the support frame 5 and the water tank 2 caused by manufacturing tolerances or thermal expansion and contraction, reducing the risk of seal failure or weld cracking due to stress fatigue after long-term use.

[0027] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, a support boss 51 is formed on the support frame 5, and a fuse 4 is disposed on the support boss 51. The top of the support boss 51 is spaced apart from the heating element 3, and a fireproof layer is provided on the outside of the fuse 4. It can be understood that the fuse 4 is disposed on the support boss 51 of the support frame 5, which reduces the heat conduction path between the fuse 4 and the support frame 5. Furthermore, the top of the support boss 51 is spaced apart from the heating element 3 to prevent the high temperature of the heating element 3 from affecting the structural stability of the support frame 5. The fireproof layer can intercept and encapsulate the high-temperature molten material, preventing exposed fuse fragments or conductive residues from causing short circuits in surrounding circuits.

[0028] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the portable coffee machine 100 also includes a water tank bracket, which is located on the outer casing 1. The water tank 2 is fitted inside the water tank bracket, and the bottom of the water tank bracket is spaced apart from the heating element 3. The water tank bracket is connected to the support frame 5. It is understandable that if the water tank bracket directly contacts the heating element 3, high temperature will be transferred to the water tank bracket through the solid, causing the water tank bracket to creep, soften, or decrease in strength under long-term thermal cycling. Through the spaced arrangement, heat is mainly transferred through air radiation and convection, reducing thermal conductivity and ensuring the working environment temperature of the water tank bracket, thus extending its service life.

[0029] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 4 As shown, the support frame 5 has multiple support columns 52 arranged circumferentially on the water tank 2. The water tank support is mounted on the support columns 52. The water tank 2 has a first connecting part, and the support columns 52 have a second connecting part. The first connecting part and the second connecting part cooperate to connect the water tank 2 and the support columns 52. It can be understood that the multiple support columns 52 arranged circumferentially on the water tank 2 achieve multi-point support between the water tank 2 and the support frame 5, avoiding stress concentration; the cooperation of the first connecting part and the second connecting part achieves a detachable connection between the water tank 2 and the support columns 52, which facilitates assembly and maintenance.

[0030] In some embodiments of this utility model, one of the first connecting part and the second connecting part is formed as a hook 521, and the other of the first connecting part and the second connecting part is formed as a groove 24, with the hook 521 extending into the groove 24. It is understood that when the water tank bracket and the support column 52 are assembled, the cantilevered front end of the hook 521 enters the recessed space of the groove 24, and the wall surface of the groove 24 and the anti-retraction surface of the hook 521 form a contact limit. The assembly method of the water tank bracket and the support column 52 is simple and the connection is stable, ensuring both assembly quality and improved assembly efficiency.

[0031] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the portable coffee machine 100 also includes a pump body 8, a grinder 9, and a battery 10. The pump body 8 and battery 10 are both mounted on a support frame 5. The grinder 9 is located below the water tank 2. The pump body 8 communicates with the inside of the water tank 2 to drive the flow of liquid within the water tank 2. The battery 10 is electrically connected to both the pump body 8 and the heater. It is understood that the pump body 8 and battery 10 are the two components with the largest weight proportion of the entire machine. This concentrates the center of gravity of the entire machine in the lower part of the support frame 5 area, lowering the overall center of gravity, making it less prone to tipping over, and improving safety during use.

[0032] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the portable coffee machine 100 also includes a coffee cup 11 for holding the extracted coffee liquid.

[0033] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the water tank 2 has a lid 21, which covers the top of the water tank 2. A sealing ring 22 is provided between the lid 21 and the water tank 2, and a vent hole 211 is formed on the lid 21. It can be understood that by setting the sealing ring 22 and opening the vent hole 211 on the lid 21, a real-time dynamic balance between the internal air pressure and the external atmospheric pressure of the water tank 2 is achieved during the heating process. This prevents water from overflowing when the lid 21 is accidentally opened or tilted, and avoids structural cracking or steam splashing caused by abnormal increase in internal pressure of the water tank 2.

[0034] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", 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 are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0036] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between 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.

[0037] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0038] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A portable coffee machine (100), characterized in that, include: Outer shell (1); Water tank (2), the water tank (2) is disposed inside the outer shell (1), the water tank (2) includes: a water inlet and a water-filled bottom surface disposed opposite to the water inlet, a water outlet (23) is provided on the water-filled bottom surface, the water-filled bottom surface is inclined so that when the water inlet is in a horizontal position, the water-filled bottom surface forms a flow guiding structure that guides the flow to the water outlet (23); Heating element (3), said heating element (3) being interconnected with at least a portion of the structure of the water-filled bottom surface; A PCB circuit board is disposed inside the housing (1) and is electrically connected to the heating element (3); A fuse (4) is disposed inside the housing (1), the fuse (4) is electrically connected to the PCB circuit board, and the fuse (4) is located within the projection range defined by the axis of the water outlet (23) and the water tank (2).

2. The portable coffee machine (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet (23) is located between the lowest horizontal point of the water-bearing bottom surface and the axis, so that the water tank (2) maintains a safe water level when the outlet (23) is open.

3. The portable coffee machine (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heating area of ​​the heating element (3) is smaller than the area of ​​the bottom surface of the water container.

4. The portable coffee machine (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: A support frame (5) is provided inside the outer shell (1) and is located on the side of the fuse (4) away from the water tank (2). The support frame (5) is arranged at a distance from the water tank (2) to define a cavity (6).

5. The portable coffee machine (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, A support boss (51) is formed on the support frame (5), and the fuse (4) is provided on the support boss (51). The top of the support boss (51) is spaced apart from the heating element (3), and a fireproof layer is provided on the outside of the fuse (4).

6. The portable coffee machine (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: A water tank (2) bracket is provided on the outer shell (1), the water tank (2) is fitted inside the water tank (2) bracket, the bottom end of the water tank (2) bracket is spaced apart from the heating element (3), and the water tank (2) bracket is connected to the support frame (5).

7. The portable coffee machine (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support frame (5) has a plurality of support columns (52) arranged circumferentially on the water tank (2). The water tank (2) is supported on the support columns (52). The water tank (2) has a first connecting part and the support column (52) has a second connecting part. The first connecting part and the second connecting part cooperate to connect the water tank (2) with the support column (52).

8. The portable coffee machine (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, One of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is formed as a hook (521), and the other of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is formed as a slot (24), wherein the hook (521) extends into the slot (24).

9. The portable coffee machine (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The pump body (8), the grinding part (9), and the battery (10) are provided. The pump body (8) and the battery (10) are both mounted on the support frame (5). The grinding part (9) is located below the water tank (2). The pump body (8) is connected to the inside of the water tank (2) to drive the liquid flow in the water tank (2). The battery (10) is electrically connected to the pump body (8) and the heater.

10. The portable coffee machine (100) according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The water tank (2) has a lid (21) which covers the top of the water tank (2). A sealing ring (22) is provided between the lid (21) and the water tank (2). A vent hole (211) is formed on the lid (21).

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