Grind fineness correction system for a coffee grinder

Abstract

This utility model relates to the technical field of coffee equipment, and proposes a grind fineness correction system for a coffee grinder. It includes a weighing component for weighing the coffee powder ground by the grinder and for weighing the extracted coffee by the brewing machine. The grinder is equipped with an automatic grinding adjustment device for adjusting the grinding gap. The grind fineness correction system also includes a grinding control device, which receives and processes the weighing information from the weighing component to trigger the automatic grinding adjustment device. The grinding control device is mounted on the grinder and electrically connected to the driver of the automatic grinding adjustment device. The weighing component acquires the weight of the coffee powder and the weight of the extracted coffee. After this key information is transmitted to the grinding control device, the device can analyze the correlation between the two to determine whether the current grind fineness of the grinder is appropriate. The grinding control device can directly control the operation of the automatic grinding adjustment device to correct the grinding gap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of coffee equipment, specifically to a grind fineness correction system for a coffee grinder. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of freshly brewed coffee, the grind size of the coffee powder is a core parameter that determines the extraction effect and the final flavor. Currently, the standard operating procedure for users to adjust the grind size of a coffee grinder is as follows: First, the user manually rotates the adjustment ring or dial of the grinder to "zero" or initial position; then, based on experience, the user manually rotates the adjustment ring to set a desired grind gap; finally, the user starts the grinder to grind and complete the brewing process.

[0003] After brewing the first cup of coffee, if the taste is unsatisfactory and the grind is deemed to be of incorrect coarseness, this coffee grinder does not have any self-correction function. In subsequent grinding operations, the grinder will only passively and repeatedly maintain the grind gap set manually by the user last time, without being able to adaptively adjust or correct based on the results of the previous extraction. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention proposes a grind fineness correction system for a coffee grinder. A weighing component acquires the weight of the coffee powder and the weight of the extracted coffee. This crucial information is transmitted to the grinder control device, which analyzes the correlation between the two to determine if the current grind fineness is appropriate. If the grind fineness is deemed inappropriate, the grinder control device directly controls the automatic grinder adjustment mechanism to correct the grind gap, eliminating the need for manual operation by the user. This reduces the problem of poor coffee flavor caused by insufficient user experience or operational errors, allowing ordinary users to easily obtain their ideal coffee taste. It significantly improves the product's intelligence and ease of use, solving the problem that traditional coffee grinders cannot adaptively adjust and correct the grind fineness based on extraction results.

[0005] A grind coarseness correction system for a coffee grinder, designed for this purpose, includes a weighing component for weighing the coffee powder ground by the grinder and for weighing the coffee extracted by the brewing machine. The grinder is equipped with an automatic grinder adjustment device for adjusting the grinding gap. The grind coarseness correction system further includes: A grinding control device is provided, which is used to receive and process the weighing information of the weighing component to trigger the operation of the automatic grinding adjustment device. The grinding control device is installed on the grinder and is electrically connected to the driver of the automatic grinding adjustment device.

[0006] A communication module is provided between the weighing component and the grinding control device, and the weighing component and the grinding control device are connected through the communication module. The communication module can be a wired or wireless communication module; the wireless communication module can be a Bluetooth module or a WiFi module.

[0007] The weighing component is detachably installed on the body of the coffee grinder and the brewing machine; or, the weighing component is installed on the body of both the coffee grinder and the brewing machine.

[0008] The weighing component includes an electronic scale body and a display screen mounted on the electronic scale body. The electronic scale body contains a weighing sensor, a weighing circuit board, and a first communication module. The display screen, the weighing sensor, and the first communication module are electrically connected to the weighing circuit board, respectively.

[0009] The grinding control device includes a control circuit board for driving the automatic grinding adjustment device, a receiving and processing module for receiving and processing the weighing information of the weighing component, and a second communication module. The receiving and processing module, the second communication module, and the driver of the automatic grinding adjustment device are respectively electrically connected to the control circuit board. The control circuit board and the weighing circuit board are connected via a first communication module and a second communication module. The first communication module and the second communication module are Bluetooth modules or WiFi modules for wireless communication.

[0010] The grinding control device also includes a storage unit that works in conjunction with the receiving and processing module to store data.

[0011] The storage unit is an internal storage unit of the main chip where the receiving and processing module is located; or, the storage unit is a storage chip located outside the main chip where the receiving and processing module is located.

[0012] The grinder's grind fineness correction system also includes a human-machine interface, which is used to display at least one of the following: weighing information, coffee powder grind fineness information, coffee extraction time, and grind fineness correction status information. The human-computer interaction interface includes a display, which is electrically connected to the control circuit board of the grinding control device. The human-computer interaction interface is installed on the coffee grinder.

[0013] The electronic scale body is equipped with a timer for recording the duration of the weighing sensor detection state and the coffee extraction time. The timer is electrically connected to the weighing circuit board.

[0014] The automatic grinding adjustment device of the coffee grinder is installed in the grinding chamber of the coffee grinder. The automatic grinding adjustment device includes an upper blade plate that is movably installed in the grinding chamber and a lower blade plate that is fixed in the grinding chamber. The upper blade plate is connected to the drive shaft of the driver. The driver drives the upper blade plate to move up and down to adjust the distance between the upper blade plate and the lower blade plate, thereby adjusting the grinding gap.

[0015] The beneficial technical effects of this utility model are as follows: The weighing component acquires the weight of the coffee powder and the weight of the extracted coffee. This crucial information is transmitted to the grinding control unit, which analyzes the correlation between the two to determine if the current grind size is appropriate. If the grind size is deemed inappropriate, the grinding control unit directly controls the automatic grind adjustment device to correct the grind gap, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. This reduces the problem of poor coffee flavor caused by insufficient user experience or operational errors, allowing ordinary users to easily achieve their ideal coffee taste. It significantly improves the product's intelligence and ease of use, solving the problem of traditional grinders' inability to adaptively adjust grind size based on extraction results. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the assembly structure of a coffee grinder, weighing component and powder receiving cup according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a coffee grinder, weighing component and powder receiving cup assembled in a planar state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional structural diagram of a coffee grinder, weighing component, and powder receiving cup assembled according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the powder receiving cup and filter cup assembly after removal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the coffee powder transfer process from the receiving cup to the filter cup assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a brewing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional structural diagram of a weighing component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure between the weighing component, the grinding control device, and the automatic grinding adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the process for correcting the grinding fineness of a coffee grinder according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the proportional relationship between the fineness of the coffee powder, the weight of the coffee powder, and the weight of the coffee in one embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present application more apparent and understandable, many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0027] See Figures 1-8 A grind fineness correction system for a coffee grinder includes a weighing component 3 for weighing the coffee powder ground by the grinder 1 and for weighing the coffee extracted by the brewing machine 2. The grinder 1 is equipped with an automatic grind adjustment device 5 for adjusting the grinding gap. The grind fineness correction system for the coffee grinder further includes: The grinding control device 4 is used to receive and process the weighing information of the weighing component 3 to trigger the operation of the automatic grinding adjustment device 5. The grinding control device 4 is installed on the grinder 1 and is electrically connected to the driver of the automatic grinding adjustment device 5.

[0028] The weighing component 3 acquires the weight of the coffee powder and the weight of the extracted coffee. This crucial information is transmitted to the grinding control device 4, which analyzes the correlation between the two to determine if the current grind size of the grinder 1 is appropriate. If the grind size is deemed inappropriate, the grinding control device 4 directly controls the automatic grind adjustment device 5 to correct the grind gap, eliminating the need for manual operation by the user. This reduces the problem of poor coffee flavor caused by insufficient user experience or operational errors, allowing ordinary users to easily obtain the ideal coffee taste. It significantly improves the product's intelligence and ease of use, solving the problem that traditional grinders cannot adaptively adjust and correct the grind size based on extraction results.

[0029] A communication module 6 is provided between the weighing component 3 and the grinding control device 4, and the weighing component 3 and the grinding control device 4 are connected to each other through the communication module 6. The communication module 6 is a wired or wireless communication module; the wireless communication module is a Bluetooth module or a WiFi module.

[0030] Wired communication modules ensure stable and real-time data transmission, avoiding information delays or loss caused by signal interference, making them suitable for scenarios with extremely high transmission reliability requirements. Wireless communication modules, such as Bluetooth or WiFi, eliminate the constraints of cable connections, allowing for more flexible installation of the weighing component 3 and the grinding control device 4. Users can freely arrange the equipment according to their actual needs, greatly improving operational convenience, especially in situations with limited space or where frequent movement of the weighing component 3 is required. The availability of two communication methods allows the system to adapt to different operating environments and user needs, ensuring that weighing information is efficiently and accurately transmitted to the grinding control device 4. This provides timely data support for subsequent grinding gap calibration, further guaranteeing the accuracy and timeliness of the calibration process and enhancing the system's versatility and adaptability.

[0031] The weighing component 3 is detachably installed on the bodies of the coffee grinder 1 and the brewing machine 2; or, the weighing component 3 is installed on the bodies of both the coffee grinder 1 and the brewing machine 2.

[0032] The detachable installation design allows the weighing component 3 to be easily removed from both the grinder 1 and the brewer 2. Both grinder 1 and brewer 2 can share a single weighing component 3. When grinding with the grinder 1, the weighing component 3 is first placed below the grinder 1's outlet, and then the coffee cup 7 is placed on top of it. After grinding, the coffee powder weight data from the weighing component 3 is transmitted to the grinding control device 4. The user then places the weighing component 3 on the brewer 2. At this point, the coffee powder from the coffee cup 7 is transferred to the filter cup assembly 8, which is then installed on the brewer 2. The weighing component 3 is then placed below the filter cup assembly 8, and finally the coffee cup 9 is placed on top of it. This allows for the weighing of the extracted coffee. When the grinding control device 4 acquires the coffee powder weight data and the extracted coffee weight data, it analyzes the data related to grind coarseness, coffee powder weight, coffee weight, and extraction time. Figure 10 As shown, the current grinding fineness of the coffee grinder 1 is determined by comparing the pre-stored data with the actual measured data.

[0033] Both the grinder 1 and the brewer 2 are equipped with a weighing component 3, eliminating the need for users to install or disassemble the weighing component 3, thus reducing operating steps and ensuring the convenience and continuity of the weighing process.

[0034] The weighing component 3 includes an electronic scale body 301 and a display screen mounted on the electronic scale body 301. The electronic scale body 301 contains a weighing sensor 302, a weighing circuit board, and a first communication module. The display screen, the weighing sensor 302, and the first communication module are electrically connected to the weighing circuit board, respectively.

[0035] The weighing sensor is a resistance strain gauge type, and its working principle is as follows: it consists of a metallic elastomer and resistance strain gauges attached to it. When the coffee cup or coffee maker is placed on the weighing assembly 3, gravity forces the elastomer to undergo a slight deformation. The strain gauges attached to the elastomer are stretched or compressed accordingly, and their resistance value changes accordingly. By connecting multiple strain gauges into a Wheatstone bridge circuit, the minute resistance change can be converted into a measurable voltage difference signal proportional to the weight. This weak analog voltage signal is sent to the weighing circuit board, and after a series of processing steps, it is finally converted into a digital weight value for display and transmitted to the control circuit board 401 of the coffee grinder control device 4.

[0036] The grinding control device 4 includes a control circuit board 401 for driving the automatic grinding adjustment device 5, a receiving and processing module 402 for receiving and processing the weighing information of the weighing component 3, and a second communication module. The receiving and processing module 402, the second communication module, and the driver of the automatic grinding adjustment device 5 are electrically connected to the control circuit board 401, respectively. The control circuit board 401 and the weighing circuit board are connected through a first communication module and a second communication module. The first communication module and the second communication module are Bluetooth modules or WiFi modules for wireless communication.

[0037] The receiving and processing module 402 can accurately receive weighing information from the weighing component 3, determine whether the current grind size of the grinder 1 is appropriate, and provide data for subsequent calibration. The wireless connection (Bluetooth or WiFi) between the second communication module and the first communication module ensures the convenience and flexibility of information transmission. Combined with the overall coordination of the control circuit board 401, the analysis results of the receiving and processing module 402 can be quickly converted into drive signals. By controlling the driver of the automatic grinder adjustment device 5, precise adjustment and calibration of the grind gap can be achieved. This seamless "receive-process-drive" mechanism completes the entire process from information acquisition to adjustment and calibration without manual intervention. This not only significantly reduces human error but also responds in real time to changes in extraction results, ensuring that each grind dynamically adapts to the optimal grind size, continuously and stably improving coffee quality. It also frees users from tedious manual adjustments, enhancing ease of use and user experience.

[0038] The receiving and processing module 402 is a processing chip.

[0039] The grinding control device 4 also includes a storage unit that works in conjunction with the receiving and processing module 402 to store data.

[0040] The storage unit in this technical solution provides the system with the ability to accumulate and reuse data, significantly enhancing the accuracy and adaptability of grind fineness correction. The storage unit works in conjunction with the receiving and processing module 402 to save key data such as the weight of coffee powder grounds, the weight of extracted coffee, the grinding gap parameters corresponding to the extraction time, and the correction results for each grind. This historical data can not only serve as a reference for subsequent grinding operations, but also allow the system to conduct comparative analysis.

[0041] The storage unit is an internal storage unit of the main chip where the receiving and processing module 402 is located; or, the storage unit is a storage chip located outside the main chip where the receiving and processing module 402 is located.

[0042] The grinder's grind fineness correction system also includes a human-machine interface, which is used to display at least one of the following: weighing information, coffee powder grind fineness information, coffee extraction time, and grind fineness correction status information. The human-computer interaction interface includes a display, which is electrically connected to the control circuit board 401 of the grinding control device 4. The human-computer interaction interface is set on the coffee grinder 1.

[0043] The human-computer interface significantly enhances the system's usability and transparency, allowing users to intuitively control the entire grinding and calibration process. The display is electrically connected to the control circuit board 401, enabling real-time reception and display of key information such as weighing data, grind size, and calibration status. This allows users to clearly understand the current weight of the coffee powder, the grind gap size, and whether the system is undergoing calibration. This visual presentation allows users to promptly identify potential problems during grinding or extraction, such as abnormal weight or calibration failure, facilitating timely intervention. Furthermore, users can accumulate experience based on the displayed information, gradually understanding the coffee flavor corresponding to different grind sizes, thus enabling more precise adjustments to personal preference settings.

[0044] The electronic scale body 301 is equipped with a timer for recording the duration of the detection state of the weighing sensor 302 and the coffee extraction time. The timer is electrically connected to the weighing circuit board.

[0045] When the weighing sensor 302 detects a change in weight, it controls the timer to start. The timer keeps track of the time in real time and transmits the information to the control circuit board 401 of the grinding control device 4. The receiving and processing module 402 analyzes and compares the results and then feeds them back to another chip on the control circuit board 401.

[0046] The automatic grinding adjustment device 5 of the coffee grinder 1 is installed in the grinding chamber of the coffee grinder 1. The automatic grinding adjustment device 5 includes an upper blade 501 that is movably installed in the grinding chamber and a lower blade 502 that is fixed in the grinding chamber. The upper blade 501 is connected to the drive shaft of the driver. The driver drives the upper blade 501 to move up and down to adjust the distance between the upper blade 501 and the lower blade 502, thereby adjusting the grinding gap.

[0047] This automatic grinding adjustment device 5 can be found in the grinding spacing adjustment structure of a coffee grinder disclosed in Chinese Patent Publication No. CN221511672U. The motor device (equivalent to a driver) is connected to an upper transmission plate, and the upper transmission plate is fixedly connected to a transmission seat. The transmission seat is fixedly connected to a first blade (equivalent to the upper blade 501). A lifting thread mechanism is provided between the fixed frame and the transmission seat. The transmission seat rotates and drives the first blade to move up and down through the lifting thread mechanism. The motor device drives the upper transmission plate to make the transmission seat rotate relative to the fixed frame. The motor device can drive the first blade to move up and down according to the user's needs, so that the spacing between the first blade and the second blade (equivalent to the lower blade) can be adjusted. This allows the coffee grinder to adapt to the grinding needs of coffee beans of different sizes, and the user can also obtain coffee powder particles of different sizes according to their taste requirements.

[0048] The coffee grinder 1 is equipped with a coffee powder receiving cup 7 below its powder outlet for receiving coffee powder. When the coffee powder receiving cup 7 is placed on the weighing component 3, the coffee powder is weighed. The brewing machine 2 is equipped with a filter cup assembly 8 for holding coffee powder, and the filter cup assembly 8 is detachably installed on the liquid outlet of the brewing machine 2; Below the filter cup assembly 8 is a coffee cup 9 for receiving coffee. When the coffee cup 9 is placed on the weighing assembly 3, the coffee is weighed.

[0049] The filter cup assembly 8 is a common accessory for existing brewing machines, so its specific structure will not be described in detail here.

[0050] After the coffee grounds are collected in the coffee cup 7, it is inverted and placed above the opening of the filter cup in the filter cup assembly 8. The coffee grounds are then introduced into the filter cup of the filter cup assembly 8. When the brewing machine outputs hot water to the filter cup of the filter cup assembly 8, the coffee is extracted and falls into the coffee cup 9 below the filter cup assembly 8. When the coffee grounds in the coffee cup 7 are transferred to the filter cup assembly 8, even if the user taps the coffee cup 7, some residual coffee grounds may appear. However, these coffee grounds are very light, and these minor errors are negligible and do not affect the judgment of whether the grind of the grinder is appropriate.

[0051] See Figure 9 A method for correcting the grinding coarseness of a coffee grinder, comprising the following steps: After the grinder 1 and the electronic scale assembly 3 are connected via Bluetooth, the user sets the grinding weight on the grinder 1, places the powder receiving cup 7 on the electronic scale assembly 3, the electronic scale assembly 3 automatically zeros, and the grinder 1 begins grinding. The electronic scale component 3 provides real-time feedback on the weight of the coffee grounds to the grinder 1; The main control program of the coffee grinder receives and records the weight of the coffee powder; The weighed coffee powder in the powder receiving cup 7 is transferred to the filter cup assembly 8 of the brewing machine 2. After the filter cup assembly 8 is installed on the brewing machine, the brewing machine 2 is started to extract coffee. When the first drop of coffee extract is poured into the coffee cup 9, the electronic scale component 3 will simultaneously start timing and display the weight, and feed the data back to the grinder 1 in real time; The grinder 1 determines whether the grind size is reasonable based on the extraction time and weight of the coffee liquid fed back by the electronic scale component 3. If the judgment result does not meet the preset target, the main control program generates a control command to drive the automatic grinding adjustment device to adjust the grinding gap between the upper and lower blades of the grinder, thereby correcting the grinding fineness.

[0052] The main body 301 of the electronic scale transmits the weight of the coffee powder and the weight of the coffee liquid to the main control program via wired or wireless communication.

[0053] The electronic scale body 301 performs an automatic zeroing operation to deduct the weight of the coffee powder cup 7 or coffee cup 9; alternatively, the electronic scale body 301 is equipped with a manual zeroing operation button. Alternatively, after recording the weight of the coffee powder cup 7 or coffee cup 9, the electronic scale body 301 subtracts the weight of the coffee powder cup 7 or coffee cup 9 when weighing coffee powder or coffee.

[0054] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A grind fineness correction system for a coffee grinder, comprising a weighing component (3) for weighing the coffee powder ground by the grinder (1) and for weighing the coffee extracted by the brewing machine (2), wherein the grinder (1) is provided with an automatic grind adjustment device (5) for adjusting the grind gap, characterized in that, The grind size correction system of the coffee grinder also includes: The grinding control device (4) is used to receive and process the weighing information of the weighing component (3) to trigger the operation of the automatic grinding adjustment device (5). The grinding control device (4) is installed on the grinder (1) and is electrically connected to the driver of the automatic grinding adjustment device (5).

2. The grinding coarseness correction system for the coffee grinder according to claim 1, characterized in that: A communication module (6) is provided between the weighing component (3) and the grinding control device, and the weighing component (3) and the grinding control device (4) are connected through the communication module (6); The communication module (6) is a wired or wireless communication module; the wireless communication module is a Bluetooth module or a WiFi module.

3. The grinding coarseness correction system for the coffee grinder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The weighing component (3) is detachably installed on the body of the grinder (1) and the brewer (2); or, the weighing component (3) is provided on the body of both the grinder (1) and the brewer (2).

4. The grinding coarseness correction system for the coffee grinder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The weighing component (3) includes an electronic scale body (301) and a display screen mounted on the electronic scale body (301). The electronic scale body (301) contains a weighing sensor (302), a weighing circuit board and a first communication module. The display screen, the weighing sensor (302) and the first communication module are electrically connected to the weighing circuit board.

5. The grinding coarseness correction system for the coffee grinder according to claim 4, characterized in that: The grinding control device (4) includes a control circuit board (401) for driving the automatic grinding adjustment device (5) to operate, a receiving and processing module (402) for receiving and processing the weighing information of the weighing component (3), and a second communication module. The receiving and processing module (402), the second communication module, and the driver of the automatic grinding adjustment device (5) are electrically connected to the control circuit board (401), respectively. The control circuit board (401) and the weighing circuit board are connected by a first communication module and a second communication module. The first communication module and the second communication module are Bluetooth modules or WiFi modules for wireless communication.

6. The grinding coarseness correction system for the coffee grinder according to claim 5, characterized in that: The grinding control device (4) also includes a storage unit that works in conjunction with the receiving and processing module (402) to store data.

7. The grinding coarseness correction system for the coffee grinder according to claim 6, characterized in that: The storage unit is an internal storage unit of the main chip where the receiving and processing module (402) is located; or, the storage unit is a storage chip located outside the main chip where the receiving and processing module (402) is located.

8. The grinding coarseness correction system for the coffee grinder according to claim 5, characterized in that: The grinder's grind fineness correction system also includes a human-machine interface, which is used to display at least one of the following: weighing information, coffee powder grind fineness information, coffee extraction time, and grind fineness correction status information. The human-machine interface includes a display, which is electrically connected to the control circuit board (401) of the grinding control device (4); The human-computer interaction interface is set on the coffee grinder (1).

9. The grinding coarseness correction system for the coffee grinder according to claim 4, characterized in that: The electronic scale body (301) is equipped with a timer for recording the duration of the detection state of the weighing sensor (302) and the coffee extraction time. The timer is electrically connected to the weighing circuit board.

10. The grinding coarseness correction system for the coffee grinder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The automatic grinding adjustment device (5) of the coffee grinder (1) is installed in the grinding chamber of the coffee grinder (1). The automatic grinding adjustment device (5) includes an upper blade (501) that is movably installed in the grinding chamber and a lower blade (502) that is fixed in the grinding chamber. The upper blade (501) is connected to the drive shaft of the driver. The driver drives the upper blade (501) to move up and down to adjust the distance between the upper blade (501) and the lower blade (502), thereby adjusting the grinding gap.

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