Protection mechanism for grinding and bean grinding device for coffee machine

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of coffee machines, and particularly relates to a protection mechanism for grinding, which comprises a vertically through grinding chamber, a grid plate and a switch, a ground object can penetrate through the grid plate, the switch is serially connected in a circuit of a grinding motor, the grid plate is slidably connected onto the grinding chamber, and a grinding cavity for providing a grinding space is formed between the grid plate and the grinding chamber. The grinding chamber is further provided with a locking piece used for fixing the position where the grid plate is located. And the switch is a switch capable of automatically resetting, comprises an elastic contact type mechanical switch and is arranged on a sliding path of the grid plate. On the basis that it is guaranteed that a user is not injured during grinding operation, the grinding cavity can be opened by moving or detaching the grid plate on the grinding chamber, no matter whether a grinding knife on the grinding motor and a shaft cannot be detached or not, the blocked position can be cleaned more conveniently, and the grinding efficiency is improved. And after the grid plate is separated, the polishing motor is automatically powered off, the safety of a user is effectively protected, repair and daily maintenance operation are facilitated, and the use difficulty of the user is greatly reduced.

Description

Grinding protective mechanism and coffee grinder for coffee machine Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of grinding technology, specifically to a protective mechanism for grinding and a coffee grinder for a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] Existing fully automatic beverage brewing equipment, such as fully automatic coffee machines, soy milk makers, tea makers, and multi-functional juicers, integrates functions such as grinding, brewing, stirring, and temperature control to achieve fully automatic production of beverages from raw materials to finished products, and has been widely used in home and commercial settings.

[0003] However, in the pursuit of functional integration and operational safety, such devices still face some common technical contradictions.

[0004] Taking fully automatic coffee machines as an example, their core grinding components typically employ high-speed rotating blades or grinding discs. To prevent accidental activation, traditional designs rigidly fix the grinding unit and protective device, forming a non-removable integrated structure (such as Chinese utility model patent CN217645003U). However, this design reveals significant flaws when dealing with abnormal operating conditions: when excessive coffee beans are added or the raw material moisture content is abnormal, material accumulation can easily occur inside the grinding chamber, causing blade jamming or even motor overload and shutdown, potentially leading to equipment burnout in extreme cases. More importantly, the non-removable structural design hinders daily cleaning and maintenance. Especially in the event of a blockage, users find it difficult to effectively clean the inside of the grinding chamber. Long-term use may result in bacterial growth from residues, affecting beverage quality and accelerating equipment wear.

[0005] Similar issues exist in other fully automatic beverage equipment. For example, while some high-end soymilk makers are equipped with self-cleaning functions, the fixed design of their grinding components and chambers still leaves cleaning dead zones. When brewing tea in a fully automatic tea maker, if tea leaves clog the outlet, users need to disassemble the device with special tools to completely unclog it. This contradiction between safety and ease of maintenance not only limits the user experience and affects commercial applications, but also increases the overall lifecycle maintenance costs, becoming a significant factor restricting the market penetration of fully automatic beverage brewing equipment.

[0006] Therefore, in order to improve the user experience, this application proposes a grinding protection mechanism and a coffee grinder that combine safety and ease of cleaning. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a protective mechanism for grinding and a grinding device for coffee machines, solving the problem that existing fully automatic beverage equipment cannot simultaneously achieve both safety in use and ease of cleaning.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a protective mechanism for grinding, including a grinding chamber that runs vertically through, a grid plate through which the object to be ground can pass, and a switch connected in series in the grinding motor circuit. The grid plate is slidably connected to the grinding chamber and forms a grinding cavity between the grid plate and the grinding chamber to provide grinding space. The grinding chamber is also provided with a locking device for fixing the position of the grid plate.

[0009] The switch is an automatically resettable switch, including one of a resilient contact mechanical switch and a non-contact trigger switch, and the switch is located on or around the sliding path of the grid plate.

[0010] Preferably, the switch is a contact mechanical switch located on the sliding path of the grid plate, including a resilient contact micro switch.

[0011] Preferably, the micro switch is located at the end of the sliding path of the grid plate, and the locking member is used to fix the sliding end position of the grid plate in the grinding chamber.

[0012] Preferably, the grid plate is provided with a stop block, and the grinding chamber is provided with a through hole that can pass through the inside and outside of the grinding chamber, and the stop block is slidably connected in the through hole;

[0013] The switch includes a bracket and a trigger protrusion. The bracket is located on the outer wall of the grinding chamber and near the through hole. The trigger protrusion is located on the bracket and aligned with the stop block. The trigger protrusion is a normally open switch.

[0014] Preferably, a second spring is also provided between the bracket and the abutment block.

[0015] Preferably, the locking component includes one of a pin, a screw, or a snap fastener.

[0016] Preferably, the locking element is a spring latch, comprising:

[0017] The locking pin is slidably connected to the grid plate, and the free end of the locking pin is in concave-convex fit with the inner wall of the grinding chamber;

[0018] The first spring is located between the locking pin and the grid plate;

[0019] The sliding direction of the locking pin is not parallel to the sliding direction of the grid plate.

[0020] Preferably, the sliding direction of the pin is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the grid plate, and the sliding direction of the grid plate is not parallel to the path direction of the object being polished through the grid plate.

[0021] Preferably, the grinding chamber is bucket-shaped, the grid plate is horizontally arranged on the grinding chamber, the locking element includes at least two symmetrical locking pins, and the surface of the locking pins is also provided with a button.

[0022] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model also provides the following technical solution: a coffee grinder, including the grinding protection mechanism as described above, and a grinding motor.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, this utility model provides a protective mechanism for grinding and a coffee grinding device for coffee machines, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] This grinding protection mechanism and coffee grinder ensure that the grinding process will not harm the user. The grinding chamber can be opened by moving or removing the grid plate on the grinding chamber. Regardless of whether the grinding blade and shaft on the grinding motor are non-removable, it is easier to clean blockages. The grinding motor is automatically disconnected from the power supply after the grid plate is removed, which effectively protects the user's safety. It also facilitates repair and daily maintenance, greatly reducing the difficulty of use for the user. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional assembly structure diagram of the protective mechanism for this polishing process;

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the protective mechanism used for grinding;

[0027] Figure 3 is a left view of the structure of the protective mechanism for this polishing process;

[0028] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the protective mechanism for polishing from another perspective, mainly showing the bottom of the mechanism;

[0029] Figure 5 is a front view of the structure of the protective mechanism for this polishing process;

[0030] Figure 6 is a circuit diagram of the coffee grinder used in this coffee machine.

[0031] In the picture:

[0032] 1. Grinding chamber; 11. Polishing cavity;

[0033] 2. Grid plate; 21. Abutment block;

[0034] 3. Switch; 31. Spring-loaded micro switch; 311. Bracket; 312. Trigger protrusion; 313. Second spring;

[0035] 4. Locking element; 41. Locking pin; 42. First spring; 43. Button;

[0036] 5. Grind the motor. Detailed Implementation

[0037] 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 some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. 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.

[0038] Example 1:

[0039] Please refer to Figures 1-6. The present invention provides the following technical solution: a protective mechanism for grinding, including a grinding chamber 1 that runs vertically through, a grid plate 2 through which the object to be ground can pass, and a switch 3 connected in series in the circuit of the grinding motor 5. The grid plate 2 is slidably connected to the grinding chamber 1 and forms a grinding cavity 11 between the grid plate 2 and the grinding chamber 1 to provide grinding space. The grinding chamber 1 is also provided with a locking piece 4 for fixing the position of the grid plate 2.

[0040] Among them, switch 3 is an automatically resettable switch 3, including one of elastic contact mechanical switch and non-contact trigger switch 3, and switch 3 is located on or around the sliding path of grid plate 2.

[0041] As an optional implementation scheme in this embodiment, the material to be ground (such as beans) enters the grinding chamber 1 through the grid plate 2 and is ground by the grinding motor 5 located in the grinding chamber 1. The ground particles, powder, or debris (such as fruit fibers) can then flow out from the outlet that runs through the bottom of the grinding chamber 1, either entering the next processing step (such as mixing) or flowing out directly for the user to collect and drink. When a blockage occurs, because the grid plate 2 directly separates the grinding motor 5 in the grinding chamber 11, it is difficult for the user to access the grinding blade before removing the grid plate 2, thus protecting the user's safety. Of course, the user cannot perform any unblocking work before removing the grid plate 2, so the grid plate 2 must be removed first to unblock the blockage.

[0042] Furthermore, the switch 3 is located on or around the sliding path of the grid plate 2, and the locking member 4 fixes the grid plate 2 in the sliding position of the grinding chamber 1.

[0043] It is worth noting that, in this technical solution as a whole, when the grid plate 2 is in a fixed state in the grinding chamber 1, that is, in the non-cleaning working state, the circuit of the grinding motor 5 is closed at the section connected to the switch 3. Otherwise, the grinding work cannot be carried out. In other words, when the grid plate 2 slides into place or is locked in the sliding position by the locking member 4, the switch 3 is closed due to the action of the grid plate 2.

[0044] Specifically, switch 3 can be a common contact mechanical switch, such as the elastic contact micro switch 31 described later, or a knife switch with a spring, or other contact mechanical switches in this field. It should be understood that any switch 3 that can close the circuit when subjected to the force of the grid plate 2 and disconnect the circuit after the force of the grid plate 2 is removed should belong to this contact mechanical switch.

[0045] Meanwhile, switch 3 can also be a non-contact switch, such as a photoelectric sensor switch composed of an infrared sensor and an actuator. Specifically, it uses a pyroelectric infrared sensor (such as HN911L), a two-stage operational amplifier (such as LM324), and a comparator (such as LM311). When the infrared sensor detects a human infrared signal, it amplifies and compares it to a threshold, then outputs a low level, driving the transistor to conduct, causing the relay to engage and connect the load. The photoresistor is then connected in series with the infrared sensor to achieve the automatic disable function of the circuit. That is, when the non-contact switch senses the grid 2 in position, the circuit is on; when the non-contact switch does not sense the grid 2, the circuit is off.

[0046] It should be understood that the above technical solutions are specific examples of the selection of switches 3. They can all realize the switching on and off of the grinding motor 5 circuit based on whether the grid plate 2 is in place. Due to the infinite number of examples, this embodiment will not list them all. Any switch 3 that can be associated with whether the grinding motor 5 is energized based on whether the grid plate 2 is in place should be within the protection scope of this technical solution.

[0047] The following is an explanation of how the aforementioned grid plate 2, switch 3, and grinding motor 5 encounter blockages during actual grinding:

[0048] When a blockage occurs, the grinding motor 5 may jam or even stop, but it is still powered on. To clear the blockage, the user must first remove the grid plate 2. After unlocking the grid plate 2 using the locking device 4, the grid plate 2 can slide freely in the grinding chamber 1. The user applies a pulling force to the grid plate 2, causing the force on the switch 3 to loosen. This disconnects the circuit of the grinding motor 5, stopping its operation. This ensures that the user is not harmed by the grinding motor 5 during disassembly of the grid plate 2 or the clearing operation. It also provides a wider field of vision and more operational space during the clearing operation, making cleaning, maintenance, and repair work more convenient.

[0049] The connection and positional distribution between the grinding motor 5 and the grid plate 2 can actually be in various ways. It can be that the grinding motor 5 passes directly through the grid plate 2 without contact, or it can be that a slide rail is installed on the shaft of the grinding motor 5, a bearing is installed on the slide rail, and the bearing is installed on the grid plate 2. The installation method between the grinding motor 5 and the grinding chamber 1 is not limited. Whether it is detachable or not does not affect the disassembly and assembly of the grid plate 2, and therefore does not affect the various cleaning and maintenance operations of the grinding chamber 1 and the grinding blade in the grinding motor 5. This embodiment does not impose too many restrictions on it.

[0050] For the lock component 4, it can be a common and easy-to-operate buckle, or a pin or screw, etc. This technical solution does not make a specific limitation on it.

[0051] Therefore, by adopting this embodiment, while ensuring that the user will not be harmed during the grinding operation, the grinding chamber 11 can be opened by moving or removing the grid plate 2 on the grinding chamber 1. Regardless of whether the grinding blade and shaft on the grinding motor 5 are non-removable, it is more convenient to clean the blockage. Moreover, the power supply to the grinding motor 5 is automatically disconnected after the grid plate 2 is removed, which effectively protects the user's safety and is also conducive to repair and daily maintenance operations, greatly reducing the difficulty of use for the user.

[0052] As shown in Figure 2-3, the locking component 4 is a spring latch, including:

[0053] The locking post 41 is slidably connected to the grid plate 2, and the free end of the locking post 41 is in concave-convex fit with the inner wall of the grinding chamber 1;

[0054] The first spring 42 is located between the locking post 41 and the grid plate 2;

[0055] The sliding direction of the locking pin 41 is not parallel to the sliding direction of the grid plate 2.

[0056] As an optional implementation scheme in this embodiment, the concave-convex fit ensures that the position of the locking member 4 on the grid plate 2 is fixed in a definite manner. Under normal operating conditions, the position of the grid plate 2 remains stable, and there will be no power failure of the grinding motor 5. Of course, the specific structure of the concave-convex fit can also be further optimized into a stepped adjustment method, that is, a single locking post 41 corresponds to multiple mating positions on the grinding chamber 1. When such a design is combined with a scheme where the switch 3 is an elastic contact mechanical switch (especially in embodiment 3), when a blockage occurs, it is possible that the un-grinded material will continue to enter the grinding chamber, causing the volume of the material to be ground in the grinding chamber 11 to expand. This will cause the grid plate 2 to be under pressure, which may cause the locking post 41 to overcome the reaction force of the first spring 42 and disengage from the mating position on the inner wall of the grinding chamber 1. This reduces the pressure of the grid plate 2 on the micro switch 31, thus automatically stopping the operation of the grinding motor 5.

[0057] By adopting this technical solution, when a blockage occurs, especially a severe blockage, there is a certain probability that the operation of the grinding motor 5 can be automatically stopped, thus avoiding major losses such as overload or burnout of the grinding motor 5.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1-3, the sliding direction of the pin 41 is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the grid plate 2, and the sliding direction of the grid plate 2 is not parallel to the path direction of the object being polished through the grid plate 2.

[0059] As an optional implementation scheme of this embodiment, in this technical solution, the feeding direction of the material to be polished, i.e. the raw material, may be different due to existing or future technological developments. Therefore, it is sufficient to limit the sliding direction of the grid plate 2 to be non-parallel to the path direction of the material to be polished through the grid plate 2, so as to ensure the effectiveness of the locking member 4 in fixing the position of the grid plate 2.

[0060] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the grinding chamber 1 is bucket-shaped, the grid plate 2 is horizontally arranged on the grinding chamber 1, and the locking component 4 includes at least two symmetrical locking pins 41, and the surface of the locking pins 41 is also provided with buttons 43.

[0061] As an optional implementation scheme in this embodiment, the bucket-shaped grinding chamber 1 is commonly used in existing fully automatic beverage equipment, and almost all of them have this shape and structure. Since the feeding direction of the raw materials is usually the direction of gravity, it is reasonable to limit the arrangement of the grid plate 2 on the grinding chamber 1 to a horizontal direction. Regarding the specific limitation of the locking element 4, it should be understood that through two buttons 43, the user can use two fingers (conventionally the thumb and forefinger) to pinch the two buttons 43, driving the locking pin 41 to slide towards each other on the grid plate 2, thereby unlocking the grid plate 2. This structural design is also relatively simple, easy to manufacture and apply.

[0062] Example 2:

[0063] As shown in Figure 2, compared with Embodiment 1, the switch 3 is a contact mechanical switch located on the sliding path of the grid plate 2, including a resilient contact micro switch 31.

[0064] As an optional implementation scheme in this embodiment, based on Embodiment 1, we further limit switch 3 to a contact mechanical switch. It can be a resilient contact micro switch 31, or other normally open mechanical switches that automatically close the circuit under pressure, such as a knife switch with a spring, or a combination of a micro switch 31 and a second spring 313. Since non-contact switches 3 are more susceptible to environmental factors and have higher manufacturing costs, although feasible to a certain extent, contact mechanical switches, which are lower in cost and more stable in operation, are more likely to be favored by users in terms of market promotion.

[0065] As shown in Figure 2-3, the micro switch 31 is located at the end of the sliding path of the grid plate 2, and the locking member 4 is used to fix the sliding end position of the grid plate 2 in the grinding chamber 1.

[0066] As an optional implementation of this embodiment, based on the elastic contact micro switch 31, the position of the switch 3 is further limited to the end point of the sliding path of the grid plate 2. Similarly, the locking member 4 is also used to fix the position of the grid plate 2 at the sliding end point, ensuring that the maximum sliding position of the grid plate 2 is the trigger point of the micro switch 31. In this way, the micro switch 31 can be prevented from being damaged by overvoltage while ensuring the assembly stability of the grid plate 2 and the grinding chamber 1.

[0067] Example 3:

[0068] As shown in Figures 2-3, based on Embodiment 1, the grid plate 2 is provided with a stop block 21, and the grinding chamber 1 is provided with a through hole that can pass through the inside and outside of the grinding chamber 1. The stop block 21 is slidably connected in the through hole.

[0069] The switch 3 is located at the end of the sliding path of the grid plate 2, and the locking member 4 is used to fix the sliding end position of the grid plate 2 in the grinding chamber 1. The switch 3 includes a bracket 311 and a trigger protrusion 312. The bracket 311 is located on the outer wall of the grinding chamber 1 and close to the through hole. The trigger protrusion 312 is located on the bracket 311 and aligned with the stop block 21. The trigger protrusion 312 is a normally open switch. A second spring 313 is also provided between the bracket 311 and the stop block 21.

[0070] As an optional implementation scheme in this embodiment, compared to Embodiment 2, both are essentially resettable contact mechanical switches. However, the difference lies in the further limitation imposed by the abutment 21 and the through hole. This allows the grid plate 2 to act on the micro switch 31 outside the grinding chamber 1, ensuring the normal operation of the micro switch 31. Moreover, this design also offers the advantage of allowing the entire bracket 311 to be disassembled for maintenance. Of course, regarding the coupling between the through hole and the abutment 21, in certain application scenarios, such as coffee machines, soy milk makers, and juicers, to ensure that the grinding chamber 1 does not leak, those skilled in the art can further install a leak-proof sealing ring in the through hole. These are all common existing sealing technologies, and this technical solution will not elaborate on them in detail.

[0071] Example 4:

[0072] Please refer to Figures 1-6. The present invention provides the following technical solution: a coffee grinder, including a grinding protection mechanism of any one of embodiments 1-3, and a grinding motor 5.

[0073] As an optional implementation scheme in this embodiment, the grinding motor 5 refers to a component that includes a grinding blade and a motor. Based on any of embodiments 1-3, the specific operating position of the grinding blade should be in the grinding chamber 11, so that it will not cause harm to the user during operation and has high safety. At the same time, due to the cooperation of the grid plate 2 and the switch 3, the grinding motor 5 will automatically cut off the power when the user performs cleaning and maintenance operations, which not only improves safety but also increases the difficulty of cleaning and maintenance operations in current fully automatic beverage equipment.

[0074] The working principle and usage process of this utility model: The material to be ground (such as beans) enters the grinding chamber 1 through the grid plate 2 and is ground by the grinding motor 5 located in the grinding chamber 1. The ground particles, powders or debris (such as fruit fibers) can flow out from the outlet that runs through the bottom of the grinding chamber 1, either entering the next production process (such as mixing) or flowing out directly for users to collect and drink.

[0075] When a blockage occurs, the grid plate 2 directly isolates the grinding motor 5 in the grinding chamber 11, making it difficult for the user to access the grinding blade before removing the grid plate 2, thus protecting the user's safety. To clear the blockage, the lock 4 unlocks the grid plate 2, allowing it to be removed. Upon unlocking, the reaction force of the second spring 313 quickly pushes the grid plate 2 open, the switch 3 automatically resets to its open state, and the grinding motor 5 is simultaneously de-energized. This allows the user to remove the grid plate 2, resulting in a more spacious view and operating area in the grinding chamber 11, making cleaning, maintenance, and repair much easier.

[0076] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A protective mechanism for grinding, comprising a grinding chamber extending vertically, a grid through which the object to be ground can pass, and a switch connected in series in the grinding motor circuit, characterized in that, The grid plate is slidably connected to the grinding chamber and forms a grinding cavity between the grid plate and the grinding chamber to provide grinding space. The grinding chamber is also provided with a locking device for fixing the position of the grid plate. The switch is an automatically resettable switch, including one of a resilient contact mechanical switch and a non-contact trigger switch. The switch is located on or around the sliding path of the grid plate.

2. The protective mechanism for polishing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switch is a contact-type mechanical switch located on the sliding path of the grid plate, including a resilient contact micro switch.

3. The polishing protective mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The micro switch is located at the end of the sliding path of the grid plate, and the locking element is used to fix the sliding end position of the grid plate in the grinding chamber.

4. The polishing protective mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The grid plate is provided with a stop block, and the grinding chamber is provided with a through hole that can pass through the inside and outside of the grinding chamber. The stop block is slidably connected in the through hole. The switch includes a bracket and a trigger protrusion. The bracket is located on the outer wall of the grinding chamber and close to the through hole. The trigger protrusion is located on the bracket and aligned with the stop block. The trigger protrusion is a normally open switch.

5. The polishing protective mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, A second spring is also provided between the bracket and the abutment.

6. The polishing protective mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking component includes one of the following: a pin, a screw, or a snap fastener.

7. The polishing protective mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The locking element is a spring latch, comprising: a locking pin slidably connected to the grid plate, the free end of the locking pin engaging with the inner wall of the grinding chamber; a first spring disposed between the locking pin and the grid plate; the sliding direction of the locking pin is not parallel to the sliding direction of the grid plate.

8. The protective mechanism for polishing according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sliding direction of the pin is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the grid plate, and the sliding direction of the grid plate is not parallel to the path direction of the object being polished through the grid plate.

9. The polishing protective mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The grinding chamber is bucket-shaped, the grid plate is horizontally arranged on the grinding chamber, and the locking component includes at least two symmetrical locking pins, and the surface of the locking pins is also provided with buttons.

10. A coffee grinder for a coffee machine, comprising the grinding protection mechanism according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, It also includes a grinding motor.

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