Automatic capsule dropping device for a capsule coffee machine

Abstract

The automatic capsule dropping device of the capsule coffee machine comprises a brewing rack, a brewing seat and a brewing assembly which are linearly opened and closed by a driving mechanism, and an automatic capsule dropping device arranged between the brewing seat and the brewing assembly. An inlet for the coffee capsule is arranged on the upper wall of the brewing rack, and an outlet for the coffee capsule is arranged on the lower wall of the brewing rack. A brewing cavity for loading the coffee capsule is arranged on the brewing seat. The edge of the capsule is made of hard material. The automatic capsule dropping device comprises two feeding rods which are respectively connected to the two sides of the brewing assembly and guide rails which allow the feeding rods to widen outward when the brewing assembly moves towards the brewing seat. The brewing assembly moves forward and backward towards the brewing seat. When the feeding rods send the capsule to the brewing cavity, the guide rails guide the feeding rods to move outward to avoid the brewing seat, so that the distance between the ends of the two feeding rods increases, thereby releasing the coffee capsule into the brewing cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of coffee machines, and more particularly to an automatic capsule dispensing device for a capsule coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] Chinese patent document CN200920272113.1 discloses an automatic capsule-dispensing coffee machine, comprising a water outlet assembly and a water inlet assembly that move linearly towards each other via a drive mechanism. The water outlet assembly is provided with a brewing chamber for inserting coffee capsules, and the inner end of the water inlet assembly is provided with a hot water channel and a one-way valve for brewing coffee capsules. The surface of the coffee capsule is provided with a flange in annular shape. The brewing chamber is specifically located at the inner end of the water outlet assembly, and the opening for inserting the coffee capsule faces the hot water channel and the one-way valve. Sliding clamps are provided on the left and right sides of the inner end of the water inlet assembly. The movable clamps are provided with slots for positioning corresponding to the flange of the coffee capsule. The movable clamps are slidably disposed in a slide seat by a pressure plate. The inner side of the slide seat is provided with a slot, and the inner side of the slide seat is provided with a clearance position corresponding to the slot. A pressure plate is fixedly disposed on the outer side. An elastic element, which is a compression spring, is provided between the pressure plate and the movable clamps. A guide pin extends from the outer side of the movable clamps, passes through the compression spring, and extends out of the pressure plate. The structure uses movable clamps on the left and right sides of the brewing chamber. When the coffee machine is closed, the movable clamps slide on both sides of the brewing chamber, and when it is opened, the movable clamps adhere to the brewing chamber to remove the hard coffee capsule. However, the structure to achieve this function is too complicated and the moving mechanism is unstable, so it needs further improvement and refinement. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides an automatic capsule dropping device for a capsule coffee machine that is simple in structure and reliable in performance.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an automatic capsule dropping device for a capsule coffee machine, comprising a brewing rack, a brewing seat that moves linearly between the brewing rack and the brewing assembly via a drive mechanism, a brewing component, and an automatic capsule dropping device disposed between the brewing seat and the brewing assembly. The upper wall of the brewing rack has an inlet for coffee capsules to enter, and the lower wall of the brewing rack has an outlet for coffee capsules to fall off. The brewing seat has a brewing chamber for loading coffee capsules, and the brewing assembly has a hot water channel for brewing coffee capsules and a one-way valve. The edge of the capsule is made of a hard material. The automatic capsule dropping device includes two feeding rods each connected to both sides of the brewing assembly and a guide rail that allows the feeding rods to widen outward when the brewing assembly moves toward the brewing seat. The guide rail is fixed to the inner wall of the brewing rack on both sides of the brewing assembly, and the brewing assembly has a flange slider that cooperates with the guide rail. The brewing assembly moves back and forth toward the brewing station under the guidance of the guide rail and the flange slider. When the feed rod delivers the capsule to the brewing chamber, the outwardly widened guide rail guides the feed rod to move outward to avoid the brewing station, thereby increasing the distance between the ends of the two feed rods and releasing the coffee capsule into the brewing chamber.

[0005] A further embodiment involves a hinge connecting one end of the feeding rod to the brewing assembly, and a clamp on the other end of the feeding rod that is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the feeding rod to hold the coffee capsule. This hinged connection between the feeding rod and the brewing assembly is simple and effective, allowing the feeding rod to swing. The front end of the feeding rod moves outward under the guidance of the guide rail and the flange slider, and the clamp on the feeding rod holds the capsule.

[0006] A further improvement is that the clamp has a vertically oriented opening groove with its opening facing inward. The opening groove has a V-shaped opening at the end that accommodates the capsule, and a stop to prevent the capsule from falling off at the other end opposite to the V-shaped opening. The feeding rod has a collision chamfer on the inner side near the brewing chamber, and the opening groove has a return hook on the inner side near the brewing component. The edges on the return hook surface are transitioned using a rounded surface. The opening slot on the chuck is designed to accommodate coffee capsules, while the V-shaped opening facilitates the smooth sliding of the capsules into the chuck. The stop supports the coffee capsule placed in the opening slot. As the feed rod moves towards the brewing chamber, its front end collides with the brewing unit. The chamfered edge guides the chuck to slide to both sides along the chamfered direction. After the capsule enters the brewing chamber, the feed rod continues to move forward. At this time, the chamfered edge on the back of the opening slot continues to slide along the edge of the capsule, thus completely disengaging it from the capsule edge. After the brewing process is completed, the brewing assembly moves the feed rod backward. The chuck on the feed rod hooks onto the outer edge of the capsule during the retraction process, pulling it out of the brewing chamber, and then it falls naturally by gravity.

[0007] A further refinement involves ensuring that the maximum distance between the bottoms of the opening slots on the two symmetrical feed rods is greater than the maximum distance between the two collision chamfers, and that the maximum distance between the two return hooks is greater than the maximum distance between the two collision chamfers. Furthermore, the maximum distance between the bottoms of the opening slots must align with the maximum diameter of the coffee capsule. The collision chamfers must protrude beyond the opening slots to prevent the feed rods from directly colliding with the opening slots when they reach the brewing base. Since the return hooks are required to hook the capsule out, they must be in close contact with the brewing base; therefore, the return hooks must protrude beyond the collision chamfers.

[0008] A further improvement is that the brewing base has a clearance channel at a position corresponding to the feeding rod, and the clearance channel has an angled block that slopes outward toward the brewing base. The purpose of this structure is that the clearance channel provides clearance for the feeding rod, allowing the chuck to move back and forth without interference. The angle of the angled block is designed to match the outward slope of the guide rail, ensuring that the chuck remains firmly against the surface of the angled block. Ultimately, this allows the chuck to smoothly hook out the capsule while still firmly against the angled block when the feeding rod retracts.

[0009] A further improvement is that the clearance channel is covered by the outer edge of the capsule on the side closest to the brewing unit. After the coffee brewing process ends, the feed rod retracts, and if the chuck wants to remove the coffee capsule at this point, the outer edge of the capsule must extend beyond the clearance channel.

[0010] A further improvement is that the inner wall of the brewing chamber is provided with anti-adsorption stripes. These stripes are designed to prevent the capsule shell from adhering to the inside of the brewing chamber and becoming unable to detach if it becomes wet.

[0011] A further improvement is that the brewing assembly has a conical disc at the position where it mates with the opening of the brewing chamber. The conical disc has a raised spike on its side near the brewing chamber. During the closing process of the brewing assembly, when the feed rod clamps deliver the capsule into the brewing chamber and into the clearance channel, the brewing assembly does not completely press down on the coffee capsule. At this point, the coffee capsule may slip out of the brewing chamber. The purpose of the conical disc is to allow the spike to press against the capsule and push it into the brewing chamber. Simultaneously, the spike can also break the capsule's seal, allowing hot water to smoothly enter the capsule.

[0012] The automatic capsule unloading device for the capsule coffee machine designed in this invention features two feeding rods connected to both sides of the brewing assembly and a guide rail that allows the feeding rods to widen outward as the brewing assembly moves toward the brewing seat. Guided by the guide rail and the flange slider, the brewing assembly moves back and forth toward the brewing seat. When the feeding rod delivers the capsule to the brewing chamber, the widened guide rail guides the feeding rod to move outward to avoid the brewing seat, increasing the distance between the ends of the two feeding rods, thereby releasing the coffee capsule into the brewing chamber. The automatic unloading of the coffee capsule is achieved through a simple mechanical structure, including the hinged feeding rods and the widened guide rail. The structure is simple, and the movement is stable and reliable. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding rod in Example 1;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the conical disk structure in Example 1;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the brewing chamber in Example 1;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a front cross-sectional view of Example 1 when the capsule is placed into the coffee machine;

[0017] Figure 5 This is a top cross-sectional view of Example 1 when the capsule is placed into the coffee machine;

[0018] Figure 6 This is a top cross-sectional view of Example 1 when the capsule is placed into the brewing chamber;

[0019] Figure 7 This is a top cross-sectional view of Example 1 when the brewing component and brewing base are closed;

[0020] Figure 8 This is a top sectional view of Example 1 when the capsule is pulled out by the retracting hook;

[0021] 1-Brewing base, 11-Brewing chamber, 12-Avoidance passage, 13-Angled block, 14-Absorption stripes, 2-

[0022] Brewing assembly, 21-conical disc, 211-pointed cone, 31-feeding rod, 32-guide rail, 33-flange slider, 4-clamp, 41-opening slot, 42-V-shaped opening, 43-stop section, 44-collision chamfer, 45-return hook, 451-arc surface, 5-brewing rack Detailed Implementation

[0023] To further illustrate the technical means and effects of the present invention in achieving its intended purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods, structures, features, and effects of the present invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, is provided below.

[0024] Example 1.

[0025] like Figure 2-4 As shown, the automatic capsule dropping device of the capsule coffee machine described in this embodiment includes a brewing rack 5, a brewing seat 1 that moves linearly between each other via a drive mechanism, a brewing assembly 2, and an automatic capsule dropping device disposed between the brewing seat 1 and the brewing assembly 2. The upper wall of the brewing rack 5 has an inlet for coffee capsules to enter, and the lower wall of the brewing rack 5 has an outlet for coffee capsules to fall off. The brewing seat 1 has a brewing chamber 11 for loading coffee capsules, and the brewing assembly 2 has a hot water channel for brewing coffee capsules and a one-way valve. The automatic capsule dropping device includes two feeding rods 31 each connected to both sides of the brewing assembly 2 and a guide rail 32 that allows the feeding rods 31 to widen outwards when the brewing assembly 2 moves towards the brewing seat 1. The guide rail 32 is fixed to the inner walls of the brewing rack 5 on both sides of the brewing assembly 2. The brewing assembly 2 has a flange slider 33 that cooperates with the guide rail 32. The inner wall of the brewing chamber 11 has anti-adhesion stripes 14. The brewing assembly 2 is provided with a conical disc 21 at the position where it mates with the opening of the brewing chamber 11. The conical disc 21 has a protruding pointed cone 211 on one side near the brewing chamber 11. One end of the feeding rod 31 is connected to the brewing assembly 2 by a hinge, and the other end of the feeding rod 31 is provided with a clamp 4 for holding coffee capsules, which is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the feeding rod 31.

[0026] like Figure 1 , Figure 4As shown, the clamp 4 has a vertically oriented opening slot 41 with its opening facing inward. The opening slot 41 has a V-shaped opening 42 at the end that accommodates the capsule, and a stop 43 at the opposite end to prevent the capsule from falling out. The feeding rod 31 has a chamfered impact angle 44 on its inner side near the brewing chamber 11, and a return hook 45 on its inner side near the brewing component 2. The edges of the return hook 45 are transitioned using a rounded surface 451. The maximum distance between the bottoms of the opening slots 41 on the two symmetrical feeding rods 31 is greater than the maximum distance between the two chamfered impact angles 44, and the maximum distance between the two return hooks 45 is greater than the maximum distance between the two chamfered impact angles 44. Furthermore, the maximum distance between the bottoms of the opening slots 31 matches the maximum diameter of the coffee capsule.

[0027] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the brewing base 1 has a clearance channel 12 at a position corresponding to the feeding rod 31, and the clearance channel 12 has an inclined block 13 that expands outward toward the brewing base 1. The clearance channel 12 is covered by the outer edge of the capsule on the side near the brewing component 2.

[0028] At work, such as Figure 5 As shown, the coffee capsule is pre-placed on the chuck 4 at the front end of the feed rod 31. The chuck 4 supports the coffee capsule in a fixed position. The brewing assembly 2 moves towards the brewing base 1 under the drive of the drive mechanism. Figure 6 As shown, during the process of the feeding rod 31 connected to the brewing assembly 2 moving towards the brewing chamber 11, the clamp 4 at the front end of the feeding rod 31 collides with the brewing base 1. The chamfer 44 on the clamp 4 guides the clamp 4 to slide to both sides along the direction of the chamfer, and the coffee capsule enters the brewing chamber 11 accordingly. After the coffee capsule enters the brewing chamber 11, the feeding rod 31 continues to move forward, and the arc surface 451 on the return hook 45 on the rear side of the opening slot 41 continues to slide along the edge of the coffee capsule, thus completely disengaging from the edge of the coffee capsule. Figure 7 As shown, at this time, the conical disc 21 pushes the coffee capsule completely into the brewing chamber 11, and the brewing chamber 11 is completely closed; as Figure 8 As shown, after the brewing process is completed, the brewing component 2 drives the feeding rod 31 to retract backward. The feeding rod 31 returns to its original position under the guidance of the guide rail 32, and the return hook 45 on its chuck 4 closely adheres to the angled block 13 during the retraction process. Then the return hook 45 hooks the outer edge of the coffee capsule and pulls it out of the brewing chamber 11. The coffee capsule falls naturally by gravity.

[0029] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic capsule dropping device for a capsule coffee machine, comprising a brewing rack (5), a brewing seat (1) that moves linearly between the brewing seat (1) and the brewing assembly (2) via a drive mechanism, and an automatic capsule dropping device disposed between the brewing seat (1) and the brewing assembly (2), wherein the upper wall of the brewing rack (5) is provided with an inlet for coffee capsules to enter, the lower wall of the brewing rack (5) is provided with an outlet for coffee capsules to fall off, the brewing seat (1) is provided with a brewing chamber (11) for loading coffee capsules, and the brewing assembly (2) is provided with a hot water channel for brewing coffee capsules and a one-way valve, characterized in that, The automatic capsule dropping device includes two feeding rods (31) connected to both sides of the brewing assembly (2) and a guide rail (32) that allows the feeding rods (31) to widen outward when the brewing assembly (2) moves toward the brewing base (1). The guide rail (32) is fixed on the inner wall of the brewing racks (5) on both sides of the brewing assembly (2). The brewing assembly (2) is provided with a flange slider (33) that cooperates with the guide rail (32). One end of the feeding rod (31) is connected to the brewing assembly (2) by a hinge, and the other end of the feeding rod (31) is provided with a clamp (4) for holding coffee capsules that is perpendicular to the movement direction of the feeding rod (31). The clamp (4) is provided with a vertical opening groove (41) with the opening direction facing inward. The opening groove (41) has a V-shaped opening (42) at the end that accommodates the capsule, and a stop part (43) to prevent the capsule from falling off is provided at the other end of the opening groove (41) opposite to the V-shaped opening (42). The feeding rod (31) has a collision chamfer (44) on the inner side near the brewing chamber (11), and a return hook (45) is provided on the inner side of the opening groove (41) near the brewing component (2). The edge of the return hook (45) is transitioned by a rounded surface (451).

2. The automatic capsule dispensing device for the capsule coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two feeding rods (31) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the brewing assembly (2), and the maximum distance between the bottom of the two opening slots (41) is greater than the maximum distance between the two collision chamfers (44), the maximum distance between the two return hooks (45) is greater than the maximum distance between the two collision chamfers (44), and the maximum distance between the bottom of the two opening slots (41) matches the maximum diameter of the coffee capsule.

3. The automatic capsule dispensing device for a capsule coffee machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The brewing base (1) is provided with a clearance channel (12) at a position corresponding to the feeding rod (31), and the clearance channel (12) is provided with an inclined block (13) that expands outward toward the brewing base (1).

4. The automatic capsule dispensing device for the capsule coffee machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The avoidance channel (12) is covered by the outer edge of the capsule on the side near the brewing component (2).

5. The automatic capsule dispensing device for the capsule coffee machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner wall of the brewing chamber (11) is provided with anti-adsorption stripes (14).

6. The automatic capsule dispensing device for the capsule coffee machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The brewing component (2) is provided with a conical disc (21) at the position that mates with the opening of the brewing chamber (11), and the conical disc (21) is provided with a protruding pointed cone (211) on one side near the brewing chamber (11).

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