Capsule extraction machine with anti-continuous brewing function

Abstract

The application relates to a capsule extraction machine with a continuous brewing prevention function, comprising a shell, a piercing needle tube, a water supply module, a processor, a sensor and a brewing key. The shell comprises a main body and a cover body connected with each other, the main body is provided with a containing groove, the piercing needle tube is arranged correspondingly to the containing groove, the water supply module is arranged in the shell and stores water introduced from an external water source, the processor is arranged in the shell, the sensor is arranged on the main body or the cover body and is electrically connected with the processor to detect whether the cover body is closed or opened relative to the main body, and the brewing key is arranged in the shell and is electrically connected with the processor. When the sensor detects that the cover body is closed, the brewing key can trigger the processor to control the water supply module to deliver water to the piercing needle tube to extract a capsule in the containing groove. After the extraction of the capsule is completed, the processor controls the brewing key to be disabled until the sensor detects that the cover body is opened, so that continuous brewing is prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a beverage machine for brewing beverages such as tea or coffee, and more particularly to a capsule extraction machine that extracts beverages such as tea or coffee using capsules. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing maturity of capsule technology, especially low-pressure capsule technology, different flavored beverages such as coffee, milk tea, black tea, and green tea can be quickly made using capsules with a pressure of only 2 bar. This has made capsule extraction machines increasingly popular and widely used in homes, offices, shops, and other places.

[0003] However, some capsules (such as coffee capsules) are not suitable for multiple infusions. Therefore, these capsules need to be replaced with unused capsules after each use to maintain the flavor and quality of the beverage. However, due to the large volume of sales and the wide variety of beverages available in stores, staff often forget to replace the capsules due to busy schedules, resulting in the same capsule being used repeatedly for extraction. This severely affects the flavor and quality of the beverage, or even leads to serving customers the wrong type of drink.

[0004] In view of this, the applicant has devoted himself to researching and applying theoretical principles to address the shortcomings of the prior art, and has made every effort to solve the aforementioned problems, which has become the target of the applicant's improvement. Utility Model Content

[0005] The main purpose of this application is to prevent the operator from continuously brewing the capsules in the gel extraction machine, thereby ensuring the correct use of the capsules.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a capsule extraction machine with a function to prevent continuous brewing, including a housing, a puncture needle, a water supply module, a processor, a sensor, and a brewing button. The housing includes a main body and a cover. The top of the main body has a receiving groove for placing capsules. The cover is connected to the top of the main body and configured to be closed or open relative to the main body. The puncture needle is disposed inside the housing corresponding to the receiving groove and is configured to puncture the capsules in the receiving groove. The water supply module is disposed in the housing and configured to introduce and store water from an external water source. The processor is disposed inside the housing. A sensor is disposed on one of the main body and the cover, facing the other. The sensor is electrically connected to the processor and configured to detect whether the cover is closed or open relative to the main body. The brewing button is disposed on the surface of the casing and is electrically connected to the processor. When the sensor detects that the cover is closed relative to the main body, the brewing button is configured to trigger the processor to control the water supply module to deliver water to the puncture needle to extract the capsule. Each time the water supply module delivers water to the puncture needle to extract the capsule, the processor controls the brewing button to deactivate until the sensor detects that the cover is open relative to the main body.

[0007] In one embodiment of this application, a warning device is also included. The warning device is disposed in the housing and electrically connected to the processor. The warning device is configured to issue a warning whenever the brewing button fails.

[0008] In one embodiment of this application, the warning device is a display screen, a warning light, a buzzer, or a vibrator.

[0009] In one embodiment of this application, the sensor is a pressure sensor or a proximity sensor.

[0010] In one embodiment of this application, the water supply module includes an inlet pipe and a pump, the pump being connected to the inlet pipe and configured to draw water from the external water source through the inlet pipe.

[0011] In one embodiment of this application, the housing further includes a water tank, which is detachably installed on the main body and is connected to a pump and configured to store water introduced by the water supply module.

[0012] In one embodiment of this application, the water supply module further includes a first water pipe, the two ends of which are respectively connected to a pump and a water tank.

[0013] In one embodiment of this application, a heater is also included. The water supply module further includes a second water supply pipe and a third water supply pipe. The heater is disposed inside the housing. The two ends of the second water supply pipe are respectively connected to the water tank and the heater. The two ends of the third water supply pipe are respectively connected to the heater and the puncture needle tube.

[0014] In one embodiment of this application, a control valve assembly is also included, which is disposed in the water tank and connected to the end of the second water supply pipe away from the heater.

[0015] In one embodiment of this application, a power button is also included. The power button is disposed on the surface of the housing and electrically connected to the processor. The power button is configured to trigger the capsule extraction machine to turn on or off.

[0016] The capsule extractor of this application with a function to prevent continuous brewing is equipped with a sensor on the main body or the cap that can detect whether the cap is closed or open relative to the main body. Whenever the water supply module delivers water to the puncture needle to extract the capsule, the processor controls the brewing button to be disabled until the sensor detects that the cap is open relative to the main body. This requires the operator to open the cap to confirm that the capsule is correct before brewing again. Therefore, it can effectively prevent the operator from continuously brewing the capsule extractor, thereby ensuring the correct use of the capsule. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the present application.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of the appearance of this application from another perspective.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional side view of this application.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a usage status diagram of this application.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the usage of this application.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0023] 100: Chassis;

[0024] 101: Brewing button;

[0025] 102: Power button;

[0026] 110: Main body;

[0027] 111: Receiving slot;

[0028] 112: Beverage nozzle;

[0029] 113: Water container;

[0030] 120: Cover;

[0031] 121: Recessed groove;

[0032] 130: Water tank;

[0033] 200: Pierce the syringe;

[0034] 300: Water supply module;

[0035] 310: Water pipe;

[0036] 320: Pump;

[0037] 330: First water supply pipe;

[0038] 340: Second water supply pipe;

[0039] 350: Third water supply pipe;

[0040] 400: Processor;

[0041] 500: Sensor;

[0042] 600: Warning device;

[0043] 700: Heater;

[0044] 800: Control valve assembly;

[0045] 900: Locking plate;

[0046] 910: A lever-operated part;

[0047] A: Capsules;

[0048] S1: Power-on procedure;

[0049] S2: Preliminary steps;

[0050] S3: Monitoring steps;

[0051] S4: Brewing steps;

[0052] S5: Warning procedure. Detailed Implementation

[0053] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "front side", "rear side", "left side", "right side", "front end", "rear end", "end", "longitudinal", "lateral", "vertical", "top", "bottom", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component 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 application.

[0054] As used herein, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and “fifth” describe various components, parts, regions, hierarchies, and / or sections, which should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, hierarchy, or section from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the use of terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and “fifth” herein does not imply order or sequence.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined herein, terms such as "substantially" and "approximately" are used to describe and narrate small changes. When used in the context of an event or situation, these terms may include the exact moment the event or situation occurred, or an approximate point in time. For example, when used in the context of a numerical value, these terms may include a range of variation less than or equal to ±10% of the numerical value, such as less than or equal to ±5%, less than or equal to ±4%, less than or equal to ±3%, less than or equal to ±2%, less than or equal to ±1%, less than or equal to ±0.5%, less than or equal to ±0.1%, or less than or equal to ±0.05%.

[0056] The detailed description and technical content of this application will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0057] Please see Figures 1 to 4As shown, this application provides a capsule extraction machine with a function to prevent continuous brewing. It draws water from an external water source (not shown) and heats and pressurizes it to extract water from capsule A, thereby producing a beverage corresponding to the contents of capsule A, such as coffee or tea. The capsule extraction machine with the function to prevent continuous brewing mainly includes a housing 100, a puncture needle 200, a water supply module 300, a processor 400, a sensor 500, and at least one brewing button 101.

[0058] The housing 100 mainly includes a main body 110 and a cover 120. In this embodiment, the main body 110 is generally rectangular, but this application is not limited thereto. The top of the main body 110 has a receiving groove 111 for placing the capsule A, and the operator can place the corresponding capsule A in the receiving groove 111 according to the beverage to be brewed. The cover 120 is connected to the top of the main body 110. In this embodiment, the cover 120 is pivotally connected to one side of the top of the main body 110 and can be closed or opened relative to the main body 110, but this application is not limited thereto. For example, the cover 120 can also be slidably configured relative to the top of the main body 110 to cover or expose the top of the main body 110. The front side of the main body 110 has a beverage nozzle 112 and a water tray 113. Specifically, the water tray 113 is located at the bottom of the front side of the main body 110 and is used to place a cup (not shown in the figure), while the beverage nozzle 112 is located directly above the water tray 113 and communicates with the receiving groove 111. In this way, when the capsule A in the container 111 is being brewed, the beverage can be poured into the cup on the water tray 113 through the beverage nozzle 112 for collection.

[0059] The puncture needle 200 is disposed within the housing 100, corresponding to the receiving groove 111. Specifically, the puncture needle 200 is disposed within the cover 120, with its end exposed on the side of the cover 120 facing the main body 110 and positioned at the top of the receiving groove 111. The puncture needle 200 is hollow, allowing for water infusion. Therefore, when the capsule A is placed in the receiving groove 111 at the top of the main body 110, closing the cover 120 relative to the main body 110 allows the puncture needle 200 to puncture the capsule A within the receiving groove 111, and allows heated and pressurized water to be infused into the capsule A, thereby extracting and brewing the capsule A.

[0060] A water supply module 300 is disposed within the housing 100. The water supply module 300 is configured to introduce water from an external water source (not shown) and store it within the housing 100. Specifically, the water supply module 300 mainly includes an inlet pipe 310, a pump 320, and a first water delivery pipe 330, and the housing 100 also includes a water tank 130. The water tank 130 is detachably mounted on the rear side of the main body 110. The inlet pipe 310 is connected to the pump 320, and the pump 320 is connected to the water tank 130 via the first water delivery pipe 330. The pump 320 is configured to draw water from the external water source through the inlet pipe 310 and store the introduced water in the water tank 130 for use when brewing beverages.

[0061] The processor 400 is housed within the housing 100. The processor 400 can be implemented using a central processing unit (CPU), a micro control unit (MCU), a programmable logic controller (PLC), a system on chip (SoC), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0062] Sensor 500 is disposed on one of the body 110 and the cover 120 and faces the other. In this embodiment, sensor 500 is disposed on the top of the body 110 and faces the bottom of the cover 120, but in other embodiments, sensor 500 may be disposed on the bottom of the cover 120 and faces the top of the body. Sensor 500 is electrically connected to processor 400 and is configured to detect whether the cover 120 is closed or open relative to the body 110. In this embodiment, sensor 500 is a pressure sensor, but in other embodiments, sensor 500 may be a proximity sensor.

[0063] A brewing button 101 is disposed on the surface of the housing 100 and electrically connected to the processor 400. In this embodiment, there are multiple brewing buttons 101, each corresponding to a different type of beverage. That is, each brewing button 101 can correspond to different water volume and water temperature settings, so the number of brewing buttons 101 can be adjusted according to different needs. Furthermore, the capsule extractor with anti-continuous brewing function of this application also includes a power button 102. The power button 102 is also disposed on the surface of the housing 100 and electrically connected to the processor 400. The power button 102 is configured to trigger the capsule extractor with anti-continuous brewing function of this application to turn on or off. Each brewing button 101 and the power button 102 can be a mechanical button or a touch button; this application does not impose further limitations on this.

[0064] Specifically, when the sensor 500 detects that the cover 120 is closed relative to the main body 110, each brewing button 101 is configured to trigger the processor 400 to control the water supply module 300 to deliver water to the puncture needle 200 for extraction of the capsule A when pressed or touched. In other words, when the cover 120 is open relative to the main body 110, pressing or touching each brewing button 101 will not trigger the processor 400 to control the water supply module 300 to deliver water to the puncture needle 200 for extraction of the capsule A; that is, the capsule extraction machine with anti-continuous brewing function of this application will not perform the extraction brewing action.

[0065] Once the water supply module 300 delivers water to the puncture needle 200 to extract the capsule A, the processor 400 disables all brewing buttons 101 until the sensor 500 detects that the lid 120 is open relative to the main body 110. Specifically, since the sensor 500 needs to detect that the lid 120 is closed relative to the main body 110 before the brewing buttons 101 can trigger the capsule extraction machine with anti-continuous brewing function of this application to perform extraction and brewing, the lid 120 will inevitably remain closed relative to the main body 110 after extraction and brewing. Therefore, the operator cannot see what type of beverage the capsule A corresponds to, which is hidden by the lid 120. Through this mechanism, it can be ensured that the operator can confirm whether the capsule A in the receiving tank 111 needs to be replaced according to the type of beverage to be made when opening the lid 120 relative to the main body 111, so that capsule A that is not suitable for continuous brewing is reused and continuously brewed into an off-flavor beverage.

[0066] It should be noted that, since the sensor 500 needs to detect that the lid 120 is closed relative to the main body 110 before each brewing button 101 can be triggered by the processor 400 to control the water supply module 300 to deliver water to the puncture needle 200 to extract the capsule A, even if the processor 400 removes the failure state of each brewing button 101 after the sensor 500 detects that the lid 120 is open relative to the main body 110, the operator still needs to close the lid 120 on the top of the main body 110 so that the sensor 500 detects that the lid 120 is closed relative to the main body 110 before each brewing button 101 can restore its function of triggering extraction and brewing after being pressed or touched.

[0067] Furthermore, the capsule extraction machine with anti-continuous brewing function of this application also includes an alarm device 600. The alarm device 600 is disposed in the housing 100 and electrically connected to the processor 400. The alarm device 600 is configured to automatically issue an alarm whenever any brewing button 101 fails. For example, the alarm device 600 can be a display screen, an alarm light, a buzzer, or a vibrator. When the alarm device 600 is a display screen, the alarm can be text or a graphic. When the alarm device 600 is an alarm light, the alarm can be a specific color light (e.g., red or yellow). When the alarm device 600 is a buzzer, the alarm can be a specific frequency or rhythmic sound. When the alarm device 600 is a vibrator, the alarm can be a specific frequency or rhythmic vibration. Therefore, the selection of the alarm device 600 can be made according to different needs, and even two or more alarm devices 600 can be used in combination; this application does not impose any restrictions on this. In this embodiment, the warning device 600 is a warning light and is located behind each brewing button 101 and power button 102, so that when a warning reminder is issued, the corresponding color can be displayed through each transparent or semi-transparent brewing button 101 and power button 102, but this application is not limited thereto.

[0068] Furthermore, the capsule extraction machine with anti-continuous brewing function of this application also includes a heater 700 and a control valve assembly 800, and the water supply module 300 includes a second water supply pipe 340 and a third water supply pipe 350. The heater 700 is disposed inside the housing 100 and is configured to heat water. The two ends of the second water supply pipe 340 are respectively connected to the water tank 130 and the heater 700, and the two ends of the third water supply pipe 350 are respectively connected to the heater 700 and the puncture needle tube 200. In other words, the second water supply pipe 340 can deliver water from the water tank 130 to the heater 700 for heating, and the third water supply pipe 350 then delivers the heated water to the puncture needle tube 200. The control valve assembly 800 is disposed in the water tank 130 and connected to the end of the second water supply pipe 340 away from the heater 700. In this embodiment, the control valve assembly 800 is disposed at the bottom of the water tank 130 and is used to control the amount of water entering the water tank 130 from the first water supply pipe 330 and the amount of water leaving the water tank 130 from the second water supply pipe 340.

[0069] Furthermore, the capsule extraction machine with anti-continuous brewing function of this application also includes a locking plate 900. The locking plate 900 is plate-shaped and pivotally connected to the cover 120, and is pivotable relative to the cover 120. The top of the cover 120 has a recessed groove 121, and the locking plate 900 is pivotally connected to the inner wall of the recessed groove 121 and can be fitted into or protrude from the recessed groove 121. The locking plate 900 has a lever-operated portion 910. When the lever-operated portion 910 is subjected to force and the locking plate 900 is rotated toward the cover 120 until it is fitted into the recessed groove 121, the locking plate 900 causes the cover 120 to be restrained and locked onto the main body 110. When the lever 910 is turned to move the locking plate 900 away from the cover 120 until the locking plate 900 protrudes from the recessed groove 121, the locking plate 900 releases the cover 120 from its restraint, allowing it to be lifted relative to the main body 110 to expose the receiving groove 111. In this way, the locking plate 900 prevents the cover 120 from being accidentally opened, thereby avoiding accidental puncture of the syringe 200 into the capsule A and injection of hot water, effectively reducing the possibility of accidental opening of the cover 120 leading to incorrect extraction.

[0070] Please continue reading. Figure 5 The diagram shown is a flowchart illustrating the use of the capsule extraction machine with anti-continuous brewing function of this application, which specifically discloses the application. Figures 1 to 4 The capsule extraction machine shown has a foolproof mechanism to prevent continuous brewing. The foolproof mechanism includes a start-up step S1, a pre-processing step S2, a monitoring step S3, a brewing step S4, and an alarm step S5, which are described in detail below.

[0071] First, in the startup step S1, the operator can press the power button 102 to start the capsule extraction machine with anti-continuous brewing function of this application.

[0072] Next, in the preparatory step S2, the operator opens the cover 120 relative to the main body 110, places the capsule A to be brewed into the receiving groove 111, and then closes the cover 120 on the top of the main body 110 so that the piercing needle 200 pierces the capsule A.

[0073] Next, in monitoring step S3, the processor 400 judges the signal from the sensor 500 to confirm whether the lid 120 is open or closed relative to the body 110. If the processor 400 determines that the sensor 500 detects that the lid 120 is open relative to the body 110, the processor 400 returns to the previous step S2 to wait and the processor 400 controls each brewing button 101 to be disabled. At this time, even if each brewing button 101 is pressed or touched, the brewing function cannot be triggered. If the processor 400 determines that the sensor 500 detects that the lid 120 is closed relative to the body 110, the processor 400 proceeds to brewing step S4 to wait.

[0074] Next, in the brewing step S4, the operator can press the brewing button 101 corresponding to the capsule A, thereby puncturing the needle 200 to inject heated and pressurized water into the capsule A for extraction and to make a beverage.

[0075] Next, in the warning step S5, the processor 400 disables each brewing button 101 and controls the warning device 600 to continuously issue warning reminders. The processor 400 also checks the signal from the sensor 500 to confirm whether the lid 120 is open or closed relative to the main body 110. If the processor 400 determines that the sensor 500 detects that the lid 120 is closed relative to the main body 110, the processor 400 maintains the disabling of each brewing button 101 and controls the warning device 600 to issue warning reminders. However, if the processor 400 determines that the sensor 500 detects that the lid 120 is open relative to the main body 110, the processor 400 returns to the previous step S2 to wait, and deactivates the disabling status of each brewing button 101 and turns off the warning reminders from the warning device 600.

[0076] The capsule extractor of this application with a function to prevent continuous brewing is equipped with a sensor 500 on the main body 110 or the cover 120 that can detect whether the cover 120 is closed or open relative to the main body 110. Whenever the water supply module 300 delivers water to the puncture needle 200 to extract the capsule A, the processor 400 controls each brewing button 101 to be disabled until the sensor 500 detects that the cover 120 is open relative to the main body 110. This requires the operator to open the cover 120 to confirm that the capsule A is correct before brewing again. Therefore, it can effectively prevent the operator from continuously brewing the capsule extractor, thereby ensuring the correct use of the capsule A.

[0077] In summary, the foregoing disclosure of this application is intended to enable those skilled in the art to clearly understand the technical content of this application and implement it accordingly, and is not intended to limit the scope of patent protection of this application. In addition, this application may of course have other embodiments not listed. Without departing from the spirit and substance of this application, those skilled in the art should be able to devise various corresponding changes and modifications based on this application, but all such corresponding changes and modifications should fall within the scope of protection of the patent claimed in this application.

Claims

1. A capsule extraction machine with a function to prevent continuous brewing, characterized in that, include: The housing includes a main body and a cover, the top of the main body having a receiving groove for placing a capsule, and the cover being connected to the top of the main body and configured to close or open relative to the main body. The puncturing needle is disposed in the housing corresponding to the receiving groove, and the puncturing needle is configured to puncture the capsule in the receiving groove; A water supply module is installed in the casing and configured to introduce and store water from an external water source. The processor is housed within the casing; A sensor, disposed on one of the body and the cover and facing the other, is electrically connected to the processor and configured to detect whether the cover is closed or open relative to the body; and A brewing button is located on the surface of the housing and is electrically connected to the processor; When the sensor detects that the cap is closed relative to the main body, the brewing button is configured to trigger the processor to control the water supply module to deliver water to the puncture needle to extract the capsule; Whenever the water supply module delivers water to the puncture needle to extract the capsule, the processor controls the brewing button to become disabled until the sensor detects that the cap is open relative to the main body.

2. The capsule extraction machine with anti-continuous brewing function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a warning device disposed on the housing and electrically connected to the processor, the warning device being configured to issue a warning whenever the brewing button fails.

3. The capsule extraction machine with anti-continuous brewing function as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The warning device is a display screen, warning light, buzzer, or vibrator.

4. The capsule extraction machine with anti-continuous brewing function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor is a pressure sensor or a proximity sensor.

5. The capsule extraction machine with anti-continuous brewing function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water supply module includes an inlet pipe and a pump. The pump is connected to the inlet pipe and configured to draw water from the external water source through the inlet pipe.

6. The capsule extraction machine with anti-continuous brewing function as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The housing also includes a water tank, which is detachably installed on the main body. The water tank is connected to the pump and configured to store the water introduced by the water supply module.

7. The capsule extraction machine with anti-continuous brewing function as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The water supply module also includes a first water pipe, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the pump and the water tank.

8. The capsule extraction machine with anti-continuous brewing function as described in claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a heater, and the water supply module further includes a second water supply pipe and a third water supply pipe. The heater is disposed inside the housing. The two ends of the second water supply pipe are respectively connected to the water tank and the heater, and the two ends of the third water supply pipe are respectively connected to the heater and the puncture needle tube.

9. The capsule extraction machine with anti-continuous brewing function as described in claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a control valve assembly disposed in the water tank and connected to the end of the second water supply pipe away from the heater.

10. The capsule extraction machine with anti-continuous brewing function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a power button, which is disposed on the surface of the housing and electrically connected to the processor, and is configured to trigger the capsule extraction machine to turn on or off.

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