Multifunctional coffee grinder

Abstract

This product provides a multi-functional coffee grinder that can simultaneously produce coffee grounds of different particle sizes and shapes. [Solution] The multi-functional coffee grinder has an upright grinder structure. A motor 60 is positioned appropriately in the center of the grinder body 50, and the motor has a drive shaft 61 for outputting power. Both ends of the drive shaft can output power simultaneously and are connected to a first grinder unit 70 and a second grinder unit 80 via a first connecting part 611 and a second connecting part 612, respectively. The first grinder unit grinds coffee beans by meshing a first fixed tooth 71 and a first movable tooth 72 with each other, and the second grinder unit grinds coffee beans by meshing a second fixed tooth 81 and a second movable tooth 82 with each other. Equipped with two sets of grinder units, it is possible to simultaneously produce coffee powder of different particle sizes and shapes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mill, and more particularly to an improved structure of a coffee mill.

Background Art

[0002] As is well known, the cutting edges used for grinding coffee beans are roughly classified into two types: flat type (Flat Burr) and conical type (Conical Burr) based on their shapes. The flat type cutting edge has a form such as a so-called ghost tooth blade or a flat blade, and the coffee powder after grinding tends to exhibit a flaky form. On the other hand, the conical type cutting edge is a structure that grinds coffee beans using the gap formed between an annular body and a conical inner blade. As a result, the powder becomes a three-dimensional granular form. Also, when extracting coffee, it is required to select an appropriate particle size according to the extraction method. If the uniformity of the particle size is not ensured in the grinding mill, it may affect the flavor characteristics of the coffee obtained after extraction.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Please refer to FIG. 4. The conventional flat blade type coffee mill is composed of a base 10, a feed tray 20, a front cover 30, and an adjustment cover 40. Mainly driven by a motor, the supply screw 21 in the feed tray 20 rotates, and feeds the coffee beans in the feed chamber 161 between the opposing first toothed disk 19 and the second toothed disk 26 in the mill chamber 17. The second toothed disk 26 rotates at high speed to grind the coffee beans. Also, the adjustment cover 40 can adjust the distance between the first toothed disk 19 and the second toothed disk 26, and thereby it is possible to change the particle size of the coffee powder.

[0004] However, while conventional grinders allow for adjustment of the grind size, they employ a structure where the blades move from a shallow to a deep position during the grinding process. This results in a problem where approximately 15-20% of the coffee grounds obtained from the entire grinder fall outside the specified particle size range.

[0005] Please refer to Figure 5. Another conventional coffee grinder has a structure described in Taiwan Patent No. I432162. The main body mainly comprises a grinding unit 84, a separation unit 85, a milling unit 86, and a drive unit 87. The grinding unit 84 consists of a conical blade disc 88 and a conical blade 89, and grinds coffee beans into multiple bean pieces and endoembryo membranes. On the other hand, the grinding unit 86 is provided to grind coffee beans into a fine powder and consists of a conical blade disc 90 and a conical blade 91.

[0006] The drive unit 87 has the upper part of the spindle 92 fixed to the conical blade 89 and the lower part of the spindle 90 fixed to the conical blade 91, and the output shaft 94 of the motor 93 is structured to drive a geared disk 95 fixed to the lower part of the spindle 90. Therefore, when the motor 93 rotates the spindle 90, the conical blades 89 and 91 rotate in sync.

[0007] Furthermore, the separation unit 85 is positioned between the crushing units 84 and 86. The fan 96 generates suction force to transport the fallen endoembryonic membrane to the collection tank 97 for collection.

[0008] In this conventional structure, the conical blades 89 and 91 are driven simultaneously by a motor. This mill can remove the endothelium from coffee beans and grind them into a fine powder, but it can only grind one type of coffee powder, and its structure is relatively complex.

[0009] As mentioned above, conventional grinders can only grind coffee in flake form, and even then, the resulting mixture is uneven, containing both coarse and fine particles. Therefore, developing a grinder that can stably grind coffee in different particle sizes and simultaneously produce both flake and three-dimensional granular coffee powder is one of the areas for improvement in the industry. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the aforementioned problems, the main objective of this invention is to provide a multi-functional coffee grinder. This grinder is equipped with two grinding units and can simultaneously grind coffee beans of different particle sizes, such as flakes and granules. This improves the multi-functionality and grinding efficiency of the grinder.

[0011] To achieve the above objective, the multi-functional coffee grinder of this invention has a motor installed at an appropriate position in the upper center of the grinder body. The motor is provided with a drive shaft that outputs power, and both ends of the shaft protrude outward to form a first connecting part and a second connecting part. These connecting parts are connected to the first mill unit and the second mill unit, respectively, and power is transmitted.

[0012] The first mill unit comprises a first fixed tooth and a first movable tooth. The first fixed tooth has a disc-shaped structure and is fixedly positioned within the first cover of the mill body. The first movable tooth also has a disc-shaped structure, and its back surface is fixed to the outer end of the first connecting part, and it is positioned to mesh with the first fixed tooth.

[0013] A first feed inlet is formed in the first cover, and the first fixed tooth is fixed to the inner edge of the cover. A through hole is formed in the center of the first fixed tooth, and multiple first mill teeth are provided on its outer edge. A convex inclined surface is formed in the center of the first movable tooth at a position corresponding to the center of the first fixed tooth, and this inclined surface extends to the edge of the movable tooth, where multiple second mill teeth are formed.

[0014] Next, the second mill unit comprises a second fixed tooth and a second movable tooth. The second fixed tooth has an annular structure and is fixed to the lower end of the mill body. The second movable tooth, on the other hand, has a conical structure and its central part is fixed to the second connecting part. Multiple third mill teeth are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the second fixed tooth, and multiple fourth mill teeth are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second movable tooth.

[0015] Furthermore, a second male thread is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second fixed tooth, and the mill body is equipped with a rotatable housing in a corresponding position. A second female thread is formed on the inner circumference of the housing, and the second fixed tooth can be screwed in and fixed via the male thread. In addition, the second fixed tooth is provided with an inward-facing female thread hole corresponding to the position where the male thread is formed.

[0016] The housing has an elongated hole formed at a position corresponding to the female screw hole. One end of the limit rod is screwed into the female screw hole through this elongated hole, and the other end protrudes from the elongated hole. By rotating the housing, the second fixed tooth moves vertically, allowing adjustment of the distance between the third mill tooth and the fourth mill tooth.

[0017] With the above configuration, the motor can simultaneously drive the first and second mill units, making it possible to grind coffee grounds of different particle sizes at the same time with a single mill. Therefore, it is possible to obtain both flake-shaped and three-dimensional granular coffee grounds at the same time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly after adjusting the mill tooth gap of the second mill unit according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This invention provides a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the second assembly embodiment of the second mill unit. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the first conventional structure. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the second conventional structure.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Refer to FIGS. 1 to 3. The "multifunctional coffee mill" of the present invention includes a main body (50), a motor (60), a first mill unit (70) and a second mill unit (80).

[0020] The above-mentioned main body (50) has an upright structure, and a first female thread (501) is formed at one outer end thereof, so that the first cover (51) can be screwed. Using the first cover (51), the first mill unit (70) is assembled and fixed. The other end uses a housing (52) or a second cover (58) to assemble the second mill unit (80).

[0021] The motor (60) is a general motor or a motor that can be shifted, is arranged in the center of the main body (50), can be powered from a battery or indoor power supply, and includes a drive shaft (61). Both ends of the drive shaft (61) can output power externally at the same time, forming a first connecting portion (611) and a second connecting portion (612) respectively, and are used to connect the first mill unit (70) and the second mill unit (80).

[0022] The first mill unit (70) includes a first fixed tooth (71) and a first movable tooth (72). The first fixed tooth (71) has a disk-shaped structure and is fixed to the inner edge surface of the first cover (51). The first movable tooth (72) also has a disk-shaped structure and is fixed to the positioning seat (59). This positioning seat (59) is assembled and fixed by the first connecting portion (611) and is arranged to mesh with the first fixed tooth (71).

[0023] Also, a through hole (711) is formed in the central portion of the first fixed tooth (71), and a plurality of first mill teeth (712) are provided on the outer edge plate surface thereof. Further, a first feed inlet (511) is formed in the central portion of the first cover (51) so as to face the through hole (711).

[0024] In addition, a first male thread (512) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first cover (51). By screwing the first male thread (512) and the first female thread (501) together, the first cover (51) can rotate and move on the main body (50). Thereby, the distance between the first mill tooth (712) and the second mill tooth (722) can be adjusted.

[0025] Furthermore, a dropping port (53) is provided at an appropriate position on the outer edge of the first movable tooth (72) of the main body (50). A guide plate (502) extends from the outer end of the dropping port (53), and a container (54) for accommodating the ground coffee powder is arranged below the guide plate (502). In addition, a plurality of extrusion plates (591) project from the outer peripheral edge of the positioning seat (59). The extrusion plates (591) rotate together with the first movable tooth (72) to extrude the ground coffee powder in the direction of the dropping port (53) and let it drop to the outside.

[0026] The second mill unit (80) includes a second fixed tooth (81) and a second movable tooth (82). The second fixed tooth (81) has an annular structure, and a plurality of third mill teeth (813) are formed on the circumferential surface of the inner edge. The second movable tooth (82) has a conical structure, and a fourth mill tooth (821) is formed on the conical surface of the outer edge. The center of the fourth mill tooth (821) is connected and fixed to the second connecting portion (612).

[0027] Next, a second male thread (811) is provided on the outer circumference of the second fixed tooth (81), and a second female thread (521) is formed on the inner circumference of the housing (52), so that the second fixed tooth (81) is screwed into the housing (52) by the second male thread (811). In addition, an inwardly facing female screw hole (812) is formed at an appropriate position on the second male thread (811) formed on the second fixed tooth (81). An elongated hole (522) is provided in the housing (52) at a position corresponding to the female screw hole (812), so that one end of the limit rod (55) is screwed into the female screw hole (812) and the other end protrudes from the elongated hole (522). When the housing (52) rotates, the second fixed tooth (81) does not rotate with it, but moves only up and down along the elongated hole (522), so that the distance between the third mill tooth (813) and the fourth mill tooth (821) can be adjusted.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the second fixed tooth (81) can also be assembled to the main body (50) using the second cover (58). The center of the second cover (58) has a through-hollow structure, and the second fixed tooth (81) can be fixed to the inner edge of the second cover (58). A third male thread (581) is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second cover (58), and a third female thread (503) is formed on the inner edge of one end of the main body (50). By screwing the third male thread (581) and the third female thread (503) together, the second cover (58) is rotated on the main body (50), and the distance between the third mill tooth (813) and the fourth mill tooth (821) can be adjusted.

[0029] A second feed inlet (56) is provided on the outer edge surface of the main body (50) at an appropriate position corresponding to the upper part of the second fixed tooth (81) and the second movable tooth (82), and coffee beans are put in and then dropped between the second fixed tooth (81) and the second movable tooth (82). Below the main body (50), a base (57) is provided corresponding to the lower part of the second movable tooth (82), and a hollow receiving portion (571) is provided on the inner edge of the base (57) to accommodate the coffee powder particles crushed by the second fixed tooth (81) and the second movable tooth (82).

[0030] By using this invention, the motor (60) can simultaneously rotate the first mill unit (70) and the second mill unit (80). If the torque of the motor (60) is sufficient, it becomes possible to grind coffee powder of different particle sizes simultaneously with a single mill, and to obtain both flake-type and three-dimensional granular coffee powder at the same time. Furthermore, users can choose either mill unit to grind coffee beans according to their needs, which significantly improves the functionality and ease of use of the mill.

[0031] In short, this invention possesses superior inventiveness and practicality compared to similar products. Furthermore, a search of relevant technical documents and literature both domestically and internationally has revealed no structures similar to this invention. Therefore, this invention fully meets the requirements for utility model registration and has been lawfully filed in accordance with the law. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0032] Main body (50) First female thread (501) Guide plate (502) Third female thread (503) First cover (51) First feed inlet (511) First male thread (512) Housing (52) Second female thread (521) Slotted hole (522) Outlet (53) Container (54) Limit rod (55) Second feed inlet (56) Base (57) Hollow receiving part (571) Second cover (58) Third male screw (581) Positioning seat (59) Extrusion plate (591) Motor (60) Drive shaft (61) 1st connection part (611) 2nd connection part (612) First mill unit (70) First fixed tooth (71) Through hole (711) First mill tooth (712) First movable tooth (72) Second mill tooth (722) Second mill unit (80) Second fixed tooth (81) Second male thread (811) Female thread hole (812) Third mill tooth (813) Second movable tooth (82) Fourth mill tooth (821)

Claims

1. A multi-functional coffee mill characterized in that a motor is positioned at an appropriate location in the center of the body of an upright mill, the motor has a drive shaft, and a first connecting part and a second connecting part provided at both ends of the drive shaft simultaneously output power to the outside and are coupled to a first mill unit and a second mill unit, respectively, the first mill unit comprises a first fixed tooth and a first movable tooth, the first fixed tooth has a disc-shaped structure and is assembled to one end of the body by a first cover, the first movable tooth also has a disc-shaped structure and meshes with the first fixed tooth opposite to it and is assembled to the first connecting part and is rotationally driven by the motor to grind coffee beans into flake powder, and the second mill unit comprises a second fixed tooth and a second movable tooth, the second fixed tooth has an annular structure and is fixed at an appropriate location at the other end of the body, the second movable tooth has a conical structure and its center is assembled and fixed to the second connecting part and is rotationally driven by the motor to grind coffee beans into three-dimensional granular powder.

2. The multifunctional coffee mill according to claim 1, characterized in that the main body has a first cover screwed onto one end corresponding to the first mill unit, the first cover has a first feed inlet, the first fixed teeth are fixed to the inner edge of the first cover, a through hole is formed at an appropriate position in the center of the first fixed teeth, and a plurality of first mill teeth are formed on the outer edge thereof.

3. The multifunctional coffee mill according to claim 1, characterized in that the main body has a drop opening formed at an appropriate position on the outer edge of the first movable tooth, a guide plate extends from the outer end of the drop opening, and a plurality of extrusion plates are provided that protrude at equal angles from the circumference of the first movable tooth, the extrusion plates rotate together with the first movable tooth to push the crushed coffee particles to the drop opening and drop them from there.

4. A plurality of third mill teeth are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the second fixed tooth, and a fourth mill tooth is formed on the conical surface of the outer edge of the second movable tooth. Furthermore, a second male screw is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second fixed tooth, a rotatable housing is provided in the part of the main body corresponding to the second fixed tooth, a second female screw is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the housing, the second fixed tooth is screwed into the housing via the second male screw, and an inward-facing female screw hole is formed at an appropriate position on the second male screw of the second fixed tooth, an elongated hole is provided in the housing at a position corresponding to the female screw hole, a limit rod is screwed into the female screw hole at one end and protruding into the elongated hole at the other end, and the second fixed tooth moves up and down by the rotation of the housing, thereby adjusting the distance between the third mill tooth and the first mill tooth, as described in claim 1.

5. The multifunctional coffee mill according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that the main body is provided with a base below the second movable teeth, and a hollow receiving portion is provided on the inner edge of the base, which can receive coffee powder ground by the second fixed teeth and the second movable teeth.

6. The multifunctional coffee mill according to claim 1, characterized in that a second feed inlet is provided on the upper outer edge of the main body at corresponding positions of the second fixed tooth and the second movable tooth, and coffee beans can be fed in through the feed inlet and dropped between the second fixed tooth and the second movable tooth.

7. The multifunctional coffee mill according to claim 1, wherein a second cover is screwed onto one end of the main body corresponding to the second mill unit, the center of the second cover has a hollow structure through which it passes, the second fixed teeth are fixed to the inner edge of the second cover, and a second feed inlet is provided on the upper outer edge of the main body at a position corresponding to the second fixed teeth and the second movable teeth, coffee beans are fed in through the feed inlet and fall between the second fixed teeth and the second movable teeth, and furthermore, a base is provided at the lower part of the main body located below the second movable teeth, and a hollow receiving portion is formed on the inner edge of the base, which can accommodate the ground coffee powder particles.

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