Coffee pack guiding and unpacking device and coffee machine

Abstract

The application relates to a coffee bag guiding and discharging device and a coffee machine. The device is provided with a movable bag supporting frame, and a linkage mechanism is connected with the movable extraction head. When the bag is sent, the bag supporting frame is driven to send the coffee bag to the extraction position, and then the bag supporting frame continuously moves to pass the fixed extraction head, so that the bottom of the coffee bag is completely suspended during extraction, and physical interference of the bottom during discharging is fundamentally eliminated. When the bag is discharged, the linkage mechanism is used to make the bag supporting frame remain static in the initial stage of the backward movement of the movable extraction head, so as to create an unobstructed free falling channel for the waste coffee bag, realize reliable discharging by relying on the gravity, and forcibly scrape the adhered coffee bag through the subsequent reset action, thereby forming double protection of the discharging, and improving the operation reliability of the whole machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field, and in particular to a coffee bag guiding and unpacking device and a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] Coffee machines, especially capsule coffee machines that use pre-made coffee bags or capsules, have become widely used in homes and businesses and are highly favored by consumers due to their advantages such as easy operation, consistent product quality, and simple maintenance.

[0003] In a typical capsule coffee machine workflow, the user inserts a coffee bag through the inlet. The bag is precisely guided by an internal guide mechanism into the extraction chamber, which consists of a fixed extraction head and a movable extraction head. As the movable extraction head moves towards and closes the fixed head, the coffee bag is clamped and sealed. High-pressure hot water is then injected to complete the extraction process. After extraction, the movable extraction head retracts, and the discarded coffee bag detaches from the extraction chamber and falls into a waste bag container below for the next extraction cycle. Therefore, a reliable and efficient coffee bag guiding and ejection mechanism is crucial for ensuring the stable operation of the coffee machine.

[0004] Currently, common guiding and unloading mechanisms generally use fixed coffee bag holders to guide and position coffee bags. These holders are typically fixed inside the coffee machine body and have internal guide rails or support surfaces to vertically limit and support the inserted coffee bag, ensuring it accurately stays on the path of the extraction head's closure. After extraction, as the extraction head retracts, or through other auxiliary lever mechanisms, a lateral or downward force is applied to the discarded coffee bag, attempting to remove it from the fixed holder.

[0005] However, the support structure of this type of fixed bag holder, which is used to support the coffee bag, is always located below the coffee bag throughout the entire process from bag feeding, extraction to bag removal. This creates a continuous physical interference, preventing the hot, moist capsule after extraction from falling directly under its own weight. In practice, this can easily lead to failure due to insufficient force or adhesion, resulting in wasted bags and jamming, which is one of the main causes of coffee machine malfunctions. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a stable coffee bag guide and return device and a coffee machine.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a coffee bag guiding and unpacking device, applied in a coffee machine, comprising: A coffee bag holder frame having a release channel formed thereon for holding a coffee bag, and the size of the release channel being configured to allow the fixed extraction head of the coffee machine to pass through it; The linkage mechanism includes an active part disposed on the moving extraction head of the coffee machine and a driven part disposed on the tray frame, as well as a connecting rod connecting the active part and the driven part. A movable groove is provided on the connecting rod, and the active part can slide relative to the connecting rod along the length direction of the movable groove. The linkage mechanism is configured such that, through the relative sliding of the active part within the movable groove, the linkage is: During the bag delivery process, the bag holder is driven to move until the fixed extraction head passes through the release channel, causing the coffee bag supported by the release channel to be conveyed to the extraction position and suspended below it; and... During the unpacking process, the moving extraction head is allowed to move independently before the tray frame moves with the moving extraction head to reset, while the tray frame remains stationary to create an unobstructed drop channel under the coffee bag.

[0008] Preferably, during the unpacking process, after the moving extraction head has moved a predetermined distance independently, the active part abuts against the end wall of the movable groove away from the driven part, so as to pull the package frame back to its original position via the connecting rod.

[0009] Preferably, during the package delivery process, after the active part moves a predetermined distance synchronously with the moving extraction head, it abuts against the end wall of the movable groove facing the fixed extraction head, thereby pushing the package holder frame to move.

[0010] Preferably, the active part includes a sliding pin and a fixed seat; the sliding pin is fixed to the movable extraction head and extends into the movable groove; the fixed seat is fixed to the end of the sliding pin opposite to the movable extraction head to prevent the sliding pin from falling out of the movable groove.

[0011] Preferably, the portion of the sliding pin placed within the movable groove is strip-shaped.

[0012] Preferably, the bag holder frame is provided with a sliding part, and the body of the coffee machine is provided with a groove corresponding to the position of the sliding part. The sliding part slides in cooperation with the groove to guide the movement of the bag holder frame.

[0013] Preferably, the top of the bag holder is provided with a bag inlet, which is connected to the release channel.

[0014] Preferably, the release channel includes: A support portion, connected to the bag holder frame and located below the bag inlet, is used to support the lower edge of the coffee bag; At least one guide portion is disposed on the support portion and extends into the inlet for laterally limiting the edge of the coffee bag. Preferably, the support portion is a U-shaped component, and the guide portion is a guide groove formed on the inner wall of the U-shaped component.

[0015] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a coffee machine including the coffee bag guiding and unpacking device described in any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0016] The coffee bag guide and ejection device and coffee machine designed in this application, by setting up a movable bag holder frame and using a linkage mechanism linked to the moving extraction head, drives the bag holder frame to transport the coffee bag to the extraction position during bag feeding and then continues to move to pass over the fixed extraction head, so that the bottom of the coffee bag is completely suspended during extraction, fundamentally eliminating the physical interference at the bottom during bag ejection; and during bag ejection, the characteristics of the linkage mechanism are used to keep the bag holder frame stationary in the initial stage of the moving extraction head's retraction, creating an unobstructed free fall channel for the discarded coffee bag, realizing reliable bag ejection that can be completed by its own weight. At the same time, its subsequent reset action can also forcibly scrape off the sticky coffee bags, forming a double guarantee for bag ejection and improving the overall operational reliability of the machine. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the coffee bag guiding and unpacking device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the coffee machine provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the coffee machine provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Sectional view at point BB.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the closed structure of the fixed extraction head and the moving extraction head provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The right view.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Sectional view at point AA.

[0024] The components include: a guide bag ejection device 100, a coffee machine 200, a fixed extraction head 201, a movable extraction head 202, a machine body 203, a slide 2031, a coffee bag 10, an edge 11, a bag holder frame 20, a sliding part 21, a bag inlet 22, a release channel 30, a support part 31, a guide part 32, an active part 40, a sliding pin 41, a fixed seat 42, a driven part 50, a connecting rod 60, and a movable groove 61. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The preferred embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0026] This application provides a coffee bag guide and ejection device 100, and a coffee machine 200 having the coffee bag guide and ejection device 100.

[0027] Please see Figures 1 to 7 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the coffee bag guide and unpacking device 100 according to an embodiment of this application, as well as a schematic diagram of its assembly and working state in the coffee machine 200.

[0028] In this embodiment, a typical structure of the coffee machine 200 includes a body 203 and an extraction assembly for performing the extraction action. Specifically, as Figure 2 As shown, the extraction assembly includes a movable extraction head 202 that can reciprocate along a predetermined path and a fixed extraction head 201 that is relatively fixed in position. During extraction, the movable extraction head 202 moves toward the fixed extraction head 201 and eventually closes. At this time, the coffee bag 10 located between the two, i.e., at the extraction position, is clamped and sealed to complete the subsequent hot water extraction process. In this embodiment, the coffee bag 10 is a soft beverage bag in which coffee powder is extruded into a cake shape and covered with non-woven fabric or filter paper, and its outer periphery has a ring-shaped edge 11.

[0029] Please continue to refer to the appendix. Figures 1 to 7 The coffee bag guiding and unloading device 100 provided in this application embodiment mainly includes a bag holder 20 and a linkage mechanism for transmitting the movement of the moving extraction head 202 to the bag holder 20.

[0030] First, the specific structure of the bag holder 20 will be explained: The coffee bag holder 20 is a component used to carry, guide, and ultimately release the coffee bag 10. In this embodiment, a release channel 30 is formed on the coffee bag holder 20, and its top is open to form a bag inlet 21. The bag inlet 22 communicates with the release channel 30, facilitating the user to place the coffee bag 10 into it. To achieve stable movement relative to the machine body 203, at least one sliding part 21 is integrally formed on the side wall of the coffee bag holder 20, for example... Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, there are two, one on top and one on the bottom. The body 203 is provided with a corresponding sliding groove 2031 that slides with the sliding part 21. Through the cooperation between the sliding part 21 and the sliding groove 2031, the bag frame 20 is guided to move back and forth smoothly along a predetermined path.

[0031] Furthermore, in order to effectively support and guide the coffee packet 10, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the release channel 30 is preferably defined by a U-shaped support 31, which is connected to the bag holder frame 20 and located below the bag inlet 21 to stably support the lower edge of the coffee bag 10. Simultaneously, a guide 32 is formed on the inner wall of the U-shaped support 31. In this embodiment, the guide 32 is a guide groove extending into the bag inlet 22, which can laterally limit the edge 11 of the coffee bag 10, ensuring its correct posture during descent and movement. Furthermore, the release channel 30 extends along the moving direction of the moving extraction head 202, and its dimensions are configured to allow the fixed extraction head 201 of the coffee machine 200 to pass through it, facilitating the release of the coffee bag 10 from the support of the bag holder frame 20.

[0032] Secondly, the specific structure of the linkage mechanism will be explained: like Figure 1 As shown, the linkage mechanism includes an active part 40 disposed on the movable extraction head 202 of the coffee machine 200, a driven part 50 disposed on the tray frame 20, and a connecting rod 60 connecting the active part 40 and the driven part 50.

[0033] Specifically, a long, narrow movable groove 61 is provided on the connecting rod 60. The driven part 50 can be a pin, such as a pin with a square cross-section, which connects one end of the connecting rod 60 to the support frame 20, while the driving part 40 is slidably disposed in the movable groove 61 so as to slide relative to the connecting rod 60 along the length direction of the movable groove 61.

[0034] In this preferred embodiment, such as Figure 4 , Figure 7 As shown, the active part 40 adopts a modular structure for easy assembly, comprising a fixed base 42 and a sliding pin 41. The sliding pin 41 is securely fixed to the side wall of the movable extraction head 202 by integral molding or screws, while the sliding pin 41 extends from the fixed base 42 and passes through the movable groove 61 on the connecting rod 60. To prevent the sliding pin 41 from dislodging from the movable groove 61 during movement, the fixed base 42 is fixed to the end of the sliding pin 41 facing away from the movable extraction head 202 as a limit. To prevent deflection, the portion of the sliding pin 41 extending into the movable groove 61 is strip-shaped.

[0035] The following section will describe in detail the working process of the linkage mechanism of the device by referring to the accompanying drawings, through the relative sliding of the active part 40 in the movable groove 61.

[0036] See Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, during the package feeding stroke as the moving extraction head 202 moves towards the fixed extraction head 201: When a user inserts a coffee bag 10 into the inlet 22, it falls in and is supported by the support part 31 of the bag holder 20. At this time, the moving extraction head 202 is in its initial position, and its active part 40, i.e., the sliding pin 41, is located in the movable groove 61 at the end away from the driven part 50. When extraction begins, the moving extraction head 202 moves forward. In the initial stage of the stroke, due to the presence of the movable groove 61, the active part 40 slides freely relative to the connecting rod 60 in the groove. At this time, the bag holder 20 does not move immediately. Until the moving extraction head 202 moves a short predetermined distance, the active part 40 abuts against the groove wall at the end away from the driven part 50, that is, against the front groove wall of the movable groove 61 in the direction towards the fixed extraction head 201. Subsequently, the thrust of the moving extraction head 202 is transmitted to the bag holder 20 through the path of the active part 40-connecting rod 60-driven part 50, pushing the bag holder 20 to move forward synchronously, so that the bag holder 20 carrying the coffee bag 10 is delivered to the extraction position.

[0037] The key is that after the coffee bag frame 20 carries the coffee bag 10 to the extraction position, during the closing process of the moving extraction head 202 and the fixed extraction head 201, as... Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the tray frame 20 will continue to move forward a short distance until its release channel 30 completely passes over the fixed extraction head 201, that is, the fixed extraction head 201 passes through the release channel 30. At this time, the moving extraction head 202 and the fixed extraction head 201 completely close and clamp the edge 11 of the coffee bag 10, while the coffee bag 10 has completely detached from the support of the tray frame 20, leaving its bottom completely suspended.

[0038] During the unpacking process as the moving extraction head 202 moves away from the fixed extraction head 201: After extraction, as follows Figure 2 , Figure 5 As shown, the moving extraction head 202 begins to retract. At this time, the active part 40 also moves backward and slides freely within the movable groove 61 without immediately contacting the end wall of the movable groove 61 facing the fixed extraction head 201, i.e., it does not abut against the rear wall of the movable groove 61. During this stage, the bag holder 20 remains stationary. Since there is no support under the coffee bag 10, the discarded coffee bag 10 can fall freely and smoothly into the waste bag box under the action of gravity, achieving unobstructed bag return.

[0039] In some extreme cases, such as Figure 4 , Figure 7As shown, if the coffee bag 10 sticks to the fixed extraction head 201 due to moisture and heat and fails to fall immediately, as the moving extraction head 202 continues its retraction and resetting motion until it has moved a predetermined distance corresponding to the length of the movable slot 61, the active part 40 will abut against the rear wall of the movable slot 61 in the direction away from the driven part 50. At this time, the pulling force of the moving extraction head 202 will pull the bag holder frame 20 back to its original position via the connecting rod 60. During the retraction of the bag holder frame 20, the rear edge of its release channel 30 will act as a scraping part, actively scraping the edge 11 of the stuck coffee bag 10, forcing it to fall off. This constitutes the second layer of protection for bag removal, effectively improving the reliability of equipment operation.

[0040] In summary, the linkage mechanism allows the moving extraction head 202 to move independently before the bag holder 20 moves with the moving extraction head 202 to reset during the retraction process, while the bag holder 20 remains stationary. This creates an unobstructed drop channel under the coffee bag 10, effectively solving the problem of bag ejection failure caused by continuous interference from the bottom in the prior art.

[0041] The coffee bag guide and ejection device and coffee machine provided in this application embodiment, by setting a movable bag holder frame and using a linkage mechanism linked to the moving extraction head, drives the bag holder frame to transport the coffee bag to the extraction position during bag feeding and then continues to move to pass over the fixed extraction head, so that the bottom of the coffee bag is completely suspended during extraction, fundamentally eliminating the physical interference at the bottom during bag ejection; and during bag ejection, the characteristics of the linkage mechanism are used to keep the bag holder frame stationary in the initial stage of the moving extraction head's retraction, creating an unobstructed free fall channel for the discarded coffee bag, realizing reliable bag ejection that can be completed by its own weight. At the same time, its subsequent reset action can also forcibly scrape off the sticky coffee bags, forming a double guarantee for bag ejection and improving the overall operational reliability of the machine.

[0042] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "vertical", "up", "down", "horizontal", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0043] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0044] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Although this application 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 application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A coffee bag guiding and unloading device, used in a coffee machine, characterized in that, include: A coffee bag holder frame having a release channel formed thereon for holding a coffee bag, and the size of the release channel being configured to allow the fixed extraction head of the coffee machine to pass through it; The linkage mechanism includes an active part disposed on the moving extraction head of the coffee machine and a driven part disposed on the tray frame, as well as a connecting rod connecting the active part and the driven part. A movable groove is provided on the connecting rod, and the active part can slide relative to the connecting rod along the length direction of the movable groove. The linkage mechanism is configured such that, through the relative sliding of the active part within the movable groove, the linkage is: During the bag delivery process, the bag holder is driven to move until the fixed extraction head passes through the release channel, causing the coffee bag supported by the release channel to be conveyed to the extraction position and suspended below it; and... During the unpacking process, the moving extraction head is allowed to move independently before the tray frame moves with the moving extraction head to reset, while the tray frame remains stationary to create an unobstructed drop channel under the coffee bag.

2. The coffee bag guiding and unpacking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the unpacking process, after the moving extraction head moves a predetermined distance independently, the active part abuts against the end wall of the movable groove away from the driven part, so as to pull the package frame back to its original position via the connecting rod.

3. The coffee bag guiding and unpacking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the package delivery process, after the active part moves a predetermined distance synchronously with the moving extraction head, it abuts against the end wall of the movable groove facing the fixed extraction head, thereby pushing the package frame to move.

4. The coffee bag guiding and unpacking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The active part includes a sliding pin and a fixed seat; the sliding pin is fixed to the movable extraction head and extends into the movable groove; the fixed seat is fixed to the end of the sliding pin away from the movable extraction head to prevent the sliding pin from falling out of the movable groove.

5. The coffee bag guiding and unpacking device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The portion of the sliding pin that is positioned within the movable groove is strip-shaped.

6. The coffee bag guiding and unpacking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bag holder frame is provided with a sliding part, and the coffee machine body is provided with a sliding groove corresponding to the position of the sliding part. The sliding part slides in cooperation with the sliding groove to guide the movement of the bag holder frame.

7. The coffee bag guiding and unpacking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the bag holder is provided with a bag inlet, which is connected to the release channel.

8. The coffee bag guiding and unpacking device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The release channel includes: A support portion, connected to the bag holder frame and located below the bag inlet, is used to support the lower edge of the coffee bag; At least one guide portion is disposed on the support portion and extends into the inlet for laterally limiting the edge of the coffee bag.

9. The coffee bag guiding and unpacking device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The support part is a U-shaped component, and the guide part is a guide groove formed on the inner wall of the U-shaped component.

10. A coffee machine, characterized in that, Includes a coffee bag guide unpacking device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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