Rotary bean box structure of coffee maker

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of rotating bean box structure of coffee machine, including bean box, cover and drive assembly;The lower end of bean box is rotatably connected with the upper end of top plate in coffee machine, drive assembly is connected on top plate and is used to drive bean box relative top plate rotation, cover is connected on the upper end of bean box and is used to close bean box;The inside of bean box is provided with two bean stores for storing different kinds of coffee beans respectively, the bottom of two bean stores is provided with discharge port;When drive assembly drives bean box to rotate to make one of discharge port and the feed inlet of feed channel located on top plate align, coffee beans in corresponding bean store enter coffee machine through feed channel;When drive assembly drives bean box to rotate reset, two discharge ports are horizontally staggered with the feed inlet of feed channel to stop coffee beans in bean store enter coffee machine through feed channel;The utility model can add different kinds of coffee beans to coffee machine by mechanization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of coffee machine technology, and more specifically, to a rotating bean box structure for a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] Multi-functional coffee machines can grind coffee beans into powder, and then brew the powder to make coffee. Currently, most multi-functional coffee machines on the market are equipped with a bean hopper for storing coffee beans. When a user uses a multi-functional coffee machine to brew coffee, the coffee beans enter the machine from the bean hopper, are then ground into powder, and finally brewed. However, in the existing structure of multi-functional coffee machines, the bean hopper can only store a single type of coffee bean. This means that users cannot quickly change the type of coffee beans according to their preferences, resulting in a less than ideal user experience. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a rotating bean hopper structure for a coffee machine, which can add different types of coffee beans to the coffee machine in a mechanized manner according to user preferences, thereby improving the user's experience and flexibility when using the coffee machine.

[0004] This utility model provides a rotating bean hopper structure for a coffee machine, including a bean hopper, a cover plate, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly is electrically connected to the controller in the coffee machine. The lower end of the bean hopper is rotatably connected to the upper end of the top plate in the coffee machine. The drive assembly is connected to the top plate and is used to drive the bean hopper to rotate relative to the top plate. The cover plate is attached to the upper end of the bean hopper and is used to close the bean hopper. The inner side of the bean hopper is provided with two bean compartments for storing different types of coffee beans. The bottom of each bean compartment is provided with a discharge port. When the drive assembly drives the bean hopper to rotate so that one of the discharge ports is aligned with the inlet of the feeding channel on the top plate, the coffee beans in the corresponding bean compartment enter the coffee machine through the feeding channel. When the drive assembly drives the bean hopper to rotate and reset, both discharge ports are horizontally offset from the inlet of the feeding channel to stop the coffee beans in the bean compartment from entering the coffee machine through the feeding channel.

[0005] By adopting the above-described structure, this invention can add different types of coffee beans to the coffee machine in a mechanized manner according to user preferences, thereby enhancing the user's experience and flexibility when using the coffee machine.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the rotating bean box structure further includes a central shaft; the central shaft is vertically oriented, its lower end is fixed to the top plate, and a shaft hole is provided in the middle of the bean box, into which the central shaft is inserted, and the bean box is rotatably connected to the central shaft; a hand-tightening nut is threaded onto the upper end of the central shaft, and the hand-tightening nut abuts against the bean box located at the upper end of the shaft hole to prevent the bean box from axially disengaging from the central shaft; with this structure, the bean box can be reliably rotatably connected to the upper end of the top plate by the cooperation of the shaft hole and the central shaft; the hand-tightening nut, threaded onto the upper end of the central shaft... After the connection is made, the lower end of the hand-tightened nut can abut against the upper end of the bean box, thereby achieving axial restraint of the bean box to prevent it from freely detaching from the central shaft. When the bean box needs to be cleaned, the hand-tightened nut can be removed, which will release the axial restraint of the bean box and allow it to be disassembled. In addition, the aforementioned central shaft is installed in the top plate from bottom to top. Several connecting arms are provided on the outer wall of the lower end of the central shaft in a circumferential direction around the central shaft at intervals. Each connecting arm extends in the radial direction of the central shaft and is fixed to the lower end of the top plate by screws.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the drive assembly includes a motor, a drive gear, a driven gear, and a transmission component. The motor is electrically connected to the controller in the coffee machine and is fixed to the lower end of the top plate. The drive gear is coaxially fixed to the output shaft of the motor. The driven gear and the transmission component are rotatably sleeved on the central shaft from bottom to top. The driven gear meshes with the drive gear. The lower end of the transmission component is driven and axially limited by the driven gear. The lower end of the bean container is driven and connected to the upper end of the transmission component. With this structure, when the motor drives the drive gear to rotate, the drive gear can drive the driven gear to rotate. And because the lower end of the transmission component is driven and axially limited by the driven gear, and the lower end of the bean container is driven and connected to the upper end of the transmission component, the bean container can be reliably driven to rotate.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the upper end of the transmission component is provided with a polygonal insertion portion, and a pressure cap is fixed to the upper end of the top plate. The upper end of the transmission component abuts against the inner top of the pressure cap. Under the action of the pressure cap, axial positioning of the driven gear and the transmission component can be achieved. The insertion portion moves from bottom to top through the pressure cap and extends out of the pressure cap. The inner wall of the lower end of the shaft hole forms a slot portion that matches the shape of the insertion portion. The insertion portion is inserted into the slot portion and circumferentially positioned within the slot portion. After the insertion portion and the slot portion are engaged, circumferential positioning is achieved between the insertion portion and the slot portion, thereby... When the transmission component rotates, it can reliably drive the bean box to rotate synchronously. The outer wall of the insertion part is provided with a limiting rib, and the inner wall of the slot part is provided with a limiting groove that matches the limiting rib. The limiting rib is inserted into the limiting groove. Through the setting of the limiting rib and the limiting groove, when the bean box and the transmission component are assembled, the limiting rib and the limiting groove can be inserted together to achieve the positioning of the bean box and the transmission component, that is, to limit the initial position of the bean box. In addition, under the action of the insertion of the limiting rib and the limiting groove, the circumferential limiting of the bean box and the transmission component can be further achieved.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the lower end face of the transmission component abuts against the upper end face of the driven gear. The lower end of the transmission component is provided with several circumferentially spaced insert pieces, all of which are axially inserted into the inner hole of the driven gear. A portion of the insert pieces have undercuts on their lower outer walls, which engage with the lower end of the driven gear. By adopting this structure, since the lower end face of the transmission component abuts against the upper end face of the driven gear, and a portion of the insert pieces have undercuts on their lower outer walls, which engage with the lower end of the driven gear, axial positioning of the transmission component and the driven gear can be reliably achieved. The upper end of the driven gear is provided with several circumferentially spaced blind holes, each containing a spring and a steel ball sequentially from bottom to top. The lower end face of the transmission component has grooves corresponding to the steel balls, and each spring is used to push upwards. The corresponding steel balls are designed so that their upper parts fit into their corresponding slots. Through the arrangement of blind holes, springs, steel balls, and slots, under normal conditions, the upper part of each steel ball fits into its corresponding slot, and the lower part fits into its corresponding blind hole, all under the action of the spring. This means that the transmission component and the driven gear are circumferentially limited by several steel balls. Thus, when the driven gear rotates, it can drive the transmission component to rotate synchronously, causing the transmission component to drive the bean hopper to rotate synchronously. When a jam occurs between the bean hopper and the top plate, for example, when coffee beans are stuck between the bean hopper and the top plate, preventing the bean hopper from rotating, the driven gear continues to rotate, but the bean hopper and transmission component cannot rotate. In this case, the steel balls will compress the spring and disengage from the slots, allowing the driven gear to slip relative to the transmission component, thus preventing the driven gear from jamming and thus avoiding damage to the motor.

[0010] In one possible implementation, a limit switch is fixed to the upper end of the top plate, and the limit switch is electrically connected to the controller in the coffee machine. Two trigger plates are provided on the outer bottom of the bean hopper. When the drive assembly drives the bean hopper to rotate so that one of the outlets aligns with the inlet of the feed channel located on the top plate, one of the trigger plates triggers the trigger end of the limit switch to stop the drive assembly from driving the bean hopper to rotate. A first magnetic proximity switch is fixed to the lower end of the top plate, and the first magnetic proximity switch is electrically connected to the controller in the coffee machine. A first magnet is embedded in the bottom of the bean hopper. When the drive assembly drives the bean hopper to rotate and reset, the first magnet triggers the first magnetic proximity switch to stop the drive assembly from driving the bean hopper to rotate. With this structure, when the user operates... When the coffee machine is operated so that the drive assembly drives the bean hopper to rotate, and one of the outlets is aligned with the inlet of the feeding channel on the top plate, a trigger plate can trigger the trigger end of the limit switch to stop the drive assembly from driving the bean hopper to rotate, thus achieving rotation limit of the bean hopper. At this time, coffee beans in the bean hopper corresponding to the outlet can enter the coffee machine through the outlet and the feeding channel. When the coffee machine is operated to request that the bean hopper rotate to reset, the controller in the coffee machine can drive the bean hopper to rotate to reset through the drive assembly. After the bean hopper rotates to reset, the first magnet can trigger the first magnetic proximity switch to stop the controller in the coffee machine from driving the drive assembly to rotate the bean hopper, ensuring that the bean hopper can be accurately rotated to reset.

[0011] In one possible implementation, a second magnetic proximity switch is embedded on the inner side of the upper end of the central shaft. The second magnetic proximity switch is electrically connected to the controller in the coffee machine, and a second magnet is embedded in the middle of the lower end of the cover plate. When the cover plate is attached to the upper end of the bean hopper, the second magnet triggers the second magnetic proximity switch. With this structure, when the cover plate is attached to the upper end of the bean hopper, the second magnet can trigger the second magnetic proximity switch. At this time, the controller in the coffee machine can receive the signal that the second magnetic proximity switch is triggered by the second magnet, and only under these circumstances can the coffee machine be started normally and the bean hopper be rotated. When the cover plate is removed from the bean hopper, the second magnetic proximity switch loses the triggering of the second magnet. At this time, the controller in the coffee machine cannot receive the signal that the second magnetic proximity switch is triggered by the second magnet, that is, the coffee machine cannot be started, thereby improving the safety of using the coffee machine.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the upper end of the top plate is provided with an annular groove, and the lower end of the bean box is inserted into the annular groove and rotatably connected to it. The annular groove improves the reliability of the bean box's rotation relative to the top plate and enhances its coaxiality with the central axis, allowing for more reliable rotation relative to the top plate. Several ball bearings are embedded at intervals around the bottom of the annular groove, and the lower end of the bean box rests on these ball bearings. This ball bearing arrangement reduces friction between the bean box and the annular groove, further enabling more reliable and smoother rotation of the bean box relative to the top plate.

[0013] In one possible implementation, a sliding cavity is provided at the upper end of the top plate and inside the annular groove, and the feed inlet of the feeding channel is located at the bottom of the sliding cavity; the lower end of each discharge port is connected to a guide sleeve made of soft rubber material, and the lower end of each guide sleeve abuts against the inner bottom of the sliding cavity; by setting the guide sleeve, and with the lower end of the guide sleeve abutting against the inner bottom of the sliding cavity, when the discharge port is aligned with the feeding channel, the coffee beans in the bean hopper can be more reliably guided into the feeding channel, and since the guide sleeve is made of soft rubber material, the guide sleeve has a certain deformation capacity, thereby preventing jamming between the guide sleeve and the inner bottom of the sliding cavity when the feed box rotates.

[0014] In one possible implementation, an annular step is provided on the inner wall of the lower end of the outlet, and an annular protrusion is provided on the outer wall of the upper end of the guide sleeve. The annular protrusion abuts against the annular step, and a pressure ring is fastened to the inner side of the outlet. The annular protrusion is pressed tightly against the annular step by the pressure ring. With this structure, the upper end of the guide sleeve can be reliably fastened to the lower end of the outlet, and the guide sleeve passes through the outlet from top to bottom. The bottom of each bean hopper is formed into a conical structure, and each outlet is located at the lowest point of the bottom of the corresponding bean hopper. With this structure, the coffee beans in the bean hopper can be discharged more smoothly from the outlet into the feed channel, and the coffee beans can be prevented from being stuck in the bean hopper. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is the first three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a second three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a partially exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 4This is a partial exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention after the cover plate has been removed.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified structural diagram of point A in the middle;

[0021] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A magnified structural diagram of point B in the middle;

[0022] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the first three-dimensional structure of the present invention after removing some of its components;

[0023] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the second three-dimensional structure of the present invention after removing part of the structure;

[0024] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the bean box;

[0025] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the transmission component and the driven gear after assembly.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the transmission component and the driven gear after they have been separated.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the transmission component;

[0028] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the pressure ring and guide sleeve after being separated from the bean box. Detailed Implementation

[0029] First, those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely used to explain the technical principles of the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0030] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0032] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0033] See Figures 1-14 As shown in the figure, this application discloses a rotating bean hopper structure for a coffee machine, including a bean hopper 1, a cover plate 2, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly is electrically connected to the controller in the coffee machine. The lower end of the bean hopper 1 is rotatably connected to the upper end of the top plate 3 in the coffee machine. The drive assembly is connected to the top plate 3 and is used to drive the bean hopper 1 to rotate relative to the top plate 3. The cover plate 2 is placed on the upper end of the bean hopper 1 and is used to close the bean hopper 1. The inner side of the bean hopper 1 is provided with two bean compartments 11 for storing different types of coffee beans. The bottom of each bean compartment 11 is provided with a discharge port 12. When the drive assembly drives the bean hopper 1 to rotate so that one of the discharge ports 12 is aligned with the inlet of the feeding channel 31 located on the top plate 3, the coffee beans in the corresponding bean compartment 11 enter the coffee machine through the feeding channel 31. When the drive assembly drives the bean hopper 1 to rotate and reset, both discharge ports 12 are horizontally offset from the inlet of the feeding channel 31 to stop the coffee beans in the bean compartment 11 from entering the coffee machine through the feeding channel 31.

[0034] See you again Figures 2-5As shown, the rotating bean box structure also includes a central shaft 4; the central shaft 4 is vertically arranged, and its lower end is fixed to the top plate 3. A shaft hole 13 is provided in the middle of the bean box 1, and the central shaft 4 is inserted into the shaft hole 13, thus rotatably connecting the bean box 1 to the central shaft 4; a hand-tightening nut 41 is threadedly connected to the upper end of the central shaft 4, and the hand-tightening nut 41 abuts against the bean box 1 located at the upper end of the shaft hole 13 to prevent the bean box 1 from axially disengaging from the central shaft 4; with this structure, the bean box can be reliably rotatably connected to the upper end of the top plate under the cooperation of the shaft hole and the central shaft; the hand-tightening nut 41 abuts against the bean box 1 located at the upper end of the shaft hole 13 to prevent the bean box 1 from axially disengaging from the central shaft 4; by adopting this structure, the bean box can be reliably rotatably connected to the upper end of the top plate under the cooperation of the shaft hole and the central shaft; the hand-tightening nut 41 abuts against the bean box 1 located at the upper end of the shaft hole 13 to prevent the bean box 1 from axially disengaging from the central shaft 4. After the upper end of the mandrel is threaded, the lower end of the hand-tightened nut can abut against the upper end of the bean box, thereby achieving axial restraint of the bean box to prevent it from freely detaching from the central shaft. When the bean box needs to be cleaned, the hand-tightened nut can be removed, which will release the axial restraint of the bean box and allow it to be disassembled. In addition, the aforementioned central shaft is installed in the top plate from bottom to top. Several connecting arms are provided on the outer wall of the lower end of the central shaft in a circumferential direction around the central shaft at intervals. Each connecting arm extends in the radial direction of the central shaft and is fixed to the lower end of the top plate by screws.

[0035] See you again Figure 5 and Figure 9 As shown, the drive assembly includes a motor 51, a drive gear 52, a driven gear 53, and a transmission component 54. The motor 51 is electrically connected to the controller in the coffee machine and is fixed to the lower end of the top plate 3. The drive gear 52 is coaxially fixed to the output shaft of the motor 51. The driven gear 53 and the transmission component 54 are rotatably sleeved on the central shaft 4 from bottom to top. The driven gear 53 meshes with the drive gear 52. The lower end of the transmission component 54 is driven and axially limited by the driven gear 53. The lower end of the bean container 1 is driven and connected to the upper end of the transmission component 54. With this structure, when the motor drives the drive gear to rotate, the drive gear can drive the driven gear to rotate. Since the lower end of the transmission component is driven and axially limited by the driven gear, and the lower end of the bean container is driven and connected to the upper end of the transmission component, the bean container can be reliably driven to rotate. The motor is a stepper motor.

[0036] See you again Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, the upper end of the transmission component 54 is provided with a polygonal insertion part 541, and the upper end of the top plate 3 is fixed with a pressure cap 55. The upper end of the transmission component 54 abuts against the inner top of the pressure cap 55. Under the action of the pressure cap, the driven gear and the transmission component can be axially limited. The insertion part 541 moves from bottom to top through the pressure cap 55 and extends out of the pressure cap 55. The inner wall of the lower end of the shaft hole 13 forms a slot part 131 that matches the shape of the insertion part 541. The insertion part 541 is inserted into the slot part 131 and is circumferentially limited by the slot part 131. After the insertion part and the slot part are engaged, the purpose of circumferential limitation can be achieved between the insertion part and the slot part. This ensures that when the transmission component rotates, it can reliably drive the bean box to rotate synchronously. A limiting rib 542 is provided on the outer wall of the insertion part 541, and a limiting groove 132 adapted to the limiting rib 542 is provided on the inner wall of the slot part 131. The limiting rib 542 is inserted into the limiting groove 132. Through the setting of the limiting rib and the limiting groove, when the bean box and the transmission component are assembled, the limiting rib and the limiting groove can cooperate and insert, thereby achieving the positioning of the bean box and the transmission component, i.e., limiting the initial position of the bean box. Furthermore, under the cooperative insertion action of the limiting rib and the limiting groove, the circumferential positioning of the bean box and the transmission component can be further achieved.

[0037] See you again Figures 11-13As shown, the lower end face of the transmission component 54 abuts against the upper end face of the driven gear 53. The lower end of the transmission component 54 is provided with several circumferentially spaced insertion pieces 543. All insertion pieces 543 are axially inserted into the inner hole of the driven gear 53. A portion of the insertion pieces 543 have a buckle 544 on their lower outer wall, which engages with the lower end of the driven gear 53. By adopting the above structure, because the lower end face of the transmission component abuts against the upper end face of the driven gear... The surfaces of the insert pieces are in contact, and a portion of the insert pieces have a buckle on the outer wall at the lower end. The buckle engages with the lower end of the driven gear, thereby reliably limiting the axial movement of the transmission component and the driven gear. The upper end of the driven gear 53 has several blind holes 531 arranged circumferentially. Each blind hole 531 contains a spring 532 and a steel ball 533 sequentially from bottom to top. The lower end surface of the transmission component 54 has grooves 54 corresponding to the steel balls 533 one by one. 5. Each spring 532 is used to push the corresponding steel ball 533 upward so that the upper part of the steel ball 533 is engaged in the corresponding groove 545. Through the setting of blind holes, springs, steel balls and grooves, under normal conditions, under the action of the springs, the upper part of each steel ball is engaged in the corresponding groove and the lower part of each steel ball is engaged in the corresponding blind hole. That is, the transmission component and the driven gear are circumferentially limited by several steel balls, so that when the driven gear rotates, the driven gear can drive the transmission component to rotate synchronously, so that the transmission component drives the bean box to rotate synchronously. When the bean box and the top plate are jammed, for example, when coffee beans are stuck between the bean box and the top plate, preventing the bean box from being driven to rotate, while the driven gear continues to rotate, the bean box and the transmission component cannot rotate. At this time, the steel ball will squeeze the spring and disengage from the groove, that is, the driven gear can slip relative to the transmission component, thereby avoiding jamming of the driven gear and thus avoiding damage to the motor.

[0038] See you again Figures 8-10As shown, a limit switch 6 is fixed to the upper end of the top plate 3. The limit switch 6 is electrically connected to the controller in the coffee machine. Two trigger plates 14 are provided on the outer bottom of the bean box 1. When the drive assembly drives the bean box 1 to rotate so that one of the outlets 12 is aligned with the inlet of the feed channel 31 on the top plate 3, one of the trigger plates 14 is used to trigger the trigger end of the limit switch 6 to stop the drive assembly from driving the bean box 1 to rotate. A first magnetic proximity switch 32 is fixed to the lower end of the top plate 3. The first magnetic proximity switch 32 is electrically connected to the controller in the coffee machine. A first magnet 15 is embedded in the bottom of the bean box 1. When the drive assembly drives the bean box 1 to rotate and reset, the first magnet 15 is used to trigger the first magnetic proximity switch 32 to stop the drive assembly from driving the bean box 1 to rotate. With this structure, when the user operates the coffee machine to make the drive assembly drive the bean hopper to rotate, and aligns one of the outlets with the inlet of the feeding channel on the top plate, one of the trigger pieces can trigger the trigger end of the limit switch to stop the drive assembly from driving the bean hopper to rotate, thus achieving rotation limit of the bean hopper. At this time, coffee beans in the bean hopper corresponding to the outlet can enter the coffee machine through the outlet and the feeding channel. When the coffee machine is operated to request that the bean hopper rotate to reset, the controller in the coffee machine can drive the bean hopper to rotate to reset through the drive assembly. After the bean hopper rotates to reset, the first magnet can trigger the first magnetic proximity switch to stop the controller in the coffee machine from driving the drive assembly to rotate the bean hopper, ensuring that the bean hopper can be accurately rotated to reset.

[0039] See you again Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, a second magnetic proximity switch 42 is embedded on the inner side of the upper end of the central shaft 4. The second magnetic proximity switch 42 is electrically connected to the controller in the coffee machine. A second magnet 21 is embedded in the middle of the lower end of the cover plate 2. When the cover plate 2 is placed on the upper end of the bean hopper 1, the second magnet 21 is used to trigger the second magnetic proximity switch 42. With this structure, when the cover plate is placed on the upper end of the bean hopper, the second magnet can trigger the second magnetic proximity switch. At this time, the controller in the coffee machine can receive the signal that the second magnetic proximity switch is triggered by the second magnet. Under these circumstances, the coffee machine can be started normally and the bean hopper can be rotated. When the cover plate is removed from the bean hopper, the second magnetic proximity switch loses the triggering of the second magnet. At this time, the controller in the coffee machine cannot receive the signal that the second magnetic proximity switch is triggered by the second magnet, that is, the coffee machine cannot be started, thereby improving the safety of the coffee machine during use.

[0040] See you again Figure 4As shown, the upper end of the top plate 3 is provided with an annular groove 33, and the lower end of the bean box 1 is inserted into the annular groove 33 and rotatably connected to it. By setting the annular groove, the reliability of the bean box rotating relative to the top plate is improved, and the coaxiality between the bean box and the central axis is improved, so that the bean box can rotate more reliably relative to the top plate. Several balls 34 are embedded in the bottom of the annular groove 33 and are spaced apart around the circumference of the annular groove 33. The lower end of the bean box 1 is supported on the balls 34. By setting the balls, the friction between the bean box and the annular groove is reduced, so that the bean box can rotate more reliably and smoothly relative to the top plate.

[0041] See you again Figure 4 , Figure 10 and Figure 14 As shown, a sliding cavity 35 is provided at the upper end of the top plate 3 and inside the annular groove 33. The feed inlet of the feed channel 31 is located at the bottom of the sliding cavity 35. The lower end of each discharge port 12 is connected to a guide sleeve 16 made of soft rubber material, and the lower end of each guide sleeve 16 abuts against the inner bottom of the sliding cavity 35. By setting the guide sleeve and the lower end of the guide sleeve abutting against the inner bottom of the sliding cavity, when the discharge port is aligned with the feed channel, the coffee beans in the bean hopper can be more reliably guided into the feed channel. Since the guide sleeve is made of soft rubber material, the guide sleeve has a certain deformation capacity, so that when the feed box rotates, the guide sleeve and the inner bottom of the sliding cavity can be prevented from getting stuck.

[0042] See you again Figure 14 As shown, an annular step 121 is provided on the inner wall of the lower end of the outlet 12, and an annular protrusion 161 is provided on the outer wall of the upper end of the guide sleeve 16. The annular protrusion 161 abuts against the annular step 121. A pressure ring 17 is fastened to the inner side of the outlet 12, and the annular protrusion 161 is pressed tightly against the annular step 121 by the pressure ring 17. With this structure, the upper end of the guide sleeve can be reliably fastened to the lower end of the outlet, and the guide sleeve passes through the outlet from top to bottom. The bottom of each bean hopper 11 forms a conical structure, and each outlet 12 is located at the lowest point of the bottom of the corresponding bean hopper 11. With this structure, the coffee beans in the bean hopper can be discharged more smoothly through the outlet into the feed channel, and the coffee beans can be prevented from being stuck in the bean hopper.

[0043] When this invention is applied to a coffee machine, the user can add two different types of coffee beans to the two bean hoppers located on the bean box. The user can then select the type of coffee beans to add by operating the coffee machine. When the user selects to add coffee beans from one bean hopper, the drive assembly rotates the bean box to align one of the outlets with the inlet of the feeding channel on the top plate. At this time, the coffee beans in one bean hopper enter the coffee machine through the feeding channel, and the coffee machine then grinds and brews the beans. When the user selects to add coffee beans from the other bean hopper, the drive assembly rotates the bean box to align the other outlet with the inlet of the feeding channel on the top plate. At this time, the coffee beans in the other bean hopper enter the coffee machine through the feeding channel, and the coffee machine then grinds and brews the beans. In other words, it can add different types of coffee beans to the coffee machine mechanically according to the user's preferences, thereby improving the user experience and flexibility when using the coffee machine.

[0044] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application 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 application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A rotating bean hopper structure for a coffee machine, characterized in that: The machine includes a bean hopper (1), a cover plate (2), and a drive assembly. The drive assembly is electrically connected to the controller in the coffee machine. The lower end of the bean hopper (1) is rotatably connected to the upper end of the top plate (3) in the coffee machine. The drive assembly is connected to the top plate (3) and is used to drive the bean hopper (1) to rotate relative to the top plate (3). The cover plate (2) is attached to the upper end of the bean hopper (1) and is used to close the bean hopper (1). The inner side of the bean hopper (1) is provided with two bean hoppers (11) for storing different types of coffee beans. The bottom of each bean hopper (11) is provided with a discharge port (12). When the drive assembly drives the bean hopper (1) to rotate so that one of the discharge ports (12) is aligned with the feed port of the feed channel (31) on the top plate (3), the coffee beans in the corresponding bean hopper (11) enter the coffee machine through the feed channel (31). When the drive assembly drives the bean hopper (1) to rotate and reset, both outlets (12) are horizontally offset from the inlet of the feed channel (31) to stop the coffee beans in the bean hopper (11) from entering the coffee machine through the feed channel (31).

2. The rotating bean hopper structure of the coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating bean box structure also includes a central shaft (4); the central shaft (4) is vertically arranged, the lower end of the central shaft (4) is fixed to the top plate (3), the middle part of the bean box (1) is provided with a shaft hole (13), the central shaft (4) is inserted into the shaft hole (13), and the bean box (1) is rotatably connected to the central shaft (4); the upper end of the central shaft (4) is threaded with a hand-tightening nut (41), and the hand-tightening nut (41) abuts against the bean box (1) located at the upper end of the shaft hole (13) to restrict the bean box (1) from axially disengaging from the central shaft (4).

3. The rotating bean hopper structure of the coffee machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The drive assembly includes a motor (51), a drive gear (52), a driven gear (53), and a transmission component (54). The motor (51) is electrically connected to the controller in the coffee machine. The motor (51) is fixed at the lower end of the top plate (3). The drive gear (52) is coaxially fixed on the output shaft of the motor (51). The driven gear (53) and the transmission component (54) are rotatably sleeved on the central shaft (4) from bottom to top. The driven gear (53) meshes with the drive gear (52). The lower end of the transmission component (54) is connected to the driven gear (53) and is axially limited. The lower end of the bean box (1) is connected to the upper end of the transmission component (54).

4. The rotating bean hopper structure of the coffee machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The upper end of the transmission component (54) is provided with a polygonal plug-in part (541). The upper end of the top plate (3) is fixed with a pressure cap (55). The upper end of the transmission component (54) abuts against the inner top of the pressure cap (55). The plug-in part (541) moves through the pressure cap (55) from bottom to top and extends out of the pressure cap (55). The inner wall of the lower end of the shaft hole (13) forms a slot part (131) that matches the shape of the plug-in part (541). The plug-in part (541) is inserted into the slot part (131) and is circumferentially limited by the slot part (131). The outer wall of the plug-in part (541) is provided with a limiting rib (542). The inner wall of the slot part (131) is provided with a limiting groove (132) that matches the limiting rib (542). The limiting rib (542) is inserted into the limiting groove (132).

5. The rotating bean hopper structure of the coffee machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The lower end face of the transmission component (54) abuts against the upper end face of the driven gear (53). The lower end of the transmission component (54) is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced insert pieces (543). All the insert pieces (543) are axially inserted into the inner hole of the driven gear (53). A portion of the insert pieces (543) have a buckle (544) on their lower outer wall, which engages with the lower end of the driven gear (53). The driven gear (53) The upper end is provided with a number of blind holes (531) arranged in a circumferential interval. Each blind hole (531) is embedded with a spring (532) and a steel ball (533) from bottom to top. The lower end surface of the transmission component (54) is provided with a groove (545) corresponding to each of the steel balls (533). Each spring (532) is used to push the corresponding steel ball (533) upward so that the upper part of the steel ball (533) is fitted into the corresponding groove (545).

6. The rotating bean hopper structure of the coffee machine according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: A limit switch (6) is fixed at the upper end of the top plate (3). The limit switch (6) is electrically connected to the controller in the coffee machine. Two trigger plates (14) are provided on the outer bottom of the bean box (1). When the drive assembly drives the bean box (1) to rotate so that one of the outlets (12) is aligned with the inlet of the feed channel (31) on the top plate (3), one of the trigger plates (14) is used to trigger the trigger end of the limit switch (6) so that the drive assembly stops driving the bean box (1) to rotate. A first magnetic proximity switch (32) is fixed at the lower end of the top plate (3). The first magnetic proximity switch (32) is electrically connected to the controller in the coffee machine. A first magnet (15) is embedded in the bottom of the bean box (1). When the drive assembly drives the bean box (1) to rotate and reset, the first magnet (15) is used to trigger the first magnetic proximity switch (32) so that the drive assembly stops driving the bean box (1) to rotate.

7. The rotating bean hopper structure of the coffee machine according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that: A second magnetic proximity switch (42) is embedded on the inner side of the upper end of the central shaft (4). The second magnetic proximity switch (42) is electrically connected to the controller in the coffee machine. A second magnet (21) is embedded in the middle of the lower end of the cover plate (2). When the cover plate (2) is attached to the upper end of the bean box (1), the second magnet (21) is used to trigger the second magnetic proximity switch (42).

8. The rotating bean hopper structure of the coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top plate (3) has an annular groove (33) at its upper end. The lower end of the bean box (1) is inserted into the annular groove (33) and rotates to connect with the annular groove (33). The bottom of the annular groove (33) is fitted with a number of ball bearings (34) that are spaced apart around the annular groove (33). The lower end of the bean box (1) is supported on the ball bearings (34).

9. The rotating bean hopper structure of the coffee machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: A sliding cavity (35) is provided at the upper end of the top plate (3) and inside the annular groove (33). The inlet of the feeding channel (31) is located at the bottom of the sliding cavity (35). The lower end of each discharge port (12) is connected to a guide sleeve (16) made of soft rubber material. The lower end of each guide sleeve (16) abuts against the inner bottom of the sliding cavity (35).

10. The rotating bean hopper structure of the coffee machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: An annular step (121) is provided on the inner wall of the lower end of the discharge port (12), and an annular protrusion (161) is provided on the outer wall of the upper end of the guide sleeve (16). The annular protrusion (161) abuts against the annular step (121). A pressure ring (17) is fastened to the inner side of the discharge port (12), and the annular protrusion (161) is pressed against the annular step (121) by the pressure ring (17). The bottom of each bean bin (11) forms a cone-shaped structure, and each discharge port (12) is located at the lowest point of the bottom of the corresponding bean bin (11).

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