Particle distribution device, beverage machine and control method of beverage machine

Abstract

The invention provides a particle distribution device, a beverage machine and a control method of the beverage machine, the particle distribution device is used for putting a granular cleaning agent into a target chamber, the particle distribution device comprises a shell, a feeding channel and a distribution port are limited, and the feeding channel is provided with an output port; the feeding disc is movably arranged on the shell, and the feeding disc can move between a first position and a second position; when the feeding disc is at the first position, the storage groove of the feeding disc corresponds to the output port so as to receive a single granular cleaning agent; when the feeding disc is at the second position, the storage groove corresponds to the distribution opening so as to put a single granular cleaning agent into the target chamber; the baffle is movably connected to the shell to close or open the distribution opening, and the baffle responds to the movement of the feeding disc from the first position to the second position to open the distribution opening. In a normal state, the baffle can open the distribution opening in response to the movement of the feeding disc, the baffle closes the distribution opening, moisture is prevented from entering the particle distribution device from the distribution opening, and automatic feeding and moisture-proof protection of the solid cleaning agent are both considered.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of beverage preparation, and in particular to a granular dispensing device, a beverage machine and a control method of the beverage machine. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, with the improvement of living standards, beverage machines are increasingly widely used in homes and commercial places. As a device capable of automatically preparing beverages such as coffee and tea, the beverage machine greatly facilitates people's daily life. During the use of the beverage machine, the internal components of the beverage machine need to be cleaned regularly. For example, the brewer as a core component, long-term contact with beverage raw materials and water, is easy to accumulate coffee grease, tea stains or scale residues. If not thoroughly cleaned, it not only affects the taste and hygiene of the beverage, but also may cause the machine to be blocked, the performance to be degraded, and even the machine to be out of order.

[0003] Cleaning and maintenance is a key link to ensure the quality of beverages and the service life of the machine. In order to clean the internal components of the beverage machine, especially the brewer, conveniently and effectively, the beverage machine is usually equipped with a dispensing device for dispensing solid cleaning agents to the internal components (such as the brewer) of the machine. These solid cleaning agents can remove scale, coffee grease and other residues to ensure the pure taste of the beverage and the normal operation of the machine.

[0004] The existing dispensing device is connected with the brewer. A large amount of moisture enters the inside of the dispensing device during the operation of the brewer. The dispensing device stores a certain amount of solid cleaning agents. The long-term contact of the dispensing device with the moisture will cause the physical properties of the solid cleaning agents to change due to the penetration of the environmental humidity. If the dispensing device is isolated from the brewer, the solid cleaning agents cannot be automatically dispensed. SUMMARY

[0005] The purpose of the present application is to provide a granular dispensing device, a beverage machine and a control method of the beverage machine, to solve the technical problem that the automatic dispensing of the solid cleaning agents and the moisture-proof protection in the existing dispensing device are difficult to be considered.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose of the application, the present application provides a granular dispensing device for dispensing granular cleaning agents to a target chamber, comprising: a housing defining a feeding channel and a dispensing port, the feeding channel having an output port; a feeding disc movably arranged in the housing, the feeding disc being capable of moving between a first position and a second position, the feeding disc having a storage groove; in the first position, the storage groove corresponds to the output port to receive a single granular cleaning agent; in the second position, the storage groove corresponds to the dispensing port to dispense a single granular cleaning agent to the target chamber; A baffle is movably connected to the housing to close or open the dispensing port, and the baffle opens the dispensing port in response to the movement of the feeding disc from the first position to the second position.

[0007] Compared with the prior art, the application has the beneficial effects that: by setting the baffle, the baffle can only open the dispensing port in response to the movement of the feeding disc, and in the normal state, the baffle closes the dispensing port to prevent moisture from entering the granular dispensing device from the dispensing port, thereby avoiding the granular cleaner from being damp or mis-dispensing, and ensuring the automatic feeding and moisture-proof protection of the solid cleaner. The design that the baffle is automatically opened in response to the movement of the feeding disc not only ensures the accuracy and sealing of the granular dispensing, but also significantly improves the reliability of the granular cleaner feeding and the overall durability of the equipment.

[0008] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the application, a first sensing member is fixedly arranged relative to the housing; the baffle is in transmission connection with the feeding disc, and the feeding disc triggers the first sensing member when being in the second position.

[0009] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the application, the housing comprises a first side and a second side arranged oppositely, the feeding disc is arranged on the first side, the baffle comprises a cover plate and a trigger plate arranged in linkage, the cover plate is used to close or open the dispensing port, and the trigger plate is arranged on the second side; the feeding disc triggers the first sensing member and the cover plate opens the dispensing port when being in the second position.

[0010] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the application, the cover plate and the trigger plate are arranged in an L shape, and the feeding disc is in transmission connection with the trigger plate; the trigger plate and the cover plate move synchronously with the feeding disc when the feeding disc moves from the first position to the second position.

[0011] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the application, in the vertical direction, the first sensing member is at least partially located within the projection of the feeding disc, the trigger plate comprises a connecting end connected to the cover plate and a free end arranged opposite to the connecting end, and the free end is provided with a trigger part for triggering the first sensing member; in the extension direction from the connecting end to the free end, the width of the trigger plate gradually decreases and then gradually increases, and the trigger part is located in the region where the width of the trigger plate gradually increases.

[0012] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the application, the feeding disc is rotatably connected to the housing, and rotates relative to the housing between the first position and the second position; the feeding disc has an abutting portion capable of contacting the baffle, and the abutting portion drives the baffle to open the dispensing opening when the feeding disc moves from the first position to the second position.

[0013] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the application, the housing is provided with a guide groove, and the guide groove defines a rotation path of the feeding disc; the feeding disc is provided with the abutting portion extending into the guide groove, and the abutting portion keeps in contact with the baffle.

[0014] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the application, an elastic member is arranged between the baffle and the housing, and the baffle automatically closes the dispensing opening under the action of the elastic member; the baffle keeps in contact with the abutting portion under the action of the elastic member when the feeding disc moves from the second position to the first position.

[0015] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the application, the granular cleaning agent is detected by the second sensing member in a non-contact manner; the housing further defines a containing space for containing the feeding disc, and the feeding channel communicates with the containing space; the second sensing member is arranged outside the containing space, and a detection portion of the second sensing member faces the storage tank in a direction from the outside of the containing space to the inside.

[0016] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the application, a transmission mechanism is connected to the feeding disc, and the transmission mechanism is used to drive the feeding disc to reciprocate so as to move the feeding disc to the first position or the second position; the transmission mechanism includes a worm driven by a motor and a worm gear tooth portion in transmission connection with the worm, and the worm gear tooth portion is fixed to the feeding disc.

[0017] The application further provides a beverage machine including a brewing device, and the granular dispensing device according to any one of the above embodiments is arranged in the beverage machine, the target chamber is arranged as a brewing chamber of the brewing device, and the granular dispensing device is arranged to dispense the granular cleaning agent into the brewing chamber to clean the brewing device.

[0018] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, a conveying channel is arranged between the dispensing port and the brewing chamber for conveying the granular cleaning agent falling from the dispensing port to the brewing chamber; an upper cover and an elastic rubber cover are arranged above the brewing chamber and the conveying channel, the upper cover is provided with a relief notch, the elastic rubber cover covers the relief notch, and the upper cover and the elastic rubber cover jointly define an opening corresponding to the dispensing port; in the second position of the feeding disc, the baffle at least partially extends into the opening towards the conveying channel.

[0019] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the beverage machine further comprises a first sensing member and a second sensing member, the first sensing member is used for detecting the granular cleaning agent at the dispensing port, and the second sensing member is used for detecting the granular cleaning agent at the output port; the first sensing member and the second sensing member are respectively electrically connected with a controller, and the controller is configured to start cleaning of the brewing device according to a trigger signal of the first sensing member and the second sensing member.

[0020] The present application also provides a control method of a beverage machine, comprising the following steps: receiving a cleaning instruction; detecting whether the granular cleaning agent exists in the storage groove of the feeding disc; receiving a detection signal that the granular cleaning agent exists in the storage groove, and starting the motor to drive the feeding disc to move from the first position to the second position; in response to the feeding disc reaching the second position, the baffle triggers the first sensing member and opens the dispensing port, so that the granular cleaning agent existing in the storage groove is dispensed from the dispensing port to the target chamber; starting the motor to drive the feeding disc to move from the second position to the first position, and when the feeding disc reaches the first position, the baffle closes the dispensing port; supplying water into the target chamber to mix with the granular cleaning agent to form a cleaning solution.

[0021] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the trigger condition of supplying water into the target chamber to mix with the granular cleaning agent to form a cleaning solution is at least one of the following conditions: after the baffle triggers the first sensing member, it is detected that the granular cleaning agent exists in the storage groove; after the baffle triggers the first sensing member, the motor runs a preset number of steps to drive the feeding disc to move from the second position towards the first position; After the baffle stops triggering the first sensor for a first preset time, the first preset time represents the time from when the baffle opens the distribution port to when the distribution port closes. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a beverage machine according to one embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a particle dispensing device according to an embodiment of this application, wherein the baffle is in the position of closing the dispensing port.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the particle distribution device from one perspective.

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Rear view of the particle dispensing device.

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the particle distribution device, in which the baffle is in the position of opening the distribution port.

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the particle distribution device from another perspective.

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the combination of the granule dispensing device and the brewing unit in a beverage machine.

[0029] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A partially exploded diagram of the granule distribution device and the brewer.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a control method for a beverage machine according to one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] It should be understood that terms such as “above,” “over,” “below,” and “under” used herein to indicate spatial relative position are for illustrative purposes to describe the relationship of one unit or feature relative to another unit or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings. The terms “spatial relative position” may be intended to include different orientations of the equipment in use or operation other than those shown in the figures.

[0033] The granular dispensing device 100 in the present application is described by taking the granular dispensing device 100 for a beverage machine 1 as an example. The beverage machine 1 generally comprises a brewing device 60, beverage granules and water being introduced into the brewing device 60 for the preparation of a beverage. The beverage machine 1 can also comprise a milk frother for making hot milk or milk froth to make beverages of different tastes. Whether it is the brewing device 60 or the milk frother, it needs to be cleaned regularly to make the use of the beverage machine 1 safer and more hygienic. Granular cleaning agent for assisting cleaning can be added to the brewing device 60 or the milk frother, or the granular cleaning agent can be mixed with water through a cleaning channel and then introduced into the brewing device 60 or the milk frother, and the brewing device 60 or the milk frother constitutes a target chamber 61 of the beverage machine 1. Of course, there can be other cavities that need to be cleaned, such as the cavity of the heater, which can also be considered as the target chamber 61.

[0034] The granular dispensing device 100 can be connected to the beverage machine 1, especially the beverage machine 1 operated automatically or semi-automatically, such as a coffee machine or a tea machine, through a connecting device, a support, a fixing member, etc. In the embodiment shown, the granular dispensing device 100 can be permanently integrated into the beverage machine 1; of course, it can also be detachably mounted on the beverage machine 1 through screws or a bracket of the granular dispensing device 100 itself.

[0035] Referring to Figures 1 to 2 In the embodiment shown, the granular dispensing device 100 is used for dispensing granular cleaning agent to the target chamber 61. The granular dispensing device 100 comprises a housing 20 and a feeding disc 30, the housing 20 defines a feeding channel 21 and a dispensing opening 22, the feeding channel 21 has an output opening 211. The feeding disc 30 is movably arranged in the housing 20, the feeding disc 30 can move between a first position and a second position, and the feeding disc 30 has a storage groove 31. In the first position, the storage groove 31 corresponds to the output opening 211 to receive a single granular cleaning agent; in the second position, the storage groove 31 corresponds to the dispensing opening 22 to dispense the single granular cleaning agent to the target chamber 61.

[0036] The granular dispensing device 100 further comprises a baffle 40 movably connected to the housing 20 to close or open the dispensing opening 22, and the baffle 40 opens the dispensing opening 22 in response to the movement of the feeding disc 30 from the first position to the second position. In the normal state, the baffle 40 closes the dispensing opening 22 to prevent moisture from entering the granular dispensing device 100 from the dispensing opening 22, thereby avoiding the granular cleaning agent from being damp or mistakenly dispensed; when the feeding disc 30 moves from the first position to the second position, the baffle 40 will automatically open in response to the movement of the feeding disc 30, and the single granular cleaning agent in the storage groove 31 can fall into the target chamber 61 from the dispensing opening 22, realizing the automatic cleaning of the target chamber 61.

[0037] The granular cleaning agent is prone to change in physical properties due to environmental humidity penetration. When the brewing device 60 is in operation, hot steam is generated in the brewing chamber. If the dispensing device is exposed to the humid environment generated by the brewing device 60 for a long time, the granular cleaning agent stored in the granular dispensing device 100 will be dampened and adhered or partially dissolved, which will affect the cleaning effect, dispensing accuracy, and even the normal operation of the granular dispensing device 100. The area above the brewing device 60 is in a closed state based on the arrangement of the baffle 40, which effectively blocks the hot steam from entering the interior of the granular dispensing device 100. The area below the brewing device 60 is generally provided with a dehumidification system, and the hot steam is extracted by the fan and discharged to the outside of the beverage machine 1. Therefore, by closing the dispensing port 22 with the baffle 40 in the normal state, the humidity is isolated, and the granular cleaning agent is kept dry and stable during storage and dispensing. The design that the baffle 40 is automatically opened in response to the movement of the feeding disc 30 not only ensures the accuracy and sealing of granular dispensing, but also significantly improves the reliability of cleaning agent dispensing and the overall durability of the equipment. In addition, the arrangement of the baffle 40 can shorten the distance between the granular dispensing device 100 and the brewing device 60, facilitate automatic dispensing of the granular cleaning agent, and make the overall beverage machine 1 more compact.

[0038] In an embodiment, the granular dispensing device 100 further comprises a second sensing member 52 configured to detect the granular cleaning agent in the storage tank 31 in a non-contact manner; the housing 20 further defines a containing space 203 containing the feeding disc 30, the feeding channel 21 communicates with the containing space 203; the second sensing member 52 is arranged outside the containing space 203, and the detection part 521 of the second sensing member 52 faces the storage tank 31 in a direction from the outside of the containing space 203 to the inside.

[0039] The second sensing member 52 detects whether the granular cleaning agent is received in the storage tank 31 through non-contact sensing. When the granular cleaning agent is consumed and the second sensing member 52 does not detect the granular cleaning agent in the storage tank 31, the controller automatically triggers a lack of material reminder to facilitate timely replenishment. The second sensing member 52 is arranged outside the containing space 203, and the detection part 521 is arranged towards the storage tank 31 to avoid the influence of the movement of the feeding disc 30 on the sensing accuracy of the second sensing member 52, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the signal. This design improves the intelligent level of the device, while considering the compactness and maintenance convenience of the structure, and continuously ensures the accuracy of the delivery of the granular cleaning agent without human intervention. The granular dispensing device 100 generally sets the second sensing member 52 at a position where the storage tank 31 receives a single granular cleaning agent, for detecting whether the granular cleaning agent is successfully received in the storage tank 31. The second sensing member 52 feeds back a signal to the controller of the beverage machine 1, and the controller judges whether to normally execute cleaning according to the signal. However, if the granular cleaning agent is stuck or other abnormal conditions occur during the movement of the feeding disc 30 from the first position to the second position, the controller will still judge that the granular cleaning agent has fallen into the target chamber 61, which will cause a false judgment. At this time, the controller may skip the alarm mechanism, causing the cleaning program to miss a key step.

[0040] To avoid the above risks, the granular dispensing device 100 further comprises a first sensing member 51 fixedly arranged relative to the housing 20. The first sensing member 51 is used to detect whether the granular cleaning agent passes through the dispensing port 22. When the feeding disc 30 moves to the second position, if the first sensing member 51 does not detect the passage of the granular cleaning agent, an abnormal signal is sent to the controller to trigger an alarm or a repeated delivery instruction, thereby ensuring the integrity and reliability of the cleaning program.

[0041] The introduction of the first sensing member 51 compensates for the limitations of the traditional detection method which only relies on the feedback of the storage tank 31, and realizes double monitoring of the whole process of dispensing the granular cleaning agent. By adding a physical sensing node at the dispensing port 22, the end of the granular cleaning agent conveying is detected, and the controller can accurately judge whether the granular cleaning agent really enters the target chamber 61, thereby effectively identifying abnormal conditions such as jamming or blocking of the granular cleaning agent, realizing accurate dispensing of the granular cleaning agent, and avoiding ineffective cleaning of the target chamber 61. By providing a reliable end detection mechanism, it is accurately judged whether the granular cleaning agent exactly falls into the target chamber 61, thereby realizing effective and automatic cleaning of the target chamber 61 in the beverage machine 1.

[0042] In an embodiment, the shutter 40 is in driving connection with the feeding disc 30, and the feeding disc 30 is in the second position, and the shutter 40 triggers the first inductive element 51. The shutter 40 can not only open the dispensing port 22, but also be used to trigger the first inductive element 51, forming a linkage feedback mechanism. When the feeding disc 30 moves to the second position, the shutter 40 synchronously opens the dispensing port 22 and touches the first inductive element 51, thereby confirming that the feeding disc 30 has reached the position and the dispensing port 22 is opened, and further confirming that the granular cleaning agent at the dispensing port 22 passes, that is, judging that the granular cleaning agent exactly falls into the target chamber 61.

[0043] The reciprocating movement of the feeding disc 30 is directly transmitted to the shutter 40 through the linkage structure, reducing the energy loss of the intermediate link and improving the action execution efficiency. This design is especially suitable for cleaning equipment with high frequency and periodic work, ensuring the reliability under long-term operation. The inductive signal and the mechanical opening and closing are synchronous verification, further eliminating the risk of misfeeding or missing feeding.

[0044] The second inductive element 52 is used for real-time monitoring whether the granular cleaning agent is received, ensuring that the storage tank 31 is effectively replenished after each feeding action. The first inductive element 51 is used for state confirmation whether the granular cleaning agent is fed, and the two work together to form a closed-loop control, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the feeding process. When the feeding disc 30 is in the first position, the second inductive element 52 detects the granular cleaning agent, indicating that the storage tank 31 has been normally replenished, and the next step of driving the feeding disc 30 to rotate can be performed. When the feeding disc 30 rotates to the second position, the first inductive element 51 senses the triggering action of the triggering part 423, confirming the feeding execution. If the second inductive element 52 does not detect the granular in the storage tank 31, it is determined that the replenishment fails, and the feeding disc 30 does not need to be driven to rotate. Through the double-induction mechanism, the missing feeding, repeated feeding or empty feeding phenomenon is effectively avoided, and the running stability and automation degree of the whole machine are improved.

[0045] The mechanical action of the shutter 40 is combined with the signal feedback of detecting the granular cleaning agent, ensuring that the granular cleaning agent is allowed to enter the subsequent process only in the case that the feeding path is unblocked and the controller accurately perceives, further improving the reliability of the granular cleaning agent feeding. At the same time, the synergy of the first inductive element 51 and the shutter 40 avoids the judgment deviation caused by sensor false reporting or mechanical delay, and strengthens the real-time control of the controller on the feeding state. Through this linkage mechanism, the device not only can confirm the actual passing of the cleaning agent, but also can verify the integrity of the movement of the feeding disc 30, ensuring that the controller can judge the completion of the feeding cycle. If the release signal is not received within the set time, it is determined that the shutter 40 is stuck or the reset fails, and the abnormal alarm is triggered again.

[0046] Reference Figures 2 to 6The shell 20 comprises a first side 201 and a second side 202 arranged oppositely, the feeding disc 30 is arranged on the first side 201, the baffle 40 comprises a cover plate 41 and a trigger plate 42 arranged in linkage, the cover plate 41 is used for closing or opening the dispensing port 22, and the trigger plate 42 is arranged on the second side 202; when the feeding disc 30 is in the second position, the trigger plate 42 triggers the first sensing part 51, and the cover plate 41 opens the dispensing port 22. The cover plate 41 is used for opening and closing the dispensing port 22, the trigger plate 42 is used for triggering the first sensing part 51, the cover plate 41 and the trigger plate 42 realize synchronous action through linkage structure, and it is ensured that the mechanical behavior and the signal feedback are one-to-one corresponding.

[0047] The trigger plate 42 is arranged on the second side 202 of the shell 20, and correspondingly, the first sensing part 51 can also be arranged outside the shell 20, so that maintenance is facilitated, interference of the internal feeding disc 30 is avoided, and system stability is improved. The cover plate 41 and the trigger plate 42 can be configured as an integrally formed component, so that action transmission has no lag. Of course, the cover plate 41 and the trigger plate 42 can also adopt a split type design and be coupled through a rigid connecting piece, so as to adapt to different assembly requirements.

[0048] In an embodiment, the cover plate 41 and the trigger plate 42 are arranged in an L shape, and the feeding disc 30 is in transmission connection with the trigger plate 42; when the feeding disc 30 moves from the first position to the second position, the trigger plate 42 and the cover plate 41 move synchronously with the feeding disc 30. When the feeding disc 30 moves to the second position, the trigger plate 42 triggers the first sensing part 51, and at the same time, the cover plate 41 completely opens the dispensing port 22, so that accurate synchronization of mechanical action and electrical signal feedback is realized.

[0049] The L-shaped arrangement of the cover plate 41 and the trigger plate 42 can be that projections of the cover plate 41 and the trigger plate 42 on a plane where the feeding disc 30 is located are in an L shape, as shown in Figure 5 The cover plate 41 opens the dispensing port 22 upward, and the trigger plate 42 triggers the first sensing part 51 downward. The L-shaped arrangement of the cover plate 41 and the trigger plate 42 can also be that projections of the cover plate 41 and the trigger plate 42 on a vertical plane perpendicular to a plane where the feeding disc 30 is located are in an L shape, as shown in Figure 6 The cover plate 41 can close the dispensing port 22 arranged along a direction from the first side 201 to the second side 202, and the trigger part 423 can be attached to the second side 202 of the shell 20. The cover plate 41 and the trigger plate 42 are in a vertically extended L-shaped structure in space, and the spatial layout is more compact, the limited space inside the shell 20 is effectively utilized, and the stability and response speed in the transmission process are ensured.

[0050] Continuing to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5The first sensing member 51 is at least partially located in the projection of the feeding disc 30 along the vertical direction. The trigger plate 42 comprises a connecting end 421 connected to the cover plate 41 and a free end 422 opposite to the connecting end 421. The free end 422 is provided with a trigger portion 423 for triggering the first sensing member 51. The width of the trigger plate 42 gradually decreases and then gradually increases in the extension direction from the connecting end 421 to the free end 422, and the trigger portion 423 is located in the region where the width of the trigger plate 42 gradually increases.

[0051] The installation position of the first sensing member 51 can make full use of the installation space outside the shell 20, and ensure that the trigger plate 42 can trigger the first sensing member 51 when the feeding disc 30 moves to the second position, without the need for an intermediate transmission mechanism, which is simple and compact in structure. The variable cross-section design of the trigger plate 42 makes the trigger portion 423 more easily aligned with the first sensing member 51 in the movement track, improving the triggering reliability. At the same time, the concave part formed by the change in width can be used for structural accommodation, providing a clearance space for adjacent components to avoid movement interference, while the structure is more compact and improves the overall integration. The trigger portion 423 of the free end 422 smoothly cuts in when it is close to the first sensing member 51, reducing the probability of false triggering or jamming, and ensuring the accuracy of signal feedback.

[0052] In an embodiment, the feeding disc 30 is rotationally connected to the shell 20, and the feeding disc 30 rotates relative to the shell 20 between the first position and the second position. The feeding disc 30 has an abutting portion 33 capable of contacting the baffle 40, and the abutting portion 33 drives the baffle 40 to open the dispensing opening 22 when the feeding disc 30 moves from the first position to the second position.

[0053] The feeding disc 30 drives the baffle 40 to act through the abutting portion 33, realizing the opening of the dispensing opening 22, which is simple in structure and reliable in transmission. The abutting portion 33 contacts the baffle 40 and applies a pushing force during synchronous rotation with the feeding disc 30, so that the baffle 40 is synchronously opened. When the feeding disc 30 rotates back to the first position, the baffle 40 can be used as the force applying side and the abutting portion 33 as the force receiving side, and the baffle 40 can be automatically reset by its own gravity or elastic force, closing the dispensing opening 22 and ensuring the sealing reliability of the feeding channel 21. During this process, the cover plate 41 and the trigger plate 42 are reset, the trigger portion 423 is separated from the first sensing member 51, and the controller recognizes that the feeding disc 30 has returned to the first position, preparing for the next dispensing of the granular cleaning agent.

[0054] The shell 20 is provided with a guide groove 23, which defines a rotation path of the feeding disc 30. The feeding disc 30 is provided with an abutting portion 33 extending into the guide groove 23, and the abutting portion 33 keeps in contact with the baffle plate 40. The abutting portion 33 is exemplified as a protruding column extending into the guide groove 23, or any structure capable of driving the baffle plate 40 to follow. The abutting portion 33 slides along the guide groove 23, ensuring that the movement track of the feeding disc 30 is stable during rotation, avoiding deviation or jamming. The limiting effect of the guide groove 23 cooperates with the abutting portion 33, making the reciprocating movement of the feeding disc 30 between the first position and the second position more accurate, and improving the consistency of the action. At the same time, the structure of the guide groove 23 can limit the opening amplitude of the baffle plate 40, preventing structural damage caused by excessive displacement of the baffle plate 40, and prolonging the service life. The entire transmission process does not require external power driving, and relies on the rotation of the feeding disc 30 to realize mechanical linkage, which is energy-saving and reliable.

[0055] In order to realize the reliable reset of the baffle plate 40, an elastic member 24 is arranged between the baffle plate 40 and the shell 20, and the baffle plate 40 is automatically closed under the action of the elastic member 24; from the second position to the first position of the feeding disc 30, the baffle plate 40 keeps in contact with the abutting portion 33 under the action of the elastic member 24. The arrangement of the elastic member 24 can not only ensure that the baffle plate 40 rebounds quickly and tightly seals the distribution port 22 after the feeding disc 30 is reset, but also can assist the feeding disc 30 to reset together, enhancing the coordination and stability of the system action.

[0056] The elastic member 24 can be configured as a spring, which abuts between the shell 20 and the baffle plate 40, and can keep the baffle plate 40 in the position of closing the distribution port 22. The baffle plate 40 can be pivotally connected to the shell 20, for example, the pivot shaft of the baffle plate 40 is located above the distribution port 22, and the elastic member 24 can be configured as a torsion spring, one end of which abuts to the outside of the baffle plate 40, and the other end of which abuts to the shell 20, which can more reliably keep the baffle plate 40 in the position of closing the distribution port 22. The pre-tightening force of the torsion spring ensures that the baffle plate 40 always adheres to the edge of the distribution port 22 without external force, forming an effective seal to prevent the cleaner from being damp or leaking. In addition, the baffle plate 40 is arranged to rotate upward to open the distribution port 22, which is beneficial to realize rapid closing under the double actions of gravity and the elastic member 24, and also will not affect the smooth falling of the granular cleaner, avoiding the blockage or jamming of the discharge caused by improper opening direction of the baffle plate 40.

[0057] Continuing to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5The granular dispensing device 100 further comprises a transmission mechanism 25 connected to the feeding disc 30, the transmission mechanism 25 being configured to drive the feeding disc 30 to reciprocate so as to move the feeding disc 30 to the first position or the second position. The transmission mechanism 25 comprises a worm 252 driven by a motor 251 and a worm gear tooth portion 32 in transmission connection with the worm 252, the worm gear tooth portion 32 being fixed to the feeding disc 30. The motor 251 drives the worm 252 to rotate, thereby driving the worm gear tooth portion 32 to rotate and driving the feeding disc 30 to reciprocate accurately between the first position and the second position. The meshing structure of the worm 252 and the worm gear tooth portion 32 has a self-locking feature, which can prevent the feeding disc 30 from being excessively returned under the action of the elastic member 24 and causing the position of the storage groove 31 to deviate, thereby ensuring accurate positioning.

[0058] With reference to Figure 1 The present application also relates to a beverage machine 1 comprising a brewer 60, the beverage machine 1 further comprising the granular dispensing device 100 as in the above embodiments, the target chamber 61 being configured as a brewing chamber of the brewer 60, the granular dispensing device 100 being configured to dispense the granular cleaning agent to the brewing chamber to clean the brewer 60.

[0059] With reference to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The beverage machine 1 further comprises a conveying passage 13 arranged between the dispensing port 22 and the brewing chamber, the conveying passage 13 being configured to convey the granular cleaning agent falling from the dispensing port 22 to the brewing chamber. The brewing chamber and the conveying passage 13 are provided with an upper cover 11 and an elastic rubber cover 12, the upper cover 11 being provided with a relief notch 111, and the elastic rubber cover 12 covering the relief notch 111. The upper cover 11 and the elastic rubber cover 12 jointly define an opening 121 corresponding to the dispensing port 22; the feeding disc 30 is in the second position, and the baffle 40 at least partially extends from the opening 121 towards the conveying passage 13.

[0060] The provision of the upper cover 11 and the elastic rubber cover 12 can prevent the steam in the brewer 60 from entering the granular dispensing device 100 through the gap on the housing 20, for example, can prevent the steam in the brewer 60 from entering the granular dispensing device 100 through the guide groove 23. The elastic rubber cover 12 can facilitate the installation between the granular dispensing device 100 and the upper cover 11, while accommodating assembly errors, ensuring that the space above the brewer 60 can be effectively separated from the outside of the granular dispensing device 100, avoiding the influence of the high-temperature and high-humidity environment on the storage and dispensing of the granular cleaning agent.

[0061] The beverage machine 1 further comprises a first sensing member 51 for detecting the granular cleaning agent at the dispensing opening 22 and a second sensing member 52 for detecting the granular cleaning agent at the output opening 211; the first sensing member 51 and the second sensing member 52 are electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is configured to start the cleaning of the brewing device 60 according to the triggering signals of the first sensing member 51 and the second sensing member 52.

[0062] When the second sensing member 52 confirms that the granular cleaning agent falls into the storage groove 31 and the first sensing member 51 detects the triggering action of the triggering part 423, the controller starts the cleaning program, at this time, it is determined that the cleaning agent has been accurately put into the brewing chamber, and the cleaning process is automatically executed.

[0063] When the brewing device 60 of the beverage machine 1 needs to be cleaned, the granular dispensing device 100 starts to deliver the granular cleaning agent, the second sensing member 52 confirms that the granular cleaning agent falls into the storage groove 31, the controller starts the motor 251, the motor 251 drives the feeding disc 30 to rotate through the transmission mechanism 25, in the process of rotating the feeding disc 30, the baffle 40 is pushed to rotate synchronously, so that the baffle 40 opens the dispensing opening 22, and the granular cleaning agent can fall into the brewing chamber from the opened dispensing opening 22. At the same time that the baffle 40 opens the dispensing opening 22, the first sensing member 51 is triggered, and the controller receives the signal that the granular cleaning agent has been delivered, and then water is supplied into the brewing chamber, so that the controller can be prevented from failing to recognize when the granular cleaning agent is stuck.

[0064] If the first sensing member 51 is not provided and only the second sensing member 52 is provided, the second sensing member 52 detects the presence of the granular cleaning agent, but when an abnormal condition such as the granular cleaning agent being stuck occurs, the controller will still determine that the granular cleaning agent has been delivered, and the subsequent drug cleaning is actually a simple water cleaning, which can cause the brewing chamber to be not cleaned thoroughly.

[0065] After the granular cleaning agent is delivered, the controller starts the motor 251 to reset the feeding disc 30, and the baffle 40 re-seals the dispensing opening 22 under the action of the elastic member 24, completing a cycle. The baffle 40 re-seals the dispensing opening 22 under the action of the elastic member 24, so as to avoid residual steam or moisture from entering the granular dispensing device 100.

[0066] With reference to Figure 9 The application also relates to a control method of a beverage machine 1, comprising the following steps: receiving a cleaning instruction; detecting whether the granular cleaning agent exists in the storage groove 31 of the feeding disc 30; receiving the detection signal that the granular cleaning agent exists in the storage groove 31, and starting the motor 251 to drive the feeding disc 30 to move from the first position to the second position; In response to the feeding disc 30 reaching the second position, the baffle 40 triggers the first inductor 51 and opens the dispensing port 22, so that the granular cleaning agent existing in the storage groove 31 is dispensed from the dispensing port 22 to the target chamber 61; The starting motor 251 drives the feeding disc 30 to move from the second position to the first position, and when the feeding disc 30 reaches the first position, the baffle 40 closes the dispensing port 22; Water is supplied into the target chamber 61 to mix with the granular cleaning agent to form a cleaning solution.

[0067] The whole control process is a precise closed loop, which ensures that the delivery of granular cleaning agent is accurate and traceable each time, and avoids cleaning failure caused by lack of material or jam. After the water supply is completed, the controller starts the water flushing program of the brewing device 60 according to the preset time, so as to avoid residual cleaning agent. From the delivery of granular cleaning agent to the cleaning of the target chamber 61, the degree of automation is high, which effectively avoids the risk of misoperation caused by human intervention.

[0068] Optionally, in the above control method, the trigger condition of supplying water into the target chamber 61 to mix with the granular cleaning agent to form a cleaning solution can be that after the baffle 40 triggers the first inductor 51, it is detected that the granular cleaning agent exists in the storage groove 31, that is, after the baffle 40 triggers the first inductor 51, it is detected again that the granular cleaning agent exists in the storage groove 31, and then water is supplied into the target chamber 61. After the baffle 40 triggers the first inductor 51, it is detected again that the granular cleaning agent exists in the storage groove 31, which indicates that the feeding disc 30 has been reset and the baffle 40 has also closed the dispensing port 22. At this time, water is supplied into the target chamber 61 for cleaning the target chamber 61, which can avoid that the water vapor generated by the hot water supplied into the target chamber 61 enters the granular dispensing device 100 through the dispensing port 22, and further improves the reliability of the cleaning process.

[0069] Optionally, in the above control method, the trigger condition of supplying water into the target chamber 61 to mix with the granular cleaning agent to form a cleaning solution can also be that after the baffle 40 triggers the first inductor 51, the motor 251 runs a preset number of steps to drive the feeding disc 30 to move from the second position towards the first position. The number of steps of the motor 251 indirectly reflects whether the feeding disc 30 moves from the second position to the first position, so as to judge the reset condition of the feeding disc 30 and the baffle 40. After the feeding disc 30 and the baffle 40 are reset, water is supplied into the target chamber 61, that is, after the feeding disc 30 is reset to the first position and the baffle 40 is reset to close the dispensing port 22, water is supplied into the target chamber 61.

[0070] Optionally, in the control method described above, the trigger condition for supplying water into the target chamber 61 to mix with the granular cleaning agent to form a cleaning solution can also be that the baffle 40 stops triggering the first sensing element 51 for a first preset time, and the first preset time represents the time from when the baffle 40 opens the dispensing port 22 to when the baffle 40 closes the dispensing port 22. This time is set according to the accurate calibration of the rotation period of the feeding tray 30, to ensure that the water supply is started after the dispensing port 22 is completely closed, to prevent moisture from entering the dispensing port 22 that is not completely closed, thereby avoiding the granular cleaning agent from being damp and clogging the channel.

[0071] Of course, the above trigger conditions can be used alone or in combination to achieve a multiple verification mechanism. By cross-verification of multiple signals, including the detection signal of the first sensing element 51, the detection signal of the second sensing element 52, the number of steps of the motor 251, and the time delay, the controller can dynamically determine the completeness and reliability of the granular cleaning agent dispensing, effectively avoiding process abnormalities caused by single signal misjudgment. When multiple conditions are met at the same time, the water supply stage is allowed to enter, which significantly improves the reliability of the control logic.

[0072] It should be understood that although the present specification is described in terms of embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution, and the description of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that those skilled in the art can understand.

[0073] The above series of detailed descriptions are only specific descriptions of the feasible embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present application. Any equivalent embodiments or changes made without departing from the spirit of the present application should be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A granular dispensing device for dispensing granular cleaning agent into a target chamber, characterized in that, The particle dispensing device includes: The housing defines a feeding channel and a dispensing port, the feeding channel having an output port; A feeding tray is movably disposed on the housing and is movable between a first position and a second position. The feeding tray has a storage trough. In the first position, the feeding tray corresponds to the output port to receive a single granular cleaning agent. In the second position, the feeding tray corresponds to the dispensing port to dispense a single granular cleaning agent into the target chamber. A baffle, movably connected to the housing to close or open the dispensing port, the baffle opening the dispensing port in response to movement of the feed tray from the first position to the second position.

2. The particle dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first sensor, which is fixedly disposed relative to the housing; the baffle is tractively connected to the feeding tray, the feeding tray is in the second position, and the baffle triggers the first sensor.

3. The particle dispensing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing includes a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other. The feeding tray is disposed on the first side. The baffle includes a cover plate and a trigger plate that are linked together. The cover plate is used to close or open the dispensing port. The trigger plate is disposed on the second side. When the feeding tray is in the second position, the trigger plate triggers the first sensor, and the cover plate opens the dispensing port.

4. The particle dispensing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cover plate and the trigger plate are arranged in an L-shape, and the feeding tray is connected to the trigger plate in a transmission manner; from the first position to the second position, the trigger plate and the cover plate move synchronously with the feeding tray.

5. The particle dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, Along the vertical direction, the first sensor is at least partially located within the projection of the feed tray. The trigger plate includes a connecting end connected to the cover plate and a free end disposed opposite to the connecting end. The free end is provided with a triggering part for triggering the first sensor. In the extending direction from the connecting end to the free end, the width of the trigger plate first gradually decreases and then gradually increases. The triggering part is located in the region where the width of the trigger plate gradually increases.

6. The particle dispensing device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The feeding tray is rotatably connected to the housing, and the feeding tray rotates relative to the housing between the first position and the second position; the feeding tray has an abutment portion that can contact the baffle, and the feeding tray moves from the first position to the second position, and the abutment portion drives the baffle to open the dispensing port.

7. The particle dispensing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a guide groove, which defines the rotation path of the feeding disc. The feeding disc is provided with an abutting part that extends into the guide groove and keeps in contact with the baffle.

8. The particle dispensing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, An elastic element is provided between the baffle and the housing, and the baffle automatically closes the dispensing port under the action of the elastic element; the feeding tray moves from the second position to the first position, and the baffle remains in contact with the abutting part under the action of the elastic element.

9. The particle dispensing device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, It also includes a second sensor configured to detect the granular cleaning agent in the storage tank in a non-contact manner; the housing further defines a receiving space for accommodating the feeding tray, and the feeding channel communicates with the receiving space; the second sensor is located outside the receiving space, and the detection part of the second sensor faces the storage tank in a direction from the outside to the inside of the receiving space.

10. The particle dispensing device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, It also includes a transmission mechanism connected to the feeding tray, the transmission mechanism being used to drive the feeding tray to reciprocate so that the feeding tray moves to the first position or the second position; the transmission mechanism includes a worm driven by a motor and a worm gear tooth connected to the worm, the worm gear tooth being fixed on the feeding tray.

11. A beverage machine, comprising a brewing device, characterized in that, The beverage machine further includes a granule dispensing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the target chamber is configured as the brewing chamber of the brewer, and the granule dispensing device is configured to dispense the granular cleaning agent into the brewing chamber to clean the brewer.

12. The beverage machine according to claim 11, characterized in that, It also includes a conveying channel, which is disposed between the dispensing port and the brewing chamber for conveying the granular cleaning agent falling from the dispensing port to the brewing chamber; a top cover and an elastic rubber cover are provided above the brewing chamber and the conveying channel, the top cover has an avoidance notch, the elastic rubber cover covers the avoidance notch, and the top cover and the elastic rubber cover together define the opening corresponding to the dispensing port; The feed tray is in the second position, and the baffle extends at least partially from the opening toward the conveying channel.

13. The beverage machine according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The beverage machine further includes a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is used to detect the granular cleaning agent at the dispensing port, and the second sensor is used to detect the granular cleaning agent at the output port. The first sensor and the second sensor are electrically connected to a controller, which is configured to initiate the cleaning of the brewer based on the trigger signals from the first sensor and the second sensor.

14. A control method for a beverage machine, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Cleaning instruction received; Check if there is granular cleaning agent in the storage trough of the feeding tray; Upon receiving a detection signal indicating that the granular cleaning agent is present in the storage tank, the motor is started to drive the feeding tray to move from the first position to the second position; In response to the feeding tray reaching the second position, the baffle triggers the first sensor and opens the dispensing port so that the granular cleaning agent present in the storage tank is dispensed from the dispensing port into the target chamber; The motor is started to drive the feeding tray to move from the second position to the first position. When the feeding tray reaches the first position, the baffle closes the dispensing port. Water is supplied to the target chamber to mix with the granular cleaning agent to form a cleaning solution.

15. The control method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The triggering condition for supplying water to the target chamber to mix with the granular cleaning agent to form a cleaning solution is at least one of the following conditions: After the baffle triggers the first sensor, it detects that the granular cleaning agent is present in the storage tank; After the baffle triggers the first sensor, the motor runs a preset number of steps to drive the feeding tray to move from the second position toward the first position; After the baffle stops triggering the first sensor for a first preset time, the first preset time represents the time from when the baffle opens the distribution port to when the distribution port closes.

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