Storage module for capsule coffee machine and coffee machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a material storage module for capsule coffee machine and coffee machine, the material storage module comprises a turntable assembly, a plurality of goods channels are arranged on the turntable assembly along the circumferential direction, each goods channel comprises a material storage channel extending along the vertical direction, the two sides of the material storage channel are provided with limiting parts, the distance between the limiting parts is smaller than the diameter of the opening end of the capsule, and the material storage channel extends along the vertical direction. And the limiting part and the storage channel jointly form a limiting space for accommodating a plurality of capsules. The distance between the limiting parts arranged on the turntable assembly is smaller than the diameter of the open end of the capsule, so that the capsule can be transversely and stably arranged, and the problem that the posture of the capsule is unstable is effectively solved. And secondly, the separation structure can be inserted into the gap between the lowest capsule and the upper capsule when the rotary disc assembly rotates to the preset release position, physical isolation is formed, it is ensured that only the lowest capsule is released, the upper capsule is reliably blocked, and therefore the situation that the multiple capsules fall off at the same time is prevented.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to coffee machine technical field especially, it is a kind of storage module and coffee machine for capsule coffee machine. BACKGROUND

[0002] For capsule coffee machine, capsule is prone to unstable posture, multiple capsules fall simultaneously during access, which will affect the normal use of coffee machine.

[0003] Therefore, an improved capsule coffee machine storage module is needed, which can realize the orderly release control of capsules and ensure that capsules can be released in a suitable posture. UTILITY MODEL CONTENT

[0004] The main purpose of the utility model is to provide a kind of storage module and coffee machine for capsule coffee machine, to solve the above technical problems.

[0005] The purpose of the utility model can be achieved by adopting the following technical solutions:

[0006] A kind of storage module for capsule coffee machine, comprising:

[0007] Rotating disc assembly, multiple channels are provided on the rotating disc assembly along the circumference, the channel includes the storage channel extending along the vertical direction, the both sides of the storage channel are provided with limiting portion, the spacing between the limiting portion is less than the opening end diameter of capsule, the limiting portion and the storage channel jointly form the limiting space for accommodating multiple capsules;

[0008] Partition structure, the partition structure is spaced apart from one side of the channel, one end of the partition structure is located in the gap between the lowermost capsule in the channel and the capsule above the lowermost capsule when the rotating disc assembly rotates to predetermined release position.

[0009] Wherein, it further includes installation bottom plate, the partition structure includes fixedly connected vertical portion and support portion, the rotating disc assembly and the vertical portion are fixedly installed on the installation bottom plate respectively, the support portion is located in the gap between the lowermost capsule and the capsule above the lowermost capsule when the rotating disc assembly rotates to the predetermined release position.

[0010] Wherein, it further includes:

[0011] Limiting mechanism, the limiting mechanism includes multiple support assemblies capable of being switched between first state and second state, the support assembly is arranged one by one with each channel;

[0012] Wherein, the support assembly supports the capsule in the channel in the first state, allows the lowermost capsule in the channel to release in the second state.

[0013] The support assembly comprises:

[0014] A guide piece is arranged at the bottom of the rotary disc assembly, and a through guide hole is arranged on the guide piece.

[0015] A support piece is arranged in the guide hole, and the support piece is in the first state when it extends relative to the goods channel and in the second state when it retracts relative to the goods channel.

[0016] The limiting mechanism further comprises:

[0017] A pushing assembly is arranged below the rotary disc assembly and is used to drive each support piece to move to the second state.

[0018] An elastic reset piece is connected to the guide piece and the support piece at both ends and is used to drive the support piece to return to the first state.

[0019] Further comprising:

[0020] A goods-to-position sensor and an original position sensor are arranged to detect the rotary position of the rotary disc assembly.

[0021] A plurality of first sensing pieces are arranged at the bottom of the rotary disc assembly, and one first sensing piece is arranged corresponding to each goods channel.

[0022] A second sensing piece is arranged at the bottom of the rotary disc assembly and is arranged staggered with the first sensing piece.

[0023] When the rotary disc assembly drives the goods channel to rotate to the predetermined release position, the first sensing piece is detected by the goods-to-position sensor; when the rotary disc assembly rotates to the original position, the second sensing piece is detected by the original position sensor, and the separation structure is located between adjacent two goods channels.

[0024] The rotary disc assembly comprises a rotary disc top plate and a rotary disc bottom plate arranged in an up-down manner, and a bottom plate support plate is arranged below the rotary disc bottom plate.

[0025] The storage module further comprises a driving mechanism for driving the rotary disc assembly to rotate, and the driving mechanism comprises a stepping motor, and an output shaft of the stepping motor is connected to a rotary shaft at the bottom of the rotary disc assembly through a shaft coupling.

[0026] A coffee machine comprises a feeding module, an extraction module, and a storage module as described above.

[0027] The extraction module comprises a boiler and an extraction seat in communication with the boiler, the top of the extraction seat is provided with a second channel in communication with the first channel, and the extraction seat is used for accommodating the capsule and performing extraction on the capsule.

[0028] The milk froth module comprises a milk pumping device, a milk boiler, an air pump and a mixing pipe assembly, the milk boiler is connected with the milk pumping device and the mixing pipe assembly respectively, the mixing pipe assembly comprises an inlet section, a contraction section and an outlet section arranged in sequence, the outlet inner diameter of the contraction section is smaller than the inlet inner diameter, the outlet of the contraction section and the outlet section have a gap therebetween to form a negative pressure area, and the air conveying pipe of the air pump is arranged in the mixing pipe assembly to convey air to the negative pressure area.

[0029] The beneficial technical effects of the utility model are as follows:

[0030] The distance between the limiting portions arranged on the rotating disc assembly is smaller than the diameter of the opening end of the capsule, so that the capsules can be transversely and stably arranged, and the problem of unstable posture of the capsules is effectively solved.

[0031] The milk froth module generates negative pressure by high-speed flow of liquid to suck in air, which is different from the steam extraction mode of milk used in traditional coffee machines, avoids denaturation of milk protein caused by high-temperature steam, and improves the taste and texture of milk froth. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical scheme of the utility model embodiment, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed to be used in the embodiment description, and obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the utility model, and for those skilled in the art, other drawings can also be obtained according to these drawings without creative labor.

[0033] Figure 1 The utility model provides a three-dimensional schematic view of the storage module for the capsule coffee machine;

[0034] Figure 2A storage module for a capsule coffee machine is provided in the embodiment of the utility model, and the storage module comprises a support assembly, a mounting bottom plate, a stirring assembly, a feeding module and an extraction module.

[0035] Figure 3 For Figure 2 The enlarged schematic view of the middle B;

[0036] Figure 4 A support assembly in a storage module for a capsule coffee machine is provided in the embodiment of the utility model, and the support assembly comprises a support plate, a plurality of support rods and a plurality of support plates.

[0037] Figure 5 A mounting bottom plate in a storage module for a capsule coffee machine is provided in the embodiment of the utility model, and the mounting bottom plate comprises a plurality of mounting plates.

[0038] Figure 6 A stirring assembly in a storage module for a capsule coffee machine is provided in the embodiment of the utility model, and the stirring assembly comprises a plurality of stirring rods.

[0039] Figure 7 A feeding module and an extraction module in a coffee machine are provided in the embodiment of the utility model, and the feeding module and the extraction module comprise a plurality of feeding modules and a plurality of extraction modules.

[0040] Figure 8 An extraction seat in a coffee machine is provided in the embodiment of the utility model, and the extraction seat comprises a plurality of extraction seats.

[0041] Figure 9 A turntable bottom plate and a bottom driving mechanism thereof in a coffee machine are provided in the embodiment of the utility model, and the turntable bottom plate comprises a plurality of turntable bottom plates.

[0042] Figure 10 An enlarged schematic view of a milk frothing module in a coffee machine is provided in the embodiment of the utility model.

[0043] Figure 11 A mixing pipe assembly in a coffee machine is provided in the embodiment of the utility model, and the mixing pipe assembly comprises a plurality of mixing pipe assemblies.

[0044] Figure 12 For Figure 11 The enlarged schematic view of the middle C;

[0045] Mark explanation:

[0046] In the figure: 10- storage channel, 11- limiting part, 12- capsule, 20- separation structure, 21- vertical part, 22- support part, 30- mounting bottom plate, 40- support assembly, 41- guide, 42- guide hole, 43- support, 50- poking assembly, 51- driving motor, 52- cam, 53- push plate, 531- abutting part, 532- horizontal part, 54- elastic reset member, 61- goods-in-place sensor, 611- light beam of goods-in-place sensor, 62- origin position sensor, 621- light beam of origin position sensor, 63- first induction sheet, 64- second induction sheet, 100- storage module, 110- turntable assembly, 111- turntable top plate, 112- turntable bottom plate, 113- bottom plate support plate, 114- stepping motor, 115- coupling, 116- motor support, 117- bottom flat plate, 118- thrust bearing, 200- feeding module, 210- guide seat, 211- cavity, 220- fixing seat, 221- first channel, 300- extraction module, 310- boiler, 320- extraction seat, 321- second channel, 322- liquid outlet, 400- milk foam module, 410- milk extraction pump, 420- milk boiler, 430- air pump, 440- mixing pipe assembly, 441- inlet section, 442- contraction section, 443- outlet section, 451- first milk conveying pipeline, 452- second milk conveying pipeline, 500- water supply module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0048] It should be understood that, when used in the specification and the appended claims, the terms "comprise" and "include" indicate the presence of described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0049] It should also be understood that the terms used in the present application specification are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. As used in the present application specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise clearly indicated by the context, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms.

[0050] It should be further understood that the term "and / or" as used in the specification and in the claims, if any, means any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes these combinations.

[0051] As Figures 1-12 shown, the utility model discloses a kind of storage module 100 for capsule coffee machine, comprising: carousel assembly 110, carousel assembly 110 is provided with multiple channels along the circumferential direction, channel includes the storage channel 10 extending along vertical direction, the both sides of storage channel 10 are provided with limiting portion 11, the spacing between limiting portion 11 is less than the opening end diameter of capsule 12, limiting portion 11 and storage channel 10 jointly form the limiting space for accommodating multiple capsules 12;Partition structure 20, partition structure 20 is spaced apart and arranged at the side of channel, one end of partition structure 20 is located in the gap between the lowest capsule 12 and the capsule 12 above the lowest capsule 12 when carousel assembly 110 rotates to predetermined release position.

[0052] In the embodiment, carousel assembly 110 is in cylindrical structure as a whole, and multiple channels are spaced apart and arranged on carousel assembly 110 along the circumferential direction thereof.Each channel is used for storing multiple capsules 12, and the capsules 12 are sequentially stacked in the vertical direction in the channel, and each capsule 12 is placed horizontally, with the opening end thereof facing carousel assembly 110.

[0053] Specifically, the channel includes the storage channel 10 extending along the vertical direction, and the both sides of the storage channel 10 are provided with limiting portion 11. The spacing between the limiting portion 11 is less than the opening end diameter of the capsule 12, so that the capsules 12 can be sequentially arranged in a horizontal state. The limiting portion 11 and the storage channel 10 jointly form a limiting space for accommodating multiple capsules 12, and the top end and the bottom end of the limiting space are in communication with each other, so as to facilitate the storage and release of the capsules 12.

[0054] Since the capsule 12 is in the shape of a circular truncated cone as a whole, the diameter of the opening end thereof is greater than the diameter of the other end. By setting the spacing between the limiting portion 11 to be less than the opening end diameter, reliable limiting of the capsule 12 can be achieved. When the capsules 12 are stacked in the vertical direction in the channel, the opening end of each capsule 12 faces carousel assembly 110. By limiting each capsule 12 by the limiting portion 11, the capsules 12 can be effectively prevented from falling out of the channel. This arrangement enables the channel to have a good bearing and guiding effect on the capsules 12, while not affecting the normal downward release of the capsules 12.

[0055] The separation structure 20 is arranged at one side of the goods channel. When the rotating disc assembly 110 rotates to the predetermined release position, one end of the separation structure 20 is located in the gap between the lowermost capsule 12 in the goods channel and the capsule 12 above it. The function of the separation structure 20 is to block the capsule 12 above the capsule 12 to be released, so as to avoid multiple capsules 12 from falling at the same time.

[0056] In the embodiment, the predetermined release position refers to a position where the rotating disc assembly 110 rotates to a specific angle position, so that the capsule 12 in the target goods channel can be aligned with the feeding module 200.

[0057] Specifically, the capsules 12 in the goods channel are divided into two parts, the first part is the lowermost capsule 12, and the second part is all the capsules 12 above the capsule 12. When the goods channel rotates to the predetermined release position, the separation structure 20 is located above the lowermost capsule 12 (the first part) in the goods channel and below all the capsules 12 (the second part) above the capsule 12. In this way, when the lowermost capsule 12 falls, the capsules 12 above it will not be affected, ensuring that only the lowermost capsule 12 can fall. This arrangement ensures that only one capsule 12 is released into the feeding module 200 each time, effectively preventing the problem of jamming or blocking caused by multiple capsules 12 falling at the same time.

[0058] In an embodiment, the storage module 100 further comprises a mounting bottom plate 30, the separation structure 20 comprises a fixedly connected vertical part 21 and a support part 22, and the rotating disc assembly 110 and the vertical part 21 are fixedly mounted on the mounting bottom plate 30, respectively. The support part 22 is located in the gap between the lowermost capsule 12 and the capsule 12 above the lowermost capsule 12 when the rotating disc assembly 110 rotates to the predetermined release position.

[0059] In the embodiment, the separation structure 20 adopts a fixed design and is fixedly mounted between the storage module 100 and the feeding module 200, specifically on the top surface of the mounting bottom plate 30. When the goods channel is aligned with the cavity 211 of the feeding module 200, the separation structure 20 plays a blocking role.

[0060] The separation structure 20 specifically adopts an L-shaped design and comprises a vertical part 21 and a support part 22. The vertical part 21 is fixedly connected to the mounting bottom plate 30, and the support part 22 is horizontally connected to the upper end of the vertical part 21. When the rotating disc assembly 110 rotates to the predetermined release position, the support part 22 extends into the gap between the lowermost capsule 12 and the capsule 12 above it in the goods channel, thereby achieving reliable limiting of the capsule 12 above it.

[0061] The fixed design enables the partition structure 20 to effectively cooperate with the limiting mechanism corresponding to each goods channel to achieve the step-by-step release of the capsules 12. Since the partition structure 20 is fixed on the mounting plate 30, and the rotating disc assembly 110 rotates on the mounting plate 30. When the rotating disc assembly 110 rotates to a predetermined release position, the support portion 22 of the partition structure 20 can just extend into the corresponding position in the target goods channel to achieve the blocking of the upper capsule 12.

[0062] The structural design not only simplifies the overall mechanism and reduces the number of moving parts, but also improves the reliability of the coffee machine. At the same time, since the partition structure 20 and the rotating disc assembly 110 are independent of each other, they do not interfere with the rotating action of the rotating disc assembly 110, ensuring the smoothness and stability of the overall operation of the storage module 100.

[0063] In an embodiment, the storage module 100 further comprises a limiting mechanism, which comprises a plurality of support assemblies 40 capable of switching between a first state and a second state, and each support assembly 40 is arranged one-to-one corresponding to each goods channel; wherein the support assembly 40 supports the capsules 12 in the goods channel in the first state, and allows the lowermost capsule 12 in the goods channel to be released in the second state.

[0064] In this embodiment, in order to achieve the orderly release control of the capsules 12 in each goods channel, the limiting mechanism adopts a design scheme of multiple support assemblies 40. Each support assembly 40 can be switched between a first state (extended state) and a second state (retracted state), and each support assembly 40 is arranged one-to-one corresponding to each goods channel. This one-to-one design can avoid the interference or asynchronous action that may occur when multiple goods channels share one support assembly 40, and improves the reliability of the capsule 12 release process.

[0065] Specifically, when the support assembly 40 is in the first state (extended state), it can support the capsules 12 in the goods channel to prevent the capsules 12 from falling accidentally. Since the capsules 12 are vertically stacked in the goods channel, when the lowermost capsule 12 is supported, all the capsules 12 above it can remain in a stable state. When the support assembly 40 is switched to the second state (i.e. retracted state), the support assembly 40 no longer provides support to the capsules 12, and at this time the lowermost capsule 12 in the goods channel is allowed to be released downward under the action of gravity.

[0066] In actual operation, the rotating disc assembly 110 in the storage module 100 rotates to align the target goods channel with the cavity 211 of the feeding module 200. At this time, the support assembly 40 corresponding to the goods channel is switched to the second state (retracted state), so that the lowermost capsule 12 falls into the cavity 211 under the action of gravity. After the release is completed, the support assembly 40 will automatically return to the first state (extended state) to continue supporting the remaining capsules 12 in the goods channel.

[0067] The design of the support assembly 40 ensures that the capsules 12 can be sequentially released one by one, avoiding the problem of multiple capsules 12 falling simultaneously or failing to fall, greatly improving the use reliability and user experience of the coffee machine.

[0068] In an embodiment, the support assembly 40 includes a guide 41 provided at the bottom of the turntable assembly 110, the guide 41 being provided with a through guide hole 42; and a support 43, the support 43 being provided in the guide hole 42, the support 43 being in a first state when it extends relative to the goods channel, and the support 43 being in a second state when it retracts relative to the goods channel.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the support assembly 40 of the limiting mechanism adopts a combined structure of the guide 41 and the support 43, which is fixed to the bottom surface of the turntable bottom plate 112. Specifically, the guide 41 is provided with a through guide hole 42, and the support 43 is provided in the guide hole 42. The provision of the guide hole 42 enables the support 43 to reciprocate within it and also serves to guide the support 43, ensuring that the movement trajectory of the support 43 is stable and reliable.

[0070] The support 43 can reciprocate within the guide hole 42 and has two working states: an extended state (first state / extended position) and a retracted state (second state / retracted position). When the support 43 is in the extended state, its extended end abuts against the bottom surface of the lowermost capsule 12, thereby supporting the capsules 12 in the goods channel and preventing the capsules 12 from falling. When the support 43 is in the retracted state, the extended end of the support 43 retreats outside the range of the goods channel, at which time the support 43 no longer supports the capsules 12, thereby allowing the lowermost capsule 12 in the goods channel to be released downward. By controlling the switching of the support 43 between the extended state and the retracted state, the release of the capsules 12 can be controlled.

[0071] This combined design of the guide 41 and the support 43 not only ensures the stability and reliability of the movement of the support 43, but also has a simple structure and is easy to maintain. At the same time, since the guide hole 42 is used to guide the support 43, it can effectively prevent the support 43 from deflecting or being stuck during movement, ensuring the accuracy and smoothness of its action.

[0072] In an embodiment, the limiting mechanism further includes a poking assembly 50 provided below the turntable assembly 110 for driving each support 43 to move to the second state; and an elastic return member 54, the two ends of the elastic return member 54 being connected to the guide 41 and the support 43 respectively, for driving the support 43 to return to the first state.

[0073] In the embodiment, the poking assembly 50 comprises a driving motor 51, a cam 52 connected with the output shaft of the driving motor 51, and a push plate 53 abutting against the cam 52. The driving motor 51 drives the push plate 53 to perform the extension or retraction movement by controlling the rotation of the cam 52. When the push plate 53 is retracted, the support member 43 can be moved to the retracted position by abutting against the support member 43, so as to release the capsule 12.

[0074] In order to ensure that the support member 43 can be reliably restored to the extended position, and also in order to enable the poking assembly 50 to be used with each support assembly 40 respectively, the limiting mechanism further comprises an elastic restoring member 54. The elastic restoring member 54 is specifically a restoring spring. One end of the restoring spring is fixedly connected with the support member 43, and the other end is fixedly connected with the guide member 41. When the push plate 53 is extended under the driving of the driving motor 51, the elastic force of the restoring spring can drive the support member 43 to be restored to the extended position, so as to support the capsule 12 above it again. This automatic restoring mechanism based on the restoring spring can realize the reciprocating movement of the support member 43 without additional driving devices, and has a simple and reliable structure. Meanwhile, the configuration number of the poking assembly 50 is also saved.

[0075] In a specific embodiment, the cam 52 has an eccentric structure, and can perform reciprocating movement under the driving of the driving motor 51. One end of the push plate 53 abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the cam 52, so as to follow the rotation of the cam 52 to perform the extension or retraction movement. This design using the cam mechanism can convert the rotary movement of the driving motor 51 into the linear reciprocating movement of the push plate 53, and drive the support member 43 to perform corresponding movement through the push plate 53.

[0076] In a specific embodiment, the poking assembly 50 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the installation bottom plate 30, and does not rotate with the turntable assembly 110. The installation position of the poking assembly 50 corresponds to the position (predetermined release position) at which the capsule 12 is received by the cavity 211 of the feeding module 200. When the turntable assembly 110 rotates to align a certain channel with the cavity 211, the support member 43 corresponding to the channel is located just behind the push plate 53 of the poking assembly 50. At this time, the push plate 53 can drive the support member 43 to retract when it is retracted.

[0077] In a specific embodiment, the push plate 53 is specifically in L shape, and comprises an abutting portion 531 and a horizontal portion 532. The horizontal portion 532 abuts against the cam 52, and the abutting portion 531 is used to abut against the support member 43 to pull it to the retracted position, so as to release the capsule 12 above the support member 43. This L-shaped structure design enables the push plate 53 to effectively transmit the movement of the cam 52 to the support member 43, and ensures the reliability of the action.

[0078] The combination of the dialing assembly 50 and the elastic reset member 54 realizes automatic control of the movement of the support member 43. The retraction of the support member 43 is realized by driving the cam 52 to drive the push plate 53 to move by the driving motor 51, and the automatic reset of the support member 43 is realized by the elastic force of the elastic reset member 54. The whole process is reliable and efficient. At the same time, this design also avoids the use of a complex driving mechanism, reduces the complexity and failure rate of the coffee machine.

[0079] In an embodiment, the storage module 100 further comprises a goods-to-position sensor 61 and an origin position sensor 62 for detecting the rotating position of the turntable assembly 110, a plurality of first sensing pieces 63 arranged on the bottom of the turntable assembly 110, one first sensing piece 63 corresponding to each goods channel, and a second sensing piece 64 arranged on the bottom of the turntable assembly 110 and staggered with the first sensing piece 63; wherein when the turntable assembly 110 drives the goods channel to rotate to a predetermined release position, the first sensing piece 63 is detected by the goods-to-position sensor 61; when the turntable assembly 110 rotates to the origin position, the second sensing piece 64 is detected by the origin position sensor 62, and the separation structure 20 is located between the adjacent two goods channels.

[0080] In this embodiment, the goods-to-position sensor 61 and the origin position sensor 62 are fixed on the top surface of the mounting bottom plate 30 and do not rotate with the turntable assembly 110.

[0081] Specifically, the plurality of first sensing pieces 63 are uniformly arranged along the circumference of the turntable bottom plate 112, and one first sensing piece 63 corresponds to each goods channel. When the turntable assembly 110 drives the goods channel to rotate, the first sensing piece 63 will pass through the detection position of the goods-to-position sensor 61 in turn. When a certain goods channel rotates to the predetermined release position, the corresponding first sensing piece 63 will be detected by the goods-to-position sensor 61, specifically, the first sensing piece 63 will block the light beam 611 of the goods-to-position sensor, at this time it can be confirmed that the goods channel has been rotated to the position.

[0082] The second sensing piece 64 is also arranged on the bottom of the turntable bottom plate 112, but is staggered with the first sensing piece 63, and is used to cooperate with the origin position sensor 62 to determine the initial position of the turntable assembly 110. When the turntable assembly 110 rotates to the position where the second sensing piece 64 is detected by the origin position sensor 62, specifically, the second sensing piece 64 will block the light beam 621 of the origin position sensor, indicating that the turntable assembly 110 has returned to the origin position, at this time the support part 22 is located between the adjacent two goods channels. This arrangement ensures that the support part 22 does not interfere with the storage of the capsules 12 in any one goods channel when the turntable assembly 110 returns to the origin position each time, and ensures that all the capsules 12 in the goods channels fall onto the corresponding limiting mechanisms.

[0083] In a specific embodiment, the goods-in-place sensor 61 and the origin-point sensor 62 are both photoelectric sensors. The first sensing sheet 63 and the second sensing sheet 64 are arranged staggered with each other to avoid triggering both sensors at the same time. When the carousel assembly 110 rotates, either the goods-in-place sensor 61 or the origin-point sensor 62 is triggered, and the two signals do not interfere with each other. This detection method based on double sensors can accurately control the rotation position of the carousel assembly 110 and ensure the accurate placement of the capsules 12.

[0084] In an embodiment, the carousel assembly 110 includes an upper carousel top plate 111 and a lower carousel bottom plate 112, and a bottom plate support plate 113 is arranged below the carousel bottom plate 112. The storage module 100 further includes a driving mechanism for driving the carousel assembly 110 to rotate, and the driving mechanism includes a stepper motor 114, and an output shaft of the stepper motor 114 is connected to a rotating shaft at the bottom of the carousel assembly 110 through a shaft coupling 115.

[0085] In this embodiment, the driving mechanism further includes a motor bracket 116 for fixing the stepper motor 114, and a bottom plate 117 is fixed above the motor bracket 116, and a thrust bearing 118 is arranged between the bottom plate 117 and the bottom plate support plate 113. The bottom plate support plate 113 is in large-area contact with the thrust bearing 118, and this design can automatically eliminate the gap by assembly, so that the carousel bottom plate 112 rotates more stably, the repeat positioning accuracy of rotation is higher, and the capsules 12 are avoided from misalignment with the connection station.

[0086] In this embodiment, the structure design of the carousel assembly 110 adopts an upper-lower separation form, i.e., an upper carousel top plate 111 and a lower carousel bottom plate 112. The carousel top plate 111 is mainly used for supporting and fixing a plurality of goods channels, so as to ensure that the goods channels can be uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction and stably connected to the carousel assembly 110. The carousel bottom plate 112 is connected with the driving mechanism to receive driving force and drive the entire carousel assembly 110 to rotate. The bottom plate support plate 113 is arranged below the carousel bottom plate 112 to further strengthen the support and stability of the rotation of the carousel assembly 110.

[0087] The driving mechanism adopts a stepper motor 114 as a power source, and the stepper motor 114 is fixed on a motor bracket 116. The motor bracket 116 is firmly installed on the mounting bottom plate 30 to ensure that the stepper motor 114 remains stable during operation. An output shaft of the stepper motor 114 is connected to a rotating shaft at the bottom of the carousel assembly 110 through a shaft coupling 115.

[0088] The bottom plate 117 is fixed above the motor support 116, and a thrust bearing 118 is arranged between the bottom plate 117 and the bottom plate support plate 113. The thrust bearing 118 functions to bear axial load, reduce friction when the rotating disc assembly 110 rotates, and ensure the rotating stability of the rotating disc assembly 110. Since there is a large-area contact between the bottom plate support plate 113 and the thrust bearing 118, this design can automatically eliminate the gap during assembly, ensure that the rotating disc assembly 110 rotates more stably, and improve the positioning accuracy.

[0089] In actual work, when the stepping motor 114 starts, the rotating power of the output shaft is transmitted to the rotating shaft of the rotating disc assembly 110 through the shaft coupling 115, and the rotating disc bottom plate 112 is driven to rotate. Since the rotating disc top plate 111 is fixedly connected with the rotating disc bottom plate 112, the entire rotating disc assembly 110 rotates together, and each channel is sequentially driven to pass through the goods position sensor 61 and the origin position sensor 62 fixed on the mounting bottom plate 30.

[0090] Corresponding to the above-mentioned storage module for a capsule coffee machine, the utility model embodiment further provides a coffee machine, which comprises the storage module 100 and the feeding module 200 and the extraction module 300.

[0091] In the embodiment, the feeding module 200 is arranged below the storage module 100, and the feeding module 200 comprises a guide seat 210 and a fixing seat 220 arranged at the bottom of the guide seat 210. The guide seat 210 is provided with a cavity 211, and the fixing seat 220 is provided with a first channel 221 in communication with the extraction module 300. The cavity 211 can reciprocate between a first position and a second position with the rotation of the guide seat 210, wherein the cavity 211 is used for receiving the capsule 12 released from the channel at the first position, and the capsule 12 is released into the first channel 221 when the cavity 211 rotates to the second position.

[0092] In actual work, the rotating disc assembly 110 in the storage module 100 rotates, so that the target channel is aligned with the cavity 211 of the feeding module 200. At this time, the limiting mechanism releases the lowermost capsule 12 in the target channel, so that the capsule 12 falls into the cavity 211 at the first position under the action of gravity. Subsequently, the guide seat 210 drives the cavity 211 to rotate to the second position, and the capsule 12 falls into the first channel 221 from the cavity 211 and finally falls into the extraction module 300 for extraction. Here, the rotation of the guide seat 210 can be driven by a motor and a gear set.

[0093] In an embodiment, the extraction module 300 comprises: a boiler 310; and an extraction seat 320, which is in communication with the boiler 310, and which is provided with a second channel 321 at the top thereof, which is in communication with the first channel 221, and which is used to accommodate and extract the capsule 12; and the extraction seat 320 is integrally designed with the boiler 310.

[0094] In the embodiment, the boiler 310 is in communication with the extraction seat 320, and is used to provide hot water required for the extraction process; the extraction seat 320 is provided with the second channel 321 at the top thereof, which is in communication with the first channel 221 of the feeding module 200, and is used to receive the capsule 12 falling from the first channel 221.

[0095] Specifically, the boiler 310 comprises a water inlet and a water outlet (not shown in the drawings), the water inlet is used to receive water provided by the water supply module 500, and the water outlet is in communication with the extraction seat 320. The boiler 310 can heat the water entering the boiler 310 to a preset temperature (for example, 60-95℃), so as to provide suitable temperature conditions for the extraction of coffee. In order to improve the heating efficiency and reduce the heat loss, the boiler 310 and the extraction seat 320 are integrally designed, that is, the boiler 310 is directly connected with the extraction seat 320, so that the delivery path of the hot water can be shortened, and the heat loss can be reduced.

[0096] The extraction seat 320 is provided with a cavity (not shown in the drawings) for accommodating the capsule 12, and the second channel 321 provided at the top of the cavity guides the capsule 12 to accurately fall into the cavity. The cavity is provided with a piercing structure (not shown in the drawings) for puncturing the capsule 12. In the extraction process, hot water flows from the boiler 310 into the extraction seat 320, and the punctured capsule 12 is brewed, and the extracted coffee liquid flows out from the liquid outlet 322 at the front of the extraction seat 320.

[0097] In a specific embodiment, the positions of the boiler 310 and the extraction seat 320 are arranged below the feeding module 200, and the first channel 221 and the second channel 321 form a communication passage, so that the automatic falling of the capsule 12 can be realized by the action of gravity, without the need for an additional delivery mechanism, and the overall structure is simplified.

[0098] Through the design of the extraction module 300, in combination with the foregoing storage module 100 and feeding module 200, the complete process from the storage, delivery to the extraction of the capsule 12 is realized, and the use convenience of the coffee machine is greatly improved. The user only needs to select the required coffee type (by rotating the dial assembly 110 to the position of the corresponding channel), and the coffee machine can automatically complete the whole process from the release, posture adjustment, delivery to the final extraction of the capsule 12, and a convenient user experience is provided.

[0099] In an embodiment, the coffee machine further comprises a milk froth module 400, which comprises a milk pump 410, a milk boiler 420, an air pump 430, and a mixing tube assembly 440. The milk boiler 420 is connected with the milk pump 410 and the mixing tube assembly 440 respectively. The mixing tube assembly 440 comprises an inlet section 441, a contraction section 442, and an outlet section 443 arranged in sequence. The outlet section 442 has an outlet inner diameter smaller than an inlet inner diameter. A gap is provided between the outlet of the contraction section 442 and the outlet section 443 to form a negative pressure zone. The air pump 430 has a gas delivery pipe penetrating the mixing tube assembly 440 to deliver air to the negative pressure zone.

[0100] In the embodiment, the milk pump 410 is connected with the inlet of the milk boiler 420 through a first milk delivery pipe 451. The outlet of the milk boiler 420 is connected with the mixing tube assembly 440 through a second milk delivery pipe 452 to form a complete milk delivery path.

[0101] The mixing tube assembly 440 comprises the inlet section 441, the contraction section 442, and the outlet section 443 arranged in sequence. One end of the inlet section 441 is in communication with the second milk delivery pipe 452, and the other end is connected with the inlet of the contraction section 442 in a smooth transition. The contraction section 442 has a tapered structure with an outlet inner diameter smaller than an inlet inner diameter. An annular gap is provided between the outlet of the contraction section 442 and the outlet section 443. When the milk flows at a high speed in this position, a negative pressure zone D is formed between the outlet of the contraction section 442 and the outlet section 443.

[0102] The outlet of the air pump 430 is connected with the mixing tube assembly 440 through a gas delivery pipe. Specifically, the outlet end of the gas delivery pipe is inserted into the mixing tube assembly 440 and extends to the position of the negative pressure zone D.

[0103] In operation, the milk pump 410 (i.e. a gear pump) draws milk from an external milk storage container and delivers the milk to the milk boiler 420 through the first milk delivery pipe for heating. The heated milk enters the inlet section 441 of the mixing tube assembly 440 through the second milk delivery pipe 452 under pressure. When the milk flows through the contraction section 442, the flow rate increases due to the reduced cross-sectional area, and a negative pressure effect is generated at the negative pressure zone D. At the same time, the air pump 430 is started and delivers air to the negative pressure zone D through the gas delivery pipe. Under the action of negative pressure, the air is quickly entrained and fully mixed with the milk flow, thereby forming fine and dense milk froth at the outlet section 443. Through the above structural design, the milk froth module 400 of the embodiment can effectively mix air and milk to produce high-quality milk froth.

[0104] In the embodiment, the heated milk is fully mixed with air in the mixing tube assembly 440, and the air is introduced entirely depending on the negative pressure effect generated by the converging section 442 and the auxiliary air supply of the air pump 430, without using high-temperature steam. This is essentially different from the conventional coffee machine which uses a high-temperature steam boiler to extract milk to achieve milk froth preparation. The milk froth preparation scheme of the embodiment has the following advantages: the adverse effects of high-temperature steam on the quality of milk are avoided, and milk froth with better outlet taste can be prepared; the heating temperature of the milk can be flexibly adjusted to meet different needs of hot and cold drinks; the frothing ratio of the milk froth can be adjusted by controlling the air supply amount of the air pump 430, and milk froth with different consistencies can be prepared.

[0105] In the embodiment, the milk boiler 420 is instant heating type, and the milk can be heated to a temperature range of 55-65℃, which can ensure sufficient heating and will not damage the nutritional ingredients of the milk. The heated milk is delivered to the inlet of the mixing tube assembly 440 through the valve body.

[0106] In the embodiment, the outlet end of the mixing tube assembly 440 is also provided with a filter screen structure (not shown in the figure). The filter screen has a dual role: on the one hand, it can homogenize the bubble size after air-liquid mixing, and improve the uniformity of the milk froth texture; on the other hand, it can reduce the fluid ejection speed to prevent splashing. By controlling the opening time of the electromagnetic valve (not shown in the figure) connected to the air pump 430, the air intake amount can be adjusted, so as to control the consistency of the milk froth.

[0107] Through the design of the milk froth module 400, the coffee machine can not only make ordinary black coffee, but also make latte, cappuccino and other coffee drinks containing milk froth, greatly expanding the functional range and application scenarios of the coffee machine, and improving the market competitiveness and user experience of the product.

[0108] The above describes only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of various equivalent modifications or replacements within the technical range disclosed by the present application, and these modifications or replacements should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A storage module for a capsule coffee machine, characterized in that, The capsule storage module comprises a rotating disc assembly, a plurality of channels arranged circumferentially on the rotating disc assembly, and a separation structure arranged on one side of the channel. The separation structure comprises a vertical part and a support part, and the rotating disc assembly and the vertical part are fixedly installed on the installation base plate. The support part is located in the gap between the lowermost capsule and the capsule above the lowermost capsule when the rotating disc assembly rotates to the predetermined release position.

2. The magazine module of claim 1, wherein, The capsule storage module further comprises a limiting mechanism.

3. The magazine module of claim 1, wherein, The limiting mechanism comprises a plurality of support assemblies capable of switching between a first state and a second state. The support assemblies support the capsules in the channels in the first state and allow the lowermost capsule in the channel to be released in the second state. The support assemblies comprise a guide part and a support part.

4. The magazine module of claim 3, wherein, The guide part is arranged at the bottom of the rotating disc assembly and is provided with a through guide hole. The support part is arranged in the guide hole. The support part is in the first state when it protrudes relative to the channel, and is in the second state when it is retracted relative to the channel.

5. The magazine module of claim 4, wherein, The limiting mechanism further comprises a pushing assembly and an elastic reset part. The pushing assembly is arranged below the rotating disc assembly and is used to drive the support assemblies to move to the second state. The elastic reset part is connected to the guide part and the support part at both ends and is used to drive the support assemblies to return to the first state.

6. The magazine module of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The capsule storage module further comprises a channel-to-position sensor and an origin position sensor for detecting the rotating position of the rotating disc assembly. A plurality of first sensing sheets are arranged at the bottom of the rotating disc assembly, and each channel corresponds to one first sensing sheet. A second sensing sheet is arranged at the bottom of the rotating disc assembly and is arranged staggered with the first sensing sheet. When the rotating disc assembly drives the channel to rotate to the predetermined release position, the first sensing sheet is detected by the channel-to-position sensor. When the rotating disc assembly rotates to the origin position, the second sensing sheet is detected by the origin position sensor, and the separation structure is located between two adjacent channels. The rotating disc assembly comprises a rotating disc top plate and a rotating disc bottom plate arranged vertically.

7. The magazine module of claim 6, wherein, The rotating disc bottom plate is provided with a bottom support plate below. The capsule storage module further comprises a driving mechanism for driving the rotating disc assembly to rotate.

8. A coffee maker, characterized in that The driving mechanism comprises a stepping motor, and the output shaft of the stepping motor is connected to the rotating shaft at the bottom of the rotating disc assembly through a shaft coupling. The feeding module, the extraction module and the storage module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The coffee maker of claim 8, wherein, The extraction module comprises a boiler and an extraction seat in communication with the boiler, the top of the extraction seat is provided with a second channel in communication with the first channel, and the extraction seat is used for accommodating and extracting the capsule; wherein the extraction seat and the boiler are designed in an integrated manner.

10. Coffee machine according to claim 9, characterized in that Further comprising: A milk foam module, which comprises a milk pump, a milk boiler, an air pump and a mixing pipe assembly, the milk boiler is connected with the milk pump and the mixing pipe assembly respectively, the mixing pipe assembly comprises an inlet section, a contraction section and an outlet section arranged in sequence, the outlet inner diameter of the contraction section is smaller than the inlet inner diameter, the outlet of the contraction section and the outlet section have a gap therebetween to form a negative pressure area, and the gas delivery pipe of the air pump is arranged in the mixing pipe assembly to deliver air to the negative pressure area.

Images