Solid cleaning agent feeding device and beverage machine

Abstract

The invention provides a solid cleaning agent feeding device and a beverage machine. The solid cleaning agent feeding device comprises a shell, a cleaning agent feeding device and a controller, the first feeding channel is used for conveying a solid cleaning agent; the feeding piece is rotationally connected into the shell, the feeding piece is provided with a conveying position, and the feeding piece is provided with a material receiving position and a material falling position; when the feeding piece is located at the receiving position, the solid cleaning agent in the first throwing channel is conveyed into the conveying position from the first discharging opening; when the feeding piece is located at the discharging position, the solid cleaning agent in the conveying position falls into the target cleaner; a motor; and the transmission mechanism is driven by the motor, is in transmission connection with the feeding piece, and is used for driving the feeding piece to swing between the receiving position and the blanking position in a reciprocating manner. The whole structure is simple and compact, throwing is efficient, and the stability and durability of the device can be considered at the same time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of beverage preparation, and in particular to a solid detergent dispensing device and a beverage machine. Background Art

[0002] During the use of beverage machines such as coffee machines, their internal components such as brewers and other target cleaners need to be cleaned regularly to ensure the quality of the beverage and the service life of the equipment. Solid detergent is a commonly used cleaning medium, which can be cleaned by adding solid detergent to the target cleaner of the beverage machine and dissolving the solid detergent to obtain a cleaning solution.

[0003] In the prior art, the solid detergent dispensing device has a complex structure, uses many parts, and is complicated to control. It not only occupies a large volume, but also has a high cost, which affects the efficiency and reliability of beverage machine cleaning. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a solid detergent dispensing device which has a simple and compact structure and high reliability.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides a solid detergent dispensing device, which is applied to a beverage machine, comprising:

[0006] case;

[0007] A first delivery channel, the first delivery channel is used to deliver the solid detergent, and the first delivery channel has a first material inlet and a first material outlet;

[0008] A feeding member, the feeding member is rotatably connected in the shell, the feeding member is provided with a conveying position, and the feeding member has a material receiving position and a material dropping position; when the feeding member is in the material receiving position, the conveying position corresponds to the position of the first material outlet, and the solid detergent in the first delivery channel is transported from the first material outlet to the conveying position; when the feeding member is in the material dropping position, the conveying position corresponds to the target cleaner position of the beverage machine, and the solid detergent in the conveying position falls into the target cleaner;

[0009] A motor, disposed in the housing;

[0010] The transmission mechanism is driven by the motor and is in driving connection with the feeding member, and is used to drive the feeding member to swing back and forth between the material receiving position and the material dropping position.

[0011] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the transmission mechanism includes a push rod driven by the motor, the push rod is provided with a first tooth portion, the feeding member is provided with a second tooth portion, and the first tooth portion is meshed with the second tooth portion.

[0012] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the motor includes a linear stepper motor configured.

[0013] The solid cleaner dispensing device for a beverage machine further includes a control module, which is configured to obtain the operating state of the motor and determine the position information of the feeding member according to the operating state of the motor.

[0014] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the feeding member includes a first contact surface, the first contact surface has a first end connected to the conveying position and a second end opposite to the position of the first end, and the first contact surface is inclined towards the conveying position; when the feeding member is in the material receiving position, at least a part of the first contact surface blocks the first discharge port, and the second end is higher than the first end.

[0015] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the feeding member further includes a second contact surface, the conveying position and the second contact surface are respectively arranged on both sides of the first contact surface, and the second contact surface is an arc surface; when the feeding member rotates a preset angle from the material receiving position to the material falling position, the second contact surface blocks the first discharge port.

[0016] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the housing is provided with a first stop structure, when the feeding member is in the material falling position, the first stop structure abuts against the feeding member; the housing is provided with a second stop structure, when the feeding member is in the material receiving position, the second stop structure abuts against the feeding member; the feeding member swings reciprocally between the first stop structure and the second stop structure.

[0017] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the housing has an accommodation space for the feeding member to move, and a slag leakage port is arranged at the bottom of the accommodation space; the solid cleaner dispensing device further includes a waste residue box, and the waste residue box is arranged below the slag leakage port for receiving the waste residue leaking from the slag leakage port.

[0018] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the first feeding channel is an inclined channel inclined relative to the horizontal plane; the first feeding channel can accommodate at least one row of the solid cleaners; the solid cleaners are spherical or sheet-shaped.

[0019] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, a partition plate is arranged in the first feeding channel, the partition plate extends along the conveying direction of the solid cleaners in the first feeding channel, and the partition plate divides the first feeding channel into at least two rows of sub-channels, and the sub-channels are used for accommodating one row of the solid cleaners.

[0020] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the first delivery channel includes a tapered portion that tapers from top to bottom, the tapered portion is used to accommodate a plurality of the solid detergents, and the first discharge port is arranged at the lower end of the tapered portion; the solid detergent delivery device also includes a disturbing member, at least a portion of the disturbing member is placed in the tapered portion, the feeding member is transmission-connected to the disturbing member, and the reciprocating swing of the feeding member can drive the disturbing member to perform reciprocating motion.

[0021] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the feeding member and the disturbing member are connected through a cam transmission mechanism, and the cam transmission mechanism includes a first connecting structure arranged on the feeding member, a second connecting structure arranged on the disturbing member, and a guide groove arranged on the shell; the first connecting structure cooperates with the second connecting structure, and the disturbing member is at least partially placed in the guide groove so as to reciprocate along the guide groove; one of the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure includes a connecting groove, and the other includes a connecting protrusion, and the connecting protrusion is placed in the connecting groove and can move along the connecting groove; the extension direction of the connecting groove is different from the extension direction of the guide groove.

[0022] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the solid detergent delivery device also includes a second delivery channel, which is independent of and arranged in parallel with the first delivery channel, and the second delivery channel includes a second inlet and a second outlet, and the second outlet corresponds to the position of the target cleaner, and the solid detergent delivered from the second inlet to the second delivery channel falls into the target cleaner through the second outlet.

[0023] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, it also includes:

[0024] A first sensor is triggered at the receiving position, and the first sensor is used to detect whether the solid cleaning agent is stored in the transfer position;

[0025] A cover body, the cover body is used to open and close the second feed opening;

[0026] A second sensor, used for detecting whether the cover body opens the second feed opening;

[0027] The control module is used to generate a reminder signal for manually adding the solid detergent when the first sensor detects that the solid detergent is not stored in the transfer position, and to determine that the solid detergent has been manually added when the second sensor detects that the cover body opens the second feed port.

[0028] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, it further includes a cover body. The first feeding port and the second feeding port are arranged in parallel. The cover body has a closed position for closing the first feeding port and the second feeding port, a first open position for opening the first feeding port and closing the second feeding port, and a second open position for opening the second feeding port and closing the first feeding port. The cover body is slidably arranged and can slide to one of the closed position, the first open position, and the second open position.

[0029] The present invention also provides a beverage machine, which includes a main body. A target cleaner is provided inside the main body, and the solid cleaner feeding device described in any one of the above embodiments is arranged on the main body. The solid cleaner feeding device is used to feed the solid cleaner into the target cleaner.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The feeding member adopts a reciprocating swing structure. The feeding member reciprocates between a material receiving position and a material dropping position without rotating a full circle. It has a simple structure and a small volume. While maintaining simple and efficient feeding, it can also reduce the possibility of the solid cleaner getting stuck, taking into account the overall stability and durability of the device. Description of the Drawings

[0031] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the solid cleaner feeding device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic diagram of the feeding member of the solid cleaner feeding device shown in the material receiving position.

[0033] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a schematic diagram of the feeding member of the solid cleaner feeding device shown in the material dropping position.

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the solid cleaner feeding device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the solid cleaner feeding device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 is Figure 5 a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the solid cleaner feeding device shown in the state where the cover body is hidden.

[0037] Figure 7 is Figure 5 a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the internal structure of the solid cleaner feeding device shown.

[0038] Figure 8It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the solid cleaner dispensing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 9 It is Figure 8 a schematic diagram showing the feeding member of the solid cleaner dispensing device in the material receiving position.

[0040] Figure 10 It is Figure 8 a schematic diagram showing the feeding member of the solid cleaner dispensing device in the material dropping position. Specific embodiments

[0041] The present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the specific embodiments shown in the drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, method, or functional transformation made by those of ordinary skill in the art based on these embodiments is included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0042] It should be understood that the terms indicating relative spatial positions such as "upper", "above", "lower", "below", etc. used herein are for the purpose of facilitating description of the relationship between one unit or feature relative to another unit or feature as shown in the drawings. The terms of relative spatial positions may be intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation other than the orientation shown in the figures.

[0043] Refer to Figures 1 - 3 , which is the solid cleaner dispensing device 1 according to the first embodiment provided by the invention.

[0044] The solid cleaner dispensing device 1 is applied to a beverage machine.

[0045] Among them, the beverage machine can be a coffee machine or a tea extractor. The beverage machine includes a main body, and a target cleaner can be provided inside the main body. The solid cleaner dispensing device 1 is used to dispense solid cleaner into the target cleaner. The target cleaner can be a brewing device, a cleaning water tank, etc. The solid cleaner is dispensed into the target cleaner and can be dissolved in water to form a cleaning solution.

[0046] The beverage machine can also be provided with a cleaning program. The user can control the beverage machine to execute the cleaning program. When the beverage machine executes the cleaning program, the beverage machine is automatically cleaned by the cleaning solution in the target cleaner.

[0047] In this embodiment, the solid cleaner dispensing device 1 includes a housing 10, a first dispensing channel 20, a feeding member 40, a motor 50, and a transmission mechanism.

[0048] Among them, the housing 10 can serve as an external support structure of the solid cleaner dispensing device 1 for accommodating and fixing other components.

[0049] The first feeding channel 20 is used to convey solid detergent. The first feeding channel 20 has a first feeding port 21 and a first discharging port 22. The solid detergent can enter the first feeding channel 20 through the first feeding port 21 and then be discharged from the first feeding channel 20 through the first discharging port 22. The solid detergent put into the first feeding channel 20 can be temporarily stored in the first feeding channel 20.

[0050] The feeding member 40 is rotatably connected to the inside of the housing 10. The feeding member 40 is provided with a conveying position 41. Among them, the conveying position 41 is used to temporarily accommodate and convey the solid detergent. The conveying position 41 can be in the shape of a groove, and its size can be adapted to the solid detergent.

[0051] In this embodiment, the feeding member 40 has a material receiving position and a material dropping position.

[0052] See Figure 2 , Figure 2 In, the feeding member 40 is in the material receiving position. When the feeding member 40 is in the material receiving position, the conveying position 41 of the feeding member 40 corresponds to the position of the first discharging port 22, and the solid detergent in the first feeding channel 20 can be conveyed from the first discharging port 22 into the conveying position 41.

[0053] See Figure 3 , Figure 3 In, the feeding member 40 is in the material dropping position. When the feeding member 40 is in the material dropping position, the conveying position 41 corresponds to the position of the target cleaner of the beverage machine. At this time, the solid detergent in the conveying position 41 can fall from the conveying position 41 into the target cleaner. In the target cleaner, the solid detergent can be dissolved and mixed with water to form a cleaning solution.

[0054] In Figure 3 In the specific embodiment shown, the housing 10 is further provided with a material dropping port 17. The conveying position 41 is a groove. When the feeding member 40 is in the material dropping position, the groove wall of the conveying position 41 is inclined downward relative to the horizontal plane. Therefore, the solid detergent stored in the conveying position 41 can smoothly slide along the groove wall of the conveying position 41 under the action of gravity and enter the target cleaner through the material dropping port 17.

[0055] In this embodiment, the motor 50 is arranged in the housing 10. The motor 50 is used to provide power for the whole device. Driven by the motor 50, the feeding member 40 can move between the material receiving position and the material dropping position. Under the driving action of the motor 50, the moving process of the feeding member 40 is stable and controllable, ensuring that the solid detergent can be accurately conveyed into the target cleaner.

[0056] Compared with the manual feeding of solid cleaners, the solid cleaner feeding device can achieve the automatic feeding of solid cleaners, reduce the complexity of manual operations, improve the efficiency and accuracy of feeding, enhance the automation level of the beverage machine, and bring a more convenient user experience.

[0057] The transmission mechanism is driven by a motor 50. The transmission device is in transmission connection with the feeding member 40 and is used to drive the feeding member 40 to reciprocally swing between the material receiving position and the material discharging position.

[0058] In this embodiment, the reciprocating swing can be that the feeding member 40 makes a reciprocating rotation within a certain angle range, rather than a full-circle rotation.

[0059] The working process of the solid cleaner feeding device 1 in this embodiment is as follows: When the feeding member 40 is in the material receiving position, the transfer position 41 corresponds to the position of the first discharge port 22. For details, please refer to Figure 2 At this time, the solid cleaner in the first feeding channel 20 directly falls from the first discharge port 22 into the transfer position 41. When the solid cleaner feeding device 1 is started, the motor 50 rotates forward, and the motor 50 drives the feeding member 40 to rotate in the first direction through the transmission mechanism. When the motor 50 drives the feeding member 40 to rotate a certain angle, the feeding member 40 moves to the material discharging position, and the certain angle can be less than 180°. Figure 3 The figure shows a schematic diagram when the feeding member 40 is in the material discharging position.

[0060] When the feeding member 40 moves to the material discharging position, the solid cleaner in the transfer position 41 can directly slide down from the transfer position 41 into the target cleaner under the action of its own gravity, and the solid cleaner realizes the automatic transportation from the first feeding channel 20 to the target cleaner.

[0061] After the solid cleaner is fed into the target cleaner, the motor 50 rotates in reverse, and the motor 50 drives the feeding member 40 to rotate a certain angle in the second direction opposite to the first direction through the transmission mechanism, so that the feeding member 40 is reset from the material discharging position to the material receiving position.

[0062] The reciprocating feeding member 40 in the solid cleaner feeding device 1 provided in this embodiment is different from the traditional full-circle rotation method. The feeding member 40 only needs to move between the material receiving position and the material discharging position, which simplifies the structure and control complexity. For the full-circle rotation method, sensors are often required to sense / detect the position and state of the feeding member, which not only occupies a large space but also has complex control and is prone to errors.

[0063] The design of the reciprocating swing of the feeding member 40 not only reduces unnecessary mechanical movement and improves the operating efficiency of the device, but also reduces energy consumption. In addition, since the moving range of the feeding member 40 is limited, the wear and tear that may be caused by long-term continuous rotation is also reduced, thereby extending the service life of the device. In general, the solid detergent delivery device 1 provided in this embodiment, while maintaining simple and efficient delivery, also takes into account the stability and durability of the device.

[0064] Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the transmission mechanism includes a push rod 61 driven by the motor 50. The push rod 61 is provided with a first tooth portion 62. The feeding member 40 is provided with a second tooth portion 42, and the first tooth portion 62 meshes with the second tooth portion 42.

[0065] The push rod 61 is connected to the motor 50. The motor 50 drives the push rod 61 to rotate. The portion of the feeding member 40 where the second tooth portion 42 is arranged is arc-shaped.

[0066] By meshing the first tooth portion 62 of the push rod 61 with the second tooth portion 42 of the feeding member 40 , the feeding member 40 can be driven by the push rod 61 to swing back and forth.

[0067] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the motor 50 is configured as a linear stepping motor 50 .

[0068] The linear stepper motor 50 can be directly connected to the push rod 61 to drive the push rod 61 to move without the need to set up other transmission mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall structure and making the control simpler.

[0069] In this embodiment, the solid detergent delivery device 1 further comprises a control module, which is used to obtain the running state of the motor 50 and determine the position information of the feeding member 40 according to the running state of the motor 50 .

[0070] In this embodiment, the running state of the motor 50 may be the number of running steps of the motor 50. According to the running state of the motor 50, it can be directly determined whether the feeding member 40 moves to the material receiving position or the material dropping position.

[0071] In the technical solution of this embodiment, the feeding member 40 is driven by the linear stepper motor 50 to achieve reciprocating swing and automatically feed the solid detergent. No additional position detection device for the feeding member 40 is required, and the linear stepper motor 50 only needs to perform a switch function, which greatly simplifies the hardware structure and software control, and reduces the manufacturing cost and control complexity.

[0072] In this embodiment, the solid cleaner dispensing device 1 may further include a first sensor 15. The first sensor 15 may be a photoelectric sensor, such as a unilateral optocoupler or an opposed optocoupler. When the feeding member 40 is in the receiving position, the first sensor 15 is triggered to detect whether the solid cleaner is stored in the conveying position 41.

[0073] When the feeding member 40 is in the receiving position, if the first sensor 15 detects that the solid cleaner is stored in the conveying position 41, the motor 50 can be controlled to rotate forward to drive the feeding member 40 to move to the discharging position, and then the solid cleaner in the conveying position 41 can be automatically dispensed into the target cleaner.

[0074] When the feeding member 40 is in the receiving position, but the first sensor 15 detects that the solid cleaner is not stored in the conveying position 41, it can be determined that the solid cleaner in the first dispensing channel 20 is exhausted at this time, or a failure such as the solid cleaner being stuck occurs, and the user can be prompted. The user can supplement the solid cleaner into the first dispensing channel 20 through the first feeding port 21 or clean the stuck solid cleaner. Thus, the stability of the operation of the solid cleaner dispensing device 1 can be further ensured.

[0075] Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the feeding member 40 includes a first contact surface 43. The first contact surface 43 has a first end connected to the conveying position 41 and a second end opposite to the position of the first end. The first contact surface 43 is inclined toward the conveying position 41, and the first contact surface 43 can be configured as a guiding inclined surface.

[0076] When the feeding member 40 is in the receiving position, the first contact surface 43 at least partially blocks the first discharge port 22, and the second end is higher than the first end.

[0077] In this embodiment, when the feeding member 40 is in the receiving position, since the first contact surface 43 at least partially blocks the first discharge port 22, under the action of the gravity of the solid cleaner, the solid cleaner near the first discharge port 22 in the first dispensing channel 20 contacts the first contact surface 43.

[0078] When the feeding member 40 moves from the receiving position to the discharging position, the first contact surface 43 moves. Due to the inclined design of the first contact surface 43, the solid cleaner in close contact with the first contact surface 43 can move slightly up and down, and then activate the other solid cleaners in the first dispensing channel 20, effectively preventing the solid cleaner from being stuck.

[0079] Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the feeding member 40 further includes a second contact surface 44. The conveying position 41 and the second contact surface 44 are respectively disposed on both sides of the first contact surface 43. The second contact surface 44 can be connected to the second end of the first contact surface 43.

[0080] The second contact surface 44 is an arc surface. When the feeding member 40 rotates a preset angle from the material receiving position to the blanking position, the second contact surface 44 blocks the first discharge port 22. When the second contact surface 44 blocks the first discharge port 22, the solid cleaner near the first discharge port 22 in the first feeding channel 20 clings to the second contact surface 44. When the feeding member 40 rotates, the second contact surface 44 drives the solid cleaner clinging to it to rotate, thereby driving the movement of other solid cleaners stored in the first feeding channel 20, further reducing the possibility of the solid cleaner being stuck.

[0081] Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the housing 10 is provided with a first stop structure 11, which abuts against the feeding member 40 when the feeding member 40 is in the blanking position. The housing 10 is provided with a second stop structure 12, which abuts against the feeding member 40 when the feeding member 40 is in the material receiving position. The feeding member 40 reciprocates between the first stop structure 11 and the second stop structure 12.

[0082] In this embodiment, the housing 10 has a receiving space 13 for the feeding member 40 to move. The feeding member 40 is generally fan-shaped, and the shape of the receiving space 13 can be generally the same as that of the feeding member 40. The approximate fan-shaped structural design of the housing 10 and the feeding member 40 can reduce the space occupied in the whole machine.

[0083] The first stop structure 11 and the second stop structure 12 form a physical limit for the swing of the feeding member 40, ensuring that the feeding member 40 swings within a predetermined angular range, which not only ensures that the feeding member 40 accurately reaches the material receiving position or the blanking position, but also prevents mechanical damage caused by excessive swing of the feeding member 40.

[0084] Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, a slag leakage port 14 is provided at the bottom of the receiving space 13. The solid cleaner dispensing device 1 further includes a waste residue box, which is arranged below the slag leakage port 14 and is used to receive the waste residue leaking from the slag leakage port 14.

[0085] In one embodiment, the waste residue box can be taken out from the outside. The user can directly take out the waste residue box from the outside to clean the waste residue.

[0086] During the operation of the solid cleaner dispensing device 1, the solid cleaner may be pulverized. The technical solution of this embodiment solves the problem of pulverized residue that may appear in the gaps on both sides of the feeding member 40 and the cavity at the bottom of the housing 10, and further solves the problem of the feeding member 40 or the push rod 61 being stuck caused by the accumulation of pulverized residue.

[0087] The powder of the solid cleaner can directly fall into the bottom waste residue box through the slag leakage port 14, thereby keeping the solid cleaner dispensing device 1 clean, avoiding mechanical jamming caused by powder accumulation, and improving the reliability and service life of the equipment.

[0088] Further, in the present embodiment, the first feeding channel 20 is an inclined channel inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

[0089] The first feeding channel 20 can accommodate at least one row of solid cleaning agents. The solid cleaning agents are spherical or sheet-shaped.

[0090] As Figure 2 、 Figure 3 shown in the solid cleaning agent feeding device 1, the first feeding channel 20 can accommodate one row of solid cleaning agents. The shape and size of the solid cleaning agents can be adapted to the inner diameter of the first feeding channel 20 and the capacity of the conveying position 41.

[0091] The inclined first feeding channel 20 can store solid cleaning agents inside. Under the action of gravity, the solid cleaning agents can easily slide down along the first feeding channel 20 and enter the conveying position 41, thereby reducing the risk of the solid cleaning agents being stuck.

[0092] The first feeding channel 20 can only accommodate one row of solid cleaning agents, and the first feeding channel 20 is inclined. The solid cleaning agents can be evenly distributed in the channel, avoiding poor feeding caused by local accumulation. At the same time, this design can also make the solid cleaning agents slide more smoothly during the sliding process, reduce the friction with the channel wall, and further reduce the possibility of the solid cleaning agents being stuck, playing an important role in improving the feeding efficiency of the solid cleaning agents and reducing the risk of being stuck.

[0093] Further, referring to Figure 4 , in another embodiment of the present invention, a partition plate 23 is provided in the first feeding channel 20. The partition plate 23 extends along the conveying direction of the solid cleaning agents in the first feeding channel 20. The partition plate 23 divides the first feeding channel 20 into at least two rows of sub-channels 24, and the sub-channels 24 are used to accommodate one row of solid cleaning agents.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the first feeding channel 20 can accommodate at least two rows of solid cleaning agents, and the internal capacity is relatively large. At the same time, by adding a partition plate 23 in the first feeding channel 20 for partitioning and guiding the flow, the mutual extrusion between the solid cleaning agents is reduced through the shunting effect, and the risk of the solid cleaning agents being stuck can be further reduced, ensuring the smooth feeding of the solid cleaning agents.

[0095] Referring to Figures 5 - 7 , it is the solid cleaning agent feeding device 1 provided by the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] The difference between the solid cleaning agent feeding device 1 of the present embodiment and the solid cleaning agent feeding device 1 of the first embodiment is mainly that, on the basis of the solid cleaning agent feeding device 1 provided by the first embodiment, a second feeding channel 30 is further added.

[0097] For ease of description, the same or similar elements in this embodiment and the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and details thereof will not be repeated here.

[0098] In this embodiment, the solid cleaner dispensing device 1 further includes a second dispensing channel 30. The second dispensing channel 30 is independently and juxtaposed with the first dispensing channel 20.

[0099] The second dispensing channel 30 includes a second inlet 31 and a second outlet 32. The second outlet 32 corresponds to the position of the target cleaner. The second outlet 32 can be juxtaposed with the material dropping opening 17 of the housing 10.

[0100] Specifically, the second dispensing channel 30 is an inclined channel inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The solid cleaner dropped into the second dispensing channel 30 from the second inlet 31 falls into the target cleaner through the second outlet 32 under its own gravity.

[0101] In this embodiment, the user can drop the solid cleaner into the first dispensing channel 20 through the first inlet 21. And the first dispensing channel 20 can store the solid cleaner. When the beverage machine needs to be cleaned, the motor 50 of the solid cleaner dispensing device 1 moves, and then automatically dispenses the solid cleaner to the target cleaner through the feeding member 40.

[0102] In addition, the user can also manually dispense the solid cleaner to the target cleaner through the second dispensing channel 30. When the solid cleaner stored in the first dispensing channel 20 is exhausted or a malfunction such as jamming occurs, the user can drop the solid cleaner into the second dispensing channel 30 through the second inlet 31. The solid cleaner can directly fall into the target cleaner from the second outlet 32 of the second dispensing channel 30.

[0103] In this embodiment, the first dispensing channel 20 and the second dispensing channel 30 can be used to dispense the same type of solid cleaner or different types of solid cleaners.

[0104] In the technical solution provided by this embodiment, the solid cleaner dispensing device has both manual and automatic ways to dispense the solid cleaner, greatly improving the applicability and flexibility of the device. When the first dispensing channel 20 and the feeding member 40 for automatically dispensing the solid cleaner malfunction, or the solid cleaner in the first dispensing channel 20 is exhausted, the user can continue to use it through the manual dispensing method, avoiding the use interruption that may be caused by a single dispensing method.

[0105] The coexistence of the automatic feeding function and the manual feeding function improves the flexibility and reliability of the solid cleaner feeding device. The second feeding channel 30 serves as a backup channel, allowing users to supplement solid cleaners at any time under special circumstances according to actual needs. In this way, both the user experience can be enhanced and the practicality of the solid cleaner feeding device can be improved.

[0106] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the solid cleaner feeding device 1 further includes a first sensor 15. At the material receiving position, the first sensor 15 is triggered, and the first sensor 15 is used to detect whether there is a solid cleaner stored in the conveying position 41. The first sensor 15 can be a photoelectric sensor, such as a single-sided optocoupler or an opposed optocoupler.

[0107] In this embodiment, the solid cleaner feeding device 1 further includes a cover 80. The cover 80 is used to open and close the second feeding port 31.

[0108] The solid cleaner feeding device 1 further includes a second sensor 16. The second sensor 16 is used to detect whether the cover 80 opens the second feeding port 31.

[0109] In an embodiment, the second sensor 16 includes a reed switch fixed to the housing 10 and a magnet fixed to the cover 80. When the reed switch senses the magnet, it can be determined that the cover 80 closes the second feeding port 31. When the reed switch does not sense the magnet, it can be determined that the cover 80 opens the second feeding port 31.

[0110] In this embodiment, the control module is used to generate a reminder signal for manually feeding the solid cleaner when the first sensor 15 detects that there is no solid cleaner stored in the conveying position 41, and to determine that the solid cleaner has completed manual feeding when the second sensor 16 detects that the cover 80 opens the second feeding port 31.

[0111] In this embodiment, when the first sensor 15 detects that there is a solid cleaner in the conveying position 41, the system preferentially uses the automatic feeding of the solid cleaner and does not remind of manual feeding. If the first sensor 15 detects that there is no solid cleaner, it may mean that the solid cleaner has been used up or stuck in the first feeding channel 20, and the system then reminds of manual feeding of the solid cleaner. In this way, the flexibility and reliability of the solid cleaner feeding device are improved. The second feeding channel 30 serves as a backup channel, which can not only enhance the user experience but also improve the practicality of the solid cleaner feeding device.

[0112] By monitoring the status of the stepping motor 50, it is judged whether the feeding member 40 is reset to the material receiving position. After the feeding member 40 is reset to the material receiving position, the first sensor 15 is triggered for detection, avoiding continuous detection and false detection.

[0113] Meanwhile, by detecting the opening and closing state of the cover 80, it is determined whether the user opens the second feeding port 31. When the user opens the second feeding port 31, it is determined that the user has put the solid cleaner through the second feeding channel 30, so that the beverage machine can be controlled to execute the cleaning program. The detection of the opening and closing of the cover 80 can realize the detection and judgment of the user's manual feeding, which is convenient for guiding the execution of the next cleaning program, and can also ensure that the beverage machine can perform internal cleaning in time after each manual feeding. In this way, not only the safety of the solid cleaner feeding device is improved, but also the user experience is further enhanced.

[0114] The technical solution provided by this embodiment further improves the operation stability of the solid cleaner feeding device 1, ensures that the solid cleaner is put into the target cleaner before the cleaning program is executed, and the cleaning program can run normally to ensure the cleaning effect.

[0115] In one embodiment, the solid cleaner feeding device 1 further includes a third sensor. The third sensor is arranged at the entrance of the target cleaner and is used for detecting whether the solid cleaner enters the target cleaner through the entrance of the target cleaner. The third sensor can be a photoelectric sensor.

[0116] When the third sensor detects that the solid cleaner has passed through the entrance of the target cleaner, the beverage machine can be controlled to execute the cleaning program. The technical solution of this embodiment can ensure that the solid cleaner is put into the target cleaner, and can ensure that the cleaning program executed is carried out with the cleaning solution dissolved by the solid cleaner.

[0117] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first feeding port 21 and the second feeding port 31 are arranged in parallel. The cover 80 has a closed position for closing the first feeding port 21 and the second feeding port 31, a first open position for opening the first feeding port 21 and closing the second feeding port 31, and a second open position for opening the second feeding port 31 and closing the first feeding port 21.

[0118] In this embodiment, by providing a cover 80, the first feeding port 21 and the second feeding port 31 can be closed simultaneously, avoiding foreign objects from entering the first feeding channel 20 or the second feeding channel 30 to cause blockage or affect the cleaning effect.

[0119] In addition, the cover 80 can selectively open one of the first feeding port 21 and the second feeding port 31. That is, the first feeding port 21 and the second feeding port 31 cannot be opened simultaneously, which can prevent the user from putting solid cleaners through the first feeding channel 20 and the second feeding channel 30 at the same time, resulting in an excessive amount of solid cleaners falling into the target cleaner.

[0120] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cover body 80 is slidably arranged. Specifically, the cover body 80 is slidably connected to the housing 10, and the cover body 80 can slide to one of a closed position, a first open position, and a second open position.

[0121] In this embodiment, the cover body 80 is a sliding cover. There is a magnet on the sliding cover, and the magnet on the sliding cover can trigger the reed switch on the housing 10. When the cover body 80 is not in the closed position, a prompt message can be issued to prompt the user to close the cover body 80 to prevent foreign objects or dust from falling into the inside of the brewer and affecting the hygiene of the beverage.

[0122] The housing 10 can be provided with a limiting structure. When the cover body 80 slides from the closed position to the first open position, the limiting structure can limit the further sliding of the cover body 80 along the original sliding direction. Similarly, when the cover body 80 slides from the closed position to the second open position, the limiting structure can limit the further sliding of the cover body 80 along this sliding direction.

[0123] See Figures 8 - 10 , which is the solid cleaner dispensing device 1 according to the third embodiment provided by the present invention.

[0124] Compared with the solid cleaner dispensing device 1 of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the main difference of the solid cleaner dispensing device 1 of this embodiment lies in the structure of the first dispensing channel 20.

[0125] In this embodiment, the first dispensing channel 20 includes a tapered portion 25 that tapers downward from top to bottom. The tapered portion 25 is used to accommodate a plurality of solid cleaners. The first discharge port 22 is provided at the lower end of the tapered portion 25.

[0126] In one embodiment, the tapered portion 25 is conical. The first dispensing channel 20 further includes a receiving portion 26 provided above the tapered portion 25. The receiving portion 26 can be in the shape of a cuboid. The first inlet 21 can be opened at the upper end of the receiving portion 26. The first inlet 21 and the first discharge port 22 can be oppositely arranged.

[0127] The first dispensing channel 20 provided in this embodiment can store more solid cleaners, extend the service time of the solid cleaners in the device, and reduce the number of times the user replenishes the solid cleaners.

[0128] The first dispensing channel 20 has a tapered portion 25 that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, so that the solid cleaners can enter the conveying position 41 of the feeding member 40 more smoothly, reducing the possibility of the solid cleaners getting stuck.

[0129] At the same time, the opening of the first dispensing channel 20 is relatively large. When the solid cleaners get stuck, it is convenient to clean with tools such as pliers, improving the maintenance convenience of the device.

[0130] In one embodiment, the solid cleaner dispensing device 1 further includes a disturbing member 70, and at least a part of the disturbing member 70 is disposed within the tapered portion 25. The feeding member 40 is drivingly connected to the disturbing member 70, and the reciprocating swing of the feeding member 40 can drive the disturbing member 70 to perform reciprocating motion.

[0131] In this embodiment, by providing the disturbing member 70 linked with the feeding member 40, when the feeding member 40 rotates, it drives the disturbing member 70 to move up and down, so that the disturbing member 70 agitates the solid cleaner within the first dispensing channel 20, which can effectively prevent the solid cleaner within the first dispensing channel 20 from being squeezed at the first discharge port 22, and further can avoid the solid cleaner within the first dispensing channel 20 from being stuck. The reciprocating motion of the disturbing member 70 can agitate the solid cleaner within the tapered portion 25 to ensure that the solid cleaner can move downward smoothly.

[0132] In addition, the design of the disturbing member 70 can also promote the uniform distribution of the solid cleaner within the first dispensing channel 20 and prevent the problem of uneven dispensing caused by local accumulation. The material of the disturbing member 70 is preferably a wear-resistant material that is non-polluting to the solid cleaner, such as stainless steel or special plastic, to ensure the stability and reliability during long-term use. Through the linked design of the disturbing member 70 and the feeding member 40, not only the device structure is simplified, but also the efficiency and stability of the solid cleaner dispensing are improved, bringing a more convenient and efficient user experience.

[0133] Further, in one embodiment, the feeding member 40 and the disturbing member 70 are drivingly connected through a cam transmission mechanism 71.

[0134] In this embodiment, the cam transmission mechanism 71 includes a first connection structure 45 provided on the feeding member 40, a second connection structure 46 provided on the disturbing member 70, and a guiding groove 72 provided on the housing 10. The first connection structure 45 cooperates with the second connection structure 46, and at least a part of the disturbing member 70 is disposed within the guiding groove 72 to reciprocally move along the guiding groove 72.

[0135] For the first connection structure 45 and the second connection structure 46, one of them includes a connection groove, and the other includes a connection protrusion. The connection protrusion is disposed within the connection groove and can move along the connection groove, and the extending direction of the connection groove is different from the extending direction of the guiding groove 72.

[0136] In one embodiment, the first connection structure 45 is a connection protrusion, and the second connection structure 46 is a connection groove. The guiding groove 72 extends in the up and down direction, and the extending direction of the connection groove 46 is perpendicular to the extending direction of the guiding groove 72 and the rotation axis direction of the feeding member 40. The reciprocating swing of the feeding member 40 can drive the disturbing member 70 to reciprocally move up and down.

[0137] In this embodiment, the reciprocating swing motion of the feeding member 40 is converted into the reciprocating movement of the disturbing member 70 through the cam transmission mechanism 71. Further, by precisely designing the mating relationship between the connecting groove 46 and the connecting protrusion 45, as well as the shape and size of the guiding groove 72, it can be ensured that the movement trajectory of the disturbing member 70 is stable and controllable, realizing the effective agitation of the solid cleaner. The overall structure is simple, with few components, small occupied space, and reliable operation.

[0138] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to embodiments, not every embodiment only contains an independent technical solution. This narrative way of the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0139] The series of detailed descriptions listed above are only specific descriptions of the feasible embodiments of the present invention, and they are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any equivalent embodiments or changes made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A solid cleaner dispensing device is applied to a beverage machine and includes: A housing; A first dispensing channel for conveying solid cleaner, the first dispensing channel having a first inlet and a first outlet; A feeding member rotatably connected to the inside of the housing, the feeding member having a conveying position, and the feeding member having a material receiving position and a material dropping position; when the feeding member is in the material receiving position, the conveying position corresponds to the position of the first outlet, and the solid cleaner in the first dispensing channel is conveyed from the first outlet into the conveying position; when the feeding member is in the material dropping position, the conveying position corresponds to the position of the target cleaner of the beverage machine, and the solid cleaner in the conveying position falls into the target cleaner; A motor is disposed in the housing; A transmission mechanism driven by the motor, the transmission mechanism being drivingly connected to the feeding member for driving the feeding member to reciprocally swing between the material receiving position and the material dropping position.

2. The solid cleaner dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism includes a push rod driven by the motor, the push rod having a first tooth portion, and the feeding member having a second tooth portion, the first tooth portion meshing with the second tooth portion.

3. The solid cleaner dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The motor is configured as a linear stepper motor; The solid cleaner dispensing device further includes a control module for obtaining the operating state of the motor and determining the position information of the feeding member according to the operating state of the motor.

4. The solid cleaner dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein The feeding member includes a first contact surface having a first end connected to the conveying position and a second end opposite to the position of the first end, the first contact surface being inclined toward the conveying position; when the feeding member is in the material receiving position, the first contact surface at least partially blocks the first outlet, and the second end is higher than the first end.

5. The solid cleaner dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The feeding member further includes a second contact surface, the conveying position and the second contact surface being disposed on both sides of the first contact surface, the second contact surface being an arc surface; when the feeding member rotates a preset angle from the material receiving position to the material dropping position, the second contact surface blocks the first outlet.

6. The solid cleaner dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein, The housing is provided with a first stop structure that abuts against the feeding member when the feeding member is in the material dropping position; the housing is provided with a second stop structure that abuts against the feeding member when the feeding member is in the material receiving position; the feeding member reciprocally swings between the first stop structure and the second stop structure.

7. The solid cleaner dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein, The housing has an accommodation space for the feeding member to move, and a slag leakage port is provided at the bottom of the accommodation space; the solid cleaner dispensing device further includes a waste residue box disposed below the slag leakage port for receiving the waste residue leaking from the slag leakage port.

8. The solid cleaner dispensing device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first dispensing channel is an inclined channel inclined relative to the horizontal plane; the first dispensing channel can accommodate at least one row of the solid cleaners; the solid cleaners are spherical or sheet-shaped.

9. The solid cleaner dispensing device according to claim 8, characterized in that, A partition plate is arranged in the first feeding channel. The partition plate extends along the conveying direction of the solid cleaner in the first feeding channel. The partition plate divides the first feeding channel into at least two rows of sub-channels, and the sub-channels are used to accommodate one row of the solid cleaners.

10. The solid cleaner dispensing device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first feeding channel includes a tapered portion that tapers downward from top to bottom. The tapered portion is used to accommodate a plurality of the solid cleaners, and the first discharge port is arranged at the lower end of the tapered portion. The solid cleaner feeding device further includes a disturbing member, at least part of the disturbing member is placed in the tapered portion, the feeding member is in transmission connection with the disturbing member, and the reciprocating swing of the feeding member can drive the disturbing member to perform reciprocating motion.

11. The solid cleaner dispensing device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The feeding member and the disturbing member are in transmission connection through a cam transmission mechanism. The cam transmission mechanism includes a first connection structure arranged on the feeding member, a second connection structure arranged on the disturbing member, and a guiding groove arranged on the housing. The first connection structure cooperates with the second connection structure, and at least part of the disturbing member is placed in the guiding groove to reciprocate along the guiding groove. One of the first connection structure and the second connection structure includes a connection groove, and the other includes a connection protrusion. The connection protrusion is placed in the connection groove and can move along the connection groove. The extending direction of the connection groove is different from the extending direction of the guiding groove.

12. The solid cleaner dispensing device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The solid cleaner feeding device further includes a second feeding channel. The second feeding channel is independently and juxtaposed with the first feeding channel. The second feeding channel includes a second feeding port and a second discharge port. The second discharge port corresponds to the position of the target cleaner. The solid cleaner fed into the second feeding channel from the second feeding port falls into the target cleaner through the second discharge port.

13. The solid cleaner dispensing device according to claim 12, wherein, It further includes: A first sensor, at the receiving position, triggering the first sensor. The first sensor is used to detect whether the solid cleaner is stored in the conveying position. A cover body, the cover body is used to open and close the second feeding port. A second sensor, used to detect whether the cover body opens the second feeding port. A control module, used to generate a reminder signal for manually feeding the solid cleaner when the first sensor detects that the solid cleaner is not stored in the conveying position, and determine that the manual feeding of the solid cleaner is completed when the second sensor detects that the cover body opens the second feeding port.

14. The solid cleaner dispensing device according to claim 12, characterized in that, It further includes a cover body. The first feeding port and the second feeding port are juxtaposed. The cover body has a closed position for closing the first feeding port and the second feeding port, a first open position for opening the first feeding port and closing the second feeding port, and a second open position for opening the second feeding port and closing the first feeding port. The cover body is slidably arranged and can slide to one of the closed position, the first open position and the second open position.

15. A beverage machine, characterized in that, Comprising a main body, a target cleaner is provided inside the main body, and a solid cleaner dispensing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 14 is provided on the main body, and the solid cleaner dispensing device is used to dispense a solid cleaner into the target cleaner.

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