Powder processing mechanism and beverage preparation equipment
By employing a driven bevel gear and a driving bevel gear in the beverage preparation equipment, the problem of unstable piston movement is solved, achieving smooth piston movement and stable powder processing. The structure is compact, improving the convenience of the equipment.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411090777.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-10
AI Technical Summary
In existing beverage preparation equipment, the piston movement is not smooth enough, resulting in uneven engagement between the drive gear and rack, which affects the stability of powder processing.
The system employs a driven bevel gear and a driving bevel gear mating structure. Through threaded connection and limiting groove design, it ensures a long gear contact line and uniform load distribution, thereby achieving smooth transmission of driving force and stable piston movement.
This design achieves smoother and more reliable reciprocating piston movement, and features a compact structure that reduces uneven gear stress, thereby improving the stability of powder processing and the convenience of the equipment.
Smart Images
Figure CN121489291A_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of processing powder in a beverage brewing device, and in particular to a powder processing mechanism and a beverage brewing device having the same. BACKGROUND
[0002] In a beverage brewing device such as a coffee machine, hot water is usually first delivered into a brewing container to brew a coffee beverage, and then the powder residue in the brewing container is pushed out by the upward movement of a piston at the bottom of the brewing container. In order to drive the piston to move, a driving gear is usually used to cooperate with a rack to drive the rack to reciprocatingly move the piston when the driving gear rotates.
[0003] However, the structure of the driving gear cooperating with the rack is prone to cause uneven force on the rack, thereby causing the piston to move unstably.
[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a powder processing mechanism and a beverage brewing device capable of solving the above problems. SUMMARY
[0005] The present application aims to provide a powder processing mechanism and a beverage brewing device to solve the technical problem of the piston moving unstably in the current beverage brewing device.
[0006] The present application solves the technical problem by adopting the following technical scheme: a powder processing mechanism, comprising a powder container and a first piston assembly. The powder container defines a receiving space for receiving powder. The first piston assembly comprises a first piston and a first driving device. The first piston is inserted into one end of the receiving space. The first driving device comprises a piston rod, a driven bevel gear and a driving bevel gear. The first piston is mounted on the top of the piston rod. The driven bevel gear comprises a threaded hole and a bevel gear. The piston rod comprises a threaded rod which is threadedly connected with the threaded hole. The rotation axis of the driving bevel gear intersects with the rotation axis of the bevel gear. The driving bevel gear drives the driven bevel gear to rotate when the driving bevel gear is rotated by force. The driven bevel gear drives the piston rod to reciprocate relative to the driven bevel gear.
[0007] Optionally, the first driving device further comprises a first power assembly which is drivingly connected with the driving bevel gear for driving the driving bevel gear to rotate.
[0008] Optionally, the first power assembly comprises a first motor, a gear set and a power output shaft. The first motor drives the gear set to rotate, and the gear set drives the power output shaft to rotate. The power output shaft drives the driving bevel gear to rotate.
[0009] Optionally, the powder processing mechanism further includes a first fixed seat, which is disposed around one side of the threaded rod. The first fixed seat has a mounting hole, and the driving bevel gear has a rotating part inserted into the mounting hole. The rotating part is inserted into the rotating part and drives the rotating part to rotate. The first fixed seat has a first limiting groove, which rotatably engages with the driven bevel gear and prevents the driven bevel gear from moving along the rotation axis. The first fixed seat has a first limiting block, and the outer circumferential surface of the threaded rod has a first sliding groove. The first limiting block slidably engages with the first sliding groove to allow the piston rod to reciprocate relative to the driven bevel gear by preventing the piston rod from rotating.
[0010] Optionally, the powder processing mechanism further includes a second fixed seat, which is disposed around the other side of the threaded rod and connected to the first fixed seat. The second fixed seat has a second limiting groove, which rotatably engages with the driven bevel gear and prevents the driven bevel gear from moving along the rotation axis. The second fixed seat also has a second limiting block, and the outer circumferential surface of the threaded rod has a second sliding groove. The second limiting block slidably engages with the second sliding groove to allow the piston rod to reciprocate relative to the driven bevel gear by preventing the piston rod from rotating.
[0011] Optionally, the driven bevel gear includes an annular flange, the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove form at least a portion of the annular groove, and the annular flange is received within the annular groove; and / or, the sliding surface of the first limiting block and the sliding surface of the second limiting block are arranged parallel to each other, and the extension direction of the first groove and the extension direction of the second groove are parallel to the rotation axis of the threaded rod.
[0012] Optionally, the powder processing mechanism further includes a second piston assembly, which includes a second piston and a second driving device. The second driving device is configured to drive the second piston to move toward the top opening of the receiving space and enter the receiving space; the second piston is provided with a water supply channel toward the receiving space.
[0013] The present invention also solves its technical problem by adopting the following technical solution: a beverage preparation device, comprising a powder processing mechanism and a brewing system according to any one or more of the above descriptions. The brewing system is in fluid communication with the powder container and is configured to deliver water into the powder container so that the water and the powder are used to prepare a beverage.
[0014] Optionally, the powder processing mechanism further includes a second piston assembly, which includes a second piston and a second driving device. The second driving device is configured to drive the second piston to move toward the top opening of the receiving space and enter the receiving space. The second piston has a water supply channel toward the receiving space. The brewing system includes a first water supply pipe, which is mounted on the second piston assembly. The end of the first water supply pipe is in fluid communication with the water supply channel and in a fluid disconnected state. When the end of the first water supply pipe is in fluid communication with the water supply channel, the first water supply pipe is used to discharge water, which then enters the receiving space through the water supply channel.
[0015] Optionally, the powder handling mechanism further includes a powder guiding component and a driving component. The powder guiding component is used to receive powder and discharge the powder. The driving component is connected to the powder guiding component and is used to drive the powder guiding component to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the powder guiding component is close to the powder container, and the discharged powder can fall into the receiving space. In the second position, the powder guiding component is away from the powder container. And / or, the beverage preparation device is a coffee machine.
[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: In the powder processing mechanism and beverage preparation equipment of this embodiment, by employing a driven bevel gear and a driving bevel gear in cooperation, the long contact line of the gears and the uniform load distribution enable smooth transmission of driving force and uniform force distribution on the gears, thereby making the reciprocating movement of the first piston more stable and reliable. Furthermore, by employing a driven bevel gear and a driving bevel gear in cooperation, the transmission direction can be changed, thus providing a relatively compact structure. Attached Figure Description
[0017] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements having the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.
[0018] Figure 1 This is an assembly schematic diagram of a beverage preparation device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded three-dimensional diagram of the beverage preparation equipment shown.
[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of the beverage preparation equipment shown;
[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of another part of the beverage preparation equipment shown;
[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation relationship between the first water supply pipe and the second piston assembly in a beverage preparation device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation relationship between the first driving device, the first fixed base, and the second fixed base in a beverage preparation device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a beverage preparation device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. When an element is described as "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," and similar expressions used in this specification are for illustrative purposes only.
[0026] Additionally, to facilitate the description of the relationship between one component or component and another component or component shown in the accompanying drawings, spatially relative terms such as "lower," "upper," and similar terms may be used herein. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use and operation, other than those depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is inverted, a component described as "lower" of other components or components may then be oriented "upper" of other components or components.
[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0028] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.
[0029] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown,Figure 1 This is an assembly schematic diagram of a beverage preparation device 200 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows an exploded perspective view of the beverage preparation equipment 200. In this embodiment, the beverage preparation equipment 200 may include a powder processing mechanism 100A and a brewing system 100C. The brewing system 100C is in fluid communication with the powder container 427 of the powder processing mechanism 100A and is configured to deliver water into the powder container 427 so that the water and powder are mixed to form a beverage. The powder may be coffee powder, tea powder, or other particulate matter that can form a beverage after being soaked in water.
[0030] In one embodiment, the powder handling mechanism 100A includes a powder guiding assembly 45A, a powder container 427, and a drive assembly 45B. The powder guiding assembly 45A receives powder and discharges it. The powder container 427 defines a receiving space 4271. The drive assembly 45B is connected to the powder guiding assembly 45A and drives the powder guiding assembly 45A to move between a first position and a second position. The powder guiding assembly 45A can be stably positioned in the first position and can be driven to move to the second position and remain stable, and vice versa. In the first position, the powder guiding assembly 45A is close to the powder container 427, and the discharged powder can fall into the receiving space 4271. In the second position, the powder guiding assembly 45A moves away from the powder container 427.
[0031] In the powder handling mechanism 100A of the above embodiment, by using the drive component 45B to drive the powder guiding component 45A to move closer to the powder container 427, the discharged powder can fall into the receiving space 4271, thereby enabling subsequent brewing operations of the powder within the powder container 427. By using the drive component 45B to drive the powder guiding component 45A away from the powder container 427, condensation of water vapor at the outlet of the powder guiding component 45A during subsequent brewing operations is reduced or avoided. Accordingly, the powder will not stick to the outlet of the powder guiding component 45A, preventing outlet blockage; and the user will not need to maintain the beverage preparation equipment to eliminate blockages. Therefore, this application improves the convenience of the beverage preparation equipment 200 employing this powder handling mechanism 100A.
[0032] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, Figure 3 for Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the beverage preparation equipment 200 shown. Figure 4 for Figure 2This is an enlarged schematic diagram of another part of the structure of the beverage preparation apparatus 200 shown. The powder guiding assembly 45A defines a powder guiding channel, which includes a discharge port 4501. In a first position, the discharge port 4501 is positioned towards the receiving space 4271; for example, the discharge port 4501 may be positioned downwards and directly above the receiving space 4271. In a second position, the discharge port 4501 is offset from the receiving space 4271; for example, the discharge port 4501 may be moved to the left or right side directly above the receiving space 4271, thus achieving the offset positioning. The powder guiding assembly 45A includes a mating part 4521, which is driven to engage with the drive assembly 45B, thereby moving the powder guiding assembly 45A. By providing the powder guiding channel, powder can be conveniently conveyed to a predetermined position; by providing the mating part 4521, it can be conveniently driven by the drive assembly 45B, thereby realizing the movement of the entire powder guiding assembly 45A.
[0033] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the powder guiding assembly 45A includes a powder guiding ring 452, and the mating part 4521 is a gear tooth disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the powder guiding ring 452. The drive assembly 45B includes a rotating gear 451, which meshes with the gear tooth to drive the powder guiding assembly 45A to rotate. These gear teeth can extend parallel to the central axis of the powder guiding ring 452, and correspondingly, the gear teeth of the rotating gear 451 can also extend parallel to the central axis of the powder guiding ring 452. The rotating gear 451 can be driven by a fourth motor 454, which can be mounted on a support structure 470, which is mounted on a base 4. By providing gear teeth on the outer peripheral surface of the powder guiding ring 452, it is easy to mesh with the rotating gear 451, thereby realizing the rotational movement of the powder guiding assembly 45A.
[0034] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the powder guiding assembly 45A also includes a powder guiding cylinder 450, which is installed on the side of the powder guiding ring 452 and together defines a powder guiding channel. A discharge port 4501 is located at the bottom of the powder guiding cylinder 450. For example, a first through hole may be formed in the side wall of the powder guiding ring 452 to allow powder inside the powder guiding ring 452 to pass through the first through hole and enter the powder guiding cylinder 450. The powder guiding cylinder 450 may include a second through hole extending vertically, which may directly communicate with the first through hole, or communicate through a third through hole formed within the powder guiding cylinder 450. The third through hole may extend downwards from the first through hole and communicate with the second through hole. The discharge port 4501 may be an opening at the lower end of the second through hole. At least the first through hole and the second through hole constitute a powder guiding channel, or at least the first through hole, the third through hole, and the second through hole constitute a powder guiding channel. In this way, by assembling using the powder guiding cylinder 450 and the powder guiding ring 452, structural design and manufacturing are facilitated.
[0035] In some embodiments, combined with Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the rotating gear 451 is configured to rotate around the first axis A1, the powder guiding ring 452 is configured to rotate around the second axis A2, and the accommodating space 4271 has a third axis A3; the first axis A1, the second axis A2, and the third axis A3 are parallel and do not coincide. In this way, the layout between components can be facilitated, resulting in a compact structure and saving space.
[0036] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the powder processing mechanism 100A also includes a grinding assembly 43A for grinding raw materials to form powder. The grinding assembly 43A is at least partially located in the powder guiding assembly 45A so that the ground powder is received by the powder guiding assembly 45A. For example, the outlet of the grinding assembly 43A may be located inside or communicate with the inside of the powder guiding ring 452 so that the ground powder is input into the inside of the powder guiding ring 452. The powder guiding assembly 45A includes a pusher 447, which is mounted on the grinding assembly 43A and is driven by the grinding assembly 43A to rotate, thereby pushing the powder to discharge it. In this way, raw materials such as coffee beans can be ground into powder by the grinding assembly 43A, and the powder can be conveniently discharged towards the discharge port 4501 by the pusher 447 while grinding to form powder.
[0037] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the grinding assembly 43A includes a first grinding element 105, a second grinding element 439, and a drive shaft 441. The second grinding element 439 is mounted on the drive shaft 441, and a grinding channel is formed between the first grinding element 105 and the second grinding element 439. The first grinding element 105 may be a cylindrical member with an inner grinding edge, and the second grinding element 439 may be a cylindrical member with an outer grinding edge, and the second grinding element 439 is inserted into the first grinding element 105. The powder pusher 447 is connected to the drive shaft 441 and includes multiple blades 4471. When the powder pusher 447 rotates together with the drive shaft 441, the multiple blades 4471 push the powder in a centrifugal motion. The blades 4471 may extend radially along the drive shaft 441, and the blades 4471 are generally parallel to the rotation axis of the drive shaft 441. In this way, the raw material can be ground by the first grinding element 105 and the second grinding element 439, and the blade 4471 can be rotated by the transmission shaft 441, thereby pushing the powder towards the powder guide cylinder 450.
[0038] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the beverage preparation equipment 200 or powder processing mechanism 100A also includes a first piston assembly 42A. The first piston assembly 42A includes a first piston 426 and a first driving device 42B. The first piston 426 is inserted into the lower end of the receiving space 4271; the first driving device 42B is configured to drive the first piston 426 to move up and down within the receiving space 4271. In this way, the lower end of the receiving space 4271 can be sealed by the first piston 426, making the receiving space 4271 a container capable of holding powder and water; moreover, the first driving device 42B can drive the first piston 426 to move upward within the receiving space 4271, thereby pushing the powder or brewed residue out of the receiving space 4271 to facilitate the subsequent scraping operation.
[0039] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the first driving device 42B includes a piston rod 432, a driven bevel gear 433, and a driving bevel gear 431. A first piston 426 is mounted on the top of the piston rod 432. The driven bevel gear 433 includes a threaded hole 4331 and a bevel gear 4332. The piston rod 432 includes a threaded rod 4321, which is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole 4331. The rotation axis of the driving bevel gear 431 intersects the rotation axis of the bevel gear 4332. The circumferential outer surface of the bevel gear 4332 has multiple teeth, the extension direction of which is inclined to the rotation axis of the bevel gear 4332. The circumferential outer surface of the driving bevel gear 431 also has multiple teeth, the extension direction of which is inclined to the rotation axis of the driving bevel gear 431. Alternatively, spur bevel gears, helical bevel gears, etc., can be used depending on the shape and direction of the tooth lines. The outer surface of the threaded rod 4321 is threaded to engage with the threaded hole 4331. The rotation axis of the driving bevel gear 431 intersects with the rotation axis of the bevel gear 4332, for example, forming an acute angle or a right angle. When the driving bevel gear 431 rotates under force, it drives the driven bevel gear 433 to rotate, and the driven bevel gear 433 drives the piston rod 432 to move up and down relative to the driven bevel gear 433. The first piston 426 can be mounted on the top of the piston rod 432 via a fixed shaft 428. In this way, by using the driven bevel gear 433 and the driving bevel gear 431 in cooperation, the transmission of driving force can be smooth, the force on the gears can be even, and the up and down movement of the first piston 426 can be relatively stable.
[0040] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the beverage preparation equipment 200 or powder handling mechanism 100A also includes a second piston assembly 41A. The second piston assembly 41A includes a second piston 418 and a second drive device 41B. The second drive device 41B is configured to drive the second piston 418 toward the top opening of the receiving space 4271 and into the receiving space 4271. (Further details omitted) Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation relationship between a first water supply pipe 419 and a second piston assembly 41A in a beverage preparation apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The second piston 418 of the second piston assembly 41A has a water supply channel 4181 facing the receiving space 4271. The brewing system 100C includes a first water supply pipe 419, which is mounted on the second piston assembly 41A. The end 4191 of the first water supply pipe 419 is in fluid communication with the water supply channel 4181, and is in a state of fluid disconnection. When the end 4191 of the first water supply pipe 419 is in fluid communication with the water supply channel 4181, the first water supply pipe 419 is used to discharge water, which then enters the receiving space 4271 through the water supply channel 4181. The first water supply pipe 419 may be a Teflon tube to prevent or reduce scale accumulation. In this way, by setting the second piston assembly 41A, the second piston 418 can be used to compact the powder in the containing space 4271, and hot water can be introduced into the containing space 4271 through the first water supply pipe 419 to brew the powder, thereby producing a beverage.
[0041] In some embodiments, the beverage preparation device 200 is implemented as a coffee machine. Accordingly, the powder used is coffee bean powder.
[0042] In one embodiment, this application also provides a powder processing mechanism 100A. (In conjunction with...) Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the powder handling mechanism 100A includes a powder container 427 and a first piston assembly 42A. The powder container 427 defines a receiving space 4271 for receiving powder. The first piston assembly 42A includes a first piston 426 and a first drive device 42B, with the first piston 426 inserted into one end of the receiving space 4271. The first driving device 42B includes a piston rod 432, a driven bevel gear 433, and a driving bevel gear 431. A first piston 426 is mounted on the top of the piston rod 432. The driven bevel gear 433 includes a threaded hole 4331 and a bevel gear 4332. The piston rod 432 includes a threaded rod 4321, which is threaded into the threaded hole 4331. The rotation axis of the driving bevel gear 431 intersects the rotation axis of the bevel gear 4332. When the driving bevel gear 431 is rotated under force, it drives the driven bevel gear 433 to rotate. The driven bevel gear 433 drives the piston rod 432 to reciprocate relative to the driven bevel gear 433. The first piston 426 can be inserted into either of the opposite ends of the receiving space 4271. When the receiving space 4271 is vertically arranged, the first piston 426 can be inserted into the lower end of the receiving space 4271.
[0043] In the powder processing mechanism 100A of the above embodiment, by employing a driven bevel gear 433 and a driving bevel gear 431 in cooperation, the long contact line of the gears and the uniform load distribution enable smooth transmission of driving force and uniform force distribution on the gears, thereby making the reciprocating movement of the first piston 426 more stable and reliable. Furthermore, by employing a driven bevel gear 433 and a driving bevel gear 431 in cooperation, the transmission direction can be changed, thus providing a relatively compact structure.
[0044] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the first driving device 42B also includes a first power component 429, which is drivenly connected to the drive bevel gear 431 and used to drive the drive bevel gear 431 to rotate. In this way, the first power component 429 can provide driving force, thereby driving the drive bevel gear 431 to rotate.
[0045] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the first power assembly 429 includes a first motor 4291, a gear set (not shown), and a power output shaft 4292. The first motor 4291 drives the gear set to rotate, which in turn drives the power output shaft 4292 to rotate; the power output shaft 4292 drives the drive bevel gear 431 to rotate. The gear set may include two or more gears to reduce or increase the rotational speed of the power output shaft 4292. The first motor 4291 and the gear set (not shown) can be mounted in the gearbox housing 4293. The power output shaft 4292 can be mounted on the last gear of the gear set to rotate coaxially with the rotation of the last gear. The power output shaft 4292 extends out of the gearbox housing 4293 to engage with the drive bevel gear 431. In this way, the gear ratio can be flexibly configured to obtain the desired rotational speed of the drive bevel gear 431, thereby driving the first piston 426 to reciprocate at a preset speed.
[0046] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation relationship between the first driving device 42B, the first fixed base 430, and the second fixed base 436 in a beverage preparation apparatus 200 provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. The powder processing mechanism 100A further includes a first fixed base 430, which is disposed around one side of the threaded rod 4321 and can be located at the bottom end of the powder container 427. The first fixed base 430 has a cylindrical mounting hole 4301, and the driving bevel gear 431 has a cylindrical rotating part 4311, which is inserted into the mounting hole 4301. A power output shaft 4292 is inserted into the rotating part 4311 and drives the rotating part 4311 to rotate. The first fixed base 430 has a first limiting groove 4302, which rotatably engages with the driven bevel gear 433 and prevents the driven bevel gear 433 from moving along the rotation axis. The first fixed base 430 is provided with a first limiting block 4303, and the outer peripheral surface of the threaded rod 4321 is provided with a first sliding groove 4322. The first limiting block 4303 and the first sliding groove 4322 are slidably engaged, so as to prevent the piston rod 432 from rotating and thus realize the reciprocating motion of the piston rod 432 relative to the driven bevel gear 433. In this way, the drive bevel gear 431 can be installed, and the driven bevel gear 433 can only perform reciprocating motion.
[0047] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6As shown, the powder processing mechanism 100A also includes a second fixed seat 436, which is arranged around the other side of the threaded rod 4321 and is connected to the first fixed seat 430. The second fixed seat 436 is provided with a second limiting groove 4361, which is rotatably engaged with the driven bevel gear 433 and prevents the driven bevel gear 433 from moving along the rotation axis. The second fixed seat 436 is provided with a second limiting block 4362, and the outer peripheral surface of the threaded rod 4321 is provided with a second sliding groove 4323. The second limiting block 4362 is slidably engaged with the second sliding groove 4323, so as to achieve reciprocating motion of the piston rod 432 relative to the driven bevel gear 433 by preventing the piston rod 432 from rotating. In this way, the driven bevel gear 433 can be stably installed and can only perform stable reciprocating motion.
[0048] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the driven bevel gear 433 includes an annular flange 4333. A first limiting groove 4302 and a second limiting groove 4361 form at least a portion of an annular groove, and the annular flange 4333 is housed within the annular groove. When the second fixed seat 436 is seamlessly connected to the first fixed seat 430, the first limiting groove 4302 and the second limiting groove 4361 form a complete annular groove. When there is a gap between the second fixed seat 436 and the first fixed seat 430, the first limiting groove 4302 and the second limiting groove 4361 form a partial annular groove. In this way, by employing the cooperation of the annular flange 4333 and the annular groove, the driven bevel gear 433 can rotate stably.
[0049] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the sliding surface of the first limiting block 4303 is parallel to the sliding surface of the second limiting block 4362, and the extending direction of the first sliding groove 4322 and the extending direction of the second sliding groove 4323 are parallel to the rotation axis of the threaded rod 4321. In this way, the resistance of the driven bevel gear 433 driving the threaded rod 4321 to reciprocate can be reduced.
[0050] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the beverage preparation equipment 200 may further include a housing assembly 1A. The housing assembly 1A includes a top cover 102, a housing 109, a brewer cover 457, and a base 4. The housing 109 is formed by circumferential sidewalls and is mounted on the base 4. The top cover 102 is mounted on top of the housing 109. These three components form a space for housing the powder processing mechanism 100A and the brewing system 100C. The brewer cover 457 is movably mounted on the housing 109 to allow the housing assembly 1A to be opened from the side.
[0051] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a beverage preparation device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The beverage preparation device 200 may further include a color screen assembly 2 and a coffee outlet assembly 461, which are mounted on a support structure 470, which is mounted on a base 4. The color screen assembly 2 is used to display the operating status of the beverage preparation device 200 and / or for touch operation of the beverage preparation device 200. The coffee outlet assembly 461 is connected to the receiving space 4271 of the powder container 427 via a pipe to discharge the prepared coffee beverage.
[0052] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the brewing system 100C may further include a water tank assembly 3 and a heating assembly 458. The water tank assembly 3 is mounted on a base 4, and the heating assembly 458 is mounted on the base 4 or a support structure 470. The heating assembly 458 heats the water from the water tank assembly 3, and the hot water is connected to a first water supply pipe 419 through a pipe to realize the delivery of hot water.
[0053] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the powder handling mechanism 100A also includes a coffee bean cassette 108, which is mounted on the support structure 470, with the top of the coffee bean cassette 108 exposed above the top cover 102. A container lid 101 is movably mounted on the top of the coffee bean cassette 108 for opening and closing the coffee bean cassette 108. A grinding tooth holder 104 is mounted on the bottom of the coffee bean cassette 108, and a coffee cassette sealing ring 103 is used to achieve a sealing connection between the bottom of the coffee bean cassette 108 and the grinding tooth holder 104. A first grinding element 105 may be disposed within the grinding tooth holder 104 and is configured to prevent rotation.
[0054] In some embodiments, combined with Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the powder processing mechanism 100A also includes an adjustment knob 106, a lever 107, a drive gear 442, a powder adjustment gear ring 437, and an encoder 444. The adjustment knob 106 is mounted on the top of the lever 107 and is used to drive the lever 107 to rotate. The lower end of the lever 107 is connected to the encoder 444. By driving the lever 107 to rotate through the adjustment knob 106, the lever 107 can transmit the position information of the adjustment knob 106 to the encoder 444. The function of the encoder 444 is to provide feedback on the coarseness setting of the coffee powder, thereby allowing the determination of the coarseness of the coffee beans being ground.
[0055] In some embodiments, combined withFigure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the powder handling mechanism 100A also includes a fixed pressure rod 401, a micro switch 402, a micro switch mounting base 403, and a large gear mounting base 404. The second drive device 41B may also include a transmission gear central shaft 413, a third motor 414, a large pulley 415, a transmission gear 416, an external threaded cylinder 41C, and a limiting seat 420. The fixed pressure rod 401 can be installed on the top of the external threaded cylinder 41C, the micro switch 402 is installed on the micro switch mounting base 403, and the micro switch mounting base 403 is installed on the large gear mounting base 404. The fixed pressure rod 401 can move together with the external threaded cylinder 41C, and when the external threaded cylinder 41C moves to its highest stroke, the fixed pressure rod 401 actuates the micro switch 402, thereby enabling the micro switch 402 to limit the rising height of the second piston 418. The large gear fixing seat 404 can be mounted on the support structure 470. The limiting seat 420 is connected to the large gear fixing seat 404 to accommodate the large pulley 415. The external threaded cylinder 41C engages with the internal thread of the large pulley 415 through its external thread. The third motor 414 is mounted on the large gear fixing seat 404. The transmission gear 416 rotates through the transmission gear central shaft 413 mounted on the large gear fixing seat 404 and is driven by the third motor 414. The transmission gear 416 then drives the large pulley 415 to rotate. The rotation of the large pulley 415 causes the external threaded cylinder 41C to move up and down. The external threaded cylinder 41C is connected to the second piston 418, thereby driving the second piston 418 to move up and down. The second piston 418 itself can be made of a flexible material, or it can be made of a rigid material with a bubble seal ring 421 on its outer periphery to achieve the overall piston action.
[0056] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the end 4191 of the first water supply pipe 419 is provided with a flange 4192. The end 4191 is inserted into the water supply channel 4181 and is fixed by the conduit fixing member 417. The first water supply pipe 419 can be inserted into the external threaded cylinder 41C. The end portion of the water supply channel 4181 can also be provided with an upper flushing check valve 422 and an upper flushing check valve spring 423. The lower end face of the second piston 418 can also be provided with a water dispersion groove. The upper plug mesh 424 is installed on the lower end face and communicates with the water dispersion groove and the water supply channel 4181 through the mesh. The upper flushing check valve spring 423 is elastically disposed between the upper flushing check valve 422 and the upper plug mesh 424 to cut off the water supply channel 4181 when there is no hot water supply and to open the water supply channel 4181 when there is hot water supply. The mesh of the upper mesh 424 can both facilitate fluid transport and prevent powder from entering the water supply channel 4181 in reverse.
[0057] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the powder handling mechanism 100A also includes a powder container fixing member 425. The powder container fixing member 425 is mounted on the support structure 470 and is used to axially limit the powder container 427. The powder container 427 is inserted into the housing assembly 1A. A left movable latch 434 and a right movable latch 435 can be mounted inside the second fixing seat 436 for laterally limiting the powder container 427 in an axis perpendicular to the axial direction.
[0058] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the powder processing mechanism 100A also includes a rotating base 438 and a grinding lower gear base 440. The powder-mixing gear ring 437 and the rotating base 438 are locked together and can rotate together. A drive gear 442 can be fixed to the encoder 444, and the lower end of the lever 107 is also connected to the drive gear 442 to drive the lever 107 and the drive gear 442 via the adjusting knob 106. The drive gear 442 meshes with the powder-mixing gear ring 437 to rotate the powder-mixing gear ring 437. The rotating base 438 may have a spirally rising drive surface to drive the first grinding element 105 up and down during rotation, thereby adjusting the height of the first grinding element 105 and allowing adjustment of the coarseness of the coffee powder. The grinding lower gear base 440 can be connected to the grinding upper gear base 104. An encoder mounting base 445 is used to fix the encoder 444 and can be mounted on the support structure 470.
[0059] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the powder handling mechanism 100A also includes a fixing member 443, an oil-impregnated bearing 446, a powder pusher pad 448, and a wool loop 449. The fixing member 443 is mounted on the drive shaft 441 and is used to drive the powder pusher 447 to rotate together with the drive shaft 441. The oil-impregnated bearing 446 is sleeved on top of the oil-impregnated bearing 446. The powder pusher pad 448 is located on the underside of the powder pusher 447 to reduce friction. The wool loop 449 is fixed to the grinding gearbox housing 453 to prevent coffee powder from spilling out. The drive shaft 441 is driven by an internal gearbox assembly 455, which in turn is driven by a fifth motor 456. The internal gearbox assembly 455 can be mounted on the base 4.
[0060] In some embodiments, combined with Figures 2 to 4As shown, the powder handling mechanism 100A also includes an upper motor bracket 405, a second motor 406, a lower motor bracket 407, a connecting rod 408, a slag scraper PCB (printed circuit board) 409, a connecting rod transmission component 410, a slag scraper fixing component 411, a slag scraper 412, a slag guide cylinder 459, and a slag box 460. The upper motor bracket 405 and the lower motor bracket 407 are both fixed to the large gear fixing seat 404 and are used to fix the second motor 406. The second motor 406 drives the connecting rod 408 to rotate. The connecting rod transmission component 410 is sleeved on the connecting rod 408 and rotates with the connecting rod 408. The slag scraper 412 is rotatably mounted on the top of the powder container 427 via the slag scraper fixing component 411, allowing the slag scraper 412 to rotate only around the slag scraper fixing component 411. The slag box 460 is disposed on the base 4, and the slag guide cylinder 459 is disposed on the slag box 460. The scraper 412 scrapes coffee grounds pushed out by the first piston 426 into the grounds container 459 and into the grounds box 460. The grounds scraper PCB 409 can be mounted on the support structure 470 and may include a push-button switch that is pressed by an actuation part on the connecting rod 408 to control the operation of the second motor 406.
[0061] In some embodiments, the beverage preparation equipment 200 further includes a control system for controlling the operation of the aforementioned electrical components such as the motor, switch, and color screen assembly 2.
[0062] In one embodiment of the coffee machine, one operating method is as follows: The beverage preparation device 200 is connected to a power source, and then coffee beans are placed into the coffee bean hopper 108. After being ground by the first grinding element 105 and the second grinding element 439, the coffee powder is pushed by the powder pusher 447 to the powder guide cylinder 450, and then falls into the powder container 427. Next, the fourth motor 454 drives the rotating gear 451 to drive the powder guide ring 452 to move the powder guide cylinder 450 away. Then, the third motor 414 drives the transmission gear 416 to drive the large pulley 415 to press the second piston 418 down to compact the coffee powder. Then, cold water is heated by the heating element 458 and enters the first water supply pipe 419 into the powder container 427 to brew the coffee. Finally, the coffee beverage comes out from the coffee outlet component 461. After the coffee is brewed, the first power unit 429 drives the drive bevel gear 431 to drive the driven bevel gear 433 to move the piston rod 432 upward. The first piston 426 pushes the coffee grounds up, and then the scraper 412 scrapes the coffee grounds into the guide tube 459 and into the grounds box 460.
[0063] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; under the concept of the present invention, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of different aspects of the present invention as described above, which are not provided in detail for the sake of brevity; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.
Claims
1. A powder processing mechanism, characterized in that... include: A powder container (427) defines a receiving space (4271) for receiving powder; A first piston assembly (42A) includes a first piston (426) and a first drive device (42B), wherein the first piston (426) is inserted into one end of the receiving space (4271); The first driving device (42B) includes a piston rod (432), a driven bevel gear (433), and a driving bevel gear (431). The first piston (426) is mounted on the top of the piston rod (432). The driven bevel gear (433) includes a threaded hole (4331) and a bevel gear (4332). The piston rod (432) includes a threaded rod (4321), which is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole (4331). The rotation axis of the driving bevel gear (431) intersects with the rotation axis of the bevel gear (4332). When the driving bevel gear (431) is rotated under force, it drives the driven bevel gear (433) to rotate. The driven bevel gear (433) drives the piston rod (432) to reciprocate relative to the driven bevel gear (433).
2. The powder processing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first drive device (42B) further includes a first power component (429), which is drivenly connected to the drive bevel gear (431) and is used to drive the drive bevel gear (431) to rotate.
3. The powder processing mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first power assembly (429) includes a first motor (4291), a gear set and a power output shaft (4292). The first motor (4291) drives the gear set to operate, and the gear set drives the power output shaft (4292) to rotate. The power output shaft (4292) drives the drive bevel gear (431) to rotate.
4. The powder processing mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The powder processing mechanism (100A) further includes a first fixed seat (430), which is arranged around one side of the threaded rod (4321); the first fixed seat (430) is provided with a mounting hole (4301), the drive bevel gear (431) has a rotating part (4311), the rotating part (4311) is inserted into the mounting hole (4301), and the power output shaft (4292) is inserted into the rotating part (4311) and drives the rotating part (4311) to rotate; The first fixed base (430) is provided with a first limiting groove (4302), which is rotatably engaged with the driven bevel gear (433) and prevents the driven bevel gear (433) from moving along the rotation axis; The first fixed seat (430) is provided with a first limiting block (4303), and the outer peripheral surface of the threaded rod (4321) is provided with a first sliding groove (4322). The first limiting block (4303) and the first sliding groove (4322) are slidably engaged so as to realize the reciprocating motion of the piston rod (432) relative to the driven bevel gear (433) by preventing the piston rod (432) from rotating.
5. The powder processing mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The powder processing mechanism (100A) further includes a second fixed seat (436), which is arranged around the other side of the threaded rod (4321) and is connected to the first fixed seat (430). The second fixed base (436) is provided with a second limiting groove (4361), which is rotatably engaged with the driven bevel gear (433) and prevents the driven bevel gear (433) from moving along the rotation axis; The second fixed seat (436) is provided with a second limiting block (4362), and the outer peripheral surface of the threaded rod (4321) is provided with a second sliding groove (4323). The second limiting block (4362) and the second sliding groove (4323) are slidably engaged so as to realize the reciprocating motion of the piston rod (432) relative to the driven bevel gear (433) by preventing the piston rod (432) from rotating.
6. The powder processing mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The driven bevel gear (433) includes an annular flange (4333), the first limiting groove (4302) and the second limiting groove (4361) form at least a portion of the annular groove, and the annular flange (4333) is received within the annular groove; and / or The sliding surface of the first limiting block (4303) is parallel to the sliding surface of the second limiting block (4362), and the extension direction of the first slide groove (4322) and the extension direction of the second slide groove (4323) are parallel to the rotation axis of the threaded rod (4321).
7. The powder processing mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The powder processing mechanism (100A) further includes a second piston assembly (41A), which includes a second piston (418) and a second drive device (41B). The second drive device (41B) is configured to drive the second piston (418) to move toward the top opening of the receiving space (4271) and enter the receiving space (4271). The second piston (418) is provided with a water supply channel (4181) toward the receiving space (4271).
8. A beverage preparation device, characterized in that... include: The powder handling mechanism (100A) according to any one of claims 1-6; and A brewing system (100C) is in fluid communication with the powder container (427) and is configured to deliver water into the powder container (427) so that the water and the powder are mixed to make a beverage.
9. The beverage preparation equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that: The powder processing mechanism (100A) further includes a second piston assembly (41A), which includes a second piston (418) and a second drive device (41B). The second drive device (41B) is configured to drive the second piston (418) to move toward the top opening of the receiving space (4271) and enter the receiving space (4271). The second piston (418) is provided with a water supply channel (4181) toward the receiving space (4271). The brewing system (100C) includes a first water supply pipe (419), which is mounted on the second piston assembly (41A). The end (4191) of the first water supply pipe (419) is in a state of fluid communication and fluid disconnection with the water supply channel (4181). When the end (4191) of the first water supply pipe (419) is in a state of fluid communication with the water supply channel (4181), the first water supply pipe (419) is used to discharge water and enter the receiving space (4271) through the water supply channel (4181).
10. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The powder handling mechanism (100A) further includes a powder guiding assembly (45A) and a driving assembly (45B). The powder guiding assembly (45A) is used to receive powder and discharge the powder. The driving assembly (45B) is connected to the powder guiding assembly (45A) and is used to drive the powder guiding assembly (45A) to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the powder guiding assembly (45A) is close to the powder container (427), and the discharged powder can fall into the receiving space (4271). In the second position, the powder guiding assembly (45A) moves away from the powder container (427). and / or The beverage preparation equipment (200) is a coffee machine.