Patent Description:
Coffee is a very popular beverage in modern life. Coffee machines become common home appliances widely used in our daily work and life. Currently, large-scale coffee machines are not convenient for family and personal use, due to their huge volume and complex structure, while small-scale coffee machines still have no improvement on ease of use, although they have compact structures. This is because that the small-scale coffee machines typically have integrated structures which are not easy for disassembly, maintenance and cleaning.

The document <CIT> discloses a coffee machine.

Provided herein is a modularized coffee machine, which is set up by assembling modules. Each of modules can be disassembled for maintenance and cleaning and can be used in different settings.

According to the invention, provided herein is a coffee machine, comprising a main body that comprises a housing, a pot liner disposed within the housing, a heating mechanism for heating liquid in the pot liner, and a container disposed above the pot liner and being in communication with the inner space of the pot liner; and a capsule base detachably connected on the bottom of the main body, which comprises a capsule holder for receiving a coffee capsule, a liquid outlet disposed below the capsule holder and being in communication with the capsule holder; a power-controller holder detachably connected to the outer side of the housing, for supporting, powering and controlling the main body. The capsule holder is suitable for being in communication with the inner space of the pot liner when the capsule base is connected to the main body.

According to the invention, the coffee machine has three modules the main body, the capsule base and the power-controller holder. They are detachably connected or assembled with each other for ease of manufacture, maintenance and cleaning and for improvement on production efficiency. Also, when one module malfunctions, it can be replaced or repaired, without maintenance or replacement of the whole machine, thereby reducing the maintenance cost.

According to the invention, the power-controller holder comprises a substrate with a mounting socket disposed on the top surface thereof, a supporting part detachably connected to the mounting socket. The supporting part is detachably connected to the housing of the main body.

According to the invention, the substrate of the power-controller holder is detachably connected to the supporting part. In use, the substrate can be replaced as needed to satisefy various requirements in different settings. For example, when using in a car, the substrate can be replaced with the one for mounting in the car.

According to the invention, the supporting part comprises a casing and a main rod disposed within the casing, for supporting the casing. The main rod has one end extending out from the casing, which is detachably mounted in the mounting socket of the substrate. The casing is detachably connected to the housing of the main body on one side thereof.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the inner wall of the casing is supported on the main rod by an elevating mechanism that is configured to allow the casing to move up and down along the main rod.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the main rod has a hollow structure. The elevating mechanism comprises, but not limited to, a motor fixed on the inner wall of the casing; a screw engaged with the output shaft of the motor and rotated with the rotation of the output shaft; a nut fixed within the hollow structure of the main rod. The threads of the nut are engaged with the threads of the screw, such that the casing is driven to move up and down when the screw is rotated with rotation of the output shaft.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, the elevating mechanism is disposed in the power-controller holder, such that the longitudinal demension of the coffee machine can be adjusted according to the using settings. For example, when using coffee machine in a car, the longitudinal demension of the coffee machine can be decreased by using the elevating mechanism to satisefy the small space in the car.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a cup holder is disposed on the top surface of the substrate of the power-controller holder, which is adjacent to the mounting socket and aligns with the bottom of the capsule base.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, the cup holder is configured to be disposed on the top surface of the substrate and to align with the bottom of the capsule base, such that the cup holder can be used to receive and hold a coffee cup that is used to receive coffee flowing from the bottom of the capsule base. Since the coffee flowing from the bottom of the capsule base is very hot, if no cup suppot is disposed, the users may get scald once the coffee cup is not placed firmly and coffee spilts out. Therefore, the cup holder can avoid unsafty during making coffee.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the lower surface of the substrate of the power-controller holder is a flat surface for placing on a flat stage.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the power-controller holder has an engaging part on the lower surface of the substrate, for engaging with the hole on the stage. The engaging part is opposite to the cup holder and protrudes downward from the lower surface of the substrate.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, the power-controller holder can have various substrates, for example, the substrate with flat bottom or the substrate with the engaging part. The substrate with flat bottom is suitable for placing on the stage with flat surface (such as dining-table, and bar counter). The substrate with the engaging part is suitable for mounting on the stage with a hole (such as, a cup holder in the car). The coffee machine can be used in different settings by replacing the substrate, thereby eliminating the limitations to the using settings for the current coffee machines.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the stage can comprise a cup holder disposed in the vehicles (such as cars).

According to the embodiments of the present invention, the stage can be a platform for placing the coffee machine. According to different settings, the stages are not the same. For example, at home or in the café, the stage is a platform with a flat surface for ease of placement of the coffee machines with the flat substrate. In vehicles such as cars, or home vans and the like, since the vehicles may bump during movement, the stage needs to have a securing mechanism. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, a snap-engaging part is disposed on the bottom of the coffee machine to engage with the cup holder in the vehicles, thereby mounting the coffee machine on the stage by using the securing machenism.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the engaging part comprises, but not limited to, a snap-fitting disk disposed on the lower surface of the substrate, for adjusting the engaging dimension of the engaging part, and a fixing disk for connecting the snap-fitting disk and the substrate.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the substrate with the engaging part can satisefies different settings by adjusting the dimension of the snap-fitting disk disposed on the lower surface of the substrate. For example, in a car, the diameter of the cup holder is small. The dimension of the snap-fitting disk can become small by adjustment so as to engage with the cup holder, such that the coffee machine can be firmly mounted in the car. Even if the car may bump during movement, the coffee machine will not fall down. In the case that the cup holders in certain cars are large, the dimension of the snap-fitting disk can become large by adjustment to engage with such cup holders. Therefore, the coffee machine with the engaging part can be used in various settings, thereby enhancing convenience of the coffee machine and broadening the use of the coffee machine.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing of the main body has a first connection feature disposd thereon, and the power-controller holder has a second connection feature disposed thereon. The first connection feature is detachably connected to the second connection feature.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first connection feature comprises, but not limited to, a male tab disposed on a side surface of the housing facing the casing of the power-controller holder and having an extending part protruded from the said side surface; a buckle disposed on a side surface of the housing facing the casing of the power-controller holder and spaced from the male tab. The buckle has a bending part protruded from the said side surface.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second connection feature comprises, but not limited to, an upper jack disposed on a side surface of the casing of the power-controller holder facing the main body and having an opening on this side surface to receive the male tab; a lower jack disposed on a side surface of the casing of the power-controller holder facing the main body, which is spaced from the upper jack and has an opening on this side surface to receive the buckle.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the extending part of the male tab has a through hole disposed thereon. The upper jack has a snap-fit mechanism disposed therein, which is engaged with the through hole to prevent the male tab from detaching from the upper jack.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the snap-fit mechanism comprises, but not limited to, a button comprising a pressing part passing through the insdie of the casing and extending from the inside to the outside and a hook part extending from a side surface of the pressing part toward the opening of the upper jack; and a bottom plate located below the button and fixed on the casing, which elastically supports the button via a spring.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, a connection mechanism is disposed between the power-controller holder and the main body, for supporting and connecting the main body and the power-controller holder. The first connection feature is detachably connected to the second connection feature, thereby achieving ease of assembly of the main body and the power-controller holder. When a certain module malfunctions, it can be replaced and repaired timely, without disassembling and replacing the whole machine, thereby reducing the maintenance cost and time.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a first electrical connection feature is disposed on a side surface of the housing of the main body facing the casing of the power-controller holder, and a second electrical connection feature is disposed on a side surface of the casing of the power-controller holder facing the main body. The first electrical connection feature is engaged with and electrically connected with the second electrical connection feature to supply power to and be in communication with the main body.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrical connection feature may comprise a plug and a power-taking nail disposed in a certinal interval on a side surface of the housing of the main body facing the casing of the power-controller holder. The second electrical connection feature may comprise a socket matching the plug and a power-supplying needle matching the power-taking nail disposed in a certinal interval on a side surface of the casing of the power-controller holder facing the main body.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the specific elements of the first and second electrical connection features are not limited to be mounted on the main body or the power-controller holder. For example, a part of elements of the first electrical connection feature are mounted on the main body, and another part of elements are mounted on the power-controller holder. The elements of the second electrical connection feature corresponding to the first electrical connection feature are mounted on the power-controller holder and the main body respectively, thereby achieving electrical connection of the main body and the power-controller holder, for ease of disconnection and assembly of the main body and the power-controller holder.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, the power-controller holder can control the main body by disposing the first and the second electrical connection features between the main body and the power-controller holder. The quality of coffee can be controlled by adjusting the heating mechanism or steam exhausting mechanism in the main body. Meanwhile, the first electrical connection feature is detachably connected to the second electrical connection feature, such that the main body can be easily disconnected with the power-controller holder. When a certain part malfunctions, it can be replaced, thereby reducing maintenance cost and shortening maintenance time.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the main body comprises a first steam exhausting mechanism disposed within the housing of the main body and located on the side wall of the pot liner, for adjusting the pressure in the pot liner.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first steam exhausting mechanism comprises, but not limited to, a steam outlet disposed on the side wall of the pot liner and in communication with the inner space of the pot liner, a supporting feature fixed within the housing of the main body; an electromagnetic mechanism supported by the supporting feature, for producing magnetic force; and a steam exhausting valve sheet, disposed opposite to the steam outlet and supported on the supporting feature by a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism is suitable for interacting with the magnetic force produced by the electromagnetic mechanism to move the steam exhausting valve sheet, so as to allow the steam exhausting valve sheet to open or close the steam outlet.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, the steam exhausting mechanism disposed on the side wall of the pot liner can adjust the pressure of the pot liner according to the temperature of the pot liner or other parameters, such that high quality of coffee can be ensured. The first steam exhausting mechanism exhibits automatic adjustment function, which can perform automatic adjustment according to the preset parameters of the power-controller holder.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the capsule base further comprises a capsule base casing for receiving and supporting the capsule holder and the liquid outlet.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a third connection feature is disposed on the bottom of the housing of the main body, and a fourth connection feature is disposed on the top of the capsule base casing. The third connection feature is detachably connected to the fourth connection feature.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the third connection feature may comprise a snap-ring and the fourth connection feature may comprise a snap-tab matching the snap-ring. Alternatively, the third connection feature may comprise a snap-tab and the fourth connection feature may comprise a snap-ring matching the snap-tab.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, the third and fourth connection features disposed between the main body and the capsule base can be used to achieve ease of disconnection and assembly of the main body and the capsule base, and ease of cleaning and detachment of the capsule base.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a third electrical connection feature is disposed on the bottom of the housing of the main body. A fourth electrical connection feature is disposed on a position on the top of the capsule base casing, corresponding to the third electrical connection feature. The third electrical connection feature is detachably connected to the fourth electrical connection feature.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, the third and fourth electrical connection features are disposed between the main body and the capsule base so as to control the elements within the capsule base, thereby controlling the pressure in the capsule base. As such, the brewing state in the capsule base can be controlled in time, thereby enhancing the quality of coffee.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid outlet comprises, but not limited to, a nozzle socket connected to the bottom of the capsule holder and having a channel in communication with the capsule holder, a nozzle removably mounted in the nozzle socket and in communication with the channel, and a steam-liquid separator detachably connected to the nozzle, for separating the water vapor from the liquid and discharging the liquid.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the steam and the liquid can be separated by using the liquid outlet having the steam-liquid separator, so as to ensure the high quality of coffee.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a channel valve for opening or closing the channel is disposed at the connection part between the nozzle socket and the nozzle.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the capsule base may further comprise a second steam exhausting mechanism disposed on the side wall of the nozzle socket, for adjusting the pressure in the nozzle socket.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second steam exhausting mechanism comprises, but not limited to, a steam outlet disposed on the side wall of the nozzle socket and in communication with the channel within the nozzle socket, a supporting feature fixed in the capsule base casing, an electromagnetic mechanism supported by the supporting feature, for producing magnetic force, and a steam exhausting valve sheet opposite to the steam outlet and supported on the supporting feature by a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism is suitable for interacting with the magnetic force produced by the electromagnetic mechanism to move the steam exhausting valve sheet to open or close the steam outlet.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, the second steam exhausting mechanism disposed in the capsule base can adjust the pressure in the capsule holder and the liquid outlet according to the brewing time or state of coffee in the capsule base, to ensure the quality of coffee.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the container of the main body comprises but not limited to, a cup disposed on the top of the housing of the main body and having a through hole on the bottom thereof for being in communication with the inner space of the pot liner, a flow-limiting valve disposed on the bottom of the cup, for opening or closing the through hole, and a valve rod disposed in the cup and connected to the flow-limiting valve, which is configured to be manipulated to control the flow-limiting valve to open and close.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the container may further comprise a cup ring disposed on the top of the cup, with an inner diameter smaller than that of the cup, a floating lid with a hole around the valve rod and configured to be disposed within the cup and move along the cup up and down. When the floating lid moves to the top of the cup, it abuts against the cup ring to close the opening of the cup.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, the container disposed on the top of the main body can control the volume of the liquid in the container, such that the user can control the volume of water to be flowing into the pot liner as needed. Therefore, the quality of coffee can be controlled by controlling the volume of water used for brewing coffee.

The coffee machine as described herein has following advantages.

The main body, the capsule base and the power-controller holder are configured to be modularized structure and detachably connected with each other, such that it is easy to disassemble the coffee machine for maintenance when fault occurs and it is easy to clean the coffee machine. The detachable substrate is disposed on the bottom of the power-controller holder, which has an engaging part to engage with the cup holder in cars, for ease of using the coffee machine in cars. Meanwhile, the substrate can be replaced with a flat substrate to use at home, in the restaurant or café. The power-controller holder is electrically connected to the capsule base and the main body, which not only supports the main body and the capsule base but also achieves electrically controlling of the main body and the capsule base, thereby ensuring the quality of coffee. In addition, the elevating mechanism is mounted in the power-controller holder to ensure that the longitudinal demension of the coffee machine can be adjusted according to the using settings for ease of taking out of the coffee cup.

In sum, the coffee machine as described herein has a modularized structure and the modules are detachably connected to each other, for ease of disassembly and assembly during maintenance. Meanwhile, the coffee machine as described herein can be used in different settings such as at home or in cars, which has excellent design, high safety and can be used to make coffee with high quality.

The coffee machine as described herein utilizes modularized structure design, which comprises, but not limited to, the following three modules: a main body, a capsule base and a power-controller holder. The modules are detachably connected with each other to assemble a whole coffee machine. When one module malfunctions, it can be disconnected to perform maintenance and can be replaced by a new module to ensure the normal operation of the coffee machine, thereby enhancing efficiency and saving time.

<FIG> show one embodiment of the coffee machine as described herein. The substrate thereof has a flat structure for placing on flat supporting surfaces such as tables, bar-counters and the like. The coffee machine of this embodiment will be described in greater detail as below.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of the whole coffee machine according to one embodiment as described herein. It should be noticed that, this structure of the coffee machine is merely illustrative, which should not be construed as any limitations on features of the coffee machine such as shapes or structures. That is to say, the skilled in the art is able to apply the innovative features of the present invention to other coffee machines, not limited to the coffee machine with the shape as shown in <FIG>. And such application comes within the protection scope of the present invention.

As shown in <FIG>, the coffee machine comprises three modules which are a main body <NUM>, a capsule base <NUM> and a power-controller holder <NUM>. The main body <NUM> is detachably mounted on the power-controller holder <NUM> and the capsule base <NUM> is detachably mounted below the main body <NUM>. The power-controller holder <NUM> supplies power to and provide instructions with the main body <NUM> and the capsule base <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the main body <NUM> comprises, but is not limited to: a housing comprising a body housing <NUM> that is detachably connected to the power-controller holder <NUM>, a top lid <NUM> disposed on the top of the body housing <NUM>, a bottom lid <NUM> disposed on the bottom of the body housing 101and detachably connected to the capsule base <NUM>; a pot liner <NUM> mounted within the body housing <NUM>; a cup <NUM> as a container connected to the top of the pot liner <NUM> and in communication with the inner space of the pot liner <NUM>; a steam exhausting mechanism <NUM> (i.e., the first steam exhausting mechanism) disposed on the side wall of the pot liner <NUM>, for automatically or manually adjusting the pressure in the pot liner <NUM>; a heating mechanism disposed around the pot liner <NUM> for heating the liquid in the pot liner <NUM>; a temperature controller <NUM> disposed on the lower side wall of the pot liner <NUM> for adjusting and controlling the temperature of the liquid in the pot liner <NUM>; an automatic draining mechanism <NUM> disposed on the bottom of the pot liner <NUM> and configured to be automatically opened or closed according to the temperature of the water in the pot liner <NUM>; a puncture part <NUM> disposed below the automatic draining mechanism <NUM>; and a plurality of layers of insulation sleeves disposed around the pot liner <NUM> for thermal insulation of the pot liner <NUM>, on the outer wall of which is the body housing <NUM> of the main bodypower-controller holder. The pot liner <NUM> can be in a cylinder shape. In an alternative embodiment, the pot liner <NUM> can be in various shapes such as elliptic cylinder, cuboid and the like. The cup <NUM> can be used to quantitatively add water into the pot liner <NUM> and the top lid <NUM> for the main body is covered on the top of the cup to prevent dust from falling into the cup <NUM> and prevent liquid from spilling out from the cup <NUM>. The puncture part <NUM> is abutted against and pierces the coffee capsule received in the capsule base <NUM> during brewing coffee such that the liquid flows into the coffee capsule to complete brewing action.

Referring to <FIG>, the capsule base <NUM> is detachably mounted on the bottom of the main body <NUM> of the coffee machine. The capsule base <NUM> comprises but not limited to: a capsule holder <NUM> disposed within the capsule base casing <NUM> for receiving the coffee capsule; a liquid outlet <NUM> connected to the bottom of the capsule holder <NUM> and in communication with the capsule holder <NUM>; a steam exhausting mechanism <NUM> (i.e., the second steam exhausting mechanism) disposed on the side wall of the liquid outlet for adjusting the pressure in the liquid outlet <NUM> so as to control the quality of coffee brewing in the capsule base. Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a puncture part <NUM> is disposed on the bottom of the capsule holder <NUM> for piercing the coffee capsule. When the main body <NUM> and the capsule base <NUM> are assembled together, the puncture part <NUM> is abutted against and pierces the bottom of the coffee capsule, so as to ensure that the coffee brewed from the coffee capsule can flow into the liquid outlet <NUM>. The liquid outlet <NUM> comprises a nozzle socket <NUM> directly connected to the capsule base <NUM>, a nozzle <NUM> that is removably mounted below the nozzle socket <NUM>, a steam-liquid separator <NUM> detachably connected to the nozzle <NUM> and a constant pressure rubber sheet <NUM> (as an example of a channel valve) disposed on the connection position of the nozzle socket <NUM> and the nozzle <NUM>. The nozzle socket <NUM> has a channel <NUM> disposed therein and being in direct communication with the capsule holder <NUM>, such that the liquid can be ensured to flow from the capsule holder <NUM> into the steam-liquid separator <NUM>. The nozzle socket <NUM> is in threaded connection with the nozzle <NUM> for ease of disassembly and cleaning. The channel <NUM> can be opened by the constant pressure rubber sheet <NUM> when internal pressure of the channel <NUM> of the liquid outlet <NUM> arrives at a preset value, and the channel <NUM> can be closed when internal pressure of the channel <NUM> is smaller than a preset value, such that the internal pressure in the nozzle socket <NUM> keeps constant during brewing coffee, thereby enhancing the quality of the brewed coffee. In other embodiments of the present invention, other valves can be used to open or close the channel <NUM> when the internal pressure in the channel <NUM> arrives at the preset value.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the power-controller holder <NUM> can comprise a substrate <NUM> and a supporting part <NUM>. The substrate <NUM> can be detachably mounted on the lower sider of the supporting part <NUM>. The supporting part <NUM> can comprise a housing <NUM>, a main rod <NUM> and an elevating mechanism <NUM> mounted in the housing <NUM> for connecting the housing <NUM> and the main rod <NUM>. A mounting socket <NUM> is disposed on the top surface of the substrate <NUM>. The main rod <NUM> is detachably connected to the mounting socket <NUM>. The body housing <NUM> of the main body is detachably connected to the housing <NUM>, such that the main body <NUM> and the capsule base <NUM> as a whole are supported by the power-controller holder <NUM>, and the elevating mechanism <NUM> can drive the housing <NUM> to move up and down relative to the main rod <NUM>, thereby adjusting the longitudinal demension of the main body <NUM>, which will be described in greater detail by referring to <FIG> and <FIG>. In this embodiment, the main body <NUM> and capsule base <NUM> are supplied with power and controlled by the power-controller holder <NUM>. For example, a switch (not shown) and a controlling button (not shown) can be disposed on the housing <NUM> of the power-controller holder <NUM>. The user can operate the switch to turn on or turn off the coffee machine and can operate the controlling button to adjust and control the internal temperature and pressure in the main body <NUM> and the capsule base <NUM>. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bottom of the substrate <NUM> can be configured to be a flat plane so as to place the coffee machine on a flat stage such as dining-table or bar counter and the like.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a first connection feature <NUM> and a second connection feature <NUM>, both of which match each other, can be used to detachably connect the main body <NUM> and the power-controller holder <NUM>. A first electronic connection feature <NUM> and a second electronic connection feature <NUM> are used to electronically connect and control the main body <NUM> and the power-controller holder <NUM>. A third connection feature and a fourth connection feature are used to detachably connect the hose machine <NUM> and the capsule base <NUM>. A third electronic connection feature <NUM> and a fourth electronic connection feature <NUM> are used to electronically connect and control the main body <NUM> and the capsule base <NUM>.

The first connection feature <NUM> and the first electric connection feature <NUM> are disposed on a side of the body housing <NUM> of the main body facing the power-controller holder <NUM>. The first connection feature <NUM> comprises a male tab <NUM> disposed on the upper side wall of the body housing <NUM> and facing the casing <NUM> of the power-controller holder <NUM> and a buckle <NUM> disposed on the bottom lid <NUM> of the main body and facing the casing <NUM> of the power-controller holder <NUM>. The male tab <NUM> and the buckle <NUM> are disposed in an interval. The male tab <NUM> has an extending part protruded from the side wall of the body housing <NUM> of the main body. The extending part has a through hole <NUM> which preferably has a rectangle shape. The through hole <NUM> may have other shapes. The buckle <NUM> has a bending part curved downward. The first electric connection feature <NUM> is disposed on a side surface of the body housing <NUM> facing the casing <NUM> of the power-controller holder <NUM>, and located between the male tab <NUM> and the buckle <NUM>, which supply power to and provide controlling signals with the main body <NUM>. The first electric connection feature <NUM> comprises a plug <NUM> protruded from the body housing <NUM> and a power-taking nail <NUM> embeded into the body housing <NUM> and aligning with the surface of the body housing <NUM>. In addition, a protrusion leg <NUM> of the main body is disposed betwee the male tab <NUM> and the buckle <NUM>.

The second connection feature <NUM> and the second electric connection feature <NUM> are disposed on a side of the casing <NUM> of the power-controller holder <NUM> facing the main body <NUM>. The second connection feature <NUM> comprises an upper jack <NUM> matching the male tab <NUM> on the main body <NUM> and a lower jack <NUM> matching the buckle <NUM> on the main body <NUM>. A snap-fitting mechanism <NUM> for snap-fitting with the male tab <NUM> is disposed within the upper jack <NUM>. The snap-fitting mechanism <NUM> comprises a snap button <NUM>, a snap button spring <NUM> and a baseboard <NUM>. The snap button <NUM> comprises a pressing part <NUM> passing through the casing <NUM> and extending to the outer space and a hook part <NUM> extending from the side surface of the pressing part <NUM> toward the opening of the upper jack <NUM>. The snap button <NUM> is supported by both the snap button spring <NUM> and the baseboard <NUM> that are disposed below the snap button <NUM>. The baseboard <NUM> is fixed within the casing <NUM>. The second electric connection feature <NUM> comprises a socket <NUM> matching the plug <NUM> of the main body <NUM> and an extendable power-supplying needle <NUM> matching the power-taking nail <NUM>. The socket <NUM> comprises a jack <NUM> and socket clamping sheets <NUM> distributed on the side wall of the jack. A spring is disposed on one end of the power-supplying needle <NUM>. When the main body <NUM> is mounted on the casing <NUM> of the power-controller holder <NUM>, the power-taking nail <NUM> presses the spring on one end of the power-supplying needle to ensure that the power-taking nail <NUM> well contacts the power-supplying needle <NUM>. Even if the main body <NUM> slightly moves relative to the power-controller holder <NUM>, the circuit will not be cut off. In addition, a limiting switch <NUM> is also disposed on a side of the casing <NUM> of the power-controller holder <NUM> facing the main body <NUM>, which is mounted between the upper jack <NUM> and the lower jack <NUM> and located on a position matching the protrusion leg <NUM> of the main body. In an alternative embodiment, the power-supplying needle <NUM> may have a hollow structure and a part of spring is received in the hollow structure to elastically support the power-supplying needle <NUM>.

When the main body <NUM> is mounted on the power-controller holder <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the first connection feature <NUM> fits with the second connection feature <NUM>, and the first electric connection feature <NUM> fits with the second electric connection feature <NUM>. In particular, the male tab <NUM> of the first connection feature <NUM> is inserted into the upper jack <NUM> of the second connection feature <NUM>. The hook part <NUM> of the snap-fitting mechanism <NUM> in the upper jack <NUM> goes through the through hole <NUM> on the male tab <NUM>, such that the male tab <NUM> is fixed in the upper jack <NUM>. The buckle <NUM> of the first connection feature <NUM> is inserted into the lower jack <NUM> of the second connection feature <NUM>, such that the bending part of the buckle <NUM> is snap-fitted with the lower jack <NUM> to fix the buckle <NUM> into the lower jack <NUM>. The plug <NUM> of the first electric connection feature <NUM> is inserted into the socket <NUM> of the second electric connection feature <NUM>, such that the plug <NUM> is clamped by the socket clamping sheets <NUM> of the socket <NUM> to keep good electric contact. The power-taking nail <NUM> of the first electric connection feature <NUM> contacts the power-supplying needle <NUM> of the second electric connection feature <NUM>. The power-supplying needle <NUM> has an extendable structure with a spring on the bottom thereof. When the main body is mounted on the casing <NUM> of the power-controller holder <NUM>, the power-taking nail <NUM> presses the spring on the bottom of the power-supplying needle <NUM>. Even if the main body <NUM> slightly moves relative to the power-controller holder <NUM>, the circuit will not be cut off. Therefore, the power-supplying needle <NUM> keeps in pressed state to ensure that the power-taking nail <NUM> well contacts the power-supplying needle <NUM>, during mounting.

In addition, when the main body <NUM> is mounted on the power-controller holder <NUM>, the protrusion leg <NUM> disposed between the male tab <NUM> and the buckle <NUM> is abutted against the limiting switch <NUM> disposed on a side of the casing <NUM> of the power-controller holder facing the main body <NUM>. The protrusion leg <NUM> presses the limiting switch <NUM> to allow the contacting point of the limiting switch <NUM> to be in turn-on state. At this time, the power and the controlling signals are supplied to the main body <NUM> from the power-controller holder <NUM> through the second electric connection feature <NUM>, such that the power-controller holder <NUM> supplies power to and controls the main body <NUM>.

When disconnecting the main body <NUM> and the power-controller holder <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the first connection feature <NUM> is disconnected with the second connection feature <NUM>, and the first electric connection feature <NUM> is disconnected with the second electric connection feature <NUM>. In particular, the user presses the snap-fitting mechanism <NUM> in the upper jack <NUM> disposed on the upper side of the power-controller holder <NUM>, such that the hook part <NUM> exits from the through hole <NUM> of the male tab <NUM> by pressing the pressing part <NUM> on the pressing button <NUM> of the snap-fitting mechanism <NUM>, thereby disconnecting the male tab <NUM> from the upper jack <NUM>. After the male tab <NUM> is disconnected with the upper jack <NUM>, the buckle <NUM> can be easily took out from the lower jack <NUM>, thereby disconnecting the first connection feature <NUM> with the second connection feature <NUM>.

When the first electric connection feature <NUM> is disconnected with the second electric connection feature <NUM>, it merely needs to disconnect the main body <NUM> with the power-controller holder <NUM>. At this time, the plug <NUM> disposed on the side wall of the main body <NUM> is withdrawn from the socke <NUM> of the power-controller holder <NUM>. Contact between the power-taking nail <NUM> and the power-supplying needle <NUM> is cut off, thereby cutting off the electric connection between the main body <NUM> and the power-controller holder <NUM>.

In addition, when the main body <NUM> is disconnected with the power-controller holder <NUM>, the protrusion leg <NUM> disposed on the side wall of the main body <NUM> facing the side wall of the power-controller holder <NUM> is disconnected with the limiting switch <NUM> disposed on the power-controller holder <NUM>. The protrusion leg <NUM> is not abutted against the limiting switch <NUM>. After the main body <NUM> is disconnected with the power-controller holder <NUM>, the contacting point of the limiting switch <NUM> is in cut-off state. At this time, the second electric connection feature <NUM> for supplying power and controlling signals from the power-controller holder <NUM> to the main body <NUM> has no power, so as to protect the user from getting an electric shock since the user contacts the second electric connection feature <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the first connection feature <NUM> and the second connection feature <NUM> can be partly disposed on the main body <NUM> or the power-controller holder <NUM> corresponding to the main body <NUM>. For example, the male tab <NUM> can be disposed on the power-controller holder <NUM> and the buckle <NUM> can be disposed on the main body <NUM>, such that the upper jack <NUM> and the snap-fitting mechanism <NUM> on the second connection feature <NUM> are disposed on the main body <NUM>, and the lower jack <NUM> is mounted on the power-controller holder <NUM>. As such, the main body <NUM> is detachably mounted on the power-controller holder <NUM>. Meanwhile, the first electric connection feature <NUM> and the second electric connection feature <NUM> can be partly mounted on the main body <NUM> and the power-controller holder <NUM> respectively by the similar way. For example, the plug <NUM> is mounted on the power-controller holder <NUM> and the socket <NUM> corresponding to the plug <NUM> is mounted on the main body, such that the power-controller holder <NUM> is electronically connected to the main body <NUM>, and the power-controller holder <NUM> supplies power to the main body <NUM>.

Although in this embodiment the first connection feature <NUM> and the first electric connection feature <NUM> are mounted on the main body <NUM> and the second connection feature <NUM> and the second electric connection feature <NUM> are mounted on the power-controller holder <NUM>, the first connection feature <NUM> and the first electric connection feature <NUM>, and the second connection feature <NUM> and the second electric connection feature <NUM> can be mounted in any combination so as to detachably connect the power-controller holder <NUM> and the main body <NUM>, which pertains to the scope of the present invention.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the first connection feature <NUM> is connected with the second connection feature <NUM> by fitting a bolt with a nut, such that the first conncetion feature <NUM> can be detachably connected to the second connection feature <NUM> for ease of maintenance and cleaning of the coffee machine.

In other alternative embodiments, on the body housing <NUM> of the main body, the plug <NUM> can be located above the male tab <NUM> and the power-taking nail <NUM> can be located below the buckle <NUM>. Alternatively, both the plug <NUM> and the power-taking nail <NUM> can be located above the male tab <NUM>. Alternatively, both the plug <NUM> and the power-taking nail <NUM> can be located below the buckle <NUM>. Correspondingly, on the casing of the power-controller holder, the socket <NUM> and the power-supplying needle <NUM> are disposed on the positions corresponding to the plug <NUM> and the power-taking nail <NUM> respectively.

<FIG> and <FIG> respectively illustrate elevation and decline of the power-controller holder of the coffee machine according to one embodiment as described herein. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an elevating mechanism <NUM> for adjusting the longitudinal demension of the power-controller holder <NUM> is disposed on the inner wall of the casing <NUM> of the power-controller holder <NUM>, which comprises a motor <NUM> mounted on the inner wall of the casing <NUM>, a screw <NUM> connected to the output shaft of the motor <NUM>, and a nut <NUM> fixed within the hollow structure of the main rod <NUM>. The motor <NUM> is fixed on the inner wall of the casing <NUM> by using a motor pressing block <NUM>. The screw <NUM> is connected to the output shaft of the motor <NUM> by using a bolt. The screw <NUM> is engaged with the nut <NUM>. When the screw <NUM> is driven to rotate by the output shaft of the motor <NUM>, the screw <NUM> moves relative to the nut <NUM>, such that the main rod <NUM> moves relative to the casing <NUM> so as to adjust the longitudinal demension of the power-controller holder <NUM>. A magnetic controller <NUM> is disposed on a lower position of the side wall of the casing <NUM>. A magnet is protruded from the top of the main rod <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when the power-controller holder <NUM> has the smallest longitudinal demension, the magnet <NUM> is in a position higher than the magnetic controller <NUM>. The longitudinal demension of the power-controller holder <NUM> can be adjusted by controlling rotation of the motor <NUM>. When the longitudinal demension of the power-controller holder <NUM> is increased, the distance between the magnet <NUM> and the magnetic controller <NUM> is decreased. As shown in <FIG>, when the magnet <NUM> gets close to the magnetic controller <NUM>, the magnetic controller <NUM> sends a stopping signal to the motor <NUM>, such that rotation of the motor <NUM> is stopped and the power-controller holder <NUM> has the largest longitudinal demension.

In this embodiment, the motor <NUM> is disposed within the casing <NUM> and the nut <NUM> is fixed on the main rod <NUM>. Alternatively, the motor <NUM> can be disposed on the main rod <NUM> and the nut <NUM> can be fixed within the casing <NUM>, so as to achieve adjustment of the longitudinal demension of the power-controller holder <NUM>, which pertains to the scope of the present invention.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the elevating mechanism <NUM> can utilize worm-gear feature. In particular, a knob is disposed on the casing <NUM>, and a worm gear is fixed within the hollow structure of the main rod <NUM> for limiting a worm shaft. The worm shaft is disposed on the inner wall of the casing <NUM>, which can be rotated relative to the casing <NUM> and the main rod <NUM>. The knob is fixed on the top of the shaft and the shaft is engaged with the gear. When the knob is rotated, the shaft is driven to rotate, such that the casing <NUM> moves relative to the main rod <NUM> to achieve adjustment of the longitudinal demension of the power-controller holder <NUM>.

In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the elevating mechanism <NUM> can be configured as a hydraulic-driven mechanism, which can drive the casing <NUM> to move relative to the main rod <NUM> so as to adjust the longitudinal demension of the coffee machine. In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic controller <NUM> is disposed on the top of the main rod <NUM>, and the magnet <NUM> is disposed on the inner wall of the casing <NUM> of the power-controller holder <NUM>. As such, the motor <NUM> can be controlled to stop rotating when the power-controller holder <NUM> is elevated to the highest position, which pertains to the scope of the present invention.

In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the casing <NUM> of the power-controller holder can be configured to be integrated with the main rod <NUM> as a whole, such that the integrated casing <NUM> and main rod <NUM> can be used to replace the elevating mechanism <NUM>. The casing <NUM> of the power-controller holder and the main body can be detachably mounted and a substrate <NUM> can be detachably mounted on the bottom of the power-controller holder <NUM>. Such configuration also achieves modularized and detachable structure design.

<FIG> and <FIG> respectively illustrate connection and disconnection of the substrate and the power-controller holder of the coffee machine according to one embodiment as described herein. As shown in <FIG>, a protruded stage <NUM> is disposed on the bottom of the main rod <NUM>. An O-type rubber ring <NUM> is sleeved on the protruded stage <NUM> on the connection section of the protruded stage <NUM> and the main rod <NUM>. A mounting base <NUM> is disposed on the substrate <NUM>, which has a snap hole <NUM> disposed therein for snap-fitting with the protruded stage <NUM>. When mounting, the snap hole <NUM> can be snap-fitted with the protruded stage <NUM> and can hold the main rod <NUM>, thereby fixedly supporting the power-controller holder <NUM> above the substrate <NUM>. A cup holder <NUM> for receiving a coffee cup or a water cup or other containers is disposed on the upper side of the substrate which is the same side for the mounting base <NUM>. The cup holder <NUM> is located below the capsule base <NUM> and corresponds to the capsule base <NUM>, such that the beverage flowing out from the capsule base <NUM> can be received by the cup placed in the cup holder. The bottom of the substrate <NUM> is configured to be a flat structure for placing the coffee machine on a table, bar counter or other places with flat plane.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the substrate <NUM> and the power-controller holder <NUM> can be configured to be detachable for ease of replacement with different substrates <NUM> to satisefy different settings. For example, when using the coffee machine in a car or other settings, the substrate <NUM> can be replace by a substrate suitable for cars or matching the using settings (which will be described in greater detail as below), which is easy to disassemble and use.

<FIG> shows the specific structure of the container on the top of the coffee machine according to one embodiment as described herein. As shown in <FIG>, the container <NUM> comprises a cup body <NUM>, a limiting valve <NUM>, a valve rod <NUM>, a cup ring <NUM> and a floating lid <NUM>. The cup body <NUM> is disposed on the top of the housing body <NUM> of the main body and a through hole is disposed on the bottom of the cup body <NUM> for being in communication with the inner space of the pot liner <NUM>. The limiting valve <NUM> is disposed on the bottom of the cup body <NUM> for opening or closing the through hole. The valve rod <NUM> is located within the cup body <NUM> and is connected to the limiting valvue <NUM>. The valve rod <NUM> is configured to be operated to control the limiting valve <NUM> to open or close. The cup ring <NUM> covers the top of the cup body <NUM> and the inner diameter of the cup ring <NUM> is smaller than the inner diameter of the cup body <NUM>. The floating lid <NUM> has a hole around the valve rod <NUM> and is configured to move up and down in and along the cup body <NUM>. When the floating lid <NUM> moves to the top of the cup body <NUM>, the floating lid <NUM> is abutted against the cup ring <NUM> to close the opening of the cup body <NUM> together. In the embodiments of the present invention, the limiting valve <NUM> is disposed on the upper position of the pot liner <NUM> and has a valve lid <NUM> for blocking the through hole that keeps the pot liner <NUM> and the container <NUM> in communication with each other. The valve lid <NUM> is directly connected to the valve rod <NUM>.

The valve lid <NUM> is driven to open and close by movement of the valve rod <NUM>. A spring <NUM> is disposed below the valve lid <NUM>, which elastically supports the valve lid <NUM> to ensure that the valve lid <NUM> is in closed state in the case that no external force is applied to the valve rod <NUM>. A valve base <NUM> is disposed on the bottom of the spring <NUM> and mounted on the top of the pot liner <NUM> for supporting the bottom of the spring <NUM> and receiving the valve lid <NUM> and spring <NUM> therein.

The cup ring <NUM> is sleeved on the top of the cup body <NUM> and fixed relative to the cup body <NUM>. The floating lid <NUM> is disposed within the cup body <NUM> and limited by the cup ring <NUM>. The floating lid <NUM> comprises an upper floating lid <NUM>, a lower floating lid <NUM>, a guide rail <NUM> for limiting the movement rail of the floating lid <NUM>. The guide rail <NUM> is disposed around the valve rod <NUM>. The floating lid <NUM> moves up and down along the guide rail <NUM>. The outer diameter of the upper floating lid is smaller than the inner diameter of the cup ring <NUM>, such that the upper floating lid <NUM> can go through the cup ring <NUM>. The outer diameter of the lower floating lid <NUM> is larger than the inner diameter of the cup ring <NUM>, such that the lower floating lid <NUM> is abutted against the cup ring <NUM> when it moves up to the top fo the cup body <NUM>. The upper floating lid <NUM> and the lower floating lid <NUM> are fixed together and the densities thereof are smaller than the density of water. Therefore, after the cup body <NUM> is filled up with water, the floating lid <NUM> and the cup ring <NUM> together close the cup body <NUM> so as to limit the volume of water filled in, thereby quantatively control the volume of the water filled in.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of the container on the top of the coffee machine, which is filled up with water, according to one embodiment as described herein. As shown in <FIG>, after filling the cup body <NUM> with water, the floating lid <NUM> will float on the water surface and go up with the water surface. Since the outer diameter of the upper floating lid <NUM> is smaller than the inner diameter of the cup ring <NUM> while the outer diameter of the lower floating lid <NUM> is bigger than the inner diameter of the cup ring <NUM>, the floating lid will be limited when arriving at the top of the cup body <NUM>, such that the user cannot add water into the cup body <NUM>, thereby controlling the water level in the cup body <NUM>. If it needs to release water from the cup body <NUM> into the pot liner <NUM>, the upper part of the valve rod <NUM> is pressed to allow the valve rod <NUM> to push the limiting valve <NUM> to open. At this time, the channel that keeps the cup body <NUM> be in communication with the pot liner <NUM> is opened. The liquid flows from the channel to the pot liner <NUM>. After withdrawing the external force, the limiting valve <NUM> will be automatically closed.

In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the upper floating lid <NUM> and the lower floating lid <NUM> are integrated as a whole. Otherwise, the upper floating lid <NUM> is omitted and there is only lower floating lid <NUM>. Similarly, when the cup body <NUM> is filled up with water, the floating lid <NUM> is abutted against the cup ring <NUM> to limit the volume of water filled in.

<FIG> and <FIG> respectively illustrate steam exhausting mechanisms <NUM> and <NUM> (the first and the second steam exhausting mechanisms) of the coffee machine in closed and opened state according to one embodiment as described herein. As shown in <FIG>, the steam exhausting mechanism <NUM> (the first steam exhausting mechanism) on the side wall of the pot liner <NUM> comprises a steam outlet <NUM>, a supporting feature <NUM>, an electromagnetic mechanism <NUM>, a steam exhausting valve sheet <NUM>. The steam outlet <NUM> is diposed on the side wall of the pot liner <NUM> and in communication with the inner space of the pot liner <NUM>. The supporting feature <NUM> is disposed within the housing of the main body <NUM> for supporting the electromagnetic mechanism <NUM>, which particularly comprises a steam exhausting valve base sheet <NUM> disposed above the steam outlet <NUM> and on the side wall of the pot liner, a steam exhausting valve holder <NUM> fixedly connected to the steam exhausting valve base sheet <NUM> for placing the steam exhausting valve socket <NUM> of the electromagnetic mechanism <NUM> and for fixing the steam exhausting valve lid <NUM> of the electromagnetic mechanism <NUM> together with the steam exhausting valve socket <NUM>. When supplying power to the electromagnetic mechanism <NUM>, it can produce magnetic force. The electromagnetic mechanism <NUM> may comprise a chuck <NUM>, a chuck core <NUM> and a chuck tab <NUM>. The chuck <NUM> is mounted within the steam exhausting valve socket <NUM>, and has a chuck through hole at the center thereof which extends along the axis direction of the chuck. The chuck core <NUM> is mounted within the chuck through hole and can move in the chuck through hole relative to the chuck <NUM>. One end of the chuck core <NUM> corresponds to the steam outlet <NUM> and a protruded stage is disposed on the other end. The chuck tab <NUM> is disposed on one end of the chuck core <NUM> far away from the steam outlet <NUM>. A center hole is disposed at the center of the chuck tab <NUM>, which can be snap-fitted with the protruded stage of the chuck core <NUM>. During supplying power, the chuck <NUM> produces magnetic field to attract the chuck tab <NUM> which presses the protruded stage of the chuck core <NUM> to abut against the steam exhausting valve sheet <NUM> disposed between the steam outlet <NUM> and the chuck core <NUM>, thereby blocking the steam outlet <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the chuck tab <NUM> is disposed on a side of the chuck <NUM> facing the steam outlet <NUM>. The chuck core <NUM> is located between the chuck tab <NUM> and the steam outlet <NUM>. The chuck tab <NUM> is made of magnetic materials. When supplying power to the chuck <NUM>, a repelling force is applied on the chuck tab <NUM>, such that the chuck tab <NUM> presses the chuck core <NUM> to abut against and block the steam outlet <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the steam exhausting mechanism <NUM> (a second steam exhausting mechanism) disposed within the capsule base <NUM> comprises a steam outlet <NUM>, a supporting feature <NUM>, an electromagnetic mechanism <NUM> and a steam exhausting valve sheet <NUM>. The steam outlet <NUM> is disposed on the side wall of the nozzle socket <NUM> and in communication with the channel <NUM> within the nozzle socket <NUM>. The supporting feature <NUM> is fixedly disposed on the inner wall of the housing <NUM> of the capsule base. The electromagnetic mechanism <NUM> is fixed by the supporting feature <NUM> (for example, the supporting feature can be a chuck tape). The steam exhausting valve sheet <NUM> opposites to the steam outlet <NUM>. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic mechanism <NUM> comprises a chuck <NUM>, a chuck core <NUM> and a chuck tab <NUM>. The chuck <NUM> is fixed on the inner wall of the capsule base <NUM> by an arc-shaped chuck tape. A through hole is disposed at the center of the chuck <NUM>, which goes through the axis direction of the chuck <NUM>. The chuck core <NUM> is mounted within the through hole and can be moved in the through hole relative to the chuck <NUM>. One end of the chuck core <NUM> corresponds to the steam outlet <NUM>. A protruded stage is disposed on the other end of the chuck core far away from the steam outlet <NUM>. The chuck tab <NUM> is disposed on one end of the chuck core <NUM> far away from the steam outlet <NUM>, which has a center hole at the center thereof for snap-fitting with the protruded stage of the chuck core <NUM>. During supplying the power, the chuck <NUM> produce magnetic field to attract the chuck tab <NUM>. The chuck tab <NUM> presses the protruded stage of the chuck core <NUM>, such that the chuck core is abutted against the steam exhausting valve sheet <NUM> disposed between the steam outlet <NUM> and the chuck core <NUM> to block the steam outlet <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the chuck tab <NUM> is disposed on a side of the chuck <NUM> facing the steam outlet <NUM>. The chuck core <NUM> is located between the chuck tab <NUM> and the steam outlet <NUM>. The chuck tab <NUM> is made of magnetic materials. When supplying power to the chuck <NUM>, a repelling force is applied on the chuck tab <NUM>, such that the chuck tab <NUM> presses the chuck core <NUM> to abut against and block the steam outlet <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the first and the second steam exhausting mechanisms of the coffee machine in opened state according to one embodiment as described herein. As shown in <FIG>, when the chuck <NUM> of the steam exhausting mechanism (the first steam exhausting mechanism) <NUM> on the side wall of the pot liner <NUM> is powered off, the magnetic field of the chuck <NUM> disappears. At this time, there is no attracting force between the chuck <NUM> and the chuck tab <NUM>, such that the chuck tab <NUM> will not abut against the chuck core <NUM> that can move in the through hole at the center of the chuck <NUM>. Meanwhile, the steam outlet <NUM> is not blocked by the steam exhausting valve sheet <NUM>, such that the steam outlet <NUM> is in opened state and the gas in the pot liner <NUM> can be exhausted from the steam outlet <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the steam exhausting mechanism <NUM> (the second steam exhausting mechanism) is disposed on the side wall of the nozzle socket <NUM> in the capsule base <NUM>. When no electric power is supplied to the chuck <NUM> of the steam exhausting mechanism <NUM> (the second steam exhausting mechanism), the magnetic field of the chuck <NUM> disappears. At this time, there is no attacting force between the chuck <NUM> and the chuck tab <NUM>, such that the chuck tab <NUM> will not abut against the chuck core <NUM> which can move in the through hole at the center of the chuck. Meanwhile, the steam outlet <NUM> is not blocked by the steam exhausting valve sheet <NUM>, such that the steam outlet <NUM> is in opened state and the gas in the nozzle socket <NUM> can be exhausted from the steam outlet <NUM> to adjust the pressure in the nozzle socket <NUM>.

In the embodiment of the present invention, a third connection feature and a fourth connection feature are used to detachably connect the main body <NUM> and the capsule base <NUM>. And a third electric connection feature and a fourth electric connection feature are used to electrically connect the main body <NUM> and the capsule base <NUM>. The third connection feature comprises a snap ring <NUM> disposed below the main body <NUM>. The fourth connection feature comprises a snap sheet <NUM> disposed on the side of the capsule holder <NUM> in the capsule base <NUM>. The third electric connection feature comprises a power-supplying needle <NUM> disposed on the bottom of the main body <NUM>. The fourth electric connection feature comprises a power-taking nail <NUM> disposed on the upper side of the capsule base <NUM> and being close to the side edge.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate that the main body is disconnected with and snap-fitted with the capsule base according to one embodiment as described herein. As shown in <FIG>, when the main body <NUM> is disconnected with the capsule base <NUM>, the large power-supplying needle <NUM> disposed on the bottom of the base lid <NUM> of the main body and being close to the side edge is in extended state, with its one end protruded from the base lid. As shown in <FIG>, when the main body <NUM> is snap-fitted with the capsule base <NUM>, the snap tab <NUM> disposed on the side edge of the capsule holder <NUM> is snap-fitted with the snap ring <NUM> and meanwhile, the large power-supplying needle <NUM> is abutted against the power-taking nail <NUM> and in the pressed state, such that both of them keep in good contact to ensure that the electric power will not be cut off.

<FIG> illustrates snap-fitting action of the main body and the capsule base according to one embodiment as described herein. As shown in <FIG>, the snap ring <NUM> is mounted on the bottom of the main body <NUM> and L-type nicks <NUM> are symmetrically disposed on the side wall of the snap ring <NUM>. The snap tab <NUM> is mounted on the side edge of the capsule holder <NUM> of the capsule base <NUM>. Protrusions <NUM> are symmetrically disposed on the side wall of the snap tab <NUM> toward the outside. The snap-fitting action is completed by following steps: (<NUM>) aligning the protrusions <NUM> with the nicks <NUM>; (<NUM>) allowing the protrusions <NUM> of the snap tab <NUM> to go into the nicks <NUM> along the axis of the capsule holder <NUM>, (<NUM>) allowing the protrusions <NUM> of the snap tab <NUM> to rotate around the axis of the capsule holder <NUM> so as to snap-fit the protrusions <NUM> with the nicks <NUM>, thereby achieving the snap-fitting action of the main body <NUM> and the capsule base <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the position of the snap tab <NUM> can be exchanged with the position of the snap ring <NUM>. For example, a snap tab <NUM> protruded inward can be disposed on the bottom of the main body <NUM>. The snap ring <NUM> corresponding to the snap tab <NUM> can be disposed on the side wall of the capsule holder <NUM>, thereby achieving the snap-fitting action of the main body <NUM> and the capsule base <NUM>.

In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the main body <NUM> is connected to the capsule base <NUM> by threaded connection. Outer threads are disposed on the side wall of the capsule holder <NUM>, and inner threads matching the outer threads are disposed on the bottom of the main body <NUM>, so as to achieve detachable connection.

In the embodiment of the present invention, referring to <FIG>, the liquid outlet <NUM> can comprise a nozzle socket <NUM>, a nozzle <NUM> mounted below the nozzle socket <NUM>, a steam-liquid separator <NUM> detachably connected to the nozzle <NUM> and a constant pressure rubber sheet <NUM> disposed at the connection section of the nozzle socket <NUM> and the nozzle <NUM>. The nozzle socket <NUM> is directly connected to the bottom of the capsule holder <NUM> and has a channel <NUM> in communication with the capsule holder <NUM>. The nozzle socket <NUM> is in threaded connection with the nozzle <NUM> for ease of disassembly and cleaning. The constant pressure rubber sheet <NUM> disposed at the connection section of the nozzle socket <NUM> and the nozzle <NUM> has a hole on its top. The liquid in the capsule holder <NUM> cannot flow out from the nozzle immediately due to the said hole, so as to provide pressure that facilitates to extract coffee.

When the pressure in the channel <NUM> of the nozzle socket <NUM> arrives at the preset value, the constant pressure rubber sheet <NUM> will not block the channel <NUM>, such that liquid flows out from the nozzle socket <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> is peripherally provided with a slot, in which a O-type rubber ring <NUM> is disposed. The O-type rubber ring <NUM> can be stuck in the mounting hole <NUM> in the middle of the steam exhausting fin <NUM>, such that the steam-liquid separator <NUM> is fixed on the bottom of the capsule base <NUM> for ease of disassembly, cleaning and maintenance of the steam-liquid separator <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the steam-liquid separator can comprise a steam exhausting fin <NUM> disposed on the top thereof, a mounting hole <NUM> disposed at the center of the steam exhausting fin <NUM>, an arc-shaped filter mesh <NUM> disposed on the inner wall of the steam-liquid separator <NUM> and below the mounting hole <NUM>, and a liquid outlet <NUM> disposed on the bottom of the steam-liquid separator <NUM>, through which the liquid flows out. The steam exhausting fin <NUM> is used to exhaust the steam from the top of the steam-liquid separator <NUM>. The filter mesh <NUM> is used to filter the impurities from the liquid and separate the liquid from the steam. The liquid outlet <NUM> is used to drain the liquid.

As shown in <FIG>, the steam-liquid separator <NUM> is mounted on the nozzle <NUM>. The O-type rubber ring <NUM> on the nozzle <NUM> matches the mounting hole <NUM> in the middle of the steam exhausting fin <NUM> of the steam-liquid separator <NUM>, such that the steam-liquid separator <NUM> is engaged with the capsule base <NUM>. During brewing coffee, the brewed liquid coffee flows into the nozzle <NUM> from the capsule holder <NUM> through the channel <NUM> of the nozzle socket <NUM>, and finally flows into the steam-liquid separator <NUM>. The steam is separated from the liquid by the filter mesh <NUM> on the top of the steam-liquid separator <NUM>, such that the steam is exhausted out from the steam exhausting fin <NUM> and the liquid flows out from the liquid outlet <NUM>. As such, separation of steam from the liquid is achieved. As shown in <FIG>, the steam-liquid separator <NUM> can be detached from the nozzle <NUM> for the purpose of maintenance and cleaning of the steam-liquid separator <NUM>.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the coffee machine has a vehicle-mounted base <NUM>' for using in vehicles such as cars. The vehicle-mounted base has an engaging part <NUM> whose diameter can be adjusted and can be placed in the cup hole in a car. The dimension of the engaging part <NUM> can be adjusted according to the size of the cup hole in various cars for ease of mounting and using.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate schematic diagram of the base with engaging part according to another embodiment as described herein. This embodiment is different from the embodiments as mentioned above in that substrate <NUM> in the above-mentioned embodiments is replaced by the base <NUM>' for mounting the coffee machine in vehicles such as cars, especially mounting on the stage with a cup hole. As shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM>' comprises a mounting base <NUM>' disposed above the base <NUM>', a mounting hole <NUM>' disposed within the mounting base <NUM>' and a cup holder <NUM>' disposed on the same side as the mounting base <NUM>'. An engaging part <NUM> is disposed below the cup holder <NUM>' of the base <NUM>' for engaging with the stage with hole therein. The engaging part <NUM> comprises a snap-fitting disk <NUM> disposed on the lower surface of the base <NUM>' for adjusting the size of the engaging part <NUM>' and a fixing disk <NUM> for connecting the snap-fitting disk <NUM> and the base <NUM>'.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the snap-fitting disk <NUM> comprises an upper spiral disk <NUM>, a lower spiral disk <NUM>, a disk lid <NUM>, a knob <NUM> and a movement block <NUM>. The fixing disk <NUM> is mounted below the cup holder <NUM>' and provided with a fixing hole at the center thereof. The upper spiral disk <NUM> has a center shaft at the center thereof, which matches the fixing hole of the fixing disk <NUM>. One end of the center shaft is snap-fitted in the fixing hole, such that the upper spiral disk <NUM> can rotate around the fixing hole. The upper spiral disk <NUM> is provided with a spiral slot on the lower side surface thereof. The lower spiral disk <NUM> is fixedly connected to the center shaft of the upper spiral disk <NUM>, such that the upper and the lower spiral disks <NUM> and <NUM> can rotate synchronously. The lower spiral disk <NUM> is provided with a spiral slot on the upper side surface thereof, which is the same as that of the upper spiral disk <NUM>. The movement block <NUM> is fixed by the upper and the lower spiral disks <NUM> and <NUM> together. The housing <NUM> of the movement block <NUM> is provided with protrusions on its top and bottom, which match the spiral slots of the upper and lower spiral disks <NUM> and <NUM>. When the upper and the lower spiral disks <NUM> and <NUM> rotate, the movement block <NUM> will laterally moves relative to the rotation axis of the upper and the lower spiral disks <NUM> and <NUM>, so as to adjust the size of the engaging disk <NUM> to snap-fit with various cup holes.

The housing <NUM> of the movement block <NUM> has a square hole on one side far away from the center axis of the upper spiral disk <NUM>. The movement block <NUM> further comprises a gum sleeve <NUM> extending from the square hole of the housing <NUM> of the movment block for directly contacting the inner wall of the cup hole in cars, and a pressing block <NUM> located behind the gum sleeve for fixing the position of the gum sleeve <NUM>.

The knob <NUM> is disposed below the disk lid <NUM>, which goes through the bottom surface of the disk lid <NUM> to directly connect to the center shaft of the upper spiral disk <NUM>. The upper and the lower spiral disks <NUM> and <NUM> are driven to rotate together by rotation of the knob <NUM>, so as to drive the movement block <NUM> to move.

<FIG> is a cross-section diagram of the engaging part along line A-A. As shown in <FIG>, the protrosions disposed on the top and the bottom of the housing <NUM> of the movement block are snap-fitted within the spiral slot of the upper spiral disk <NUM> to secure the movement block <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-section diagram of the engaging part along line B-B. As shown in <FIG>, when rotating knob <NUM> clockwise, the upper and the lower spiral disks <NUM> and <NUM> are driven to rotate together so as to allow the protrusions disposed on the top and the bottom of the housing <NUM> of the movement block to move far away from the rotation axis of the knob <NUM>, thereby allowing the movement block <NUM> to extend outward.

Claim 1:
A coffee machine having the following three modules detachably connected or assembled with each other:
a main body (<NUM>) that comprises a housing (<NUM>), a pot liner (<NUM>) disposed within the housing (<NUM>), a heating mechanism for heating liquid in the pot liner (<NUM>), and a container (<NUM>) disposed above the pot liner (<NUM>) and being in communication with the inner space of the pot liner (<NUM>);
a capsule base (<NUM>) detachably connected on the bottom of the main body (<NUM>), which comprises a capsule holder (<NUM>) for receiving a coffee capsule, a liquid outlet (<NUM>) disposed below the capsule holder (<NUM>) and being in communication with the capsule holder (<NUM>), wherein the capsule holder (<NUM>) is suitable for being in communication with the inner space of the pot liner (<NUM>) when the capsule base (<NUM>) is connected to the main body (<NUM>); the machine being characterized by
a power-controller holder (<NUM>) detachably connected to the outside of the housing (<NUM>), for supporting, powering and controlling the main body (<NUM>);
wherein the power-controller holder (<NUM>) comprises:
a substrate (<NUM>) with a mounting socket (<NUM>) disposed on the top surface thereof,
a supporting part (<NUM>) detachably connected to the mounting socket (<NUM>) on the substrate (<NUM>), and detachably connected to the housing (<NUM>) of the main body;
wherein the supporting part (<NUM>) comprises:
a casing (<NUM>) and a main rod (<NUM>) disposed within the casing (<NUM>), for supporting the casing (<NUM>),
wherein, the main rod (<NUM>) has one end extending out from the casing (<NUM>), which is detachably mounted in the mounting socket (<NUM>) of the substrate (<NUM>), and wherein the casing (<NUM>) is detachably connected to the housing (<NUM>) of the main body on one side thereof.