Quantitative bean feeding mechanism and coffee machine thereof

Abstract

The utility model discloses a quantitative bean feeding mechanism and a coffee machine thereof, which belong to the technical field of coffee equipment and comprise a base shell, a bean storage box and a bean feeding component, the bean storage box is arranged on the weighing module, and the weighing module is fixedly connected with the base shell; an inner cavity of the bean storage box becomes smaller from top to bottom, and an output port is formed in the lower end of the bean storage box; the bean feeding assembly comprises a bean feeding cavity, and a spiral bean feeding rod is arranged in the bean feeding cavity; one end of the spiral bean feeding rod extends out of the cavity and is in driving connection with the power module. According to the utility model, the bean storage box is directly arranged on the weighing module, so that the weight information can be accurately obtained in real time, and the load of the weighing module is effectively reduced; and secondly, the bean feeding cavity is ingeniously matched with the bean storage box, so that beans which do not need to be ground immediately can be temporarily stored in the bean feeding cavity and the bean storage box, and the problem that powder is oxidized and deteriorated due to long-time contact with air is effectively avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of coffee equipment technology, specifically relating to a quantitative bean feeding mechanism and its coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] Coffee, renowned for its unique aroma, energizing effect, and rich flavor, is beloved by consumers worldwide. The precise amount of coffee beans used has a significant impact on the taste. Too many beans result in an overly concentrated coffee, potentially making it bitter and masking its delicate aroma and complex flavor profile; too few beans, on the other hand, produce a weak coffee lacking in richness. The right amount of coffee beans ensures an appropriate extraction rate, resulting in a more balanced flavor profile—neither too strong nor too weak. Therefore, accurately controlling the amount of coffee beans used is crucial for producing coffee with a moderate strength and balanced flavor.

[0003] In the prior art, such as Chinese Patent No. CN204049295U, a coffee grinder and coffee machine are provided, including a grinding assembly, an input device, and a monitoring device. The input device includes an adjuster for setting the weight of coffee grounds in a single cup, and the monitoring device includes a weighing module for monitoring the weight of the grounds dispensed and a weighing plate electrically connected to the weighing module and the processing circuit. This grinding assembly achieves precise control of the amount of coffee grounds dispensed by monitoring the weight of the coffee grounds in a single cup. However, since this grinding assembly monitors the amount of coffee grounds dispensed, even when the coffee grounds in a single cup meet the preset weight, coffee grounds often remain inside the grinding assembly. The ground coffee grounds are prone to oxidation and spoilage, thus affecting the taste and quality of the coffee. To maintain the freshness of the coffee, users usually choose to perform a rinsing operation. However, this operation often involves some coffee grounds waste, increasing the user's cost burden. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In response to the problems in related technologies, this utility model proposes a quantitative bean feeding mechanism and its coffee machine to solve the technical problems of the bean feeding mechanism being unable to accurately control the weight change of beans and the bean powder oxidizing and deteriorating due to prolonged contact with air.

[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows: a quantitative bean feeding mechanism includes a base shell, and a bean storage box and a bean feeding assembly disposed on the base shell; the bean storage box is disposed on a weighing module, and the weighing module is fixedly connected to the base shell; the inner cavity of the bean storage box decreases from top to bottom, and an output port is provided at the lower end of the bean storage box;

[0006] The bean feeding assembly includes a bean feeding chamber with a spiral bean feeding rod inside. One end of the spiral bean feeding rod extends out of the chamber and is driven and connected to the power module. Along the bean feeding direction of the spiral bean feeding rod, the upper front end of the bean feeding chamber has a bean inlet, and the output port of the bean storage box is floatingly connected to the bean inlet. The lower rear end of the bean feeding chamber has a bean outlet, and the bean outlet and the bean inlet are not on the same vertical axis. It also includes an electronic control unit, which is electrically connected to the weighing module and the power module respectively.

[0007] This invention, by directly placing the bean storage box on top of the weighing module, can obtain the weight information of the beans in the storage box in real time and accurately, effectively reducing the load on the weighing module and enabling it to respond more sensitively and accurately to changes in bean weight. Secondly, the ingenious combination of the bean feeding chamber and the bean storage box allows beans that do not need to be ground immediately to be temporarily stored in the bean feeding chamber and the bean storage box, preventing them from being ground into powder by the grinding mechanism, effectively avoiding the problem of bean powder oxidizing and deteriorating due to prolonged contact with air.

[0008] As a further improvement to the above solution, the base shell has a hollow accommodating cavity, and the bean feeding assembly and weighing module are disposed in the accommodating cavity; the upper end of the base shell is provided with an opening, and the opening is connected to the accommodating cavity.

[0009] The lower part of the bean storage box extends into the receiving cavity through the opening; the middle part of the bean storage box has a skirt that protrudes downwards along its circumference, and the skirt is connected to the opening of the base shell; the upper part of the bean storage box extends upwards in a direction opposite to the skirt, forming the inner cavity wall of the bean storage box. By integrating the bean feeding component and the weighing module into the hollow receiving cavity of the base shell, efficient use of space is achieved; the bean storage box adopts a design that extends from the opening at the top of the base shell, and the guiding effect of the skirt and the opening enhances the stability of the structure and ensures the reliability of the overall packaging.

[0010] As a further improvement to the above solution, one of the skirt and the base shell opening has an annular step at its end face, with the inner side of the annular step protruding to form an annular joint; the other is fitted around the annular joint, with a movable distance between it and the former's annular step. By setting an annular step and an annular joint between the skirt and the base shell opening, and maintaining a certain movable distance, this design allows the bean storage box to float slightly up and down when loaded with different amounts of coffee beans, thereby effectively absorbing the small deformations caused by weight changes, ensuring that the weighing module can always accurately measure the actual weight, and improving the accuracy and stability of weighing.

[0011] As a further improvement to the above solution, the lower side wall of the bean storage box is recessed to form a bean inlet hopper, and the bean inlet hopper is provided with an installation part and a neck.

[0012] The mounting part has a flat surface and is connected to the weighing module through the flat surface; the hopper neck is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, and the output port is located at the lower end of the hopper neck; there is a movable gap between the output port and the bean inlet of the bean feeding chamber, and the movable gap changes positively with the movable distance.

[0013] First, the mounting section connects to the weighing module with a flat surface, ensuring the stability of the contact surface and the accuracy of the weighing data. Second, the design of the hopper neck, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, not only optimizes the flow path of the coffee beans and reduces the risk of clogging, but also achieves linkage with the floating space of the base shell through the movable gap between it and the bean inlet of the bean feeding chamber. When the weight of coffee beans in the bean storage box changes, the hopper neck sinks or rises accordingly, and the movable gap narrows or widens accordingly. This change is positively correlated with the floating distance, ensuring that the metering bean feeding mechanism can adapt to different weight loads.

[0014] As a further improvement to the above solution, one end of the weighing module is fixedly connected to the base shell, and the other end extends to the bottom of the coffee bean storage box in the form of a cantilever beam, and is fixedly connected to the mounting part of the coffee bean inlet. The cantilever beam structure allows the weighing module to maintain stability while having a certain degree of elastic deformation capability, which can better adapt to changes in the weight of coffee beans in the storage box and ensure the accuracy of the weighing data.

[0015] As a further improvement to the above solution, an annular flange protrudes outward along the circumference of the bean inlet, and the middle part of the annular flange is in communication with the bean inlet; the lower end of the hopper neck extends close to or partially into the inlet, and does not abut against the inner wall of the annular flange; the width of the bean inlet is greater than or equal to the width of the bean storage box outlet.

[0016] The annular flange provides guidance for the docking of the bean inlet and the bean storage box outlet. Furthermore, the width of the bean inlet is set to be greater than or equal to the width of the bean storage box outlet, ensuring the smooth flow of beans and ensuring that even if there is a slight positional deviation during docking, it will not affect normal delivery. In addition, the lower end of the hopper neck is set to not abut against the inner wall of the annular flange, ensuring the accuracy of the weighing data.

[0017] As a further improvement to the above solution, the power module includes a motor and a reduction gear assembly; the motor shaft is connected to the input end of the reduction gear assembly, and the output end of the reduction gear assembly is connected to the spiral bean feeder rod; the motor shaft and the spiral bean feeder rod axis are arranged perpendicular, parallel, or coaxially to each other.

[0018] As a further improvement to the above solution, the reduction assembly is a bevel gear reduction set, a cylindrical gear reduction set, a worm gear reduction set, or a planetary gear reduction set; the reduction ratio range of the reduction assembly is 1.2 to 3.5:1.

[0019] As a further improvement to the above solution, the bean storage box has a bean-adding opening at the top; a lid is hinged or detachably connected to the bean-adding opening. The bean-adding opening provides a convenient channel for adding beans to the storage box, and the hinged or detachable connection between the lid and the opening further enhances the practicality and flexibility of the storage box. Users can easily open or close the lid as needed, effectively preventing moisture and dust from entering the storage box.

[0020] A coffee machine includes a metering bean feeding mechanism as described above, the metering bean feeding mechanism being located at the top of the coffee machine, and a bean grinding mechanism being located below it, the bean outlet being connected to the bean grinding mechanism.

[0021] Beneficial effects:

[0022] (1) Direct measurement of the bean storage box weight for precise bean feeding control: By directly mounting the bean storage box on top of the weighing module and fixing it to the base shell, this mechanism can obtain the weight information of the beans in the storage box in real time and accurately. This design not only reduces the load on the weighing module, enabling it to respond more sensitively and accurately to changes in bean weight, but also provides reliable data support for the electronic control unit. Based on the weight information fed back by the weighing module, the electronic control unit precisely adjusts the working state of the power module, thereby achieving precise control of the bean feeding amount and effectively avoiding the impact on the taste and quality of coffee and other beverages due to feeding too many or too few beans.

[0023] (2) Bean temporary storage design to prevent oxidation and deterioration: The ingenious combination of the bean feeding chamber and the bean storage box allows beans that do not need to be ground immediately to be temporarily stored in the bean feeding chamber and the bean storage box, instead of being ground into powder by the grinding mechanism. This design effectively avoids the problem of bean powder oxidizing and deteriorating due to prolonged contact with air, ensuring the freshness and taste of the beans. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the quantitative bean feeding mechanism of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the quantitative bean feeding mechanism of this utility model installed on a coffee machine;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the quantitative bean feeding mechanism of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the quantitative bean feeding mechanism of this utility model without the base shell;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the bean storage box of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the quantitative bean feeding mechanism of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion at point a;

[0031] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A magnified view of section b;

[0032] Figure label:

[0033] K1, coffee machine; D1, dispensing mechanism; H1, moving distance; H2, moving interval;

[0034] 1. Base shell; 11. Receiving cavity; 12. Opening;

[0035] 2. Bean storage box; 21. Output port; 22. Bean filling port; 23. Box lid; 24. Skirt; 25. Bean hopper; 251. Mounting part; 2511. Flat surface; 252. Hopper neck;

[0036] 3. Bean feeding assembly; 31. Bean feeding chamber; 32. Spiral bean feeding rod; 33. Power module; 331. Motor; 332. Reduction assembly; 3321. Driving bevel gear; 3322. Driven bevel gear; 34. Bean inlet; 341. Annular flange; 35. Bean outlet;

[0037] 4. Weighing module;

[0038] 51. Circular step; 52. Circular joint. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0040] like Figures 1-8 As shown, this embodiment provides a coffee machine K1, including a metering bean feeding mechanism D1. The metering bean feeding mechanism D1 is located on the top of the coffee machine K1, and a bean grinding mechanism (not shown in the figure) is located below it. The bean outlet 35 is connected to the bean grinding mechanism.

[0041] Specifically, a bean feeding mechanism D1 includes a base shell 1, a bean storage box 2, and a bean feeding assembly 3 mounted on the base shell 1. The bean storage box 2 is mounted on a weighing module 4, which is fixedly connected to the base shell 1. The inner cavity of the bean storage box 2 decreases in size from top to bottom, and an output port 21 is provided at the lower end of the bean storage box 2. A bean filling port 22 is provided at the top of the bean storage box 2. A lid 23 is hinged or detachably connected to the bean filling port 22. The design of the bean filling port 22 provides a convenient channel for adding beans to the bean storage box 2. The hinged or detachable connection between the lid 23 and the bean filling port 22 further enhances the practicality and flexibility of the bean storage box 2. Users can easily open or close the lid 23 according to actual needs, effectively preventing moisture, dust, and other contaminants from entering the bean storage box 2.

[0042] In this embodiment, one end of the weighing module 4 is fixedly connected to the base shell 1, and the other end extends to the bottom of the bean storage box 2 in the form of a cantilever beam, and is fixedly connected to the mounting part 251 of the bean inlet hopper 25. The cantilever beam structure allows the weighing module 4 to maintain stability while having a certain elastic deformation capacity, which can better adapt to changes in the weight of coffee beans in the bean storage box 2 and ensure the accuracy of the weighing data.

[0043] The bean feeding assembly 3 includes a bean feeding chamber 31, within which a spiral bean feeding rod 32 is disposed. One end of the spiral bean feeding rod 32 extends out of the chamber and is driven and connected to the power module 33. The power module 33 includes a motor 331 and a reduction gear assembly 332. The shaft of the motor 331 is connected to the input end of the reduction gear assembly 332, and the output end of the reduction gear assembly 332 is connected to the spiral bean feeding rod 32. The shaft of the motor 331 and the axis of the spiral bean feeding rod 32 are arranged perpendicularly, parallelly, or coaxially.

[0044] In this embodiment, the reduction assembly 332 is preferably a bevel gear reduction assembly, and the reduction ratio of the reduction assembly 332 is in the range of 1.2 to 3.5:1.

[0045] The bevel gear reduction assembly includes a driving bevel gear 3321 and a driven bevel gear 3322 that mesh with each other; the shaft of the motor 331 is pivotally connected to the driving bevel gear 3321, and the driven bevel gear 3322 is pivotally connected to the spiral bean feeder 32. By selecting a bevel gear reduction assembly, the shaft of the motor 331 and the axis of the spiral bean feeder 32 are arranged perpendicularly to each other, effectively saving space for mechanical parts and resulting in a more compact and smaller structure. In other embodiments, a cylindrical gear reduction assembly, a worm gear reduction assembly, or a planetary gear reduction assembly can also be used.

[0046] Along the bean feeding direction of the spiral bean feeding rod 32, the upper front end of the bean feeding cavity 31 is provided with a bean inlet 34, and the output port 21 of the bean storage box 2 is floatingly connected to the bean inlet 34; the lower rear end of the bean feeding cavity 31 is provided with a bean outlet 35, and the bean outlet 35 and the bean inlet 34 are not on the same vertical axis; it also includes an electrical control unit (not shown in the figure), which is electrically connected to the weighing module 4 and the power module 33 respectively.

[0047] In this embodiment, the base shell 1 has a hollow accommodating cavity 11, and the bean feeding assembly 3 and the weighing module 4 are disposed within the accommodating cavity 11. The upper end of the base shell 1 has an opening 12, which communicates with the accommodating cavity 11. The lower part of the bean storage box 2 extends into the accommodating cavity 11 through the opening 12. The middle part of the bean storage box 2 has a skirt 24 protruding downwards along its circumference, which engages with the opening 12 of the base shell 1. The upper part of the bean storage box 2 extends upwards in a direction away from the skirt 24, forming the inner cavity wall of the bean storage box 2. By integrating the bean feeding assembly 3 and the weighing module 4 into the hollow accommodating cavity 11 of the base shell 1, efficient space utilization is achieved. The bean storage box 2, designed to extend from the upper opening 12 of the base shell 1, combined with the guiding effect of the skirt 24 and the opening 12, enhances the structural stability and ensures reliable overall packaging.

[0048] In this embodiment, between the skirt 24 and the opening 12 of the base shell 1, one has an annular step 51 at its end face, and the inner side of the annular step 51 protrudes to form an annular joint 52; the other is fitted around the annular joint 52, with a movable distance H1 between it and the former's annular step 51. Specifically, in this embodiment, the annular step 51 is located at the opening 12 of the base shell 1, the inner side of the opening 12 of the base shell 1 protrudes to form the annular joint 52, and the skirt 24 is fitted onto the annular joint 52. By setting the annular step 51 and the annular joint 52 between the skirt 24 and the opening 12 of the base shell 1, and maintaining a certain movable distance H1, this design allows the bean storage box 2 to float slightly up and down when loaded with different amounts of coffee beans, thereby effectively absorbing the small deformation caused by weight changes, ensuring that the weighing module 4 can always accurately measure the actual weight, and improving the accuracy and stability of weighing.

[0049] In this embodiment, the lower sidewall of the bean storage box 2 is recessed to form a bean inlet hopper 25. The bean inlet hopper 25 is provided with a mounting part 251 and a neck hopper 252. The mounting part 251 has a flat surface 2511 and is connected to the weighing module 4 through the flat surface 2511. The neck hopper 252 is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. The output port 21 is located at the lower end of the neck hopper 252. There is a movable gap H2 between the output port 21 and the bean inlet 34 of the bean feeding chamber 31. The movable gap H2 is positively correlated with the movable distance H1.

[0050] First, the mounting section 251 connects to the weighing module 4 with a flat surface 2511, ensuring the stability of the contact surface and the accuracy of the weighing data. Second, the top-wide and bottom-narrow design of the hopper neck 252 not only optimizes the flow path of the coffee beans and reduces the risk of blockage, but also achieves linkage with the floating space of the base shell 1 through the movable gap H2 between it and the bean inlet 34 of the bean feeding chamber 31. When the weight of the coffee beans in the bean storage box 2 changes, the hopper neck 252 sinks or rises accordingly, and the movable gap H2 shrinks or expands accordingly. This change is positively correlated with the floating distance, ensuring that the metering bean feeding mechanism D1 has the ability to adapt to different weight loads.

[0051] In this embodiment, an annular flange 341 protrudes outward along the circumference of the bean inlet 34, and the middle part of the annular flange 341 is in communication with the bean inlet 34. The lower end of the hopper neck 252 extends close to or partially into the through-hole, but does not abut against the inner wall of the annular flange 341. The width of the bean inlet 34 is greater than or equal to the width of the outlet 21 of the bean storage box 2. The annular flange 341 provides guidance for the docking of the bean inlet 34 and the outlet 21 of the bean storage box 2. Furthermore, setting the width of the bean inlet 34 to be greater than or equal to the width of the outlet 21 of the bean storage box 2 ensures the smooth flow of beans and ensures that even if there is a slight positional deviation during docking, it will not affect normal delivery. In addition, setting the lower end of the hopper neck 252 not to abut against the inner wall of the annular flange 341 ensures the accuracy of the weighing data.

[0052] In practical applications, the following steps are taken using the above-described solution of this invention: First, open the top cover 23 of the bean storage box 2 and pour coffee beans or other beans into it through the bean filling port 22; the beans flow into the bean delivery chamber 31 from the output port 21 at the bottom of the bean storage box 2. By directly placing the bean storage box 2 on top of the weighing module 4, the weight information of the beans inside the bean storage box 2 can be obtained in real time and accurately, effectively reducing the load on the weighing module 4 and enabling it to respond more sensitively and accurately to changes in the weight of the beans.

[0053] The bean feeding chamber 31 is equipped with a spiral bean feeding rod 32, which is powered by the power module 33. The spiral bean feeding rod 32 power the beans to the bean outlet 35. The clever cooperation between the bean feeding chamber 31 and the bean storage box 2 allows beans that do not need to be ground immediately to be temporarily stored in the bean feeding chamber 31 and the bean storage box 2, so that they will not be ground into powder by the grinding mechanism. This effectively avoids the problem of bean powder oxidizing and deteriorating due to prolonged contact with air.

[0054] Based on the disclosure and teachings of the above specification, those skilled in the art can make changes and modifications to the above embodiments. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and described above, and some modifications and changes to the utility model should also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model. Furthermore, although some specific terms are used in this specification, these terms are only for convenience of explanation and do not constitute any limitation on this utility model.

Claims

1. A quantitative bean feeding mechanism, comprising a base shell, and a bean storage box and a bean feeding assembly disposed on the base shell; characterized in that: The bean storage box is mounted on the weighing module, which is fixedly connected to the base shell; the inner cavity of the bean storage box decreases from top to bottom, and an output port is provided at the lower end of the bean storage box; The bean feeding assembly includes a bean feeding chamber with a spiral bean feeding rod inside. One end of the spiral bean feeding rod extends out of the chamber and is driven and connected to the power module. Along the bean feeding direction of the spiral bean feeding rod, the upper front end of the bean feeding chamber has a bean inlet, and the output port of the bean storage box is floatingly connected to the bean inlet. The lower rear end of the bean feeding chamber has a bean outlet, and the bean outlet and the bean inlet are not on the same vertical axis. It also includes an electronic control unit, which is electrically connected to the weighing module and the power module respectively.

2. The quantitative bean feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base shell has a hollow cavity, and the bean feeding assembly and weighing module are disposed in the cavity; the upper end of the base shell has an opening, which is connected to the cavity. The lower part of the bean storage box extends into the receiving cavity from the opening; the middle part of the bean storage box is provided with a skirt that protrudes downward along its circumference, and the skirt is connected to the opening of the base shell; the upper part of the bean storage box extends upward in a direction away from the skirt to form the inner cavity wall of the bean storage box.

3. The quantitative bean feeding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, Between the skirt and the base shell opening, one of them has an annular step at the end face, and the inner side of the annular step protrudes to form an annular joint; the other is sleeved around the annular joint and has a movable distance between it and the former's annular step.

4. The quantitative bean feeding mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lower side wall of the bean storage box is recessed to form a bean inlet hopper, and the bean inlet hopper is provided with an installation part and a neck. The mounting part has a flat surface and is connected to the weighing module through the flat surface; the hopper neck is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, and the output port is located at the lower end of the hopper neck; there is a movable gap between the output port and the bean inlet of the bean feeding chamber, and the movable gap changes positively with the movable distance.

5. A quantitative bean feeding mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, One end of the weighing module is fixedly connected to the base shell, and the other end extends to the bottom of the bean storage box in the form of a cantilever beam; it is fixedly connected to the mounting part of the bean inlet hopper.

6. The quantitative bean feeding mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, An annular flange protrudes outward along the circumference of the bean inlet, and the middle part of the annular flange is in communication with the bean inlet; the lower end of the hopper neck extends close to or partially into the through-hole, and does not abut against the inner wall of the annular flange; the width of the bean inlet is greater than or equal to the width of the bean storage box outlet.

7. The quantitative bean feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power module includes a motor and a reduction gear assembly; the motor shaft is connected to the input end of the reduction gear assembly, and the output end of the reduction gear assembly is connected to the spiral bean feeder rod; the motor shaft and the spiral bean feeder rod axis are arranged perpendicular, parallel, or coaxially to each other.

8. A quantitative bean feeding mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, The reduction assembly is a bevel gear reduction set, a cylindrical gear reduction set, a worm gear reduction set, or a planetary gear reduction set; the reduction ratio of the reduction assembly is in the range of 1.2 to 3.5:

1.

9. A quantitative bean feeding mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The top of the bean storage box is provided with a bean filling port; a box lid is hinged or detachably connected to the bean filling port.

10. A coffee machine, comprising a metering bean dispensing mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The metering bean feeding mechanism is located on the top of the coffee machine, and a bean grinding mechanism is located below it. The bean outlet is connected to the bean grinding mechanism.

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