Quantitative bean grinder, quantitative bean grinding method, and bean grinder coffee maker

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of quantitative bean grinder, quantitative bean grinding method and coffee grinder, belong to beverage brewing electric appliance, existing coffee bean grinder and method are retained ungrounded coffee beans in the crushing system after stopping grinding, the application calculates the speed of coffee powder ground by crushing system, and the total capacity of coffee powder corresponding to powder bowl is combined, so as to calculate the total grinding time or the remaining grinding time of the total capacity of coffee powder ground to empty the crushing system. It can empty the crushing system, and avoid the idling of the crushing system. When grinding coffee beans in practice, as long as the size of the grinding gap is adjusted, the coffee beans are stored in the storage and feeding system, the fineness of coffee powder, the variety of coffee beans and the drying degree of coffee beans are determined, and the crushing system can be automatically emptied according to the scheme of the application, and the machine is stopped appropriately to avoid the idling of the crushing system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention pertains to beverage brewing appliances, specifically relating to a quantitative coffee grinding device, a quantitative coffee grinding method, and a coffee grinder. It is used to automatically determine the amount of coffee powder to grind and the working time based on the size of the coffee bowl and the coarseness of the coffee powder, and to empty the unground coffee beans remaining in the grinding system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the coffee bean grinding devices on the market offer the following methods for distributing, tamping, and metering coffee beans:

[0003] The first method is visual quantification, which requires manual intervention in coffee grounds distribution, tamping, and metering. This method is inexpensive, but it also has significant drawbacks: residual coffee grounds remain in the coffee powder channel, meaning that each cup of coffee is not 100% freshly ground, making it difficult to achieve the best taste; and because metering, distribution, and tamping depend on individual skill levels, the coffee quality is inconsistent.

[0004] The second method involves time-based metering, with manual distribution and tamping of coffee grounds. This method treats time as the sole variable in metering, without considering the influence of factors such as grind size, variety, or roast level, representing an improvement over the first method. However, its drawbacks include the need for readjustment when changing coffee bean varieties, leading to coffee grounds waste. Furthermore, the distribution and tamping techniques still rely on individual skill, and this method does not provide a solution for the problem of residual coffee grounds in the coffee flow channel.

[0005] The third method is time-based metering with intelligent tamping. This method is similar to the second method in terms of metering, but because it provides a constant pressure for tamping the coffee grounds, it produces more consistent coffee quality. The downside is that it requires readjustment when changing coffee bean varieties, resulting in coffee waste. Also, it only involves tamping and lacks a distribution process, making it less than perfect. This method does not provide solutions for the problems of unground coffee beans remaining in the grinding system or residual coffee grounds in the coffee flow channels.

[0006] The fourth method is rotary powder distribution with automatic compaction and metered loading. The product has two motors: one for grinding and the other for powder distribution and compaction. This method uses a rotary powder distribution system, with distribution and extrusion synchronized, layer by layer. When the load reaches the set threshold of the powder distribution and compaction motors, the coffee bean grinding device stops working. Compared to the previous three methods, this device provides a near-perfect solution for metering, powder distribution, and compaction, automating the operation and producing better quality and more consistent coffee. The disadvantages are the use of two sets of transmission devices, resulting in higher costs, and it still doesn't solve the problem of unground coffee beans remaining in the grinding system or residual coffee powder in the coffee powder channels. Residual coffee powder and retained coffee beans can become damp or even spoil, thus affecting the quality and taste of the coffee beverage. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem this invention aims to solve and the technical task it proposes is to overcome the shortcomings of existing coffee bean grinding devices and methods, which leave unground coffee beans in the grinding system after grinding stops. This invention provides a quantitative coffee grinding device, a quantitative coffee grinding method, and a coffee grinder, which automatically determines the amount of coffee powder to grind and the working time based on the size of the portafilter and the coarseness of the coffee powder, and empties the unground coffee beans remaining in the grinding system. Furthermore, it cleans residual coffee powder from the coffee powder flow channel.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the quantitative bean grinding device of the present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0009] A storage and feeding system for storing and discharging coffee beans;

[0010] A grinding system used to grind and pulverize incoming coffee beans;

[0011] A filling and dispensing system for receiving and dispensing coffee powder includes a drive shaft, a tamper roller, a first inductive switch, and a replaceable container. The container is located below the grinding system. The tamper roller is located in the container and rotates using power transmitted by the drive shaft to compact the coffee powder in the container while raising its position within the container. The first inductive switch senses a first position and a second position of the tamper roller when it is raised within the container. The first position corresponds to a first volume position to which the coffee powder has accumulated within the container, and the second position corresponds to a second volume position to which the coffee powder has accumulated within the container. The volume difference between the first volume position and the second volume position is the second volume.

[0012] The control system is used to control the coordinated operation of the storage and feeding system, the crushing system, and the filling and metering system. The control system records the second time period required for the first inductive switch to sense the powder pressing wheel rising from the first position to the second position in the powder bowl. The control system determines the grinding speed based on the second capacity and the second time period, and determines the total grinding time or remaining working time of the crushing system based on the grinding speed to empty the crushing system.

[0013] Since the size of the coffee bowl is fixed during grinding, the volume difference (i.e., the second volume) of coffee powder accumulating from the first volume position to the second volume position is also fixed; that is, the second volume is a constant. However, due to differences in grinding gaps, coffee bean varieties, and degree of dryness, the grinding speed varies during actual coffee bean grinding. Therefore, the control system records the second time interval required for the tamping roller to rise from the first position to the second position within the coffee bowl, which is sensed by the first inductive switch. This allows the calculation of the coffee powder grinding speed. Based on this speed and the size of the coffee bowl, the total amount of coffee powder to be ground and the required time can be determined. Subsequently, the storage and feeding systems are shut down after the grinding system is emptied.

[0014] Specifically, in order to evenly distribute and tamp the coffee powder, and to raise its position as the coffee powder accumulates in the portafilter, the tamp wheel has inclined blades that are lifted by the coffee powder in the portafilter when the tamp wheel rotates.

[0015] In particular, the drive shaft is vertically floating, and the tamper is fixedly connected to the lower end of the drive shaft. This allows the tamper to push the drive shaft upwards. Furthermore, to ensure the first sensor switch can accurately detect the signal and avoid interference from coffee grounds, the first sensor switch is located above the coffee bowl. The drive shaft has a first position structure corresponding to the first position and a second position structure corresponding to the second position for triggering the first sensor switch. Specifically, the first sensor switch is a photoelectric switch, and the first and second position structures are annular grooves formed on the drive shaft. When the photoelectric switch corresponds to the annular groove, it sends a signal to the control system.

[0016] Furthermore, the crushing system includes a power output end, and the drive shaft is inserted into the power output end to achieve the vertical floating.

[0017] In a specific implementation, the drive shaft can also be vertically positioned, with the tamping roller floatingly mounted on the drive shaft. The tamping roller moves upwards along the drive shaft as the coffee powder is pushed up.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the edge of the impeller is configured with a flexible portion that contacts the inner wall of the coffee bowl. During the tamping process, the flexible portion can scrape away fine dust adhering to the inner wall of the coffee bowl, keeping the coffee bowl clean.

[0019] To produce coffee beverages of different sizes, the portafilter includes at least two portafilters of different sizes. The different sizes of portafilters correspond to different capacities in the portion below the first position, while the different sizes of portafilters correspond to the same capacities in the portion above the first position. Therefore, portafilters of different capacities can be selected to produce coffee beverages of different sizes. Furthermore, since the different sizes of portafilters correspond to the same capacities in the portion above the first position, after changing to a different size portafilter, the capacity of coffee powder in the portion above the first position remains the same, thus allowing the remaining grinding time to be determined based on the grinding speed.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the powder bowl is replaceably mounted in a filter, the filter is detachably mounted on a retainer, and the drive shaft extends from above the retainer toward the powder bowl. The drive shaft or tamping roller is vertically positioned so that when the powder bowl is removed from the retainer along with the filter, the drive shaft and tamping roller remain in their assembled positions. Therefore, when replacing the powder bowl, the tamping roller remains in its original position and does not disengage from the drive mechanism as the powder bowl is moved, facilitating operation.

[0021] In particular, the metering grinder is equipped with a second inductive switch, which provides a standby signal to the control system when the filter is mounted on the retainer. The metering grinder is also equipped with a third inductive switch, which provides a standby signal to the control system after the material storage and dispensing system is in place. The standby signal indicates that the metering grinder is in a ready-to-operate state; otherwise, the metering grinder cannot be started.

[0022] In order to clear the unground coffee beans remaining in the grinding system, it is necessary to shut down the storage and feeding system in a timely manner. Therefore, the storage and feeding system is equipped with a normally closed door, which is opened by a drive device controlled by the control system.

[0023] Furthermore, in order to quickly close and open the door, the storage and unloading system has a storage box with a bottom surface and a discharge port. The door consists of two doors that are symmetrically slidably mounted on the bottom surface for opening or closing the discharge port.

[0024] In particular, there is a cylindrical section below the discharge port, on which a rotatable gear is fitted. Two racks are meshed with the gear and are located on both sides of the gear. Each door is connected to one of the racks so that the two doors can move closer to each other to close the discharge port or move away from each other to open the discharge port. The drive device drives the doors to open via the linear movement of one rack.

[0025] Furthermore, in order to make the structure compact, the door is located on the upper side of the bottom surface, which has an elongated hole. The door and the rack are connected by a rod passing through the elongated hole. As the rod moves with the rack and the door, the elongated hole provides space for the rod to move, and the rod is guided in the elongated hole.

[0026] To facilitate the smooth opening and closing of the door, a guide strip is provided on the bottom surface, and the door is guided by the guide strip.

[0027] In order to keep the discharge port in a normally closed state, a spring is connected to the door, and the spring force causes the door to close the discharge port.

[0028] To adjust the coarseness of the coffee powder, the grinding system includes a moving grinding wheel and an adjustable grinding wheel located in the grinding chamber. The moving grinding wheel is driven by a grinding motor via a transmission device, and the adjustable grinding wheel adjusts the gap between itself and the moving grinding wheel via an adjustment ring.

[0029] To achieve the above objectives, the coffee grinder of the present invention is characterized by having a quantitative grinding device configured on the machine body for grinding coffee powder of the corresponding capacity of the powder bowl and emptying the grinding system.

[0030] To achieve the above objectives, the quantitative grinding method of the present invention is characterized by comprising the following continuous steps:

[0031] (1) The storage and feeding system feeds coffee beans to the grinding system, and the grinding system is started to grind the coffee beans. The coffee powder falls into the powder bowl and accumulates.

[0032] (2) The grinding system grinds coffee beans until the coffee powder accumulates in the portafilter to the first capacity position. This step takes a first time period t1. The amount of coffee powder ground in this step is the first accumulated capacity VA before the coffee powder accumulates in the portafilter to the first capacity position. For portafilters of the same capacity, the first accumulated capacity is constant, while for portafilters of different capacities, the first accumulated capacity is different.

[0033] (3) Determine the second time period required for the coffee powder to accumulate from the first capacity position to the second capacity position in the coffee bowl. This second time period can be timed separately or calculated by subtracting the first time period t1 from the total time elapsed since step (1). Calculate the grinding speed of the grinding system v = V2 / t2, where V2 is the capacity difference of the coffee powder accumulating from the first capacity position to the second capacity position in the coffee bowl, i.e., the second capacity. For coffee bowls of different capacities, V2 is a constant.

[0034] (4) Determine the total grinding time or remaining working time of the pulverizing system based on the grinding speed to empty the pulverizing system.

[0035] Since the size of the coffee bowl is fixed and the grinding speed of coffee powder can be calculated, the total amount of coffee powder to be ground and the required time can be determined based on the grinding speed and the size of the coffee bowl. This allows the storage and feeding system to be shut down in a timely manner to empty the grinding system.

[0036] In particular, the remaining working time includes the emptying time of the grinding system, which starts at the point when the storage and feeding system stops feeding coffee beans to the grinding system; the emptying time t4 = V4 / v = t2(V4 / V2), where V4 is a constant, which is the amount of coffee powder that the grinding system has not finished grinding when the storage and feeding system stops feeding coffee beans to the grinding system, and is the volume of coffee powder corresponding to the unground coffee beans when the storage and feeding system stops feeding coffee beans to the grinding system.

[0037] Furthermore, the remaining working time includes a compensation time, which is between the second time period and the emptying time of the crushing system. The compensation time is t3=V3 / v=t2(V3 / V2), where V3 is a constant.

[0038] To ensure the pulverizing system is emptied and to compensate for operational errors, the remaining working time includes a safety grinding time, which is the last period of the pulverizing system and is set to t5 = 0-5 seconds.

[0039] To ensure reliable operation, a self-test is performed before step (1) to confirm that the material storage and feeding system and the powder bowl are in standby mode when installed. After turning on the grinding switch in standby mode, the quantitative grinding method of the present invention is executed.

[0040] To achieve the above objectives, the coffee grinder of the present invention is characterized by: performing the quantitative grinding method of the present invention to obtain the total volume of coffee powder corresponding to the size of the grinder bowl and emptying the grinding system.

[0041] This invention calculates the grinding speed of the pulverizing system and the total capacity of coffee powder in the corresponding hopper to determine the total grinding time or remaining grinding time to empty the pulverizing system. This emptying process avoids the pulverizing system from running idle. In actual coffee bean grinding, by adjusting the grinding gap and storing the coffee beans in the storage and feeding system, the coarseness of the coffee powder, the type of coffee beans, and the degree of dryness are determined. Based on this invention, the pulverizing system can be automatically emptied and stopped at the appropriate time, preventing the pulverizing system from running idle and demonstrating a high degree of automation.

[0042] This invention also uses rotating powder distribution and automatic compaction, but the drive shaft of the filling and metering system is inserted into the power output end of the grinding system. The drive shaft obtains power from the grinding motor, which simplifies the power structure.

[0043] This invention determines the volume of coffee powder by the position of the tamping roller and a preset value. For any size coffee bowl, it can obtain a precise volume of coffee powder and the degree of compaction of the coffee powder, thereby enabling the brewing of high-quality and highly stable coffee beverages.

[0044] Moreover, this invention solves the problems of unground coffee beans remaining in the grinding system and residual coffee powder in the coffee powder channel, preventing residual coffee powder and retained coffee beans from getting damp or even deteriorating, thus affecting the quality and taste of coffee beverages. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the quantitative bean grinding device of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the orthographic projection of the quantitative bean grinding device shown.

[0047] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view along axis AA;

[0048] Figure 4 for Figure 2 BB-direction sectional view;

[0049] Figure 5 for Figure 2 CC-direction sectional view;

[0050] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The diagram shows an exploded view of the quantitative bean grinding device.

[0051] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective;

[0052] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the material storage and unloading system of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective;

[0054] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of the structure of the transmission shaft and the output end of the crushing system of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective;

[0056] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the assembly relationship of the drive shaft, powder pressing wheel, first inductive switch, and second inductive switch of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective;

[0058] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the accumulation of coffee powder ground according to the apparatus and method of the present invention in the coffee bowl over time.

[0059] Figure 15 To be Figure 1 The diagram shows a quantitative coffee grinder applied to a coffee grinder.

[0060] Explanation of the labels in the diagram:

[0061] 10-inch main body, 20-inch quantitative grinding device;

[0062] 100. Material storage and unloading system;

[0063] 110 Storage box, 111 Bottom surface, 112 Discharge port, 113 Cylinder, 114 Elongated hole, 115 Guide strip, 116 Bottom cover, 117 Connecting slot, 118 Rib, 119 Top cover, 120 Safety cover.

[0064] 120 Door, 121 Drive mechanism, 122 Rod, 123 Spring

[0065] Gear 131, rack 132

[0066] K3 third inductive switch;

[0067] 200 Grinding System:

[0068] 210 power output end,

[0069] 220 Grinder chamber, 221 Shell, 222 Coffee drop channel, 223 Hook, 224 Notch

[0070] 230 moving grinding wheel, 231 blind hole

[0071] 240° adjustable grinding wheel

[0072] 250 coffee grinder motor,

[0073] 260 Transmission device, 261 Final stage gear, 262 Torque transmission block, 263 Insertion space, 264 Worm gear, 265 Worm wheel, 266 Cleaning unit.

[0074] 271 Adjusting ring, 272 Threaded sleeve, 273 Lifting sleeve, 274 Arm, 275 End sleeve, 276 Guide sleeve

[0075] 280 Powder discharge impeller, 281 Torque transmission column, 282 Column,

[0076] 290 structural components;

[0077] 300 Filling and Dosing System:

[0078] 310 Drive shaft, 311 First position structure, 312 Second position structure, 313 Ring edge, 314 Hexagonal blind hole.

[0079] 320 Powder tamping roller, 321 impeller, 322 notch.

[0080] 330 bowl of powder,

[0081] 340 filter, 341 earpiece.

[0082] 350 Cage, 351 Telescopic Rod, 352 Spring, 353 Spiral Groove

[0083] K1 First Inductive Switch

[0084] K2 is the second inductive switch. Detailed Implementation

[0085] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0086] The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, used in the specification and claims of this invention are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such as a method or product that includes a series of technical features, not necessarily limited to those technical features explicitly listed, but may also include other technical features that may be included in the method or product but not explicitly listed.

[0087] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper" and "lower" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0088] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the technical features defined by terms such as "first" and "second" which have a sequential concept are only used to clearly describe the defined technical features and to clearly distinguish the defined technical features from other technical features, and do not represent that they are named in this way in actual implementation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0089] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0090] Figure 1-3 , Figure 6-7 A metering coffee grinder is shown in different forms. This metering grinder includes: a storage and feeding system 100, a grinding system 200, a filling and metering system 300, and a control system. The storage and feeding system 100 stores and feeds coffee beans to the grinding system 200 below. The grinding system 200 grinds the incoming coffee beans. The filling and metering system 300 receives and meters the coffee powder from the grinding system 200. The control system controls the coordinated operation of the storage and feeding system 100, the grinding system 200, and the filling and metering system 300; therefore, the control system is represented by control circuitry such as a PCB circuit board, which is not shown in the figure.

[0091] like Figure 4-5 , Figure 8-9As shown, the storage and dispensing system 100 is equipped with normally closed doors 120 for storing coffee beans. The doors 120 are opened by a drive device 121, which is controlled by a control system. Therefore, the control system controls the drive device to open the doors at appropriate times. Specifically, the storage and dispensing system 100 has a storage box 110 with a bottom surface 111 and a dispensing port 112. Two doors 120 are symmetrically slidably mounted on the bottom surface 111 for opening or closing the dispensing port. Furthermore, the edge of the dispensing port 112 extends downwards to form a cylindrical section 113 below it. A rotatable gear 131 is fitted onto the cylinder 113, and two racks 132 mesh with the gear. The two racks 132 are located on either side of the gear 131. Each door 120 is connected to one of the racks 132, allowing the two doors to simultaneously move closer to each other to close the dispensing port or move away from each other to open the dispensing port. Furthermore, the drive device 121 drives the door to open via the linear movement of a rack. Therefore, the drive device is preferably a power output form that generates axial motion, such as an electromagnet, linear motor, or hydraulic pump drive. It can also be a crank-slider mechanism, cam mechanism, etc. The door 120 is located on the upper side of the bottom surface 111, which has an elongated hole 114. The door 120 and the rack 132 are connected via a rod 122 passing through the elongated hole. The rod 122 is integrally formed with the door 120 and connected to the rack. In a specific implementation, the rod can also be integrally formed with a gear and connected to the door. A pair of guide strips 115 are provided on the upper side of the bottom surface 111. The edge of the door 120 laterally contacts the guide strips 115 and is guided by the guide strips. A spring 123 is connected to the door 120, and the spring force causes the door to close the feed port. To prevent the gears and rack from being interfered with by external factors, a bottom cover 116 is connected below the bottom surface 111 to cover the gears and rack. Moreover, a cylinder can also be provided on the bottom cover. Whether the cylinder is located on the bottom cover or the bottom surface, it forms the channel for coffee beans to fall from the feeding port into the grinding system. Furthermore, to facilitate adding coffee beans to the storage container, the container is detachably mounted to the coffee machine body, allowing it to be removed for adding beans. As shown in the figure, the outer wall of the storage container has a connecting slot 117. To install the storage container onto the machine body, place it on the body and rotate it. The container will then engage with a locking protrusion (not shown) on the machine body via the connecting slot 117, securing the storage container in a ready-to-use state. Additionally, this metering grinding device is equipped with a third sensor switch K3, which is fixed to the machine body. A rib 118 is provided on the outer wall of the storage container. When the storage container is fixed to the machine body in a ready-to-use state, i.e., after the storage and feeding system is in place, the third sensor switch K3 is activated by the rib 118, providing a standby signal to the control system. In addition, the storage box is an assembled structure, which also includes a top cover 119 and a safety cover 120. The top cover 119 covers the top of the storage box and is easy to remove.The safety cover 120 is installed inside the storage box and corresponds to the feed port 112. It is used to guide the coffee beans to slide down to the feed port and to prevent the coffee beans from getting stuck and blocking the closing of the gate at the feed port.

[0092] like Figure 10-11 As shown, and in combination Figure 1-3 , Figure 6-7The upper end of the grinding system 200 is connected to the lower end of the storage and feeding system 100 to receive coffee beans. Specifically, the grinding system 200 includes a grinding motor 250, a transmission device 260, a housing 221, a powder discharge impeller 280, a moving grinding wheel 230, an adjustable grinding wheel 240, and an adjustment mechanism. A grinding chamber 220 is formed inside the housing 221, and a powder discharge port is provided at the bottom edge of the grinding chamber 220, with a powder discharge channel 222 extending downward from the powder discharge port. A structural member 290 is connected to the lower end of the grinding chamber 220, and an installation space is maintained between the structural member 290 and the housing 221, within which the transmission device is arranged. This transmission device is a structure combining worm gear and gear transmission. The upper end of the final gear 261 of the transmission device has three evenly distributed torque transmission blocks 262, with an insertion space 263 between adjacent torque transmission blocks 262. The final gear 261 of the transmission device has a downwardly extending hexagonal prism-shaped transmission rod as a power output end 210. The grinding motor 250 is located outside the installation space. The power of the grinding motor 250 is transmitted to the worm gear 265 via the worm 264, and then to the reduction gear set via the worm gear. The powder discharge impeller 280 is located at the bottom of the grinding chamber 220 and is inserted into the insertion space 263 between the torque transmission blocks through the torque transmission column 281 at its lower end, so that it can rotate together with the final gear 261. Moreover, the edge of the powder discharge impeller 280 has a cleaning part 266. When the powder discharge impeller rotates, the cleaning part sweeps the coffee powder in the grinding chamber into the powder dropper, so that the coffee powder falls downward into the coffee bowl through the powder dropper and the powder dropper channel. The moving grinding wheel 230 is conical and located in the grinding chamber 220. The lower end face of the moving grinding wheel 230 has three blind holes 231. The upper end of the powder-discharging impeller 280 has three posts 282. The three posts 282 are inserted into the corresponding blind holes 231 to assemble the moving grinding wheel and the powder-discharging impeller, allowing the moving grinding wheel to rotate together with the powder-discharging impeller. The adjustable grinding wheel 240 is sleeve-shaped and fits around the moving grinding wheel, located in the grinding chamber together with it. A gap is maintained between the adjustable grinding wheel 240 and the moving grinding wheel 230 to grind coffee beans; the size of this gap determines the coarseness of the ground coffee. Therefore, the size of this gap is adjusted by adjusting the position of the adjustable grinding wheel relative to the moving grinding wheel. This adjustment is achieved through an adjustment mechanism. This adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment ring 271, a threaded sleeve 272, and a lifting sleeve 273. The adjustment ring 271 is rotatably mounted on the housing 221 and hooked by the hook 223, preventing it from detaching from the housing. The outer circumference of the adjusting ring 271 has gears for engaging with an adjusting knob (not shown) located on the machine body via gears. Rotating the adjusting knob rotates the adjusting ring. A threaded sleeve 272 is fitted inside the adjusting ring 271 and can rotate with it. The inner wall of the threaded sleeve 272 has internal threads. In the illustrated structure, the adjusting ring and the threaded sleeve are shown as separate structures for ease of assembly; however, in actual implementation, it is possible that they could be manufactured as a single unit.The lifting sleeve 273 is sleeve-shaped, with radially extending arms 274 around its periphery. The arms 274 are located in a notch 224 formed in the side wall of the housing and are thus restricted from rotation. Simultaneously, the arms 274 are threadedly engaged with the internal threads of the threaded sleeve 272. Accordingly, when the threaded sleeve rotates with the adjusting ring, the arms of the lifting sleeve can slide along the internal threads and be raised or lowered. Based on the aforementioned adjustment mechanism, the adjustable grinding wheel is fixedly assembled to the lifting sleeve, and the height of the adjustable grinding wheel can be adjusted by rotating the adjusting knob, thus adjusting the gap between the adjustable grinding wheel and the moving grinding wheel. The adjustable grinding wheel is fixedly assembled to the lifting sleeve via an end sleeve 275 that is assembled with the lifting sleeve. Furthermore, to guide coffee beans into the grinding chamber, a guide sleeve 276 is also assembled via the end sleeve, and the guide sleeve 276 is open upwards. In addition, in terms of structural manufacturing, the housing and structural components can be part of the relevant structural components of the machine body.

[0093] like Figure 1-3 , Figure 6-7 , Figure 12-13 As shown, the filling and dispensing system 300 includes a retainer 350, a filter 340, a drive shaft 310, a tamping roller 320, a first sensor switch K1, and a replaceable portafilter 330. The retainer 350 is in a fixed position, such as being fixed to the body of the coffee machine.

[0094] The retainer 350 is a frame that serves as the mounting base for other components of the filling and metering system. Therefore, it can be part of the relevant structural components of the machine body or a separate structural component assembled to the machine body. Furthermore, the retainer 350 is equipped with a second inductive switch K2 and a vertical telescopic rod 351, which moves away from the second inductive switch K2 under the elastic force of a spring 352.

[0095] The filter is preferably designed for filtration, which is achieved through the configuration of a filter screen. In practice, if the powder bowl has micropores sufficient for filtration, the filter may not be required. Regardless of the design, the filter primarily serves to house replaceable powder bowls. The filter 340 is detachably mounted to the holder 350, for example, by means of an ear 341 on its edge engaging with a spiral groove 353 on the inner wall of the holder. When the filter is mounted on the holder, the ear 341 rises along the spiral groove 353, pushing the telescopic rod 351 upwards. The telescopic rod 351 triggers a second inductive switch K2, which provides a standby signal to the control system.

[0096] The portafilter 330 includes at least two, such as large, medium, and small sizes. When grinding coffee, any portafilter is placed inside the filter 340, and it is then placed in the holder below the grinding system 200 to receive the coffee grounds. When the portafilters are placed inside the filter 340, the capacities of the portions below the first position differ for the different sizes, while the capacities above the first position are the same. Therefore, the large, medium, and small sizes have different total capacities. When grinding coffee, the required capacity portafilter can be placed in the filter to brew different volumes of coffee beverages, thus the portafilters are replaceable as needed.

[0097] The drive shaft 310 is a cylindrical shaft that extends downward from the upper side of the retainer 350 through the retainer to the powder cup 330, thus allowing it to rotate relative to the retainer. The drive shaft 310 has a ring edge 313 located on the upper side of the retainer 350 and vertically limited to prevent the drive shaft from disengaging downward from the retainer, thereby holding the drive shaft in its working position. When the powder cup is removed from the retainer along with the filter, the drive shaft and the powder pressing wheel remain in their assembled positions.

[0098] The upper end of the drive shaft 310 has a hexagonal blind hole 314. The hexagonal prism-shaped drive rod, which serves as the power output end 210 of the pulverizing system, is inserted into the hexagonal blind hole 314 to achieve power transmission. Moreover, the drive shaft can move axially relative to the drive rod, thereby realizing the vertical floating configuration of the drive shaft. The drive shaft is also provided with two annular grooves as a first position structure 311 and a second position structure 312. The first position structure corresponds to the first position when the powder pressing wheel is raised in the powder bowl, and the second position structure corresponds to the second position when the powder pressing wheel is raised in the powder bowl.

[0099] In the diagram, the tamping roller 320 is shaped like the blades of an axial fan, with inclined blades 321. The tamping roller 320 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the drive shaft 310. Therefore, the tamping roller is located in the portafilter and rotates using the power transmitted from the drive shaft. When the tamping roller rotates, it tamps the coffee grounds in the portafilter, and at the same time, the blades are lifted by the coffee grounds in the portafilter, raising the position of the tamping roller in the portafilter. In addition, flexible parts, such as silicone, are provided on the edges of the blades to contact the inner wall of the portafilter and clean it. The diagram shows notches 322 on the edges of the blades for providing the flexible parts.

[0100] Although the aforementioned floating mechanism of the powder pressing wheel is achieved by floating the drive shaft 310, in practical implementation, the drive shaft can also be vertically positioned, and the powder pressing wheel can be floatingly mounted on the drive shaft. In this case, the first position structure and the second position structure can be located on the powder pressing wheel.

[0101] The first inductive switch K1 is used to sense the first and second positions of the tamper roller as it rises within the portafilter basket. The first position corresponds to a first volume position where coffee powder has accumulated within the portafilter basket, and the second position corresponds to a second volume position where coffee powder has accumulated within the portafilter basket. The volume difference between the first and second volume positions is the second volume V2. The first inductive switch K1 is a photoelectric switch with opposing transmitting and receiving ends. These ends are blocked by the drive shaft for most of the time, preventing the receiving end from receiving signals emitted from the transmitting end. The photoelectric switch sends a signal to the control system when it corresponds to an annular groove. The first inductive switch K1 is mounted on top of the holder 350, above the portafilter basket 330. When the drive shaft 310 rises, only when the two annular grooves, serving as the first and second position structures, correspond to the transmitting and receiving ends respectively, do the grooves provide a channel for the transmitting end to transmit signals to the receiving end. The first inductive switch K1 is then triggered and sends a signal to the control system.

[0102] In addition to controlling the coordinated operation of the material storage and feeding system, the crushing system, and the filling and metering system, the control system also records the second time period t2 required for the first inductive switch K1 to sense the powder pressing roller rising from the first position to the second position within the powder bowl. The signals sent to the control system by the photoelectric switch corresponding to the two annular grooves at the first and second positions serve as the start and end points of this second time period t2, respectively. The control system determines the grinding speed based on the second capacity V2 and the second time period t2, and then uses the grinding speed to determine the total grinding time or remaining working time of the crushing system S2 to empty the crushing system.

[0103] Since different sizes of bowls have different capacities below the first position, and different sizes of bowls have the same capacity above the first position, the metering grinder will continue grinding beans until the grinding wheel rises to the first position, regardless of the size of the bowl used. After the grinding wheel rises to the first position, the capacities above the first position are the same for different sizes of bowls. Based on this, the remaining grinding time can be determined according to the grinding speed, thus enabling uniform control after the first position.

[0104] The aforementioned quantitative bean grinding device implements or embodies the following quantitative bean grinding method, which includes the following sequential steps:

[0105] (1) Power-on self-test: The device automatically detects the initial position of the storage and feeding system and the filling and metering system, determines that the storage and feeding system and the filling and metering system are installed in place, and then enters the standby state.

[0106] Start the quantitative grinding device: Turn on the grinding switch, the door 120 of the storage and feeding system opens, and the coffee beans enter the grinding chamber 220 of the grinding system; the grinding motor 250 starts, the control system starts timing, the grinding system grinds the coffee beans, and the coffee powder is pushed to the outlet by the powder discharge impeller 280 and falls into the powder container 330; the coffee powder falls into the powder container 330 and accumulates, and is compacted in the powder container under the action of the tamping roller.

[0107] (2) As coffee powder gradually accumulates in the portafilter 330, it pushes the tamper wheel 320 and drive shaft 310 upwards until the coffee powder accumulates to the first capacity position in the portafilter. The annular groove of the first position structure 311 rises to the first position and corresponds to the first sensor switch K1. The first sensor switch K1 generates and outputs the first signal to the control system. The control system records the first total grinding time T1. The first time interval t1 of this step is equal to the first total grinding time T1. At this time, the coffee powder in the portafilter is the first accumulated capacity VA, that is, the amount of coffee powder ground in this step V1. The first accumulated capacity is different for portafilters of different capacities.

[0108] (3) The grinding motor 250 works continuously, and the coffee powder in the hopper 330 continues to accumulate. The coffee powder continues to push the tamping wheel and the drive shaft to move upward until the coffee powder accumulates in the hopper to the second capacity position. The annular groove of the second position structure 312 rises to the second position and corresponds to the first induction switch K1. The first induction switch K1 generates and outputs a second signal to the control system. The control system records the second grinding time T2. The time taken for this step is the second time interval t2 = T2 - T1. At this time, the coffee powder in the hopper is the second accumulated capacity VB. The control system automatically calculates the grinding speed of the grinding system v = V2 / t2, where V2 is the capacity difference of the coffee powder in the hopper from the first capacity position to the second capacity position, that is, the second capacity. The second capacity V2 is a constant, V2 = VB - VA;

[0109] (4) The control system determines the total grinding time or remaining working time of the pulverizing system based on the grinding speed v to empty the pulverizing system. The remaining working time includes compensation time, pulverizing system emptying time, and safe grinding time.

[0110] 4.1 Based on the total grinding volume and grinding speed required by the product specifications, the system automatically calculates the compensation time, which is t3=V3 / v=t2(V3 / V2). The continuous timing time of the system until the end of the compensation time is T3, where T3= T2+t3; where V3 is a constant, set according to the position of the second position structure relative to the portafilter, V3≥0; when V3>0, it is used to compensate for the total volume of coffee powder corresponding to the portafilter capacity.

[0111] 4.2 After the compensation time is completed, the door 120 of the storage and feeding system closes, blocking the channel for coffee beans to enter the grinding system. At this moment, the unground coffee beans output from the storage and feeding system correspond to a specific coffee powder capacity. Therefore, the starting point of the grinding system emptying time t4 is the time when the storage and feeding system stops feeding coffee beans to the grinding system. The grinding system emptying time t4 = V4 / v = t2(V4 / V2), where V4 is the amount of unground coffee powder in the grinding system when the storage and feeding system stops feeding coffee beans to the grinding system, and is the capacity of coffee powder corresponding to the unground coffee beans when the storage and feeding system stops feeding coffee beans to the grinding system. V4 is a constant, determined by the space for accommodating the output coffee beans, such as the gap between the grinding chamber, the moving grinding wheel, and the adjustable grinding wheel, and is set in the system. As the grinding motor continues to work, the remaining coffee beans and coffee powder in the grinding system are emptied. At this point, the continuous timing time of the system is T4, where T4 = T3 + t4; the total amount of coffee powder ground by the system is V = VD = V1 + V2 + V3 + V4, where VD is the cumulative volume of coffee powder ground in this step. Based on this total amount of coffee powder V and the grinding speed v, the total grinding time of the pulverizing system can be calculated as V / v.

[0112] 4.3 After the grinding system emptying time is completed, to ensure that the coffee powder in the grinding system is emptied, the control system keeps the grinding motor running for a safe grinding time t5, which is set to t5 = 0-5 seconds. After this safe grinding time is completed, the grinding motor stops working. When t5 = 0, the grinding motor stops working when T4 is completed. Thus, the continuous timing time of the system is T5, where T5 = T4 + t5; the total amount of coffee powder ground by the system is also V = V1 + V2 + V3 + V4.

[0113] Therefore, by controlling the system timing, the grinding motor stops working when the total working time reaches T5. Alternatively, timing can start at the end of time T1 (corresponding to the start of timing t2) or the end of time T2 (corresponding to the start of timing t3), and the grinding motor is controlled to stop working based on the grinding speed command and the duration it should work after that timing point.

[0114] When the above-described metering grinding device and method are applied to a coffee grinder, the coffee grinder achieves metered grinding: the metering grinding device on the machine body grinds coffee powder corresponding to the capacity of the portafilter and empties the grinding system, or / and executes the metered grinding method to obtain the total capacity V of coffee powder corresponding to the size of the portafilter and empties the grinding system. The coffee powder is then brewed into a coffee beverage.

Claims

1. A bean grinding apparatus for quantifying the amount of ground coffee, characterized in that The application relates to a coffee grinder, which comprises the following parts: a storage and feeding system (100) for storing and feeding coffee beans; a grinding system (200) for grinding the fed coffee beans; a filling and quantifying system (300) for receiving and quantifying coffee powder, which comprises a transmission shaft (310), a press wheel (320), a first inductive switch (K1), and a replaceable powder bowl (330), the powder bowl is located below the grinding system (200), the press wheel (320) is located in the powder bowl (330) and rotates under the power transmission of the transmission shaft to compact the coffee powder in the powder bowl and raise the position of the coffee powder in the powder bowl, the first inductive switch (K1) is used for sensing the first position and the second position of the press wheel when the press wheel is raised in the powder bowl, the first position corresponds to a first capacity position of the coffee powder accumulated in the powder bowl, the second position corresponds to a second capacity position of the coffee powder accumulated in the powder bowl, and the capacity difference of the coffee powder accumulated in the powder bowl from the first capacity position to the second capacity position is the second capacity; a control system for controlling the storage and feeding system (100), the grinding system (200) and the filling and quantifying system (300) to work coordinately, the control system records the second time period required for the first inductive switch (K1) to sense the press wheel (320) to be raised from the first position to the second position in the powder bowl (330), the control system determines the grinding speed according to the second capacity and the second time period and determines the total grinding time or the remaining working time of the grinding system according to the grinding speed to empty the grinding system.

2. A bean grinder as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The press wheel (320) has inclined blades (321), and the blades are lifted by the coffee powder in the powder bowl when the press wheel rotates.

3. A bean grinder as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The transmission shaft (310) is vertically floatingly arranged, and the press wheel (320) is fixedly connected to the lower end of the transmission shaft (310).

4. A bean grinder as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The first inductive switch (K1) is located above the powder bowl (330), and the transmission shaft (310) is provided with a first position structure (311) corresponding to the first position and a second position structure (312) corresponding to the second position for triggering the first inductive switch (K1).

5. A bean grinder as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The first inductive switch (K1) is an optical switch, the first position structure (311) and the second position structure (312) are ring grooves arranged on the transmission shaft, and the optical switch sends a signal to the control system when the optical switch corresponds to the ring grooves.

6. A bean grinder as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The grinding system (200) comprises a power output end (210), the transmission shaft (310) and the power output end (210) are inserted together to realize the vertical floating.

7. A bean grinder as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The transmission shaft is vertically positioned, and the press wheel is floatingly arranged on the transmission shaft.

8. A bean grinder as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The edge of the blade is arranged to contact the flexible part of the inner wall of the powder bowl.

9. The bean grinder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The powder bowl (330) comprises at least two powder bowls with different specifications, the powder bowls with different specifications have different capacities corresponding to the part below the first position, and the powder bowls with different specifications have the same capacity corresponding to the part above the first position.

10. The bean grinder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The powder bowl (330) is replaceably mounted in a filter (340), the filter (340) is detachably mounted on a holder (350), the transmission shaft (310) extends from above the holder (350) to the powder bowl (330); the transmission shaft or the powder pressing wheel is vertically limited so that the transmission shaft and the powder pressing wheel remain in their mounted positions when the powder bowl is detached from the holder with the filter.

11. A bean grinder as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that: The dosing grinder is provided with a second inductive switch (K2), the second inductive switch (K2) provides a standby signal for the control system when the filter (340) is mounted on the holder (350).

12. A bean grinder according to claim 1 or 11, characterized in that: The dosing grinder is provided with a third inductive switch (K3), the third inductive switch (K3) provides a standby signal for the control system when the storage and feeding system (100) is installed in place.

13. The bean grinder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage and feeding system (100) is provided with a normally closed door (120), the door (120) is driven to open by a driving device (121), and the driving device is controlled by the control system.

14. A bean grinder as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that: The storage and feeding system (100) has a storage box (110), the storage box (110) has a bottom surface (111), the bottom surface (111) has a feeding opening (112), and the door (120) is symmetrically and slidingly mounted on the bottom surface (111) to open or close the feeding opening (112).

15. A bean grinder as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that: A section of a cylinder (113) is arranged below the feeding opening (112), a rotatable gear (131) is sleeved on the cylinder (113), two racks (132) are arranged in engagement with the gear, the two racks are separately arranged on both sides of the gear, the door (120) is connected with the racks (132) one by one, so that the two doors can be synchronized to close the feeding opening or open the feeding opening, and the driving device (121) drives the door to open through the linear movement of one rack.

16. A bean grinder as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that: The door (120) is located on the upper side of the bottom surface (111), the bottom surface (111) has a long hole (114), and the door is connected with the racks through a rod (122) penetrating the long hole.

17. The bean grinder according to claim 14, characterized in that: The bottom surface (111) is provided with a guide strip (115), and the door (120) is guided by the guide strip (115).

18. The bean grinder according to claim 14, characterized in that: The door (120) is connected with a spring (123), and the elastic force of the spring (123) promotes the door to close the feeding opening.

19. The bean grinder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The crushing system (200) includes a movable grinding wheel (230) and an adjustable grinding wheel (240) in a grinder chamber (220), the movable grinding wheel (230) is driven by a grinder motor (250) through a transmission device (260), and the adjustable grinding wheel (240) adjusts the gap between the movable grinding wheel through an adjusting ring (271).

20. A bean grinder coffee maker characterized by: The dosing grinder (20) of any one of claims 1-19 is arranged on the machine body (10) to grind coffee powder corresponding to the capacity of the powder bowl and empty the crushing system.

21. A method of quantifying a ground coffee, characterized in that it comprises The continuous steps are: (1) The storage and feeding system (100) sends coffee beans to the grinding system (200), and the grinding system (200) grinds coffee beans, and the coffee powder falls into the powder bowl (330) and accumulates; (2) The grinding system (200) grinds coffee beans to coffee powder in the powder bowl to accumulate to the first capacity position, and the step takes a first time period, and the step grinds the amount of coffee powder to the first cumulative capacity before the coffee powder accumulates to the first capacity position in the powder bowl; (3) Determine the second time period required for the coffee powder to accumulate from the first capacity position to the second capacity position in the powder bowl, and calculate the grinding speed v of the grinding system = V2 / t2; Wherein: V2 is the capacity difference of the coffee powder accumulated from the first capacity position to the second capacity position in the powder bowl, which is the second capacity, V2 is a constant; t2 is the second time period; (4) Determine the total grinding time or the remaining working time of the grinding system according to the grinding speed to empty the grinding system.

22. A method of dosing ground coffee according to claim 21, characterized in that: The remaining working time includes the grinding system emptying time, and the starting point of the grinding system emptying time is the time point when the storage and feeding system stops sending coffee beans to the grinding system; The grinding system emptying time t4=V4 / v=t2(V4 / V2), wherein V4 is a constant, and V4 is the amount of coffee powder that the grinding system has not completed when the storage and feeding system stops sending coffee beans to the grinding system.

23. A method of dosing ground coffee according to claim 22, characterized in that: The remaining working time includes a compensation time, and the compensation time is t3=V3 / v=t2(V3 / V2), wherein V3 is a constant.

24. The method of claim 22 wherein: The remaining working time includes a safety grinding time, and the safety grinding time is set to t5=0-5 seconds.

25. The method of claim 21 wherein: Before step (1), power on and perform self-checking to determine that the storage and feeding system and the powder bowl are installed in place and in standby state, and after turning on the grinding switch in the standby state, execute any one of the amount grinding methods of claims 21-24.

26. A bean grinder coffee maker characterized by: Execute any one of the amount grinding methods of claims 21-25 to obtain the total capacity of coffee powder corresponding to the size of the powder bowl and empty the grinding system.

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