Infused beverage preparation device

Abstract

An apparatus for preparing an infused beverage comprises a container, a base supporting the container, and an air pump. The container includes a body, a lid, and an infusion basket located within the body and connected to the lid in a sealed and removable manner. The infusion basket is equipped with a liquid tube extending to the bottom of the body, ensuring communication between the infusion basket and the body. The air pump is arranged within the body and / or the base and includes an air intake pump and an air exhaust pump, both capable of communicating with the infusion basket. Through the air pump, which can operate in both intake and exhaust modes, the liquid in the body is drawn into the infusion basket. Once the infusion is complete, the brewed beverage is discharged from the infusion basket back into the body. (See Figure 3 for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: Apparatus for preparing an infused beverage

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of cooking and more particularly to an apparatus for preparing an infused beverage.

[0002] An apparatus for preparing an infused beverage, often referred to as a "health pot", is used to prepare hot water infused beverages and provides convenience to users. However, with existing health pots shown in [Fig.l], an infusion basket 13' is placed in a body 11' of the apparatus and closed by a lid 12'. In use, water is poured into the body 11' and a substance to be infused (such as tea leaves) is placed in the infusion basket 13'. The substance is infused and / or cooked using the heated water in the body 11'. The infusion basket 13' must be manually removed after infusion. However, in practice, often the user cannot extract the 13' infusion basket in time, or forgets to extract it from the water, which can lead to the substance being immersed in the water for too long which generates an off-flavor.Additionally, this type of device does not allow stirring of the substance to be infused to provide a brewing effect.

[0003] The present invention therefore aims to provide an apparatus for preparing an infused beverage making it possible to improve the quality of infusion of the beverages.

[0004] To this end, the invention provides an apparatus for preparing an infused beverage comprising: a container comprising a body, a lid and an infusion basket placed in the body and connected to the lid in a sealed and removable manner, the infusion basket being provided with a liquid pipe extending towards a bottom of the body so that the infusion basket is in communication with the body; a base supporting the container; and an air pump comprising an air suction pump and an air discharge pump, each being capable of communicating with the infusion basket, the air pump being arranged in the body and / or the base.

[0005] In the apparatus for preparing an infused beverage according to the invention, the body is intended to receive liquid and the infusion basket is intended to receive a substance to be infused. By connecting the infusion basket provided with the liquid pipe to the lid in a sealed manner and thus putting it in communication with the air suction pump and the air discharge pump, a sealed space is established in the infusion basket when the level of the liquid in the body exceeds the lower opening of the liquid pipe to form a water seal. During operation, the air pump may first operate in an air suction mode and activates the air suction pump to suck air from the infusion basket, so that a vacuum is formed in the infusion basket, which allows the liquid in the body to be sucked into the infusion basket via the liquid pipe. The infusion of the substance is thus achieved. Then, the air pump operates in an air discharge mode, in which the air suction pump is deactivated and the air discharge pump is activated, thereby quickly increasing the pressure in the infusion basket and discharging the liquid from the basket to the body. Thus, controlling the infusion time is easy and precise, preventing the substance from being immersed in water for too long, and helping to improve the taste of the brewed beverage. At the same time, the suction of the liquid by vacuum and the discharge of the liquid by pressure increase the agitation of the liquid, which causes the substance to be agitated and provides a stirring effect. In addition, since the air pump is arranged in the body and / or the base, the space inside the body and / or the base can be used to accommodate and conceal the air pump.The risk of damaging the pump due to external impact is also reduced, while making the overall appearance of the device simple and aesthetic. In addition, the device is easy to clean.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, the air suction pump and the air exhaust pump communicate with the infusion basket via the same air duct.

[0007] In this embodiment of the apparatus, the air pump does not operate simultaneously in the air suction mode and in the air exhaust mode. The air suction pump and the air exhaust pump being connected to the same air duct and then, via the air duct, to the infusion basket, the air passage serves for the air suction mode and the air exhaust mode, which makes it possible to simplify the structure of the apparatus, to reduce the space occupied by the air duct, and thus to reduce the size and mass of the apparatus.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, the air evacuation pump comprises an air inlet and a one-way valve is provided at the air inlet.

[0009] In this embodiment of the apparatus, on the one hand, the one-way valve limits the flow direction of a fluid, and on the other hand, it allows the resistance in the flow direction to be increased. With the one-way valve provided at the air inlet of the air exhaust pump, external air must overcome the flow resistance caused by the one-way valve to enter the air exhaust pump. When the air pump operates in the air suction mode, the air suction pump not only sucks air in the infusion basket, but also air in the air exhaust pump. In the absence of a directional valve, although the air exhaust pump has some air resistance when it is turned off, a small amount of air may often leak; which decreases the suction force of the air suction pump in the basket.With the directional valve, the flow resistance provided by the one-way valve complements the air resistance of the air evacuation pump. A reliable seal is therefore ensured in the evacuation pump. of air, as well as the suction force of the air suction pump in the basket. When the air pump operates in the air exhaust mode, the air exhaust pump is activated and no longer resists the air flow. The one-way valve is therefore open, which ensures the exhaust function of the air exhaust pump.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, the air suction pump and the air exhaust pump are diaphragm pumps.

[0011] In this embodiment of the apparatus, diaphragm pumps are adopted for the air suction pump and the air discharge pump, which enable the formation and lifting of vacuum by means of reliable air suction and discharge. In addition, diaphragm pumps enable precise control by the computer. The control of the air pump can therefore be automated, thereby enabling the infusion time to be controlled precisely.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, the apparatus further comprises a first air duct and a second air duct which communicate in a sealed and removable manner, the first air duct being arranged in a compartment of the side wall of the body and communicating with the air pump, the second air duct being arranged in the cover and communicating with the infusion basket.

[0013] Preferably, the air passage in communication with the air pump opens onto the upper part of the infusion basket in order to maximize the effective volume of the infusion basket. However, if an integral air passage is used to communicate with the air pump, a fixed air passage structure must be provided at the upper part of the infusion basket and clear of the cover, which will lead to reducing the dimensions of the upper opening of the infusion basket and the cover, for a given space of the upper part. In this embodiment of the apparatus, since the air passage communicating with the air pump is divided into two parts, namely the first air duct and the second air duct, which communicate in a sealed and removably manner and which are respectively arranged in a compartment of the body and in the cover, the air passage structure at the upper part of the infusion basket (i.e., the second air duct) can be integrated into the lid. This eliminates the need to remove the air passage structure from the lid, allowing the upper opening of the brewing basket and lid to be enlarged. This makes it easier to perform operations such as inserting and removing the substance and cleaning the brewing basket. Furthermore, with fewer inaccessible areas in the brewing basket, maintenance of the appliance is easier.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, the air suction pump and the air exhaust pump are all arranged in the base.

[0015] In this embodiment of the apparatus, since the air suction pump and the air exhaust pump are all arranged in the base, on the one hand, the center of gravity of the device is then as low as possible, which ensures the overall structural stability of the device by reducing the risk of tipping; on the other hand, the volume of the body compartment can be reduced, which reduces the bulk of the body and makes the appearance of the body aesthetic.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, the base comprises a lower air passage connector which is in communication with the air suction pump and the air evacuation pump, and the container comprises an upper air passage connector which is in communication with the infusion basket, the lower connector and the upper air passage connector being in communication in a sealed and removable manner.

[0017] In this embodiment of the apparatus, the air pump being arranged in the base, the base and the container are respectively equipped with a lower air passage connector and an upper air passage connector which communicate in a sealed and removable manner. Thus, a removable connection between the base and the container is made so that the apparatus is of a separable structure which makes it easier to use by a user. In addition, the body of the container is thus devoid of the air pump, making it possible to reduce the size and weight of the body. Thus, the handling and movement of the body in a state separated from the base are further facilitated.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least one of a liquid level sensor and a temperature sensor, the liquid level sensor being arranged on the lid or on the infusion basket for detecting the level of the liquid in the infusion basket, the temperature sensor being arranged on the lid or on the infusion basket for detecting the temperature of the liquid in the infusion basket; the apparatus further comprises a controller electrically connected or signal connected to the liquid level sensor and / or the temperature sensor and the air pump in order to control the operation of the air pump according to the level and / or the temperature of the liquid.

[0019] In this embodiment of the apparatus, the liquid level sensor and / or the temperature sensor is configured to perform automated control of the air pump by means of the controller. Precise control of the liquid level and the liquid temperature is therefore ensured, thereby improving the brewing quality of the beverage. In particular, if the liquid level is too high, the liquid may enter the air passage and thus be sucked into the air pump, which may damage the air pump. In this case, a corresponding control program may be provided in the controller that allows the air discharge mode of the air pump to be triggered when the controller determines that the liquid level detected by the liquid level sensor is too high. level exceeds a certain threshold, in order to lower the liquid level quickly and protect the air pump. The liquid temperature, on the other hand, can affect the infusion effect, especially for substances that require a more precise infusion temperature range, for example, a liquid temperature to be maintained above 94°C. In this case, similarly, a corresponding control program can be provided in the controller that can trigger the air exhaust mode and then the air suction mode when the controller determines that the liquid temperature detected by the temperature sensor falls below the lower limit of the pre-recorded temperature range, in order to discharge liquid at a low temperature and then suck in liquid at an appropriate temperature again, thereby ensuring the infusion effect.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, a liquid level sensor and a temperature sensor are both present and automated infusion control is accurately achieved by means of the controller and the air pump. Specifically, when the controller determines that the temperature of the liquid in the container body reaches a predetermined temperature, the air suction mode of the air pump is triggered to form a vacuum in the infusion basket to draw liquid in the body to the infusion basket via the liquid pipe. Furthermore, the level of the liquid in the infusion basket is detected by means of the liquid level sensor.When the controller determines that the liquid level detected by the level sensor exceeds a predetermined level, the air suction mode of the air pump is terminated so that the liquid in the brewing basket is maintained at the predetermined level for a preset time. Then, when the preset time is over, the air exhaust mode of the air pump is triggered to quickly lower the liquid level. Thus, precise brewing at a predetermined temperature and for a preset time can be achieved.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, the liquid level sensor and / or the temperature sensor is arranged on the cover.

[0022] In this embodiment of the apparatus, the sensor(s) are arranged on the lid in such a way that at least a portion of the sensor structure is hidden and protected in the interior space of the lid, which makes the exterior appearance aesthetic and helps to extend the service life of the sensor. At the same time, this makes it possible to simplify the structure of the infusion basket.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the device, the liquid level sensor and the temperature sensor are integrated into a single part.

[0024] In this embodiment of the device, a single part integrating the liquid level sensor and the temperature sensor makes it possible to reduce the number of parts and thus simplify the overall structure and increase the assembly efficiency of the device.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a liquid heating means arranged in the body or in the base for heating the liquid in the body.

[0026] In this embodiment of the apparatus, with the liquid heating means, the apparatus is capable of performing the heating autonomously. On the one hand, no external heating means is required, which facilitates use. On the other hand, automated control can be achieved using the detection data and control strategies, which improves the brewing quality of the beverage. The liquid heating means can in particular be arranged in a compartment at the bottom of the body to directly heat the liquid in the body. Alternatively, the heating means can also be arranged in the base, which reduces the weight of the container.

[0027] Other aspects and / or additional advantages of the general inventive concept of the present invention will be set forth in part in the following description, and others will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing the general concept of the present invention. Brief description of the figures

[0028] The characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of the embodiments, based on the appended figures, in which:

[0029] [Fig-1] is a longitudinal sectional view of an apparatus for preparing an infused beverage existing in the prior art;

[0030] [Fig.2] is an overview of an apparatus for preparing an infused beverage of an embodiment according to the invention;

[0031] [Fig.3] is a sectional view of an apparatus for preparing an infused beverage of an embodiment according to the invention at the time of suction of the water;

[0032] [Fig.4] is a diagram showing the air suction mode of the air pump of an embodiment according to the invention;

[0033] [Fig.5] is a sectional view of an apparatus for preparing an infused beverage of an embodiment according to the invention at the moment when the aspiration of the water is finished;

[0034] [Fig.6] is a diagram showing the air evacuation mode of the air pump of an embodiment according to the invention;

[0035] [Fig.7] is a sectional view of an apparatus for preparing an infused beverage of an embodiment according to the invention at the time of evacuation of the water;

[0036] [Fig.8] is a diagram showing the air suction mode of the air pump of another embodiment according to the invention;

[0037] [Fig.9] is a partially exploded view of an apparatus for preparing an infused beverage of an embodiment according to the invention;

[0038] [Fig. 10] is a partially exploded view of an apparatus for preparing an infused beverage of an embodiment according to the invention;

[0039] [Fig. 11] is a sectional view of the apparatus for preparing an infused beverage of [Fig.10],

[0040] Description of the references in [Fig.l]:

[0041] 11': body; 12': cover; 13': infusion basket.

[0042] Description of the references in Figures 2 to 11:

[0043] 10: container; 11: body; 111: main part; 112: basket support; 12: cover; 13: infusion basket; 131: liquid pipe; 132: filter; 14: first air duct; 15: second air duct; 16: upper air passage connector;

[0044] 20: base; 21: lower air passage connector

[0045] 30: air pump; 31: air suction pump; 32: air exhaust pump; 321 : one-way valve;

[0046] 40: liquid level sensor;

[0047] 50: controller;

[0048] 60: liquid heating means. Detailed description of the invention

[0049] The following embodiments are provided to assist the reader in gaining a complete understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents to the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein will become apparent upon understanding the invention. For example, the orders of operations are described by way of example and not limitation. These orders may be modified, except that operations must occur in a particular order. In addition, the description of features known in the art may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0050] The features described herein may be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein have been provided solely to illustrate some of the many possible embodiments for implementing the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein, which possible embodiments will become apparent upon understanding the invention.

[0051] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and any combination of two or more of the listed relevant elements.

[0052] Terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used herein solely to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or portion mentioned in the examples described herein could also be called a second component, region, layer or part, provided that this does not deviate from the teaching of the example.

[0053] In the description, when an element such as a layer, region or substrate is described as being "on", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, that element may be directly "on" the other element, directly "connected to" or "coupled to" the other element, or one or more other elements may be present between them. In contrast, when an element is described as being "directly on", "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element, no other intervening element may be present.

[0054] The terminology used herein is used solely to describe various examples and does not limit the invention. Terms in the singular are also intended to include those terms in the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprise," "include," and "have" indicate the presence of the features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations recited thereafter, but do not exclude the presence or addition of other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0055] Unless otherwise specified, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the technical field to which the present invention pertains, after understanding the invention. Unless explicitly defined herein, terms (such as those defined in a general dictionary) should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant art and the invention, and should not be idealized or explained too formally.

[0056] Furthermore, in describing the examples, where it is considered that a detailed description of a relevant structure or function known to the public would result in a vague explanation of the invention, such a detailed description will be omitted.

[0057] An apparatus for preparing an infused beverage according to embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 11. In the remainder of the description, the term “apparatus” is used to designate the apparatus for preparing an infused beverage and the term “basket” is used to designate the infusion basket.

[0058] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, according to one aspect of the invention, in one embodiment, an apparatus for preparing an infused beverage, such as a health pot, is provided. The apparatus for preparing an infused beverage comprises: a container 10, a base 20, and an air pump 30. In this embodiment, the container 10 comprises a body 11, a lid 12, and an infusion basket 13 placed in the body 11 and connected to the lid 12 in a sealed and removable manner. The infusion basket 13 is provided with a liquid pipe 131 which extends towards the bottom of the body 11 so that the infusion basket 13 is in communication with the body 11. The base 20 is intended to support the container 10. The air pump 30 comprises an air suction pump 31 and an air discharge pump 32, each being adapted to communicate with the infusion basket 13. The air pump 30 is arranged in the body 11 and / or the base 20.

[0059] With the apparatus of this embodiment of the invention, the body 11 is intended to receive liquid and the infusion basket 13 is intended to receive a substance to be infused. By connecting the infusion basket 13 provided with the liquid pipe 131 to the cover 12 in a sealed manner and thus putting it in communication with the air suction pump 31 and the air discharge pump 32, a sealed space is established in the infusion basket 13 when the liquid level in the body 11 exceeds the lower opening of the liquid pipe 131 to form a water seal.In operation, with reference to Figures 3 and 4 where the arrows indicate the direction of fluid flow (same for the arrows in the following figures, which will therefore not be repeated again), the air pump 30 may first operate in an air suction mode and the air suction pump 31 is activated to suck air from the infusion basket 13, so that a vacuum is formed in the infusion basket 13, which allows the liquid in the body 11 to be sucked into the infusion basket 13 via the liquid pipe 131 and to carry out the infusion of the substance. [Fig. 5] shows the infusion basket 13 in a state filled with the sucked liquid.6 and 7, then, the air pump 30 operates in an air discharge mode, in which the air suction pump 31 is deactivated and the air discharge pump 32 is activated, thereby rapidly increasing the pressure in the brewing basket 13, and discharging liquid from the brewing basket 13 to the body 11. Thus, controlling the brewing time is easy and accurate, preventing the substance from being immersed in water for too long, and contributing to improving the taste of the brewed beverage. At the same time, the suction of the liquid by vacuum and the discharge of the liquid by pressure are able to increase the agitation of the liquid, which causes the substance to be agitated and provides a stirring effect. Furthermore, with the air pump 30 arranged in the body 11 and / or the base 20, the space inside the body 11 and / or the base 20 can be exploited to accommodate and conceal the air pump 30.The risk of damaging the air pump 30 due to external impact is also reduced, while making the overall appearance of the apparatus simple and aesthetic and easy to clean. By "the air pump 30 is arranged in the body 11 and / or the base 20", it is meant that the air suction pump 31 and the air exhaust pump 32 may both be arranged in the body 11, or, with respect to [Fig. 3], both arranged in the base 20, or one arranged in the body 11, and the other arranged in the base 20. More specifically, by "arranged in the body 11", it is meant "arranged in a com . body part 11”, and not in the cavity intended to receive body fluid 11.

[0060] Optionally, with reference to [Fig. 3], the body 11 comprises a main part 111 and a basket holder 112. The main part 111 comprises an upper opening and a spout in its upper part. The basket holder 112 is located in the upper part of the main part 111 and separates the upper opening and the spout from the main part 111. The infusion basket 13 is inserted into the basket holder 112 and rests on a shoulder formed in the basket holder 112. The cover 12 is also inserted into the basket holder 112 to make the infusion basket 13 leak-proof.

[0061] Optionally, with reference to [Fig. 3], the infusion basket 13 further comprises a filter 132 in order to preserve the substance in the infusion basket 13 and to prevent it from falling into the body 11 via the liquid pipe 131. The infusion will therefore take place in the infusion basket 13 and the control of the appropriate infusion duration is facilitated.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, with reference to [Fig.4], the air suction pump 31 and the air evacuation pump 32 communicate with the infusion basket 13 via the same air duct.

[0063] In this embodiment of the apparatus, the air pump 30 does not operate simultaneously in the air suction mode and in the air exhaust mode. Since the air suction pump 31 and the air exhaust pump 32 are connected to the same air duct and then, via the air duct, to the infusion basket 13, the air flow passage can be shared for the air suction mode and the air exhaust mode, thereby simplifying the structure of the apparatus, reducing the space occupied by the air duct, and thus reducing the size and mass of the apparatus. More specifically, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6, the air inlet of the air suction pump 31 and the air outlet of the air exhaust pump 32 are connected to the same air duct, and the air outlet of the air suction pump 31 and the air inlet of the air exhaust pump 32 communicate with the atmosphere respectively.It is noted that this embodiment only means that the same air passage is used in the air suction mode and in the air exhaust mode, and is not intended to limit the communication between the air pump 30 and the infusion basket 13 to a single air duct. In other words, since the air suction pump 31 and the air exhaust pump 32 are connected to the same air duct, this air duct can be connected to the infusion basket 13 directly or via another air passage structure.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, the air inlet of the air evacuation pump 32 is provided with a one-way valve 321.

[0065] In this embodiment of the apparatus, on the one hand, the one-way valve 321 limits the direction of flow of a fluid, and on the other hand, it makes it possible to increase the re resistance in the fluid flow direction. With the one-way valve 321 provided at the air inlet of the air exhaust pump 32, outside air must overcome a flow resistance caused by the one-way valve 321 to enter the air exhaust pump 32. When the air pump 30 operates in the air suction mode, the air suction pump 31 not only sucks air in the infusion basket 13, but also air in the air exhaust pump 32. In the absence of a directional valve 321, although the air exhaust pump 32 has some air resistance when it is turned off, a small amount of air may often leak, which decreases the suction force of the air suction pump 31 in the basket. With reference to [Fig.8], with the directional valve 321, the flow resistance provided by the one-way valve 321 complements the air resistance of the air evacuation pump 32. A reliable seal is therefore ensured in the air evacuation pump 32, as well as the suction force of the air suction pump 31 in the basket. When the air pump 30 operates in the air exhaust mode, as shown in [Fig. 9], the air exhaust pump 32 is activated and no longer resists the air flow. The one-way valve 321 is therefore open, which allows the air exhaust pump 32 to be evacuated.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, the air suction pump 31 and the air evacuation pump 32 are diaphragm pumps.

[0067] In this embodiment of the apparatus, diaphragm pumps are used to form the air suction pump 31 and the air discharge pump 32, which enable the formation and lifting of the vacuum by means of reliable air suction and discharge. In addition, diaphragm pumps also enable precise control by the computer. The control of the air pump 30 can therefore be automated, which allows the infusion time to be controlled precisely.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, with reference to [Fig.7], the container 10 further comprises a first air duct 14 and a second air duct 15 which communicate in a sealed and removable manner, the first air duct 14 being arranged in a compartment of the side wall of the body 11 and communicating with the air pump 30, the second air duct 15 being arranged in the cover 12 and communicating with the infusion basket 13.

[0069] Preferably, the air passage in communication with the air pump 30 opens onto the upper portion of the infusion basket 13 in order to maximize the effective volume of the infusion basket 13. However, if an integral air passage is used to communicate with the air pump 30, a fixed air passage structure must be provided at the upper portion of the infusion basket 13 and clear of the cover 12, which will lead to reducing the dimensions of the upper opening of the infusion basket 13 and of the cover 12, for a given space in the upper part. In this embodiment of the apparatus, since the air passage which communicates with the air pump 30 is divided into two parts, namely the first air duct 14 and the second air duct 15, which communicate in a sealed and removable manner and which are respectively arranged in a compartment of the body 11 and in the cover 12, the air passage structure in the upper part of the infusion basket 13 (i.e., the second air duct 15) can be integrated with the cover 12. Consequently, it is no longer necessary to release the air passage structure from the cover 12, which makes it possible to increase the dimensions of the upper opening of the infusion basket 13 and of the cover 12. The execution of operations such as the placement and removal of the substance and the cleaning of the infusion basket 13 is therefore facilitated.Additionally, with fewer inaccessible areas in the brew basket 13, maintenance of the appliance is made easier.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, with reference to [Fig. 3], the air suction pump 31 and the air exhaust pump 32 are all arranged in the base 20.

[0071] In this embodiment of the apparatus, in particular, because the air suction pump 31 and the air exhaust pump 32 are all arranged in the base 20, on the one hand, the center of gravity of the apparatus is then as low as possible, which ensures the overall structural stability of the apparatus by reducing the risk of tipping; on the other hand, the volume of the compartment of the body 11 can be reduced, which makes it possible to reduce the bulk of the body 11 and makes the appearance of the body 11 aesthetic.

[0072] With reference to Figures 10 and 11, the base 20 comprises a lower air passage connector 21 which is in communication with the air suction pump 31 and the air discharge pump 32, and the container 10 comprises an upper air passage connector 16 which is in communication with the infusion basket 13, the lower air passage connector 21 and the upper air passage connector 16 being in communication in a sealed and removable manner.

[0073] In this embodiment of the apparatus, the air pump 30 being arranged in the base 20, the base 20 and the container 10 are respectively equipped with a lower air passage connector 21 and an upper air passage connector 16 which communicate in a sealed and removable manner. Thus, a removable connection between the base 20 and the container 10 is made so that the apparatus is of a separable structure which makes it easier to use by a user. In addition, the body 11 is thus devoid of the air pump 30, which makes it possible to reduce the size and weight of the body. Thus, the handling and movement of the body in a state separated from the base are further facilitated. More specifically, with reference to Figures 7 and 11, cooperating air passage means by insertion are provided in the center of the lower air passage connector 21 and the upper air passage connector 16.For example, an insertion tube is formed at the air passage opening of the lower connector 21, and an opening . flared is formed for the upper air passage connector 16, which can guide the insertion of the insertion tube to realize air passage communication between the lower air passage connector 21 and the upper air passage connector 16. In addition, each of the lower air passage connector 21 and the upper air passage connector 16 also includes a plurality of concentric sealing rings matched to each other such that the concentric sealing rings of the lower air passage connector 21 and the concentric sealing rings of the upper air passage connector 16 fit alternately to realize a sealed connection between the lower air passage connector 21 and the upper air passage connector 16, thereby preventing air leakage into the air duct.

[0074] According to one embodiment, with reference to [Fig.l 1], the apparatus further comprises at least one of a liquid level sensor 40 and a temperature sensor, the liquid level sensor 40 being arranged on the cover 12 or on the infusion basket 13 for detecting the level of the liquid in the infusion basket 13, the temperature sensor being arranged on the cover 12 or on the infusion basket 13 for detecting the temperature of the liquid in the infusion basket 13. The apparatus further comprises a controller 50 electrically connected or signal connected to the liquid level sensor 40 and / or the temperature sensor and to the air pump 30 in order to control the operation of the air pump 30 according to the liquid level and / or the liquid temperature.

[0075] In this embodiment of the apparatus, the liquid level sensor 40 and / or the temperature sensor is configured to perform automated control of the air pump 30 by means of the controller 50. Precise control of the liquid level and the liquid temperature is therefore ensured, thereby improving the brewing quality of the beverage. More specifically, if the liquid level is too high, the liquid may enter the air passage and thus be sucked into the air pump 30 and damage it. In this case, a corresponding control program may be provided in the controller 50 which makes it possible to trigger the air evacuation mode of the air pump when the controller 50 determines that the liquid level detected by the level sensor 40 exceeds a certain threshold, in order to lower the liquid level quickly and protect the air pump 30.Furthermore, the liquid temperature may affect the infusion effect, especially for substances that require a more precise infusion temperature range, for example, a liquid temperature to be maintained above 94°C. In this case, similarly, a corresponding control program may be provided in the controller 50 that allows the air exhaust mode to be triggered and then the air suction mode when the controller 50 determines that the liquid temperature detected by the temperature sensor falls below . below the lower limit of a pre-recorded temperature range, in order to discharge liquid at low temperature and then suck in liquid again at an appropriate temperature, thereby ensuring the infusion effect. It can be understood that, for a sensor arranged on the cover 12, a wired sensor (which is electrically connected to the controller 50) or a wireless sensor (which is signal-connected to the controller 50) can be used. For a sensor arranged on the infusion basket 13, a wireless sensor can be used. Similarly, the connection between the air pump 30 and the controller 50 can be a wired electrical connection or a wireless signal connection. Optionally, the apparatus can further be provided with a temperature sensor of the liquid in the body 11, for example arranged on the bottom of the body 11.The heating of the body 11 is controlled according to the detection result, so that the temperature of the liquid in the body 11 is kept within a temperature range required by the brewing. Of course, it can be made a little higher than the upper limit of the temperature range so that it reaches a temperature suitable for brewing after mixing the low-temperature liquid discharged from the brewing basket 13 into the body 11 and the high-temperature liquid in the body 11. The temperature sensor can also be electrically connected to the controller 50 or by signal.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, with reference to [Fig. 1 1], the liquid level sensor 40 and / or the temperature sensor is arranged on the cover 12.

[0077] In this embodiment of the apparatus, the sensor(s) are arranged on the cover 12 in such a way that a portion of the sensor structure is hidden and protected in the interior space of the cover 12, which makes the exterior appearance aesthetic and helps to extend the service life of the sensor. At the same time, this makes it possible to simplify the structure of the infusion basket 13.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, the liquid level sensor 40 and the temperature sensor are integrated into a single piece.

[0079] In this embodiment of the device, a single part integrating the liquid level sensor and the temperature sensor makes it possible to reduce the number of parts and thus simplify the overall structure and increase the assembly efficiency of the device.

[0080] According to one embodiment, with reference to [Fig. 1 1], the apparatus further comprises a liquid heating means 60 arranged in the body 11 or in the base 20 for heating the liquid in the body 11.

[0081] In this embodiment of the apparatus, with the liquid heating means 60, the apparatus is capable of performing the heating autonomously. On the one hand, no external heating means is required, which makes it easier to use. On the other hand, automated control can be performed using the detection data and control strategies, which makes it possible to improve the infusion quality of the beverage. More specifically, the liquid heating means 60 is arranged in a compartment in the bottom of the body 11 and against the main part 111 to directly heat the liquid in the main part 111. Alternatively, the heating means can also be arranged in the base 20, which makes it possible to further reduce the weight of the container 10.

[0082] Although the exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations to the exemplary embodiments of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that such modifications and variations remain within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Apparatus for preparing an infused beverage, characterized in that it comprises: - a container (10), comprising a body (11), a lid (12) and an infusion basket (13) placed in the body (11) and connected to the lid (12) in a sealed and removable manner, the infusion basket (13) being provided with a liquid pipe (131) extending towards a bottom of the body (11) so that the infusion basket (13) is in communication with the body (11); - a base (20) supporting the container (10); and - an air pump (30) comprising an air suction pump (31) and an air discharge pump (32), each being capable of communicating with the infusion basket (13), the air pump (30) being arranged in the body (11) and / or the base (20);wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one of a liquid level sensor (40) and a temperature sensor, the liquid level sensor (40) being arranged on the lid (12) or on the brew basket (13) for detecting the level of the liquid in the brew basket (13), the temperature sensor being arranged on the lid (12) or on the brew basket (13) for detecting the temperature of the liquid in the brew basket (13); wherein the apparatus further comprises a controller (50) electrically or signally connected to the liquid level sensor and / or the temperature sensor and to the air pump (30) for controlling the operation of the air pump (30) according to the level and / or the temperature of the liquid.;

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air suction pump (31) and the air exhaust pump (32) communicate with the infusion basket (13) via a same air duct.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container (10) further comprises a first air duct (14) and a second air duct (15) which communicate in a sealed and removably manner, the first air duct (14) being arranged in a compartment of the side wall of the body (11) and communicating with the air pump (30), the second air duct (15) being arranged in the cover (12) and communicating with the infusion basket (13).

4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air suction pump (31) and air exhaust pump (32) are all arranged in the base (20).

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the base (20) comprises a lower air passage connector (21) which is in communication with the air suction pump (31) and the air exhaust pump (32), and the container (10) comprises an upper air passage connector (16) which is in communication with the infusion basket (13), the lower air passage connector (21) and the upper air passage connector (16) being in communication in a sealed and removably manner.

6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid level sensor (40) and / or the temperature sensor is arranged on the cover (12).

7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the liquid level sensor (40) and the temperature sensor are integrated into a single piece.

8. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the air evacuation pump (32) comprises an air inlet and a one-way valve (321) is provided at the air inlet.

9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the air suction pump (31) and the air exhaust pump (32) are diaphragm pumps.

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