A semi-automatic coffee machine

Abstract

The semi-automatic coffee machine provided by the application comprises a main machine, a coffee pot and a position detection assembly, the main machine has a base, the base is formed with a first matching part, the bottom of the coffee pot is formed with a second matching part, the second matching part and the first matching part are adapted by abutting, the position detection assembly has a first part and a second part, the first part is arranged in the base and is electrically connected with the built-in circuit of the main machine, and the second part is arranged at the bottom of the coffee pot, wherein when the coffee pot is positioned on the base, the first part can sense the position of the second part and send the sensing result to the built-in circuit of the main machine, and the built-in circuit can make the main machine supply water outward based on the sensing result. Compared with the prior art, the semi-automatic coffee machine provided by the application can only supply water outward when the coffee pot is positioned on the base, and the reliability in use is high.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 730,573, filed November 11, 2024, entitled "COFFEE MAKER", and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 765,895, filed March 3, 2025, entitled "AUTOMATIC POUR OVER COFFEE MACHINE AND METHODS OFUSE", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of coffee machine technology, and more particularly to a semi-automatic coffee machine. Background Technology

[0003] A semi-automatic coffee machine is an electrical appliance used to make coffee. It typically consists of a main unit, a coffee pot, and a coffee basket. The coffee pot is positioned on the base of the main unit during use. The coffee basket holds the coffee grounds and is located above and sealed to the pot. The main unit includes an internal circuit for controlling the water flow and a dispensing button that works in conjunction with this circuit. The main unit is also connected to a water supply. To use a semi-automatic coffee machine, first, place the coffee pot on the base of the main unit, then seal the coffee basket to the pot. Next, manually add coffee grounds to the basket, and then press the dispensing button. The internal circuit controlling the water flow activates, causing hot water to flow from the main unit's spout. This hot water is then introduced into the coffee basket to brew the coffee grounds, creating a fragrant and flavorful coffee. The coffee then flows from the basket into the coffee pot, ready for the user to use.

[0004] However, in these semi-automatic coffee machines, the main unit cannot sense whether the coffee pot is placed on the base or whether it is properly positioned. The user simply presses the water dispensing button, and water flows from the main unit's spout. Therefore, during use, it's common for the coffee pot to be misplaced on the base, causing the user to accidentally press the dispensing button, resulting in water spilling from the base onto the table or floor, making it unreliable.

[0005] Therefore, the above problems need to be addressed. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a semi-automatic coffee machine in which no water is dispensed from the main unit's spout when the coffee pot is not placed or is not positioned on the base, thus ensuring high reliability.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the semi-automatic coffee machine provided in this application includes a main unit, a coffee pot, and a positioning detection component. The main unit has a base with a first mating portion formed on the base. A second mating portion is formed on the bottom of the coffee pot, and the second mating portion abuts and is adapted to the first mating portion. The positioning detection component has a first component and a second component. The first component is disposed within the base and electrically connected to the built-in circuit of the main unit, and the second component is disposed at the bottom of the coffee pot. When the coffee pot is positioned on the base, the first component can sense the position of the second component and send the sensing result to the built-in circuit of the main unit. The built-in circuit can then enable the main unit to supply water based on the sensing result.

[0008] Compared with existing technologies, this application provides a new semi-automatic coffee machine. By providing a first mating part on the base of the main unit and a second mating part adapted to the first mating part on the bottom of the coffee pot, the base and coffee pot are positioned relative to each other. Furthermore, a first component of the positioning detection assembly is housed within the base and electrically connected to the built-in circuit of the main unit, while a second component is positioned on the bottom of the coffee pot. When the coffee pot is positioned on the base, the first component senses the position of the second component and sends the sensing result to the built-in circuit of the main unit. The built-in circuit then uses this sensing result to instruct the main unit to supply water. Therefore, the semi-automatic coffee machine provided by this application only supplies water when the coffee pot is positioned on the base, preventing users from accidentally pressing the water dispensing button on the main unit when the coffee pot is not properly positioned, thus avoiding wetting the table or floor. This design ensures high reliability.

[0009] Specifically, the first component is a Hall element, a tactile switch, or a light sensor, and the second component can trigger the first component when the coffee pot is positioned on the base.

[0010] Specifically, the second component is disposed in the center inside the second mating part, and the first component is disposed in the base at a position corresponding to the first component.

[0011] Specifically, the first mating part is a groove structure with a first annular inclined surface; the second mating part is formed by the bottom wall of the coffee pot protruding downwards, and has an annular plane and a second annular inclined surface surrounding the outer periphery of the annular plane; the annular plane is connected to the bottom surface of the groove structure; the second annular inclined surface and the first annular inclined surface abut against each other in the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle of the second annular inclined surface in the horizontal direction is less than or equal to the inclination angle of the first annular inclined surface in the horizontal direction. This design makes the coffee pot 120 easy to place and remove, and allows it to be quickly positioned on the base.

[0012] Specifically, the base has a water-holding space for collecting wastewater; the trough structure is equipped with a grid for wastewater to flow back into the water-holding space; or, the middle of the trough structure is recessed downwards to form a wastewater return trough, and the bottom and / or sidewalls of the wastewater return trough are provided with wastewater return holes communicating with the water-holding space. This arrangement facilitates the guidance and collection of wastewater, reducing the cleaning burden.

[0013] Specifically, the main unit has a support platform for holding the coffee basket, and a leak-proof valve is provided at the through hole in the center of the support platform; a raised structure is formed in the middle of the top of the coffee pot, and a water inlet communicating with the inner cavity of the coffee pot is provided in the raised structure; when the coffee pot is placed on the base, the raised structure can open the leak-proof valve, and the coffee basket is connected to the inner cavity of the coffee pot through the leak-proof valve. This design can prevent coffee liquid in the coffee basket from dripping onto the table, thus reducing the cleaning burden.

[0014] Specifically, a lever is movably mounted on the support platform. The lever is connected to the leak-proof valve. Rotating the lever can push the leak-proof valve to expand or shrink the internal passage of the leak-proof valve.

[0015] Specifically, the lever has a lever receiving actuation force, a ramp thrusting force, and a rotating connection; the ramp thrusting force and the valve core of the leak-proof valve form an abutment fit in the vertical direction; the rotating connection is rotatably connected to the bottom of the support platform; the lever receiving force is connected to one side of the rotating connection; wherein, by actuating the lever receiving force, the ramp thrusting force can be driven to push the valve core in the vertical direction to expand or shrink the internal channel of the leak-proof valve.

[0016] Specifically, a recess is formed on the top of the coffee pot and at the outer edge of the root of the protruding structure, and the recess is provided with a liquid return hole that communicates with the inner cavity of the coffee pot. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a semi-automatic coffee machine according to an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a side view of a semi-automatic coffee machine according to an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 3This is a cross-sectional view of a semi-automatic coffee machine according to an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the base of the semi-automatic coffee machine of this application;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the base of the semi-automatic coffee machine of this application;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the semi-automatic coffee machine of this application after removing the coffee basket and support platform.

[0026] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0027] 100 - Semi-automatic coffee machine; 110 - Main unit; 1101 - Water outlet; 111 - Base; 1111 - First mating part; 1112 - First annular inclined surface; 1113 - Grille mesh; 1114 - Wastewater return channel; 1115 - Wastewater return hole; 120 - Coffee pot; 121 - First mating part; 1211 - Second annular inclined surface; 122 - Protruding structure; 1221 - Water inlet; 123 - Recessed part; 124 - Liquid return hole; 130 - Position detection component; 131 - First component; 132 - Second component; 140 - Water tank; 150 - Coffee basket; 160 - Support platform; 170 - Leak-proof valve; 171 - Valve core; 180 - Actuating lever; 1801 - Actuating force receiving part; 1802 - Inclined thrust part; 1803 - Rotating connection part. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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 based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] Please see Figures 1-3 The semi-automatic coffee machine 100 provided in this application includes a main unit 110, a coffee pot 120, a positioning detection component 130, a water tank 140, and a coffee basket 150. The main unit 110 has a base 111, on which a first mating part 1111 is formed; a second mating part 121 is formed on the bottom of the coffee pot 120, and the second mating part 121 and the first mating part 1111 are abutted and adapted; the positioning detection component 130 has a first component 131 and a second component 132, the first component 131 is disposed in the base 111 and electrically connected to the built-in circuit of the main unit 110, and the second component 132 is disposed on the bottom of the coffee pot 120; when the coffee pot 120 is positioned on the base 111, the first component 131 can sense the position of the second component 132 and send the sensing result to the built-in circuit of the main unit 110, and the built-in circuit can enable the main unit 110 to supply water based on the sensing result. The main unit 110 is connected to the water tank 140. The main unit 110 contains a water pump that draws water from the tank into the main unit 110, which then flows out through the outlet 1101 located in the coffee basket 150. When the built-in circuitry enables the main unit 110 to supply water, pressing the dispensing button on the main unit 110 will draw water from the tank 140 and allow it to flow out through the outlet 1101 into the coffee basket 150. Conversely, when the built-in circuitry does not receive a sensing result, even if the dispensing button is pressed, the main unit 110 will not be able to draw water from the tank using the water pump.

[0032] Further, please refer to Figure 3 The first component 131 is a Hall element, a tactile switch, or a light sensor, and the second component 132 can trigger the first component 131 when the coffee pot 120 is positioned on the base 111. That is, the second component 132 will trigger the first component 131 only when the second mating part 121 of the coffee pot 120 and the first mating part 1111 of the base 111 are in contact with each other, so that the first component 131 senses the position of the second component 132.

[0033] Further, please refer to Figure 3The second component 132 is disposed in the center inside the second mating part 121. Here, the center is a vague concept, including but not limited to the exact center of the second mating part 121. For example, the second component 132 may be slightly off the exact center of the second mating part 121. The first component 131 is disposed in the base 111 at the position corresponding to the second component 132.

[0034] Further, please refer to Figures 3-4 The first mating part 1111 has a groove structure and a first annular inclined surface 1112. The second mating part 121 is formed by the downward protrusion of the bottom wall of the coffee pot 120. The second mating part 121 has an annular plane and a second annular inclined surface 1211 surrounding the outer periphery of the annular plane. The annular plane 1211 is connected to the bottom surface of the first mating part 1111. The second annular inclined surface 1211 and the first annular inclined surface 1112 abut each other in the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle of the second annular inclined surface 1211 in the horizontal direction is less than or equal to the inclination angle of the first annular inclined surface 1112 in the horizontal direction. This arrangement makes it easy to put on and take off the coffee pot 120, and allows the coffee pot 120 to be quickly positioned on the base 111.

[0035] According to one embodiment of this application, please refer to Figure 6 The base 111 has a water-holding space 112 for holding wastewater; the first mating part 1111 is provided with a grid 1113, which is used to return wastewater to the water-holding space 112.

[0036] According to another embodiment of this application, please refer to Figure 7 The base 111 has a water-holding space 112 for holding wastewater. The middle of the first mating part 1111 is recessed to form a wastewater return channel 1114. The bottom and side walls of the wastewater return channel 1114 are provided with wastewater return holes 1115 that communicate with the water-holding space 112. This arrangement facilitates the guidance and collection of wastewater, thereby keeping the surface of the base 111 clean.

[0037] Further, please refer to Figures 1-2 and Figure 8 The main unit 110 is also equipped with a support platform 160 for supporting the coffee basket 150. A leak-proof valve 170 is provided at the through hole in the center of the support platform 160. A raised structure 122 is formed in the middle of the top of the coffee pot 120. A water inlet 1221 communicating with the inner cavity of the coffee pot 120 is provided in the raised structure 122. When the coffee pot 120 is placed on the base 111, the raised structure 122 can open the leak-proof valve 170, and the coffee basket 150 is sealed and connected to the inner cavity of the coffee pot 120 through the leak-proof valve 170. This design can prevent coffee liquid in the coffee basket 150 from dripping onto the table, thereby reducing the cleaning burden.

[0038] Further, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 A lever 180 is movably mounted on the support platform 160. The lever 180 is kinetically connected to the leak-proof valve 170. Rotating the lever 180 can push the leak-proof valve 170 to expand or shrink its internal passage. Specifically, the lever 180 has a lever-receiving part 1801, a ramp thrust part 1802, and a rotating connection part 1803. The ramp thrust part 1802 and the valve core 171 of the leak-proof valve 170 form an abutment fit in the vertical direction. The rotating connection part 1803 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the support platform 160. The lever-receiving part 1801 is connected to one side of the rotating connection part 1803. Actuating the lever-receiving part 1801 can drive the ramp thrust part 1802 to push the valve core 171 in the vertical direction, thereby expanding or shrinking the internal passage of the leak-proof valve 170. In this embodiment, the leak-proof valve 170 is a conventional spring-loaded check valve that meets the functional requirements.

[0039] Further, please refer to Figure 8 A recess 123 is formed on the top of the coffee pot 120 at the outer edge of the base of the protrusion 122. A liquid return hole 124 communicating with the inner cavity of the coffee pot 120 is provided in the recess 123. This design can further collect wastewater, reduce wastewater falling on the table, and thus reduce the cleaning burden.

[0040] The following is an explanation of the working principle of the semi-automatic coffee machine 100 provided in this application. In use, the coffee pot 120 is first positioned on the base 111. The first component 131 senses the second component 132 and sends a sensing result to the built-in circuit of the main unit 110. Based on the sensing result, the built-in circuit enables the main unit 110 to supply water. However, when the user does not position the coffee pot 120 on the base 111 or when no coffee pot 120 is placed on the base 111, the first component 131 cannot sense the second component and therefore will not send a sensing result to the built-in circuit of the main unit 110. In this case, even if the user presses the water dispensing button on the main unit 110, no water will flow from the water outlet. After positioning the coffee pot 120 on the base 111, coffee powder is added to the coffee basket 140, and the water dispensing button on the main unit 110 is pressed. Hot water flows out from the water outlet on the main unit 110 and into the coffee basket 140, where it comes into contact with the coffee powder in the coffee basket 150, eventually forming coffee liquid that flows into the coffee pot 120 through the leak-proof valve 170 for the user to use.

[0041] Compared with the prior art, this application provides a first mating part 1111 on the base 111 of the main unit 110 and a second mating part 121 adapted to the first mating part 1111 on the bottom of the coffee pot 120, thereby positioning the base 111 of the main unit 110 and the coffee pot 120 to each other. The first component 131 of the positioning detection component 13 is disposed in the base 111 and electrically connected to the built-in circuit of the main unit 110, and the second component 132 is disposed on the bottom of the coffee pot 120. When the coffee pot 120 is positioned on the base 111, the first component 131 can sense the position of the second component 132 and send the sensing result to the built-in circuit of the main unit 110. The built-in circuit of the main unit 110 enables the main unit 110 to supply water. Therefore, the semi-automatic coffee machine 100 provided in this application can cut off the water supply when the coffee pot 120 is not placed on the base 111 or is not positioned on the base 111, thus preventing the user from accidentally touching the water dispensing button on the main unit 110 and wetting the table or bottom surface, and has high reliability in use.

[0042] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this utility model.

Claims

1. A semi-automatic coffee machine, characterized in that, include: The main unit has a base on which a first mating part is formed; The coffee pot has a second mating part formed at its bottom, which abuts against the first mating part for mutual positioning; and The positioning detection component has a first component and a second component. The first component is disposed inside the base and electrically connected to the built-in circuit of the host, and the second component is disposed at the bottom of the coffee pot. When the coffee pot is positioned on the base, the first component can sense the position of the second component and send the sensing result to the built-in circuit of the host. The built-in circuit can then supply water to the host based on the sensing result.

2. The semi-automatic coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first component is a Hall element, a tactile switch, or a light sensor, and the second component can trigger the first component when the coffee pot is positioned on the base.

3. The semi-automatic coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second component is located in the center inside the second mating part, and the first component is located in the base at a position corresponding to the second component.

4. The semi-automatic coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first mating part is a groove structure, and the groove structure has a first annular inclined surface; The second mating part is formed by the bottom wall of the coffee pot protruding downwards, and the second mating part has an annular plane and a second annular inclined surface surrounding the outer periphery of the annular plane; The annular plane is connected to the bottom surface of the groove structure; The second annular inclined surface and the first annular inclined surface abut each other in the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle of the second annular inclined surface in the horizontal direction is less than or equal to the inclination angle of the first annular inclined surface in the horizontal direction.

5. The semi-automatic coffee machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The base has a water-holding space for holding wastewater; The trough structure is provided with a grid for wastewater to flow back into the water-containing space; Alternatively, the middle of the trough structure is recessed downward to form a wastewater return trough, and the bottom and / or sidewall of the wastewater return trough are provided with wastewater return holes that communicate with the water-containing space.

6. The semi-automatic coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main unit has a support platform for holding a coffee basket, and a leak-proof valve is provided at the through hole in the center of the support platform; The coffee pot has a raised structure in the middle of its top, and a water inlet communicating with the inner cavity of the coffee pot is provided in the raised structure. When the coffee pot is placed on the base, the protruding structure can open the leak-proof valve, and the coffee basket is connected to the inner cavity of the coffee pot through the leak-proof valve.

7. The semi-automatic coffee machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, A lever is movably mounted on the support platform. The lever is connected to the leak-proof valve. Rotating the lever can push the leak-proof valve to expand or shrink the internal passage of the leak-proof valve.

8. The semi-automatic coffee machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The lever has a lever receiving force, a ramp pushing force, and a rotating connection; The ramp thrust section and the valve core of the leak-proof valve form an abutting fit in the vertical direction; The rotating connection is rotatably connected to the bottom of the support platform; The actuating force-receiving part is connected to one side of the rotating connection part; Specifically, by actuating the actuating force part, the inclined thrust part can be driven to push the valve core in the vertical direction, thereby expanding or shrinking the internal passage of the leak-proof valve.

9. The semi-automatic coffee machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The coffee pot has a recessed portion formed on the top and at the outer edge of the root of the protruding structure, and the recessed portion is provided with a liquid return hole communicating with the inner cavity of the coffee pot.

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