A method and apparatus for blending multiple coffee beans

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of coffee machine technology, specifically to a method and apparatus for blending multiple types of coffee beans. The apparatus includes a bean dispensing device; the bean dispensing device includes multiple bean hoppers, a mixing chamber, a rotary switch, and a drive device; the mixing chamber is fitted inside the rotary switch, and the multiple bean hoppers are arranged circumferentially around the mixing chamber and the rotary switch. A first motor is connected to the bottom of the mixing chamber, and the rotary switch is connected to the drive device; a first notch is provided at the contact end between the bean hopper and the rotary switch, a second notch is provided on the mixing chamber, and a third notch is provided on the rotary switch; after the bean hoppers, the mixing chamber, and the rotary switch are installed, the first, second, and third notches are at the same height. This invention divides the bean hoppers into multiple parts, and by rotating the mixing chamber and the rotary switch, the notches on the three parts can be connected or closed to achieve the selection and proportioning of different types of coffee beans, realizing automatic blending of multiple types of coffee beans, and is easy to operate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of coffee machine technology, specifically to a method and apparatus for blending and mixing various coffee beans. Background Technology

[0002] Coffee has gradually become a common beverage in people's lives, and people's requirements for the taste of coffee are also getting higher and higher. Because freshly ground coffee has a richer aroma and better taste than instant coffee, more and more people like to use coffee machines to grind and make their own coffee.

[0003] In pursuit of better taste and flavor innovation, it is necessary to blend various coffee beans. However, the traditional bean hopper structure of existing coffee machines can only store one type of coffee bean, which makes it difficult to meet the needs of different people for different coffee beans. Furthermore, coffee beans cannot be blended; only one type of bean can be used to make one type of coffee.

[0004] For example, Chinese utility model patent application number CN201020657985.2 discloses a coffee machine grinding device, including a coffee machine and a grinding device on its upper or side. The grinding device has a rotatable powder outlet channel, which can be connected to the brewing unit of the coffee machine or extend outside the coffee machine. Inside the grinding device, corresponding to the powder outlet channel, a limiting mechanism is provided to restrict the maximum opening angle of the powder outlet channel. A powder receiving mechanism is provided on the side of the coffee machine corresponding to the powder outlet channel extending outside the coffee machine. The powder receiving mechanism includes a bracket rotatably housed in the side wall of the coffee machine, which, when unfolded, aligns with the position where the powder outlet channel extends outside the coffee machine. The bracket is rotatably connected to the side wall of the coffee machine via a pivot. A detachable powder receiving cup is also provided on the bracket.

[0005] As can be seen from the above solutions, the traditional coffee machine's bean hopper structure can only store one type of coffee bean, which cannot meet the needs of blending multiple types of coffee beans. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method and device for blending multiple types of coffee beans. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To avoid the aforementioned problems in the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for blending and mixing various coffee beans.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a blending device for multiple coffee beans, comprising a coffee machine body and a bean dispensing device; the bean dispensing device includes multiple bean boxes, a mixing chamber, a rotary switch and a drive device; the mixing chamber is fitted inside the rotary switch, the multiple bean boxes are arranged circumferentially around the mixing chamber and the rotary switch, the bottom of the mixing chamber is connected to a first motor, and the rotary switch is connected to the drive device;

[0008] The bean container has a first notch at the contact end with the rotary switch, the mixing chamber has a second notch, and the rotary switch has a third notch; after the bean container, the mixing chamber, and the rotary switch are installed, the first notch, the second notch, and the third notch are at the same height.

[0009] The present invention is further configured such that the mixing chamber has a barrel-shaped structure, and a mixing chamber outlet is provided below the second notch.

[0010] The present invention is further configured such that an inclined plate is provided inside the mixing chamber, and the inclined plate is inclined from the direction away from the mixing chamber outlet toward the mixing chamber outlet.

[0011] The present invention is further configured such that the rotary switch includes a rotating wall, and a rotating gear is provided on the outer wall of the rotating wall; a rotary switch outlet is also provided at the same height as the mixing chamber outlet of the rotating wall, and the rotary switch outlet is disposed opposite to the third notch.

[0012] The present invention is further configured such that the driving device includes a second motor and a driving gear, the second motor being connected to the driving gear, and the driving gear meshing with the rotating gear;

[0013] The first motor and the second motor are electrically connected to the control system, respectively.

[0014] The invention is further configured such that the interior of the bean box slopes from the end furthest from the first notch toward the first notch.

[0015] The present invention is further configured such that the multiple coffee bean blending device also includes an upper cover plate, the upper cover plate is installed on the coffee machine body, the upper cover plate has a through hole in the middle, the bean box is arranged around the through hole above the upper cover plate, the mixing chamber and the rotary switch pass through the through hole, so that the second notch and the third notch protrude from the upper cover plate and are at the same height as the first notch.

[0016] The invention is further configured such that the blending and mixing device for multiple coffee beans also includes a lid, which is disposed above multiple bean containers.

[0017] The present invention is further configured such that the coffee machine body also includes a grinder, and the mixing chamber outlet and the rotary switch outlet are at the same height as the grinder inlet.

[0018] This invention also relates to a method for blending multiple coffee beans, applicable to the aforementioned apparatus for blending multiple coffee beans, comprising the following steps:

[0019] S1: Confirm the types and proportions of coffee beans to be blended;

[0020] S2: Start the first motor to rotate the mixing chamber to the position of the corresponding coffee bean box, and align the second notch with the first notch;

[0021] S3: Start the second motor to drive the rotary switch to rotate, so that the third notch rotates to the space between the second notch and the first notch, forming a misaligned opening. Determine the size of the misaligned opening according to the proportion of coffee beans. The amount of coffee beans flowing into the mixing chamber is controlled by the relative size of the misaligned notch and the stopping time of the second motor.

[0022] S4: Repeat steps S2-S3 until all the required types of coffee beans are added to the mixing chamber in the correct proportions;

[0023] S5: Start the first motor, align the mixing chamber outlet with the grinder inlet, then start the second motor and rotate the rotary switch outlet to between the mixing chamber outlet and the grinder inlet;

[0024] S6: The coffee beans in the mixing chamber flow into the grinder for the next step of coffee making.

[0025] In summary, the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned technical solution of the present invention are as follows:

[0026] 1. This invention divides the bean box into multiple parts and arranges them around the central mixing chamber. By rotating the mixing chamber and turning the switch, the gaps on the three parts can be connected or closed to achieve the selection and proportion of different types of coffee beans. It can realize the automatic blending of multiple coffee beans and is easy to operate.

[0027] 2. Compared with traditional coffee machines, this invention can make both single coffees and blends of various coffee beans, making it more comprehensive in function and reducing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the overall structure of the present invention, axially.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rotary switch structure;

[0031] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the bean container, the mixing chamber, and the rotary switch;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0033] The meanings of the reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0034] 1. Lid; 2. Bean container; 21. Bean container #1; 22. Bean container #2; 23. Bean container #3; 24. Bean container #4; 3. First notch; 4. Mixing chamber; 5. Second notch; 6. Mixing chamber outlet; 7. Top cover; 8. First motor; 9. Drive gear; 10. Rotary switch; 11. Rotary switch outlet; 12. Second motor; 13. Third notch; 14. Rotary gear; 15. Coffee machine body. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, other similar embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] Furthermore, the directional terms mentioned in the following embodiments, such as "up," "down," "left," and "right," are only for reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for illustrative purposes and not for limiting the invention.

[0037] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0038] Example 1:

[0039] like Figures 1-4 As shown in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a blending device for multiple coffee beans includes a coffee machine body 15 and a bean dispensing device; the bean dispensing device includes multiple bean boxes 2, a mixing chamber 4, a rotary switch 10 and a driving device; the mixing chamber 4 is sleeved inside the rotary switch 10, and the multiple bean boxes 2 are arranged circumferentially around the mixing chamber 4 and the rotary switch 10; the bottom of the mixing chamber 4 is connected to a first motor 8, and the rotary switch 10 is connected to the driving device;

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the bean container 2 has a first notch 3 at the contact end with the rotary switch 10, the mixing chamber 4 has a second notch 5, and the rotary switch 10 has a third notch 13. After the bean container 2, the mixing chamber 4, and the rotary switch 10 are installed, the first notch 3, the second notch 5, and the third notch 13 are at the same height. The interior of the bean container 2 slopes towards the first notch 3 from the end furthest from it.

[0041] The mixing chamber 4 has a barrel-shaped structure, and a mixing chamber outlet 6 is provided below the second notch 5. An inclined plate is provided inside the mixing chamber 4, and the inclined plate is inclined from the position away from the mixing chamber outlet 6 toward the mixing chamber outlet 6.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the rotary switch 10 includes a rotating wall, and a rotating gear 14 is provided on the outer wall of the rotating wall; a rotary switch outlet 11 is also provided at the same height as the mixing chamber outlet 6, and the rotary switch outlet 11 is arranged opposite to the third notch 13.

[0043] The driving device includes a second motor 12 and a drive gear 9. The second motor 12 is connected to the drive gear 9, and the drive gear 9 meshes with the rotating gear 14. The first motor 8 and the second motor 12 are electrically connected to the control system, respectively.

[0044] The multi-coffee bean blending device also includes an upper cover plate 7, which is installed on the coffee machine body 15. The upper cover plate 7 has a through hole in the middle. The bean box 2 is arranged above the upper cover plate 7 around the through hole. The mixing chamber 4 and the rotary switch 10 pass through the through hole, so that the second notch 5 and the third notch 13 protrude from the upper cover plate 7 and are at the same height as the first notch 3.

[0045] The blending device for multiple coffee beans also includes a lid 1, which is positioned above multiple bean containers 2.

[0046] The coffee machine body also includes a grinder, and the positions of the mixing chamber outlet 6 and the rotary switch outlet 11 are at the same height as the inlet position of the grinder.

[0047] Example 2:

[0048] This invention also relates to a method for blending multiple coffee beans, applicable to the aforementioned apparatus for blending multiple coffee beans, comprising the following steps:

[0049] S1: Confirm the types and proportions of coffee beans to be blended;

[0050] S2: Start the first motor 8 to drive the mixing chamber 4 to rotate to the position of the bean box 2 where the coffee beans are located, and align the second notch 5 with the first notch 3;

[0051] S3: Start the second motor 12 to drive the rotary switch 10 to rotate, so that the third notch 13 rotates to the space between the second notch 5 and the first notch 3, forming a misaligned opening. Determine the size of the misaligned opening according to the proportion of coffee beans. The amount of coffee beans flowing into the mixing chamber is controlled by the relative size of the misaligned notch and the stopping time of the second motor 12.

[0052] S4: Repeat steps S2-S3 until all the required types of coffee beans are added to the mixing chamber 4 in the correct proportions;

[0053] S5: Start the first motor 8, align the mixing chamber outlet 6 on the mixing chamber 4 with the grinder inlet, then start the second motor 12, and rotate the rotary switch outlet 11 to between the mixing chamber outlet 6 and the grinder inlet;

[0054] S6: The coffee beans in mixing chamber 4 flow into the grinder for the next step of coffee making.

[0055] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the working principle of the bean container 2, mixing chamber 4, and rotary switch 10 in this invention. In this embodiment, four bean containers 2 are included: bean container 1 (21), bean container 2 (22), bean container 3 (23), and bean container 4 (24). After assembly, the second notch 5 and mixing chamber outlet 6 of the mixing chamber 4 face forward, the rotary switch outlet 11 of the rotary switch 10 faces forward, but the third notch 13 faces backward.

[0056] The mixing chamber 4 rotates clockwise by 45 degrees, aligning the second notch 5 with the bean hopper 22. At this point, the second notch 5 and the notch in the bean hopper are aligned but not connected, separated by the outer wall of the rotary switch 10. Then, the rotary switch 10 rotates clockwise by 180 degrees, moving the third notch 13 from the back to the front. After another 45-degree rotation, the third notch 13 also moves to the bean hopper 22. Now, the first notch 3, the second notch 5, and the third notch 13 are aligned and connected, allowing coffee beans to flow in. During this process, the rotary switch outlet 11 of the rotary switch 10 rotates to the bean hopper 24. Since the rotary switch outlet 11 is located below the rotary switch 10 and is blocked by the outer wall of the mixing chamber 4, no beans will leak. Similarly, the mixing chamber outlet 6 of the mixing chamber 4 is also blocked, preventing bean leakage.

[0057] At this point, the coffee beans in bean hopper 22 enter mixing chamber 4. Turning switch 10 clockwise will change the channel opening from aligned to misaligned. The relative size of the misalignment gap controls the amount of coffee beans flowing in, and the size of the misalignment gap can be controlled by a motor.

[0058] In practical applications, the coffee bean flow rate can be controlled through the following steps:

[0059] First, flow rate = flow velocity * cross-sectional area. Flow velocity is affected by gravity, material resistance, solid density, etc., and needs to be combined with specific structure, material and actual test to calculate the flow velocity of each type of coffee bean. Here it is represented by "V"; flow rate is represented by "Q" and cross-sectional area is represented by "S". The magnitude of flow rate Q is only related to cross-sectional area S and is directly proportional to it.

[0060] Where, cross-sectional area = width * height, let 'a' represent the width and 'h' represent the height, then the cross-sectional area is:

[0061] S = a * h

[0062] The cross-sectional area S is the area of ​​the misalignment gap. When the mixing chamber 4 and the rotary switch 10 move relative to each other, the size of the cross-sectional area S changes. During this process, the height h of the gap remains constant. The size of the cross-sectional area S is only related to the width a; the larger a is, the larger S is. In summary, the flow rate Q is related to the width a; the larger a is, the larger Q is.

[0063] The rotary switch 10 of this invention employs gear transmission. In gear transmission, the ratio of modules equals the ratio of rotational speeds, i.e.

[0064] m1 / m2=r1 / r2

[0065] r1 = r2 * m1 / m2

[0066] Where m1 is the module of the rotating gear 14 on the rotary switch 10, m2 is the module of the drive gear, r1 is the rotational speed of the rotating gear, and r2 is the rotational speed of the drive gear 9. The rotational speed of r1 is controlled by controlling the rotational speed of r2. The drive gear 9 is connected to the second motor, that is, the rotational speed of the second motor 12 is controlled by controlling the rotational speed of the second motor 12. The rotational speed of the motor is an inherent property of the motor and can be controlled by the frequency of the input current.

[0067] Taking the rotating gear 14 on the outer wall of the rotary switch 10 as an example, which has a module of 2 and 50 teeth, and the driving gear 9 has a module of 2 and 5 teeth, the reduction ratio between the rotary switch 10 and the driving gear 9 is 10:1. That is, the rotary switch 10 rotates 10 times for every 10 rotations of the driving gear 9. If the rotary switch 10 rotates 90 degrees, then the driving gear 9 needs to rotate 900 degrees, which is 2.5 rotations.

[0068] c = a / 2πR*360°

[0069] a=2πR*r2*m1 / m2

[0070] c represents the angle that needs to be turned through the width a, and R is the radius of the rotary switch 10. In this embodiment, the rotary switch 10 rotates 45° to achieve perfect connection and maximizes the flow rate Q.

[0071] In summary,

[0072] Q = V * S

[0073] Q = V * h * a

[0074] Q = V * h * (2πR * r² * m₁ / m²)

[0075] A = Q * t

[0076] The flow rate Q is controlled by controlling the output speed r2 of the second motor 12, and then the coffee bean content A is determined by controlling the stopping time t of the second motor 12.

[0077] Repeat the above steps until all types of coffee beans are in the correct proportions in the mixing chamber 4. Start the first motor 8 and align the mixing chamber outlet 6 on the mixing chamber 4 with the grinder inlet. Then start the second motor 12 and rotate the rotary switch outlet 11 to a position between the mixing chamber outlet 6 and the grinder inlet. The coffee beans in the mixing chamber 4 will then flow into the grinder for the next step of coffee making.

[0078] Example 3:

[0079] A method for blending multiple coffee beans, which differs from Example 2, is described in this example using beans from bean hopper 22 and bean hopper 24 as an example to illustrate how to skip some bean hoppers during the blending process.

[0080] After the beans in the second bean box 22 are removed according to the steps of Example 2, the mixing chamber 4 continues to rotate 90 degrees clockwise, or 135 degrees clockwise. The second notch 5 rotates to the direction of bean box 21. Similarly, the rotary switch 10 rotates clockwise, but the rotation angle is less than 90 degrees. At this time, the first notch 3, the second notch 5, the third notch 13, the mixing chamber outlet 6, and the rotary switch outlet 11 are not connected, but are sealed by the misalignment of their outer walls.

[0081] At this time, control the mixing chamber 4 and the rotary switch 10 to rotate simultaneously. This way, even if the rotation passes through bean box 1 21, coffee beans will not flow in. Repeating the above steps can also skip bean box 4 24 and achieve mixing of beans from bean box 22 and bean box 3 23.

[0082] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the present invention's concept are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principles of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A blending and mixing device for multiple coffee beans, comprising a coffee machine body and a bean dispensing device; characterized in that, The bean dispensing device includes multiple bean boxes, a mixing chamber, a rotary switch, and a drive device; the mixing chamber is fitted inside the rotary switch, the multiple bean boxes are arranged around the mixing chamber and the rotary switch in a circumferential direction, the bottom of the mixing chamber is connected to a first motor, and the rotary switch is connected to the drive device; The bean container has a first notch at the contact end with the rotary switch, the mixing chamber has a second notch, and the rotary switch has a third notch. The rotary switch includes a rotating wall, and a rotating gear is provided on the outer wall of the rotating wall. The mixing chamber has a barrel-shaped structure, and a mixing chamber outlet is provided below the second notch. An inclined plate is provided inside the mixing chamber, and the inclined plate is inclined from the direction away from the mixing chamber outlet towards the mixing chamber outlet. The driving device includes a second motor and a driving gear, the second motor is connected to the driving gear, and the driving gear meshes with the rotating gear. The first motor and the second motor are electrically connected to the control system respectively; after the bean box, the mixing chamber and the rotary switch are installed, the first notch, the second notch and the third notch are at the same height; The first motor independently controls the rotation of the mixing chamber, and the second motor independently controls the rotation of the rotary switch. When dispensing beans from each bean box and the mixing chamber, the first motor first drives the mixing chamber to rotate, and then the second motor controls the rotation switch to rotate to realize the bean dispensing operation. The second motor controls the amount of beans dispensed by controlling the size of the misalignment opening between the rotary switch and the mixing chamber and the stopping time.

2. The blending and mixing device for multiple coffee beans according to claim 1, characterized in that, A rotary switch outlet is also provided at the same height as the mixing chamber outlet on the rotating wall, and the rotary switch outlet is positioned opposite to the third notch.

3. The blending and mixing device for multiple coffee beans according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interior of the bean box slopes towards the first gap from the end furthest from the first gap.

4. The blending and mixing device for multiple coffee beans according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-coffee bean blending device also includes a top cover plate, which is installed on the coffee machine body. A through hole is provided in the middle of the top cover plate, and the bean box is arranged above the top cover plate around the through hole. The mixing chamber and the rotary switch pass through the through hole, so that the second notch and the third notch protrude from the top cover plate and are at the same height as the first notch.

5. The blending and mixing device for multiple coffee beans according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-coffee bean blending device also includes a lid positioned above multiple bean containers.

6. The blending and mixing apparatus for multiple coffee beans according to claim 4, characterized in that, The coffee machine body also includes a grinder, and the mixing chamber outlet and the rotary switch outlet are at the same height as the grinder inlet.

7. A method for blending multiple coffee beans, applicable to the blending apparatus for multiple coffee beans as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Confirm the types and proportions of coffee beans to be blended; S2: Start the first motor to rotate the mixing chamber to the position of the corresponding coffee bean box, and align the second notch with the first notch; S3: Start the second motor to drive the rotary switch to rotate, so that the third notch rotates to the space between the second notch and the first notch, forming a misaligned opening. Determine the size of the misaligned opening according to the proportion of coffee beans. The amount of coffee beans flowing into the mixing chamber is controlled by the relative size of the misaligned notch and the stopping time of the second motor. S4: Repeat steps S2-S3 until all the required types of coffee beans are added to the mixing chamber in the correct proportions; S5: Start the first motor, align the mixing chamber outlet with the grinder inlet, then start the second motor and rotate the rotary switch outlet to between the mixing chamber outlet and the grinder inlet; S6: The coffee beans in the mixing chamber flow into the grinder for the next step of coffee making.

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