Powder sorting device and coffee machine

Abstract

The utility model provides a powder sorting device and a coffee machine. The powder arrangement device comprises a powder grinding assembly, a powder pressing assembly and a powder feeding channel which is arranged between the powder grinding assembly and the powder pressing assembly and used for conveying powder from the powder grinding assembly to the powder pressing assembly. The powder pressing assembly comprises a powder pressing head and a powder collecting cavity, and the powder feeding channel conveys powder into the powder collecting cavity so that the powder pressing head can press the powder. At least part of the powder feeding channel is configured to be a movable channel, and the movable channel extends into a movement area when the powder pressing head presses powder so that powder can be conveyed to the position close to the center of the powder collecting cavity. And the movable channel is configured to move to be separated from the movement area of the powder pressing head under the action of the powder pressing head when the powder pressing head presses powder, and to return to the movement area of the powder pressing head under the action of elastic force when the movable channel is not acted by the powder pressing head. According to the powder arranging device, the powder can be conveyed to the central area of the powder collecting cavity, the blocking risk of the powder conveying channel is reduced, and the powder pressing quality is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of food processing technology, and in particular to a powder sorting device for coffee machines. Background Technology

[0002] In coffee machines and other powder processing equipment, the synergy of grinding, feeding, and tamping processes directly affects the extraction quality of the final beverage. Current technology typically uses a fixed feeding channel to transport the powder ground by the grinding assembly to the powder collection chamber of the tamping assembly, where it is then compacted by the tamping head. Because the feeding channel must avoid the tamping head, the outlet of the feeding channel usually only connects to the edge of the collection chamber. As a result, under gravity, the powder tends to accumulate at the edges and sparsely distributed in the center, easily causing blockages in the feeding channel. Furthermore, during tamping, insufficient powder in the center leads to insufficient compaction at the center and over-compaction at the edges, resulting in uneven coffee puck density. This affects the even penetration of water during subsequent extraction, ultimately leading to incomplete extraction or an uneven taste. In addition, the fixed design of the feeding channel makes disassembly and cleaning inconvenient for users.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a new technical solution to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a powder sorting device that can deliver powder to the central area of ​​the powder collection chamber, reduce the risk of powder delivery channel blockage and improve powder pressing quality.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model adopts the following technical solution: a powder handling device, comprising a grinding assembly, a pressing assembly, and a powder feeding channel disposed between the grinding assembly and the pressing assembly to convey powder from the grinding assembly to the pressing assembly. The pressing assembly includes a pressing head and a collecting chamber. The powder feeding channel conveys the powder to the collecting chamber for pressing by the pressing head, wherein:

[0006] The powder feeding channel is at least partially configured as a movable channel that extends into the movement area of ​​the powder pressing head during powder pressing, so as to convey the powder towards the center of the powder collecting chamber;

[0007] The active channel is configured to: move away from the movement area of ​​the powder pressing head when the powder is pressed by the powder pressing head, and return to the movement area of ​​the powder pressing head by elastic force when it is no longer subjected to the action of the powder pressing head.

[0008] Optionally, the powder feeding channel includes an elastic element that applies an elastic force to the moving area of ​​the active channel toward the powder pressing head.

[0009] Optionally, the powder feeding channel includes a fixed channel fixedly connected to the grinding assembly, and the movable channel is pivotally connected below the fixed channel.

[0010] Optionally, the elastic element includes a torsion spring, one end of which is fixed to the fixed channel and the other end is connected to the movable channel.

[0011] Optionally, the fixed channel and the movable channel are provided with limiting structures that cooperate with each other to limit the maximum extension position of the movable channel under the action of the elastic member.

[0012] Optionally, the powder pressing assembly includes a powder collecting cylinder and a powder receiving device detachably connected to the bottom of the powder collecting cylinder. The peripheral wall of the powder collecting cylinder has a slot for the movable channel to pass through, wherein the movable channel can be at least partially blocked by the pressure of the powder pressing head when the powder is pressed.

[0013] Optionally, the height at which the movable channel blocks the slot when it is pushed by the powder pressing head is not lower than the position of the lowest point of the movable channel when it is not pushed by the powder pressing head.

[0014] Optionally, the lower edge of the slot and the lower edge of the movable channel are provided with overlapping and abutting surfaces to reduce powder leakage.

[0015] Optionally, the active channel includes a bottom wall and side walls extending upward from both sides of the bottom wall, the upper edge of the side walls being provided with a slope or arc surface for contacting and sliding relative to the edge of the powder pressing head.

[0016] This utility model is also implemented using the following technical solution: a coffee machine, which includes the powder sorting device as described above.

[0017] The powder handling device provided by this utility model has a powder feeding channel that is at least partially configured as a movable channel. The movable channel extends into the movement area of ​​the powder pressing head when pressing powder, so as to convey the powder towards the center of the powder collection chamber. The movable channel is configured to: move away from the movement area of ​​the powder pressing head when pressed by the powder pressing head, and return to the movement area of ​​the powder pressing head by elastic force when not pressed by the powder pressing head. In this way, while conveying powder towards the center area, the pressing action of the powder pressing component is not affected, the risk of powder feeding channel blockage is reduced, and the powder pressing quality can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below only involve some embodiments of this utility model, and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional assembly diagram of an embodiment of the powder sorting device of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.

[0021] Figure 3 This is another perspective view of an embodiment of the powder sorting device of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the powder sorting device of this utility model, wherein the movable channel and the powder pressing head are in a state where they are not pushed by the powder pressing head.

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a section at point B.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the powder sorting device of this utility model, wherein the movable channel is in a state of being pushed by the pressure powder head.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 100. Powder handling device; 10. Grinding assembly; 101. Motor; 102. Grinding chamber; 20. Powder pressing assembly; 201. Pressure rod; 202. Powder collecting cylinder; 2020. Powder collecting cavity; 2021. Groove; 2022. Groove edge; 203. Powder receiver; 204. Powder pressing head; 205. Transmission mechanism; 30. Powder feeding channel; 1. Movable channel; 11. Limiting protrusion; 12. Discharge edge; 2. Fixed channel; 21. Limiting protrusion; 3. Torsion spring; 31. First torsion arm; 32. Second torsion arm. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0028] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this patent document shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in this utility model patent specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms "an," "a," or "the," etc., do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising," "including," etc., mean that the element or object preceding "comprising" or "including" encompasses the element or object listed following "comprising" or "including," and their equivalents, but do not exclude other elements or objects. Terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," "far," and "near" are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0032] Please see Figures 1 to 6As shown, this utility model provides a powder handling device 100, which includes a grinding assembly 10, a pressing assembly 20, and a powder feeding channel 30 disposed between the grinding assembly 10 and the pressing assembly 20 to convey powder from the grinding assembly 10 to the pressing assembly 20. The pressing assembly 20 includes a pressing head 204 and a powder collecting chamber 2020. The powder feeding channel 30 conveys powder to the powder collecting chamber 2020 for pressing by the pressing head 204. The powder feeding channel 30 is at least partially configured as a movable channel 1, which extends into the movement area of ​​the pressing head 204 during pressing, to convey powder towards the center of the powder collecting chamber 2020. The movable channel 1 is configured to: move away from the movement area of ​​the pressing head 204 under the action of the pressing head 204 during pressing, and return to the movement area of ​​the pressing head 204 by elastic force when no longer under the action of the pressing head 204.

[0033] The powder handling device 100 provided by this utility model has a powder feeding channel 30 at least partially configured as a movable channel 1. The movable channel 1 extends into the movement area of ​​the powder pressing head 204 when pressing powder, so as to convey the powder towards the center of the powder collection chamber 2020. The movable channel 1 is configured to: move away from the movement area of ​​the powder pressing head 204 when pressed by the powder pressing head 204, and return to the movement area of ​​the powder pressing head 204 by elastic force when not pressed by the powder pressing head 204. In this way, while realizing the powder feeding towards the center area, the powder pressing action of the powder pressing component 20 is not affected, the risk of blockage of the powder feeding channel 30 is reduced, and the powder pressing quality can be improved.

[0034] The powder sorting device 100 provided by this utility model includes a grinding component 10, a pressing component 20, and a powder feeding channel 30 connecting the two, wherein at least part of the powder feeding channel 30 is movable. That is, the powder sorting device 100 provided by this utility model achieves precise delivery of powder to the central area of ​​the powder collecting chamber 2020 through the innovatively designed movable powder feeding channel 30, and combined with an elastic reset mechanism and a limiting structure, ensures that the powder feeding channel 30 can move in conjunction with the pressing head 204 to achieve automatic avoidance, thus solving the technical problems of uneven powder distribution and large differences in powder compaction caused by traditional fixed powder feeding channels.

[0035] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, the powder is coffee powder made from ground coffee beans; of course, in other embodiments, it can be other powders. In this embodiment, the grinding assembly 10 is used to grind coffee beans into coffee powder. The grinding assembly 10 can be constructed using conventional grinding and pulverizing components in the prior art. In this embodiment, the grinding assembly 10 includes a motor 101 and a grinding chamber 102. The top of the grinding chamber 102 is provided with a feed inlet, and the bottom is connected to a powder feeding channel 30. The grinding chamber 102 is provided with stationary grinding teeth, moving grinding teeth, and a powder discharge impeller. The motor 101 drives the moving grinding teeth to rotate, so as to cooperate with the stationary grinding teeth to squeeze, shear, and grind the coffee beans into powder. The powder is pushed into the powder feeding channel 30 by the rotation of the powder discharge impeller driven by the motor 101, so that the powder is conveyed to the powder pressing assembly 20 by the powder feeding channel 30.

[0036] The tamping assembly 20 is used to tamp the powder into a cake for subsequent extraction of coffee liquid with water. In this embodiment, the tamping assembly 20 includes a pressure rod 201, a powder collecting cylinder 202, a powder receiving device 203, a tamping head 204, and a transmission mechanism 205. Specifically, as... Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the powder collecting cylinder 202 is generally cylindrical with a hollow interior. The transmission mechanism 205 and the powder pressing head 204 are installed inside the powder collecting cylinder 202, and the powder receiving device 203 is connected to the bottom of the powder collecting cylinder 202. The pressure rod 201 is located outside the powder collecting cylinder 202 and connected to the transmission mechanism 205, so that the transmission mechanism 205 applies force to the powder pressing head 204, driving the powder pressing head 204 to move up and down inside the powder collecting cylinder 202 to compact the powder in the powder receiving device 203. In this embodiment, the transmission mechanism 205 includes a meshing gear and a rack. The gear is connected to the pressure rod 201, and the rack is connected to the powder pressing head 204. When the pressure rod 201 is pulled down, the gear rotates to drive the rack to move downward, thereby pushing the powder pressing head 204 downward to achieve powder compaction. In this embodiment, the powder pressing head 204 is a cylindrical structure with a diameter matching the inner diameter of the powder collection chamber 2020. The vertical lifting motion is achieved by the pressure rod 201 via the transmission mechanism 205. It should be noted that this embodiment uses manual powder pressing as an example; in other embodiments, the powder pressing assembly 20 can also be an electric powder pressing device. In this embodiment, the powder receiving device 203 is detachably connected to the lower part of the powder collection cylinder 202, specifically via a threaded or rotating snap-fit ​​structure. The powder receiving device 203 also includes a handle for easy cleaning of residual powder or replacement of powder bowls of different sizes.

[0037] Please continue reading. Figure 4 and Figure 6As shown, in this embodiment, the hollow space inside the powder collecting cylinder 202 and the chamber of the powder receiving device 203 together constitute the powder collecting cavity 2020. The powder is conveyed towards the center of the powder collecting cavity 2020, that is, the outlet of the powder feeding channel 30 is located at the position directly above the center of the powder receiving device 203. It can be understood that the powder is conveyed towards the center of the powder collecting cavity 2020, which means that compared with the traditional outlet which can only connect to the side wall edge of the powder collecting cavity 2020, the present invention can further convey the powder into the interior of the powder collecting cavity 2020. In this embodiment, the peripheral wall of the powder collecting cavity 2020 is provided with a slot 2021 for the movable channel 1 of the powder feeding channel 30 to pass through. The slot 2021 is rectangular, and its width is adapted to the width of the movable channel 1, which is used to accommodate the switching movement of the movable channel 1 between the powder pressing avoidance state and the powder feeding working state.

[0038] In this embodiment, the powder feeding channel 30 includes a fixed channel 2 fixedly connected to the grinding assembly 10 and a movable channel 1 pivotally connected to the lower part of the fixed channel 2. That is, the powder feeding channel 30 consists of the fixed channel 2 and the movable channel 1, which are hinged together by a pivot shaft. Specifically, the upper end of the fixed channel 2 is connected to the grinding chamber 102 of the grinding assembly 10, and the lower end is connected to the movable channel 1 via a pivot shaft. In this embodiment, the fixed channel 2 is a vertical channel, allowing the powder to fall quickly under gravity, thus reducing powder residue in the fixed channel 2. The outer wall of the fixed channel 2 is provided with a pivot shaft, and the movable channel 1 is provided with a pivot hole pivotally connected to the pivot shaft. The upper end of the movable channel 1 is hinged to the fixed channel 2 and can swing around the pivot shaft, while its lower end extends into the powder collection chamber 2020. In this embodiment, the movable channel 1 is slide-shaped, comprising a bottom wall and two side walls extending upward from both sides of the bottom wall. The bottom wall has a smooth design and a reasonable inclination angle to ensure smooth powder flow. The side walls extend upward to form protective plates to prevent powder from spilling from both sides. The upper edge of the side walls is machined with a sloping or arc-shaped surface structure for contacting and sliding relative to the edge of the powder pressing head 204, forming line contact with the edge of the powder pressing head 204 to reduce frictional resistance.

[0039] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the powder feeding channel 30 includes an elastic element, which applies an elastic force to the movable channel 1 moving towards the powder pressing head 204 within its movement area. The movement area of ​​the powder pressing head 204 is also the area formed by the internal space of the powder collecting cylinder 202. In this embodiment, the elastic element includes a torsion spring 3, one end of which is fixed to the fixed channel 2, and the other end is connected to the movable channel 1. Specifically, the torsion spring 3 includes a first torsion arm 31 and a second torsion arm 32. The first torsion arm 31 is fixed to a fixed post provided on the fixed channel 2, and the second torsion arm 32 abuts against a protrusion provided on the outer wall of the movable channel 1. When the movable channel 1 is pushed by the powder pressing head 204, the torsion spring 3 undergoes elastic deformation; when the powder pressing head 204 rises, the torsion spring 3 drives the movable channel 1 to reset and extend into the powder collecting cavity 2020. In this embodiment, the powder pressing head 204 acts on the movable channel 1 by pushing against it, thereby driving the movable channel 1 to move. In other embodiments, the powder pressing head 204 can also act on the movable channel 1 indirectly through components such as linkage mechanisms or gear mechanisms to drive the movable channel 1 to move. Furthermore, the fixed channel 2 and the movable channel 1 are provided with mutually cooperating limiting structures to restrict the maximum extension position of the movable channel 1 under the action of the elastic element. In this embodiment, the limiting structure includes a limiting protrusion 21 on the fixed channel 2 and a limiting protrusion 11 on the movable channel 1. The limiting protrusion 21 is a cylindrical protrusion located on the lower part of the outer wall of the fixed channel 2, cooperating with the limiting protrusion 11 of the movable channel 1 to limit the maximum swing angle of the movable channel 1.

[0040] Please see Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the movable channel 1 can at least partially block the slot 2021 by being pushed by the powder pressing head 204 when the powder is pressed. In this embodiment, at least the lower half of the slot 2021 is blocked by the movable channel 1 after being pushed, which can prevent powder from leaking from the gap between the movable channel 1 and the slot 2021 during the pressing process. In this embodiment, the lower edge of the slot 2021 and the lower edge of the movable channel 1 are also provided with overlapping and abutting surfaces to reduce powder leakage. Specifically, the lower edge of the movable channel 1, which is also the feeding edge 12, has a chamfered surface on its outer side, and the lower edge of the slot 2021, which is also the slot edge 2022, has a chamfered surface on its inner side. The two chamfered surfaces overlap and abut to prevent powder leakage. Please refer to the following: Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the height of the active channel 1 blocking the slot 2021 when pushed by the powder pressing head 204 is as follows: Figure 6 The position indicated by H1 is not lower than the lowest point of the active channel 1 when it is not pushed by the powder pressing head 204, such as... Figure 4 The location indicated by H2, that is, the sealing height H1 of the active channel 1 is not lower than the lowest point height H2 in its free state, to ensure that the powder will not leak from the slot 2021.

[0041] The working principle and movement process of an embodiment of the powder sorting device 100 provided by this utility model are as follows.

[0042] During the non-pressing stage, the movable channel 1 maintains its maximum extension angle under the action of the torsion spring 3, meaning that at least a portion of the movable channel 1 protrudes into the powder collection cavity 2020, and the discharge edge 12 of the movable channel 1 is located above or near the center line of the powder collection cavity 2020. In this state, powder is conveyed directly from the grinding assembly 10 through the fixed channel 2 and the movable channel 1 to the central area of ​​the powder collection cavity 2020, forming a powder pile with a high center and low edges.

[0043] When the powder pressing head 204 descends under the drive of the pressure rod 201 and the transmission mechanism 205, its cylindrical surface first contacts the inclined sidewall of the movable channel 1. As the powder pressing head 204 continues to press down, the movable channel 1 swings outward around the pivot axis, and the material feeding edge 12 adheres to the powder collecting cylinder 202 outward to block the lower half of the slot 2021 of the powder collecting cylinder 202. When the powder pressing head 204 reaches the preset powder pressing position, the movable channel 1 completely exits the powder collecting cavity 2020, and the powder pressing head 204 directly acts on the central powder pile to form a uniform and dense powder cake.

[0044] After the powder is pressed, the pressure rod 201 is lifted so that the powder pressing head 204 is driven to rise through the transmission mechanism 205. The movable channel 1 is automatically reset to the center area of ​​the powder collection chamber 2020 under the action of the torsion spring 3, waiting for the next powder feeding.

[0045] This utility model also provides a coffee machine, which includes the powder sorting device 100 as described above.

[0046] As described above, this invention, through the coordinated design of the movable powder feeding channel 30 and the elastic reset mechanism, achieves precise delivery of powder to the central area of ​​the powder collecting chamber 2020, effectively solving the technical problems of uneven powder distribution and large differences in powder compaction found in traditional powder handling devices 100. Furthermore, because the movable channel 1 frequently oscillates during use, powder residue within it is less likely to remain. Additionally, the movable channel 1 is easy to disassemble and clean if necessary. Practical application verification shows that this device can significantly improve coffee extraction quality and reduce equipment maintenance frequency, demonstrating significant technological advancement and practical value.

[0047] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A powder handling device, comprising a grinding assembly, a pressing assembly, and a powder feeding channel disposed between the grinding assembly and the pressing assembly for conveying powder from the grinding assembly to the pressing assembly, wherein the pressing assembly includes a pressing head and a collecting chamber, and the powder feeding channel conveys the powder to the collecting chamber for pressing by the pressing head, characterized in that: The powder feeding channel is at least partially configured as a movable channel that extends into the movement area of ​​the powder pressing head during powder pressing, so as to convey the powder towards the center of the powder collecting chamber; The active channel is configured to: move away from the movement area of ​​the powder pressing head when the powder is pressed by the powder pressing head, and return to the movement area of ​​the powder pressing head by elastic force when it is no longer subjected to the action of the powder pressing head.

2. The powder sorting device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The powder feeding channel includes an elastic element that applies an elastic force to the moving area of ​​the movable channel toward the powder pressing head.

3. The powder sorting device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The powder feeding channel includes a fixed channel that is fixedly connected to the grinding assembly, and the movable channel is pivotally connected to the bottom of the fixed channel.

4. The powder sorting device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic element includes a torsion spring, one end of which is fixed to the fixed channel and the other end is connected to the movable channel.

5. The powder handling device as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The fixed channel and the movable channel are provided with limiting structures that cooperate with each other to limit the maximum extension position of the movable channel under the action of the elastic member.

6. The powder handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The powder pressing assembly includes a powder collecting cylinder and a powder receiving device detachably connected to the bottom of the powder collecting cylinder. The peripheral wall of the powder collecting cylinder has a slot for the movable channel to pass through, wherein the movable channel can be at least partially blocked by the pressure of the powder pressing head when the powder is pressed.

7. The powder sorting device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The height at which the movable channel blocks the slot when it is pushed by the powder pressing head is not lower than the lowest point of the movable channel when it is not pushed by the powder pressing head.

8. The powder sorting device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The lower edge of the slot and the lower edge of the movable channel are provided with overlapping and abutting surfaces to reduce powder leakage.

9. The powder handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The active channel includes a bottom wall and side walls extending upward from both sides of the bottom wall. The upper edge of the side walls is provided with a slope or arc-shaped surface for contacting and sliding relative to the edge of the powder pressing head.

10. A coffee machine, characterized in that, Includes the powder handling apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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