Brewing method and drip coffee maker

Abstract

A brewing method and a drip coffee maker. The brewing method is applied to the drip coffee maker, and comprises: adding coffee powder to the bottom of a brewing cavity (113) by means of a powder supply system via a powder adding port, and forming in the brewing cavity (113) a gas accommodating space, which is located above the coffee powder and accommodates gas; sealing the powder adding port, and controlling a liquid output connector (133) to be in an open state; and supplying water to the brewing cavity (113) by means of a water supply system, separating the gas accommodating space from the liquid output connector (133) by means of a liquid accumulating at the bottom of the brewing cavity (113), sealing the gas accommodating space and reducing the size of the gas accommodating space. The drip coffee maker using the brewing method not only has a relatively high brewing speed, but also is beneficial to reducing the brewing cavity (110) and the overall size of the drip coffee maker.

Description

Brewing methods and drip coffee machines Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of drip coffee machines, and in particular to a brewing method and a drip coffee machine. Background Art

[0002] Drip coffee machines are usually equipped with a funnel or filter basket. Coffee powder is added to the funnel, and water is sprinkled into the funnel. Then, the coffee liquid gradually flows out from the bottom of the funnel under the action of its own gravity. For example, the Chinese utility model patent with the authorization announcement number: CN202015064U discloses a drip coffee machine, including a main unit and a large cup. The large cup is connected to a faucet assembly, and a coffee basket with filtering and soaking coffee functions is provided on the inner side of the upper part of the large cup. A water outlet is provided on the top of the coffee basket. During the brewing process, coffee powder is added to the coffee basket, and water is poured into the coffee basket through the water outlet. The coffee liquid flows into the large cup under the action of its own gravity. However, this type of drip coffee machine has a slow brewing speed and the user has to wait for a long time. Technical Solutions

[0003] In view of the above problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a brewing method and a drip coffee machine with a faster brewing speed. The technical solution of the present invention is as follows.

[0004] A first aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a brewing method, which is applied to a drip coffee machine. The drip coffee machine includes a brewing chamber, a first plunger mechanism, a powder supply system, a water supply system, and a liquid outlet connector. The brewing chamber includes a brewing cavity and a powder adding port disposed at the top of the brewing cavity and communicating with the brewing cavity. The liquid outlet connector is disposed at the bottom of the brewing cavity and is capable of communicating with the brewing cavity.

[0005] The brewing method comprises:

[0006] Adding coffee powder to the bottom of the brewing chamber through the powder adding port by a powder supply system, and forming a gas containing space above the coffee powder in the brewing chamber;

[0007] Seal the powder adding port and control the liquid outlet joint to be in an open state;

[0008] Water is supplied to the brewing chamber through the water supply system, and the gas accommodating space and the liquid outlet joint are separated by the liquid accumulated at the bottom of the brewing chamber, thereby sealing the gas accommodating space and compressing the volume of the gas accommodating space.

[0009] The drip coffee machine using the brewing method not only has a faster brewing speed, but also helps to reduce the overall size of the brewing chamber and the drip coffee machine.

[0010] In some embodiments, the drip coffee machine further includes an air supply system; and the brewing method further includes:

[0011] When the water supply of the water supply system reaches the target water volume, the water supply system is closed and the air supply system is opened to supply air to the brewing chamber.

[0012] In this way, not only can the liquid flow rate be maintained stable, but it is also beneficial to further increase the brewing speed and further shorten the brewing time.

[0013] In some embodiments, the step of starting the gas supply system to supply gas to the brewing chamber comprises:

[0014] The air supply system is turned on to supply air to the brewing chamber, so that the air pressure of the brewing chamber is maintained within a target range.

[0015] In this way, the air pressure in the brewing chamber can be maintained within the target range, the liquid outflow rate of the liquid outlet joint can be continuously maintained stable, and the brewing speed can be improved.

[0016] In some embodiments, the drip coffee machine further comprises a first plunger mechanism, the first plunger mechanism is provided with a liquid inlet connector, the water supply system and the air supply system are connected to the liquid inlet connector via a first valve;

[0017] The method of sealing the powder adding port and controlling the liquid outlet joint (133) to be in an open state comprises:

[0018] The powder adding port is sealed by the first plunger mechanism, and the liquid outlet joint (133) is controlled to be in an open state;

[0019] Correspondingly, closing the water supply system and opening the air supply system to supply air to the brewing chamber includes:

[0020] Close the water supply system, control the first valve to disconnect the water supply system and the liquid inlet joint, and connect the gas supply system and the liquid inlet joint;

[0021] The air supply system is turned on to supply air to the brewing chamber through the liquid inlet joint.

[0022] In some embodiments, the drip coffee machine further comprises a first plunger assembly and a second plunger mechanism: the top and bottom ends of the brewing chamber are respectively provided with a top opening and a bottom opening, the top opening forming the powder adding port;

[0023] The method of adding coffee powder to the bottom of the brewing chamber via the powder adding port by using a powder supply system includes:

[0024] Controlling the first plunger mechanism to move laterally to avoid and open the top opening;

[0025] Controlling the second plunger mechanism to move vertically to the bottom opening and to seal the bottom opening;

[0026] Coffee powder is added to the brewing chamber through the top opening by the powder supply system, so that the coffee powder falls to the bottom of the brewing chamber.

[0027] In some embodiments, supplying water to the brewing chamber through the water supply system, separating the gas accommodating space and the liquid outlet joint by the liquid accumulated at the bottom of the brewing chamber, sealing the gas accommodating space and compressing the volume of the gas accommodating space, includes:

[0028] Water is supplied to the brewing chamber at a first flow rate through the water supply system, and the air accommodating space and the liquid outlet joint are separated by liquid accumulated at the bottom of the brewing chamber, the air accommodating space is sealed and the volume of the air accommodating space is compressed, so that the liquid outlet flow rate of the liquid outlet joint gradually increases from a second flow rate less than the first flow rate to a third flow rate less than or equal to the first flow rate.

[0029] An embodiment of the present invention provides a drip coffee machine, comprising a brewing chamber, a sealing mechanism, a powder supply system, a water supply system, a liquid outlet connector, and a controller; the brewing chamber comprises a brewing cavity and a powder adding port disposed at the top of the brewing chamber and communicating with the brewing cavity; the liquid outlet connector is disposed at the bottom of the brewing chamber and is capable of communicating with the brewing cavity;

[0030] The controller is specifically configured as follows:

[0031] Controlling the powder supply system to add coffee powder to the bottom of the brewing chamber through the powder adding port, and forming a gas containing space above the coffee powder in the brewing chamber;

[0032] Controlling the sealing mechanism to seal the powder adding port and controlling the liquid outlet joint to be in an open state;

[0033] The water supply system is controlled to supply water to the brewing chamber, and the gas accommodating space and the liquid outlet joint are separated by the liquid accumulated at the bottom of the brewing chamber, thereby sealing the gas accommodating space and compressing the volume of the gas accommodating space.

[0034] The drip coffee machine not only has a faster brewing speed, but also helps to reduce the overall size of the brewing chamber and the drip coffee machine.

[0035] In some embodiments, the drip coffee machine further includes an air supply system; and the controller is further configured to:

[0036] When the water supply of the water supply system reaches the target water volume, the water supply system is closed and the air supply system is opened to supply air to the brewing chamber.

[0037] In this way, not only can the liquid flow rate be maintained stable, but it is also beneficial to further increase the brewing speed and further shorten the brewing time.

[0038] In some embodiments, the controller is specifically configured as follows:

[0039] The air supply system is controlled to supply air to the brewing chamber so that the air pressure of the brewing chamber is maintained within a target range.

[0040] In this way, the air pressure in the brewing chamber can be maintained within the target range, the liquid outflow rate of the liquid outlet joint can be continuously maintained stable, and the brewing speed can be improved.

[0041] In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism is provided with a liquid inlet joint, and the water supply system and the air supply system are connected to the liquid inlet joint via a first valve; the controller is specifically configured as follows:

[0042] Close the water supply system, control the first valve to disconnect the water supply system and the liquid inlet joint, and connect the gas supply system and the liquid inlet joint;

[0043] The air supply system is turned on to supply air to the brewing chamber through the liquid inlet joint. Beneficial effects

[0044] The brewing method of the present invention increases the air pressure within the air-holding space. This pressure directly acts on the liquid below, accelerating its discharge and shortening the brewing time of drip coffee. Furthermore, the liquid outlet connector remains open during water supply, allowing coffee liquid to flow out of the brewing chamber through the connector simultaneously. This reduces the required volume of the brewing chamber and, in turn, helps reduce the overall size of the drip coffee machine, ultimately achieving miniaturization. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a water circuit of a drip coffee machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] FIG2 is a perspective view of a brewing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] 3 to 7 are cross-sectional views of the brewing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention in different states;

[0048] FIG8 is a flow chart of a brewing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Description of reference numerals:

[0050] 110-brewing cavity; 111-top opening; 112-bottom opening; 113-brewing cavity;

[0051] 121-first plunger assembly; 122-first motor; 123-liquid inlet connector;

[0052] 131 - second plunger assembly; 132 - second motor; 133 - liquid outlet connector;

[0053] 141-air pump;

[0054] 151-water tank; 152-flow meter; 153-water pump; 154-heater;

[0055] 161-first valve; 162-second valve. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0056] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0057] An embodiment of the present invention provides a brewing method, which is applied to a drip coffee machine. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the drip coffee machine includes a brewing component, a powder supply system and a water supply system. The brewing component includes a brewing cavity 110 sealing mechanism and a liquid outlet connector 133.

[0058] The brewing cavity 110 has a brewing cavity 113 and a powder adding port arranged at the top of the brewing cavity 110 and connected to the brewing cavity 113 . The liquid outlet joint 133 is arranged at the bottom of the brewing cavity 110 and can be connected to the brewing cavity 113 .

[0059] Optionally, the water supply system may include a water tank 151, a flow meter 152, a water pump 153, and a heater 154, which may be connected in sequence. The brewing assembly may also include a liquid inlet connector 123, and the water outlet of the heater 154 may be connected to the liquid inlet connector 123.

[0060] FIG8 is a flow chart of a brewing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG8 , the brewing method according to an embodiment of the present invention may specifically include the following steps.

[0061] S210, adding coffee powder to the bottom of the brewing chamber 113 through the powder adding port by the powder supply system, and forming a gas containing space above the coffee powder in the brewing chamber 113.

[0062] Optionally, in the initial state, the powder adding port may be open, as shown in Figure 3 . Upon receiving a brewing command, the powder supply system may be directly controlled to add coffee powder into the brewing chamber 113 via the powder adding port, allowing the coffee powder to automatically slide to the bottom of the brewing chamber 113, as shown in Figure 4 . If the powder adding port is initially closed, the first plunger mechanism must first be controlled to open the powder adding port. Thereafter, the powder supply system is controlled to add coffee powder into the brewing chamber 113.

[0063] Optionally, the powder supply system may include a grinding mechanism, which can grind coffee beans to prepare instant coffee powder, and add the ground coffee powder to the brewing chamber 113. The powder supply system may also not have a grinding function, in which case the user needs to add the ground coffee powder to the powder supply system.

[0064] Optionally, the top and bottom ends of the brewing cavity 110 may be provided with a top opening 111 and a bottom opening 112, respectively, and the top opening 111 forms the powder adding port. For example, the brewing cavity 110 may be cylindrical, and the top and bottom ends of the cylindrical brewing cavity 110 are both open structures, forming the top opening 111 and the bottom opening 112, respectively. The brewing component may further include a second plunger mechanism. Optionally, the second plunger mechanism may include a second plunger assembly 131 and a second motor 132 transmission-connected to the second plunger assembly 131. The top end of the second plunger assembly 131 may extend into the brewing cavity 113 via the bottom opening 112, and the second plunger assembly 131 may be configured to be able to move vertically. The second motor 132 is used to provide movement power for the second plunger assembly 131.

[0065] On this basis, the first motor 122 can be controlled to drive the first plunger assembly 121 to open the top opening 111, and the second motor 132 can be controlled to drive the second plunger assembly 131 to block the bottom opening 112. For example, the first motor 122 can be controlled to drive the first plunger assembly 121 to move horizontally to avoid and open the top opening 111. The second motor 132 can be controlled to drive the second plunger assembly 131 to move vertically to the bottom opening 112 and block it. Subsequently, the powder supply system is controlled to add coffee powder to the brewing chamber 113 through the top opening 111.

[0066] S220, sealing the powder adding port and controlling the liquid outlet connector 133 to be in an open state.

[0067] Optionally, the powder feeding port can be sealed by the sealing mechanism. The sealing mechanism may include a first plunger mechanism, and the first plunger mechanism may include a first plunger assembly 121 and a first motor 122 that is transmission-connected to the first plunger assembly 121. The first motor 122 provides motion power for the first plunger assembly 121. After the powder is added, the first plunger mechanism can be controlled to block the powder feeding port to seal the gas holding space from the top. For example, in the case where the powder feeding port is formed by the top opening 111, the first motor 122 can be controlled to drive the first plunger assembly 121 to move laterally to block the top opening 111, as shown in Figure 5. If the top of the brewing cavity 110 also has other openings that are connected to the gas holding space, it is also necessary to block the other openings at the top of the brewing cavity 110 to prevent the gas in the gas holding space from being discharged through the powder feeding port or other openings.

[0068] Optionally, the sealing mechanism may also include a capping mechanism. For example, the capping mechanism may include a cover and a drive motor. After powder addition is completed, the drive motor drives the cover to move, rotate, or swing to seal the powder addition port. It is understood that in specific implementations, other structures may be used to seal the powder addition port, and this document does not limit the sealing mechanism for sealing the powder addition port.

[0069] Alternatively, if the liquid outlet connector 133 is already in the open state in the initial state, then the liquid outlet connector 133 does not need to be opened again at this time, and only needs to be kept in the open state. If the liquid outlet connector 133 is in the closed state in the initial state, then the liquid outlet connector 133 can be opened at this time.

[0070] Optionally, the liquid outlet connector 133 may be provided with an electrically controlled valve, which can be controlled to open or close the liquid outlet connector 133. The liquid outlet connector 133 may also be connected to the electrically controlled valve. For example, the liquid outlet of the liquid outlet connector 133 may be connected to the second valve 162 via a pipeline, and the second valve 162 can be controlled to open or close, thereby opening or closing the liquid outlet of the liquid outlet connector 133.

[0071] S230, supplying water to the brewing chamber 113 through the water supply system, separating the gas accommodating space and the liquid outlet joint 133 through the liquid accumulated at the bottom of the brewing chamber 113, sealing the gas accommodating space and compressing the volume of the gas accommodating space.

[0072] In the initial stage of water supply, the water supply system supplies water to the brewing chamber 113 at an industrial flow rate greater than the liquid outlet flow rate of the liquid outlet joint 133, allowing liquid to accumulate at the bottom of the brewing chamber 113. The accumulated liquid separates the gas accommodating space from the liquid outlet joint 133, sealing the gas accommodating space to prevent gas in the gas accommodating space from being discharged through the liquid outlet joint 133. As the liquid level gradually rises, the volume of the gas accommodating space is gradually compressed, and the gas pressure in the gas accommodating space continues to increase. The gas pressure directly acts on the liquid below that is in direct contact with it, accelerating liquid discharge and thereby increasing the brewing speed.

[0073] Optionally, the liquid outlet flow rate of the liquid outlet joint 133 can be determined during the production design stage. The liquid outlet flow rate of the liquid outlet joint 133 is not only affected by its own joint and size, but may also be affected by other factors such as the fineness and weight of the coffee powder. For example, the liquid outlet joint 133 can be arranged on the second plunger assembly 131, and a filter can be further provided at the liquid inlet of the liquid outlet joint 133, and the coffee liquid flows into the liquid outlet joint 133 after being filtered by the filter. At this time, the liquid outlet flow rate of the liquid outlet joint 133 is mainly affected by the pore size of the filter, the fineness and weight of the coffee powder. The liquid outlet flow rate of the liquid outlet joint 133 can be determined based on experience or experimental data during the production design stage. Optionally, the water supply system can supply water to the brewing chamber 113 through the liquid inlet joint 123 provided on the first plunger assembly 121.

[0074] Optionally, water can be supplied to the brewing chamber 113 at a first flow rate through the water supply system. Liquid accumulated at the bottom of the brewing chamber 113 separates the air space and the liquid outlet connector 133, sealing the air space and compressing the volume of the air space, causing the liquid outlet flow rate of the liquid outlet connector 133 to gradually increase from a second flow rate less than the first flow rate to a third flow rate less than or equal to the first flow rate. In the middle and late stages of water supply, as the liquid level in the brewing chamber 113 rises and the air pressure increases, the liquid outlet flow rate of the liquid outlet connector 133 gradually increases from the second flow rate to a third flow rate close to or equal to the first flow rate. The liquid level in the brewing chamber 113 is close to forming a dynamic equilibrium, and the other pressures in the brewing chamber 113 are typically increased by 0.3 bar to 0.7 bar relative to atmospheric pressure. The air pressure directly acts on the liquid below and in direct contact with it, accelerating the outflow of the liquid. At the same time, the taste of the drip coffee brewed within this pressure range is close to that of conventional drip coffee.

[0075] In the brewing method of the embodiment of the present invention, coffee powder is added to the bottom of the brewing chamber 113 via the powder adding port by a powder supply system, thereby forming a gas-containing space within the brewing chamber 113 above the coffee powder. The powder adding port is sealed, and the liquid outlet connector 133 is controlled to be in an open state. Water is supplied to the brewing chamber 113 via the water supply system, and the liquid accumulated at the bottom of the brewing chamber 113 separates the gas-containing space from the liquid outlet connector 133, thereby sealing the gas-containing space and compressing its volume. This increases the air pressure in the gas-containing space, which directly acts on the liquid below in direct contact with it, accelerating liquid discharge and shortening brewing time. Furthermore, during the water supply process, the liquid outlet connector 133 remains open, and coffee liquid also flows out of the brewing chamber 113 through the liquid outlet connector 133. This helps reduce the volume requirement of the brewing chamber 113, thereby reducing the overall size of the drip coffee machine and achieving miniaturization.

[0076] In some embodiments, the drip coffee machine further comprises an air supply system. The brewing method may further comprise:

[0077] S240 , when the water supply of the water supply system reaches the target water volume, the water supply system is turned off, and the gas supply system is turned on to supply gas to the brewing chamber 113 .

[0078] Optionally, the water supply can be monitored by a flow meter 152. When the water supply reaches the target water volume, the water supply system can be shut down to stop the water supply. The air supply system is then turned on to supply air to the brewing chamber 113 until all the coffee liquid has flowed out, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. This maintains the air pressure within the brewing chamber 113, preventing a decrease in the liquid flow rate due to a drop in the liquid level and air pressure within the brewing chamber 113. This maintains a stable liquid flow rate out of the liquid outlet connector 133, creating a better user experience.

[0079] Optionally, the air supply system may be turned on after the water supply system is turned off. Alternatively, the air supply system may be turned on before the water supply system is turned off. Alternatively, the air supply system may be turned on while the water supply system is turned off to maintain a stable air pressure in the brewing chamber 113.

[0080] Optionally, the air supply system may be controlled to supply air to the brewing chamber 113 so as to maintain the air pressure in the brewing chamber 113 within a target range. For example, the air supply system may be controlled to supply air to the brewing chamber 113 at a flow rate greater than, equal to, or slightly less than the liquid outflow rate of the liquid outlet connector 133, so that the air pressure in the brewing chamber 113 can be maintained within the target range, the liquid outflow rate of the liquid outlet connector 133 can be continuously maintained stable, and the brewing speed can be improved.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first plunger mechanism is provided with a liquid inlet connector 123, and the water supply system and the gas supply system are connected to the liquid inlet connector 123 via a first valve 161. Step S240, closing the water supply system and opening the gas supply system to supply gas to the brewing chamber 113, may include:

[0082] Close the water supply system, control the first valve 161 to disconnect the water supply system and the liquid inlet connector 123, and connect the gas supply system and the liquid inlet connector 123;

[0083] The air supply system is turned on to supply air to the brewing chamber 113 through the liquid inlet connector 123 .

[0084] In this way, the water supply system and the air supply system reuse the liquid inlet connector 123 to supply water and air to the brewing chamber 113, which is beneficial to simplifying the structure of the drip coffee machine and reducing the production cost of the drip coffee machine.

[0085] Optionally, the air supply system may include an air pump 141, and both the air pump 141 and the heater 154 may be connected to the liquid inlet connector 123 via a first valve 161. The first valve 161 may include a two-position three-way solenoid valve, one inlet of which may be connected to the air pump 141, the other inlet of which may be connected to the heater 154, and the outlet of which may be connected to the liquid inlet connector 123.

[0086] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a drip coffee machine, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The drip coffee machine of the embodiment of the present invention may include a brewing component, a powder supply system (not shown in the figures), a water supply system and a controller (not shown in the figures). The brewing component may include a brewing cavity 110, a sealing mechanism and a liquid outlet connector 133.

[0087] The brewing cavity 110 includes a brewing chamber 113 and a powder adding port disposed at the top of the brewing cavity 110 and communicating with the brewing chamber 113. Alternatively, the brewing cavity 110 may be cylindrical, with the axis of the brewing cavity 110 extending vertically. Both ends of the brewing cavity 110 may be open, forming the top opening 111 and the bottom opening 112, respectively. The powder adding port may be formed through the top opening 111. Of course, the powder adding port may also be different from the top opening 111.

[0088] The sealing mechanism is used to seal the powder adding port. Optionally, the sealing mechanism may include a first plunger mechanism, the first plunger mechanism including a first plunger assembly 121 and a first motor 122 transmission-connected to the first plunger assembly 121, the first motor 122 being used to provide motion power for the first plunger assembly 121. Optionally, the first plunger assembly 121 may be configured to be able to move laterally, or to be able to move vertically, or to be able to move along a curve. For example, the drip coffee machine may include a main bracket, and the first plunger assembly 121 may be configured to be movably arranged on the main bracket in the laterally direction. The first motor 122 may be connected to the first plunger assembly 121 via a transmission mechanism, and the first motor 122 may be used to drive the first plunger assembly 121 to move laterally to block the powder adding port or open the powder adding port.

[0089] Optionally, the first plunger assembly 121 may include a first bracket, a second bracket, and a first plunger. The first bracket may be configured to be movable in the transverse direction, and the first bracket may be provided with a first slide extending in the vertical direction. The second bracket may be configured to be movable in the transverse direction, and the second bracket may be provided with a second slide extending obliquely between the vertical and transverse directions, and the second slide may overlap with the first slide. The first plunger is provided with a first slider, and the first plunger may be movably arranged in the vertical direction on the first bracket, and the first slider may be slidably connected to the overlapping area of ​​the first slide and the second slide. That is, the first slider is slidably connected to the first slide and the second slide at the same time.

[0090] Optionally, the sealing mechanism may also include a capping mechanism. For example, the capping mechanism may include a cover and a drive motor. After powder addition is completed, the drive motor drives the cover to move, rotate, or swing to seal the powder addition port. It is understood that in specific implementations, other structures may be used to seal the powder addition port, and this document does not limit the sealing mechanism for sealing the powder addition port.

[0091] The liquid outlet connector 133 is provided at the bottom of the brewing cavity 110 and is capable of communicating with the brewing cavity 113. Optionally, the liquid outlet connector 133 may be fixedly provided at the bottom of the brewing cavity 110, or may be provided on other motion mechanisms. For example, the brewing assembly also includes a second plunger mechanism, which includes a second plunger assembly 131 and a second motor 132 that is transmission-connected to the second plunger assembly 131. The top end of the second plunger assembly 131 may extend into the brewing cavity 113 through the bottom opening 112, and the second plunger assembly 131 may be configured to be able to move vertically, and the second motor may be transmission-connected to the second plunger assembly 131 through a transmission mechanism such as a screw rod. The end surface of the extending end of the second plunger assembly 131 may be covered with a filter, and the liquid outlet connector 133 may be provided below the filter to be able to receive the coffee liquid flowing out through the filter.

[0092] The controller is connected to the first motor 122, the powder supply system and the water supply system respectively. The controller is specifically configured to perform the following operations.

[0093] The powder supply system is controlled to add coffee powder to the bottom of the brewing chamber 113 through the powder adding port, and a gas containing space is formed above the coffee powder in the brewing chamber 113.

[0094] The sealing mechanism is controlled to seal the powder adding port, and the liquid outlet joint 133 is controlled to be in an open state.

[0095] The water supply system is controlled to supply water to the brewing chamber 113 , and the liquid accumulated at the bottom of the brewing chamber 113 is used to separate the gas accommodating space and the liquid outlet joint 133 , thereby sealing the gas accommodating space and compressing the volume of the gas accommodating space.

[0096] In the drip coffee machine of the embodiment of the present invention, coffee powder is added to the bottom of the brewing chamber 113 via the powder adding port by a powder supply system, and an air-containing space containing gas is formed above the coffee powder within the brewing chamber 113. The powder adding port is sealed by a sealing mechanism, and the liquid outlet joint 133 is controlled to be in an open state. Water is supplied to the brewing chamber 113 via the water supply system, and the liquid accumulated at the bottom of the brewing chamber 113 separates the air-containing space from the liquid outlet joint 133, sealing the air-containing space and compressing its volume. In this way, the air pressure in the air-containing space can be increased, and the air pressure directly acts on the liquid below that is in direct contact with it, accelerating the discharge of the liquid and shortening the brewing time. Moreover, during the water supply process, the liquid outlet connector 133 remains open, and the coffee liquid will also flow out of the brewing chamber 113 through the liquid outlet connector 133 while the water is being supplied, which is beneficial to reducing the volume requirement of the brewing chamber 113, and further beneficial to reducing the overall size of the drip coffee machine, thereby realizing the miniaturization of the drip coffee machine.

[0097] In some embodiments, the drip coffee machine further includes an air supply system; and the controller is further configured to:

[0098] When the water supply of the water supply system reaches the target water volume, the water supply system is closed and the gas supply system is opened to supply gas to the brewing chamber 113 .

[0099] In some embodiments, the controller is specifically configured as follows:

[0100] The air supply system is controlled to supply air to the brewing chamber 113 so that the air pressure of the brewing chamber 113 is maintained within a target range.

[0101] In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism is provided with a liquid inlet connector 123, and the water supply system and the air supply system are connected to the liquid inlet connector 123 via a first valve 161; the controller is specifically configured as follows:

[0102] Close the water supply system, control the first valve 161 to disconnect the water supply system and the liquid inlet connector 123, and connect the gas supply system and the liquid inlet connector 123;

[0103] The air supply system is turned on to supply air to the brewing chamber 113 through the liquid inlet connector 123 .

[0104] In some embodiments, the brewing assembly further includes a second plunger mechanism, which includes a second plunger assembly 131 and a second motor 132 transmission-connected to the second plunger assembly 131; the top and bottom ends of the brewing chamber 110 are respectively provided with a top opening 111 and a bottom opening 112, and the top opening 111 forms the powder adding port; the controller is specifically configured as follows:

[0105] Controlling the first motor 122 to drive the first plunger assembly 121 to move laterally to avoid and open the top opening 111;

[0106] Controlling the second motor 132 to drive the second plunger assembly to move vertically to the bottom opening 112 and block the bottom opening 112;

[0107] The powder supply system is controlled to add coffee powder to the brewing chamber 113 through the top opening 111 , so that the coffee powder falls to the bottom of the brewing chamber 113 .

[0108] In some embodiments, the controller is specifically configured as follows:

[0109] The water supply system is controlled to supply water to the brewing chamber 113 at a first flow rate, and the gas storage space and the liquid outlet joint 133 are separated by the liquid accumulated at the bottom of the brewing chamber 113, so that the gas storage space is sealed and the volume of the gas storage space is compressed, so that the liquid outlet flow rate of the liquid outlet joint 133 gradually increases from a second flow rate less than the first flow rate to a third flow rate less than or equal to the first flow rate.

[0110] The above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention within the spirit and scope of protection of the present invention, and such modifications or equivalent substitutions shall also be deemed to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A brewing method, characterized in that: Applicable to a drip filter coffee machine, the drip filter coffee machine comprising a brewing cavity (110), a powder supply system, a water supply system, and a liquid outlet joint (133); the brewing cavity (110) comprises a brewing cavity (113) and a powder adding port arranged at the top of the brewing cavity (110) and connected to the brewing cavity (113); the liquid outlet joint (133) is arranged at the bottom of the brewing cavity (110) and can be connected to the brewing cavity (113); The brewing method comprises: Adding coffee powder to the bottom of the brewing chamber (113) through the powder adding port by means of the powder supply system, and forming a gas containing space above the coffee powder in the brewing chamber (113); The powder adding port is sealed, and the liquid outlet joint (133) is controlled to be in an open state; Water is supplied to the brewing chamber (113) through the water supply system, and the gas containing space and the liquid outlet joint (133) are separated by liquid accumulated at the bottom of the brewing chamber (113), thereby sealing the gas containing space and compressing the volume of the gas containing space.

2. The brewing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drip coffee machine also includes an air supply system; the brewing method also includes: When the water supply of the water supply system reaches the target water volume, the water supply system is turned off and the gas supply system is turned on to supply gas to the brewing chamber (113).

3. The brewing method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The step of starting the gas supply system to supply gas to the brewing chamber (113) comprises: The air supply system is turned on to supply air to the brewing chamber (113), so that the air pressure of the brewing chamber (113) is maintained within a target range.

4. The brewing method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The drip coffee machine further comprises a first plunger mechanism, the first plunger mechanism being provided with a liquid inlet joint (123), the water supply system and the gas supply system being connected to the liquid inlet joint (123) via a first valve (161); The step of sealing the powder adding port and controlling the liquid outlet joint (133) to be in an open state comprises: The powder adding port is sealed by the first plunger mechanism, and the liquid outlet joint (133) is controlled to be in an open state; Correspondingly, closing the water supply system and opening the gas supply system to supply gas to the brewing chamber (113) comprises: Closing the water supply system, controlling the first valve (161) to disconnect the water supply system and the liquid inlet joint (123), and connecting the gas supply system and the liquid inlet joint (123); The gas supply system is turned on to supply gas to the brewing chamber (113) through the liquid inlet connector (123).

5. The brewing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drip coffee machine further comprises a first plunger mechanism and a second plunger mechanism: the top end and the bottom end of the brewing cavity (110) are respectively provided with a top opening (111) and a bottom opening (112), and the top opening (111) forms the powder adding port; The step of adding coffee powder to the bottom of the brewing chamber (113) via the powder adding port by means of a powder supply system comprises: Controlling the first plunger mechanism to move laterally to avoid and open the top opening (111); Controlling the second plunger mechanism to move vertically to the bottom opening (112) and to seal the bottom opening (112); Coffee powder is added to the brewing chamber (113) through the top opening (111) by the powder supply system, so that the coffee powder falls to the bottom of the brewing chamber (113).

6. The brewing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method of supplying water to the brewing chamber (113) through the water supply system, separating the gas containing space and the liquid outlet joint (133) through the liquid accumulated at the bottom of the brewing chamber (113), sealing the gas containing space and compressing the volume of the gas containing space, comprises: Water is supplied to the brewing chamber (113) at a first flow rate through the water supply system, and the gas containing space and the liquid outlet joint (133) are separated by liquid accumulated at the bottom of the brewing chamber (113), thereby sealing the gas containing space and compressing the volume of the gas containing space, so that the liquid outlet flow rate of the liquid outlet joint (133) gradually increases from a second flow rate less than the first flow rate to a third flow rate less than or equal to the first flow rate.

7. A drip coffee machine, characterized in that: The invention comprises a brewing cavity (110), a sealing mechanism, a powder supply system, a water supply system, a liquid outlet joint (133) and a controller; the brewing cavity (110) comprises a brewing cavity (113) and a powder adding port arranged at the top of the brewing cavity (110) and communicating with the brewing cavity (113); the liquid outlet joint (133) is arranged at the bottom of the brewing cavity (110) and can communicate with the brewing cavity (113); The controller is specifically configured as follows: Controlling the powder supply system to add coffee powder to the bottom of the brewing chamber (113) via the powder adding port, and forming a gas containing space above the coffee powder in the brewing chamber (113); Controlling the sealing mechanism to seal the powder adding port, and controlling the liquid outlet joint (133) to be in an open state; The water supply system is controlled to supply water to the brewing chamber (113), and the gas containing space and the liquid outlet joint (133) are separated by liquid accumulated at the bottom of the brewing chamber (113), thereby sealing the gas containing space and compressing the volume of the gas containing space.

8. The drip coffee machine according to claim 7, characterized in that The drip coffee machine also includes an air supply system; the controller is further configured to: When the water supply of the water supply system reaches the target water volume, the water supply system is turned off and the gas supply system is turned on to supply gas to the brewing chamber (113).

9. The drip coffee machine according to claim 8, characterized in that The controller is specifically configured as follows: The gas supply system is controlled to supply gas to the brewing chamber (113), so that the gas pressure of the brewing chamber (113) is maintained within a target range.

10. The drip coffee machine according to claim 8, characterized in that The sealing mechanism is provided with a liquid inlet joint (123), and the water supply system and the gas supply system are connected to the liquid inlet joint (123) via a first valve (161); the controller is specifically configured as follows: Closing the water supply system, controlling the first valve (161) to disconnect the water supply system and the liquid inlet joint (123), and connecting the gas supply system and the liquid inlet joint (123); The gas supply system is turned on to supply gas to the brewing chamber (113) through the liquid inlet connector (123).

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