WO2019227850A1

WO2019227850A1 - Pod dropping device and method and coffee pod brewing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2019227850A1
Application number: PCT/CN2018/113500
Authority: WO
Inventors: 夏卫蒙
Original assignee: 广东亿龙电器科技有限公司
Priority date: 2018-05-31
Filing date: 2018-11-01
Publication date: 2019-12-05

Abstract

Disclosed are a pod dropping device and method and a coffee pod brewing machine. The pod dropping device comprises a storage container internally provided with guide channels. The guide channels are provided with a pod inlet and a pod outlet, and the pod outlet is located below the pod inlet. A pod is adapted to move from the pod inlet to the pod outlet under the force of gravity. Each of the guide channels is correspondingly provided with a first blocking member and a second blocking member, and the first blocking member is located downstream from the second blocking member. Each of the first blocking member and the second blocking member is connected to an extension and retraction driving assembly. When both the first blocking member and the second blocking member extend into the guide channel, the space between the first blocking member and the second blocking member is adapted to accommodate at least one pod. The invention achieves automatic supply of a pod, highly automated processing, and easy operation. The invention also has a reasonable structural design and a simple overall structure, thereby effectively reducing production and maintenance costs.

Description

Capsule dropping device, capsule dropping method and capsule coffee machine

Technical field

The invention relates to the technical field of coffee machines, in particular to a capsule dropping device, a capsule dropping method and a capsule coffee machine.

Background technique

Coffee machine is a kind of equipment that can facilitate people to make coffee. With the development of society, coffee machines are becoming more and more popular. Capsule coffee machine is a kind of coffee machine. When operating the machine, put the coffee capsule into the capsule compartment, and you can extract coffee with one click. Traditionally, capsule coffee machines that are commonly used each time need to be put into the coffee machine manually, the operation process is as follows: first open the lid of the capsule inlet, put the capsule in the coffee machine, cover the lid, press The switch starts making coffee. After brewing, if you need to brew again, you need to open the lid again, put another capsule and brew again. Therefore, the capsule coffee machine usually needs to repeatedly insert capsules when making coffee, and cannot automatically drop the capsules, which is inconvenient to operate. In the traditional technology, a small number of capsule coffee machines are equipped with an automatic capsule dropping device. However, the structure design is relatively complicated, the volume is large, the production cost is high, and the maintenance cost is also high.

Summary of the Invention

Based on this, the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, and to provide a capsule dropping device and method, which can realize automatic supply of capsules, high degree of automation, fast and convenient operation; meanwhile, its structural design is reasonable and clever, and the structure is simple and easy. Production, effectively reducing production costs and maintenance costs.

To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

A capsule dropping device provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes: a storage box. The storage box is provided with at least one guiding channel for accommodating a plurality of capsules. The guiding channel has a capsule inlet and a capsule outlet, and the capsule outlet is located in the capsule. Below the inlet, the capsule is adapted to move from the capsule inlet to the capsule outlet under the effect of gravity; each guide channel is respectively provided with a first stopper and a second stopper, and the first stopper is located downstream of the second stopper; The stopper and the second stopper are respectively connected with a telescopic drive assembly. The telescopic drive assembly is used to drive the corresponding first stopper or the second stopper into the guide channel to support the capsule and stop the capsule from falling, and to drive the capsule. The corresponding first stopper or second stopper is retracted from the guide channel to allow the capsule to fall; when both the first stopper and the second stopper extend into the guide channel, the first stopper and the second stopper The room is adapted to accommodate at least one capsule.

Further, the capsule dropping device further includes a guide bin, the guide bin is provided with a first opening and a second opening, the first opening is in communication with the capsule outlet of each guide channel, the second opening is located below the first opening and the second opening is The caliber is smaller than the caliber of the first opening, and the guiding bin is provided with a guiding inclined wall located between the first opening and the second opening.

Further, the telescopic driving assembly includes a first telescopic driving assembly drivingly connected to the first stopper, and a second telescopic driving assembly drivingly connected to the second stopper; both the first telescopic driving assembly and the second telescopic driving assembly include The electromagnet assembly of the telescopic slide bar is connected to the corresponding first stopper or the second stopper; or, the first telescopic drive component and the second telescopic drive component are both telescopic cylinders, and the piston rod of the telescopic cylinder and the corresponding The first stopper or the second stopper is connected; or both the first telescopic drive assembly and the second telescopic drive assembly include a motor and a rack and pinion mechanism driven by the motor, and the rack is connected to the corresponding first stopper or second stopper Piece connection.

Further, the electromagnet assembly includes an electromagnetic sleeve and a slide bar. One end of the slide bar extends into the electromagnetic sleeve, and the other end of the slide bar is connected to the corresponding first stopper or second stopper. The slide bar is in the electromagnetic sleeve. It can move relative to the electromagnetic sleeve when power is on and off.

Further, a storage cavity is also provided in the storage box, and each telescopic driving component is disposed in the storage cavity; the side walls of each guide channel are provided with through holes for the first stopper and the second stopper to pass through when retracted.

Further, the included angle between the guide channel or the tangent of the guide channel and the horizontal direction is 30 ° to 150 °.

Further, the shape of the inner cavity of the guide channel is suitable for accommodating a capsule; the first stopper and the second stopper respectively include two gear levers arranged at intervals and a gear seat fixed with the two gear levers, and the two gear levers are adapted to support the capsule. The block is connected to the corresponding telescopic drive assembly.

Further, the capsule dropping device further includes a controller, and each telescopic driving component is electrically connected to the controller and controlled by the controller to telescope.

Further, the capsule drop device has at least one control switch electrically connected to the controller, and the control switch corresponds to the guide channel one-to-one, for controlling the capsule drop in the corresponding guide channel; and / or, the capsule drop device It is suitable for connecting with a smart terminal through a wireless communication module.

A capsule dropping method using the above-mentioned capsule dropping device, in which a first stopper and a second stopper are in an extended state in advance, and capsules are supported on the first stopper and the second stopper, and the capsule is dropped The method includes the following steps:

Control the first stopper to retract, and the second stopper to remain extended, so that the capsule located between the first stopper and the second stopper can fall from the capsule outlet under the action of gravity;

Controlling the first stopper to extend, and during the process of the first stopper extending, the second stopper remains in an extended state;

After the first stopper is extended into position, the second stopper is controlled to retract. At this time, the first stopper remains extended. Each capsule previously supported by the second stopper drops to the first stopper under the action of gravity. On the

The first stopper is maintained in an extended state, and the second stopper is controlled to extend below the corresponding capsule.

An embodiment of the present invention also provides a capsule coffee machine, including: an extraction device and the above-mentioned capsule dropping device, wherein a capsule outlet of the capsule dropping device is used for docking with a feeding port of the extraction device.

Further, the extraction device includes a casing, an extraction head, a capsule chamber body, and a push-pull assembly. The extraction head and the capsule chamber body are contained in the casing; the capsule chamber body has an opening, and the extraction head is relatively fixed to the casing and faces the capsule chamber body. The opening and the push-pull component are used to drive the capsule chamber body toward or away from the extraction head; the extraction head is provided with an extraction flow path, and a plurality of protrusions are provided on the side of the extraction head facing the capsule chamber body; The piercing member is arranged opposite to the protrusion, and the piercing member has a water inlet channel; the capsule body is provided with a water inlet connector which communicates with the water inlet channel of the puncture member; and the shell is provided with a liquid outlet that is connected with the extraction flow channel. The shell is also provided with a feeding port for docking with the capsule outlet and a capsule fixed position located below the feeding port, and the capsule fixed position is located in the moving stroke of the capsule compartment.

Further, the extraction device further includes two positioning components provided on both sides of the capsule fixing position; each positioning component includes a fixed seat, a swing arm and a spring; one end of the swing arm is rotatably connected to the fixed seat, and the other end is provided with a card When the capsule enters the capsule fixed position from the feeding port, the capsule is suitable for snapping into the bayonet; the elastic member is arranged between the swing arm and the fixed seat; the swing arm is suitable for being pushed by the capsule body to rotate, and suitable for It is driven by the elastic member to return to the initial swing position.

Further, the capsule body is provided with a guide seat, and the push-pull component is connected to the guide seat; the inner wall of the shell is provided with a guide groove, and the guide seat and the guide groove are slidingly matched.

Further, the push-pull assembly includes a motor and a connecting rod assembly; one end of the connecting rod assembly is connected to the motor and the other end is rotatably connected to the capsule body; a limiting member is provided on the connecting rod assembly, and a support table is provided on the inner wall of the housing. When the connecting rod assembly is fully extended, the stopper abuts against the support platform.

Further, the capsule coffee machine further comprises a controller, and the capsule dropping device and the extraction device are electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is used to control the telescopic driving components of the telescopic driving component and the push-pull motion of the push-pull component.

An embodiment of the present invention also provides a capsule coffee machine with a milking function. The capsule coffee machine includes a foaming device, and the above-mentioned capsule coffee machine. The foaming device is used for heating a beverage or making a milk foam. Both the extraction device and the extraction device are used to communicate with the hot water system.

Further, the foaming device includes an upper cover, a lower cover, a milk box, and a foaming component, and the upper cover, the lower cover, and the milk box are sequentially assembled from top to bottom; the foaming component includes a foamer, a steam joint, an air joint, and an air volume adjustment Components, milking tube and milking tube; the foamer is installed in the lower cover or the upper cover and is contained in the cavity between the upper cover and the lower cover; the steam connector, the air connector and the milk tube are respectively connected with the foam The corresponding inlet of the device is connected, and the end of the milking tube far from the foamer enters the bottom of the milk box, and the milking tube communicates with the outlet of the foamer; the air volume adjustment component is provided on the air joint for adjusting the foaming The air volume of the device; the milk tube, the steam connection and the air volume adjustment component are all exposed on the upper cover.

Further, the foamer is rotatably mounted to the lower cover or the upper cover; the foamer is connected with a lever, and the lever passes through the upper cover to the outside of the upper cover.

Further, the capsule coffee machine with a milking function further includes a controller, and the capsule dropping device, the extraction device and the foaming device are electrically connected to the controller.

The invention includes at least the following advantages, however, it is not necessary to implement any of the products of the invention to achieve all the advantages described below at the same time:

1. The capsule dropping device and method can control the storage and automatic dropping of capsules through the telescopic driving component driving the corresponding block to telescopically move. Specifically, before the capsule is stored, the first stopper closest to the capsule outlet is extended to support the capsule, and the other second stopper is retracted to allow the capsule to automatically fall onto the first stopper. After all the capsules are put into the guide channel, the second stopper is extended to block the capsule above it, so that only the capsule between the first stopper and the second stopper is dropped, and the pre-storage of the capsule is completed as above. When a capsule is to be taken from the storage box, the first stopper can be controlled to retract, and the capsule on the first stopper is dropped from the capsule outlet due to its own gravity. The first stopper is then extended again to support the capsule that is about to fall. After the first stopper is extended again, the second stopper is retracted and the remaining capsules fall onto the first stopper. The second stopper is then extended again to support the capsule thereon. The above process is a work cycle. Repeat the work cycle to realize automatic supply of capsules. The capsule dropping device can be docked with the extraction device of a coffee machine, and only a program needs to be set so that each telescopic driving component in the control mechanism can perform the actions one by one during the working cycle, and the automatic capsule supply can be realized. Therefore, the capsule dropping device can realize automatic supply of capsules for coffee extraction, high degree of automation, fast and convenient operation; meanwhile, its structure design is reasonable and clever, and the structure is simple (both the structure of the stopper and the telescopic driving component are relatively simple), Easy to produce, effectively reducing production costs and maintenance costs.

2. The guide channel and the corresponding control mechanism may each be at least two, and each control mechanism is used to correspondingly control one guide channel, so that the capsule dropping device can have more guide channels to store the capsule. In addition, when each guide channel is used to store a flavor, the capsules of the corresponding flavor can be automatically dropped by controlling the corresponding control mechanism corresponding to the guide channel. Therefore, the capsule dropping device can realize multiple flavors. The capsule is automatically selected, which effectively increases the convenience of using the capsule dropping device.

3. The setting of the guide bin is used to enable capsules of different flavors to fall into the guide bin and enter the extraction device through the second opening under the guidance of the guide bin. The structure of the capsule dropping device is reasonable, ingenious, and convenient to use.

4. The two positioning components in the extraction device are used to realize the positioning of the capsule when it enters the casing, to ensure that the capsule can successfully encase the capsule when it moves toward the extraction head, thereby driving the capsule to move forward. At the same time, during the capsule cartridge body moving forward, the swing arm is also swung forward under the push of the capsule compartment body; during the capsule cartridge body retreating, the swing arm can automatically reset under the action of the spring.

5. The cooperation of the guide seat of the capsule chamber body and the guide groove of the shell is used to guide and limit the capsule chamber body, ensuring that the capsule chamber body moves back and forth in the horizontal direction only and does not rotate.

6. The cooperation between the stopper on the connecting rod assembly and the support of the housing is used to ensure that the connecting rod assembly will not rotate excessively, thereby preventing the excessive rotation of the connecting rod assembly to cause the capsule compartment to retreat and separate the capsule from the extraction head. This further ensures that the capsule is tightly pressed on the extraction head, and the extracted coffee can flow out through the extraction head.

7. The foaming device is used to fully mix the milk, high temperature steam and air, so that the milk is violently emulsified to generate milk foam, and the amount of incoming air can be adjusted by the intake air volume adjustment component to adjust the size of the milk foam and The effect of fineness. In addition, when the amount of air entering the foamer is zero or little, high-temperature steam can also be used to heat the beverage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective structural diagram of a capsule dropping device according to an embodiment; FIG.

2 is an exploded view of the capsule dropping device shown in FIG. 1;

3 is a sectional view of the capsule dropping device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the stopper in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective structural diagram of a capsule coffee machine according to an embodiment; FIG.

Figure 6 is a sectional view of the capsule coffee machine shown in Figure 5;

7 is an exploded view of the capsule dropping device in FIG. 5;

8 is an exploded view of the extraction device in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the extraction device in FIG. 5 when the casing is removed.

10 is a perspective view of a three-dimensional structure of a capsule coffee machine with a milking function according to an embodiment;

11 is an exploded view of the foaming device in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the foaming module in FIG. 11, wherein the air intake volume adjusting module is separated from the foaming module.

Reference sign description:

10. Capsule dropping device; 110, storage box; 111, box body; 1111, guide channel; 1112, capsule inlet; 1113, capsule outlet; 1114, through hole; 115; receiving cavity; 112; window plate; 113, cover Plate; 120; stopper; 121; gear lever; 130; telescopic drive assembly; 131; electromagnetic sleeve; 132; slider; 20; capsule; 150; guide bin; 151; first opening; 152; second opening; 153, inclined wall; 140, fixed bracket; 30, extraction device; 310, housing; 311, feed port; 312, discharge port; 313, guide groove; 314, support platform; 315, liquid outlet; 320, Extraction head; 321, protrusion; 322, extraction flow channel; 330, capsule body; 331, puncture piece; 332, guide seat; 340, push-pull component; 341, motor; 342, connecting rod component; 3421, limit position Pieces; 350, positioning components; 351, fixed seat; 352, swing arm; 3521, bayonet; 360, water inlet; 40, foaming device; 410, milk box; 420, lower cover; 430, upper cover; 440 、 Foam components; 441, foamer; 442, steam joint; 443, air joint; 4431, valve cavity; 444, air volume adjustment assembly; 445 , Milking tube; 446, milking tube; 447, lever; 50, hot water system; 60, three-way valve.

Detailed ways

To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the following further describes the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and do not limit the protection scope of the present invention.

It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being “fixed to” another element, it may be directly fixed to another element or may be fixed to another element through a centered element. When an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or it can be connected to the other element through a centered element. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "first" and "second" in this document are only used to distinguish each component, element, step, etc. in the description, not to indicate the logic between each component, element, step, etc. Relationship or order relationship.

First embodiment

As shown in FIG. 1, the capsule dropping device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a storage box 110 and a control mechanism. The storage box 110 is used to store a plurality of capsules 20 in advance. The control mechanism is used to control the capsule 20 to fall automatically after receiving the instruction.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 2, the storage box 110 is provided with at least one guide channel 1111, and the guide channel 1111 is used to receive a plurality of capsules 20 next to each other in sequence. The guide channel 1111 is provided with a capsule inlet 1112 and a capsule outlet 1113. The capsule outlet 1113 is located below the capsule inlet 1112, so that the guide channel 1111 as a whole extends longitudinally, so that the capsule 20 can fall freely from top to bottom (from the capsule inlet to the capsule outlet) under the action of its own gravity. drop.

The control mechanism includes two stoppers 120 that can enter the guide channel 1111 and a telescopic drive assembly 130 corresponding to the stoppers 120 one-to-one.

Each of the telescopic driving assemblies 130 is used to drive the corresponding stopper 120 to extend in a direction extending into the guide channel 1111, and is used to drive the corresponding stopper 120 to exit the guide channel 1111. To do the retraction motion. The moving direction of the stopper 120 is preferably perpendicular to the extending direction of the guide channel 1111. After the stopper 120 extends into the guide channel 1111 a certain distance, the stopper 120 may be located below the capsule 20 to support the capsule 20 above the stopper 120; when the stopper 120 is retracted, the capsule 20 can drop freely under the action of gravity.

As mentioned above, the stopper 120 can be used to block the capsule 20 so that the capsule 20 does not fall temporarily. When both of the two stoppers 120 extend into the guide channel 1111, one stopper (second stopper) 120 is located above the other stopper (first stopper) 120, and the distance between the two stoppers 120 is The longitudinal space is adapted to accommodate at least one of the capsules 20. In this embodiment, one capsule 20 can be received between the two stoppers 120.

The capsule dropping device provided in this embodiment can achieve the effect of controlling the storage and automatic dropping of the capsules 20 through the telescopic driving component 130 driving the corresponding stopper 120 to telescopically move. Specifically, the stopper 120 near the capsule outlet 1113 of the two stoppers 120 is referred to as a first stopper, and the stopper 120 near the capsule inlet 1112 is referred to as a second stopper, that is, the first stopper is located at the second Downstream of the stop. Before the capsule 20 is stored, the first stopper is extended to support the capsule 20, and at the same time, the second stopper is retracted to cause the capsule 20 to automatically fall onto the first stopper. After all the capsules 20 are placed in the guide channel 1111, the second stopper is extended, and the capsule 20 above it is blocked, so that there is only one capsule 20 between the first stopper and the second stopper, and the pre-storage of the capsule 20 is completed. . When the capsule 20 is to be taken out of the storage box 110, the first stopper can be controlled to retract, and the capsule 20 between the first stopper and the second stopper is dropped from the capsule outlet 1113 due to its own gravity. The first stopper is then extended again to support the capsule 20 which is about to fall. After the first stopper is extended again, the second stopper is retracted, and the remaining capsules 20 fall onto the first stopper. After that, the second stopper is extended again to support the capsule 20 thereon, so that there is still only one capsule between the first stopper and the second stopper. The above process is a working cycle, and the automatic supply of the capsules 20 can be realized by repeating the working cycle.

The capsule dropping device can be docked with the extraction device 30 of the coffee machine, and only a program needs to be set so that each telescopic driving component 130 in the control mechanism performs the actions one after another in the work cycle, and the automatic supply of the capsule 20 can be realized. Therefore, the capsule dropping device can realize the automatic supply of the capsule 20 to the extraction device for coffee extraction operation, with high degree of automation and quick and convenient operation; meanwhile, its structure design is reasonable and clever, and the structure is simple (the stopper 120 and the telescopic driving assembly 130 can use a simple structure to achieve their own functions), easy to produce, effectively reducing production costs and maintenance costs.

It should be noted that the capsule dropping device can be applied to a coffee machine, which is docked with the extraction device to form a new type of coffee machine. It can also be used alone. When used alone, the user obtains the capsule 20 in the capsule dropping device and then takes it to a traditional capsule coffee machine to brew coffee. In addition, in this embodiment, one capsule 20 is dropped at a time, but in fact, two capsules 20 or multiple capsules 20 may be dropped at a time. For example, two or more capsules 20 can be accommodated between the first stopper and the second stopper of the same guide channel 1111; or, between the first stopper and the second stopper of the same guide channel 1111 When only one capsule 20 is accommodated, the blocking members in the at least two guide channels 1111 of the storage box 110 can be operated at the same time, so that the at least two guide channels 1111 simultaneously release the capsule 20, which can be set according to actual user requirements.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the guide channel 1111 is a vertical channel perpendicular to the horizontal direction, which facilitates each capsule 20 to drop smoothly under its own gravity. It should be noted that the included angle between the guide channel 1111 and the horizontal direction may be any angle from 30 ° to 150 °. At this time, the telescopic direction of each stopper may be perpendicular to the extending direction of the guide channel 1111 or parallel to the horizontal plane. In addition, the guide channel 1111 may also be an arc-shaped curved channel, an S-shaped channel, a parabolic channel, or the like. Preferably, when the guide channel 1111 is an arc-shaped curved channel, the angle between the tangent of the guide channel and the horizontal direction may be any angle between 30 ° and 150 °.

In this embodiment, the capsules 20 are adapted to be positioned in the guide channel 1111 in a horizontal position, so that when the capsules 20 are placed close to the guide channel 1111, the capsules 20 will not affect each other, and there will be no capsules 20 mutually Risk of puncture. Of course, in other embodiments, the capsule 20 may also take other positions to be located in the guide channel 1111.

Optionally, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the telescopic driving assembly 130 includes a first telescopic driving assembly drivingly connected to a first stopper, and a second telescopic driving assembly drivingly connected to a second stopper. . The first telescopic driving component and the second telescopic driving component may both be electromagnet components. The electromagnet component includes an electromagnetic sleeve 131 and a slide bar 132, and an elastic reset element. The sliding rod 132 may be an iron rod or a magnet rod. One end of the sliding rod 132 extends into the electromagnetic sleeve 131, and the other end of the sliding rod 132 is connected to the stopper 210. When the electromagnetic sleeve 131 is powered on and off, and under the action of the elastic reset element, the sliding rod 132 can perform a telescopic movement relative to the electromagnetic sleeve 131. The telescopic drive assembly 130 has a simple structure, a small space occupation, a fast response, and simple control. It should be noted that the electromagnet assembly can use mature products on the market, so its structure and working principle are not described in detail here.

It should be noted that, in other embodiments, a gear mechanism may be used instead of the electromagnet assembly. The gear mechanism includes a driving gear and a driven rack that meshes with the driving gear. The driven rack is connected to the stopper 120. The driving gear can be driven forward and reverse by the motor, and the driving gear can be driven forward and backward to move the driven rack forward and backward. It should be noted that the driving gear can also be equipped with a rocking handle, and the driving gear can be driven to rotate by rotating the rocking handle manually. In addition, the gear mechanism can use the existing gear box mechanism.

In addition, in a manner not shown, the electromagnet assembly may be replaced by a rotatable cam, and the stopper 120 abuts against the cam. Specifically, a chute can be provided on the outer periphery of the cam, and the cam can be rotated by the motor. One end of the blocking member 120 extends into the chute and slides into the chute, and the blocking member 120 can be restricted from axial movement by a through hole 1114 opened on the side wall of the guide channel 1111. In this way, when the motor drives the cam and its outer peripheral chute to rotate, the different parts of the chute abut against the stopper 120, thereby driving the stopper 120 to move in an axial direction. For example, the cam rotates once, and the stopper 120 completes a telescopic cycle. It should be noted that the cam can also be equipped with a crank, and the cam can be rotated by rotating the crank manually. In addition, the above-mentioned electromagnet assembly can also be replaced by a screw nut mechanism or an air cylinder or a liquid cylinder.

In an alternative embodiment, the telescopic driving assembly 130 may use, for example, a telescopic cylinder, and more preferably, an air cylinder may be used. The piston rod of the telescopic cylinder is connected to the stopper 120 to drive the telescopic movement of the stopper 120 relative to the guide channel 1111.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the stopper 120 includes two stop levers 121 disposed at intervals, and a stop (not labeled in the figure) that fixes the two stop levers 121. The two gear levers 121 are used to support two sides of the capsule 20 lying horizontally, and the gear mounts are used to connect with corresponding telescopic driving components. The second stopper is adapted to be inserted into the left and right sides of the contact position of two capsules 20 adjacent to each other. Since the capsule 20 generally has a circular cross-section structure, the gap between the left and right sides of the contact position of the two adjacent capsules 20 is large, and the second stopper 120 is inserted into the left and right of the contact position of the adjacent capsules 20. On both sides, the insertion of the stopper 120 can be ensured smoothly, and a hard collision between the stopper 120 and the capsule 20 can be prevented, which can cause the capsule 20 to rupture.

Further, a taper is provided at the end of the blocking lever 121 to fit the inclined side wall of the capsule 20 so that the capsule 20 can be stably supported on the blocking member 120. It should be noted that, in other embodiments, the gear lever 121 may be a straight lever without a taper.

In this embodiment, please continue to refer to FIG. 2, each of the guide channels 1111 and the control mechanism is at least two, and at least two of the guide channels 1111 are arranged side by side. The guide channels 1111 correspond to the control mechanisms on a one-to-one basis, and each control mechanism is used to correspondingly control one guide channel 1111. Therefore, there can be more guiding channels 1111 in the capsule dropping device to store the capsule 20. In addition, when each guide channel 1111 is used to store a flavor, by controlling the corresponding control mechanism corresponding to the guide channel 1111, the capsule 20 of the corresponding flavor can be automatically dropped, so the capsule dropping device can be automatically selected The capsules 20 with various flavors effectively increase the convenience of use of the capsule dropping device and the capsule coffee machine having the capsule dropping device. It should be noted that the number of the guide channels 1111 is not limited in this application, and the specific number can be set according to actual needs.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a storage cavity 115 is further provided in the storage box 110, and the telescopic driving components 130 are all disposed in the storage cavity 115. Wherein, as shown in FIG. 2, the side walls of the guide passage 1111 are provided with through holes 1114 corresponding to the stoppers 120 one-to-one, and the receiving cavity 115 communicates with the guide passage 1111 through the through holes 1114. Connected. The blocking member 120 can be telescopically moved in the through hole 1114, and the blocking member 120 can extend into and retract from the corresponding guide channel 1111 through the through hole 114. The telescopic driving assembly 130 is located in the receiving cavity 115 of the storage box 110, so that each control mechanism is hidden in the storage box 110, so that the capsule dropping device and the capsule coffee machine having the same are compact in structure and can form an integrated device. , Easy to move, simple appearance.

Please continue to refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The capsule dropping device further includes a fixing bracket 140 fixed in the receiving cavity 115. Each telescopic driving component 130 is fixed on the fixed bracket 140, so that each telescopic driving component 130 is centrally installed in the storage box 110, which is convenient for installation and maintenance.

Specifically, please continue to refer to FIG. 2, the storage box 110 includes a box main body 111, a window plate 112 provided on one side of the box main body 111, and a cover plate 113 provided on a top end of the box main body 111. The box body 111 is provided with a plurality of guide grooves and the receiving cavity 115. The window plate 112 is opposite to the groove bottom of each of the guide grooves, and is configured to close each guide groove to form the guide channel 1111. The cover plate 113 is detachably connected to the box body 111 and is used to close each capsule inlet 1112. When the capsule 20 needs to be deposited, the cover plate 113 is opened.

Further, the capsule dropping device 10 further includes a guide bin 150. The guide bin 150 is provided with a first opening 151 and a second opening 152, and the second opening 152 is located below the first opening 151. The first openings 151 are in abutment with and communicate with the capsule outlets 1113 of the guide channels 1111. The orthographic projection of the first openings 151 toward the storage box 110 covers the capsule outlets 1113 of the guide channels 1111. The diameter of the second opening 152 is smaller than the diameter of the first opening 151. The guide bin 150 is provided with a guide inclined wall 153 located between the first opening 151 and the second opening 152. The guide silo 150 is configured to enable capsules 20 of different flavors to fall into the guide silo 150 and enter the extraction device 30 through the second opening 152 under the guidance of the guide silo 150. The structure of the capsule dropping device is reasonable, ingenious, and convenient to use.

In this embodiment, the capsule dropping device further includes a controller (not shown in the drawings), and the controller is electrically connected to each of the telescopic driving components 130 in each of the control mechanisms (can be wired or connected) Wireless connections). The controller can control each telescoping driving component 130 in the control mechanism to perform telescoping actions according to a set program, thereby forming an automatic capsule dropping process.

Further, the capsule dropping device further includes at least one control switch electrically connected to the controller, and the control switch corresponds to the guide channel one by one. The aforementioned control mechanism and control switch (not shown in the drawings) may also be One-to-one correspondence. The control switch may be electrically connected to each of the telescopic driving components 130 through the controller. The control switch is disposed in the storage box 110 to facilitate user operation. Each control switch can send an instruction to the controller, and the controller generates a corresponding control signal to control the falling of the capsule 20 in each guide channel 1111, which can conveniently control the automatic supply of the capsule 20. For example, if you press the control switch A, the A flavor capsule 20 will automatically fall to the designated waiting area; if you press the control switch B, the B flavor capsule 20 will automatically fall to the designated waiting area; if you press the control switch C, C flavor capsule 20 automatically drops to the designated waiting area; if the control switch D is pressed once, D flavor capsule 20 automatically drops one to the designated waiting area.

In addition, the capsule dropping device may further include a wireless communication module (not shown in the drawings), and the capsule dropping device or the capsule coffee machine in which the capsule dropping device is located may be connected to an external smart terminal through the wireless communication module. Smart terminals are mobile phones, tablets, and computers. The wireless communication module is a Bluetooth module, a Wifi module, and the like. The user can control the capsule dropping device directly on the application program of the smart terminal, so that the capsule 20 of a certain taste is selected to automatically fall. Specifically, the external smart terminal can send instructions to the controller through the wireless communication module, and the controller then controls the telescopic driving component 130 in the corresponding control mechanism to perform the corresponding work, or the controller controls each part of the capsule coffee machine to execute Work accordingly. Of course, in other embodiments, the dropping of the capsule can also be controlled by a mechanical mechanism, for example, the mechanical mechanism can be triggered by pressing a button to cause the capsule to fall.

It should be noted that, in other embodiments, the above-mentioned controller may also be omitted, and each of the telescopic driving components 130 in the control mechanism may be triggered in association with each other to perform sequential actions and the like in a set order.

Another embodiment of the present invention also provides a method for dropping a capsule using the above-mentioned capsule dropping device, wherein when the capsule 20 is pre-stored in the storage box 110, at this time, the first stopper and the second stopper When the pieces are in an extended state, when the first stopper and the second stopper both support the capsule. The method for dropping a capsule includes the following steps:

Controlling the first stopper to retract, and the second stopper to remain extended, so that the capsule 20 between the first stopper and the second stopper is dropped from the capsule outlet by gravity;

After the first stopper is extended into position, the second stopper is controlled to retract. At this time, the first stopper remains extended, and the remaining capsules 20 are dropped onto the first stopper by gravity;

The first stopper is maintained in an extended state, and the second stopper is controlled to extend to support the capsule located above it.

The capsule dropping method can realize automatic supply of the capsules 20 with high degree of automation and quick and convenient operation.

The following describes the working process of the capsule dropping device and method with a specific embodiment:

First press a certain control switch; for the first 1 to 2 seconds, the second electromagnet assembly corresponding to the second stopper is in a power-off state, and the second stopper stays extended; the first stopper corresponding to the first stopper An electromagnet assembly is energized, and the first stopper is retracted due to being attracted by the magnetic force generated after the first electromagnet assembly is energized, thereby being far away from below the capsule 20, and the lowermost capsule 20 drops vertically due to its own gravity;

From 3 seconds to 4 seconds, the first electromagnet assembly is powered off, the first electromagnet assembly and the second electromagnet assembly are in a power-off state at the same time, because the first stopper is powered off, the elastic reset element ( (E.g., spring) reset and extend;

From 5 seconds to 6 seconds, the second electromagnet assembly is energized, the first electromagnet assembly is still in a power-off state, and the second stopper is retracted due to the magnetic force generated after the second electromagnet assembly is energized. The capsule 20 above the stopper drops vertically above the first stopper due to its own gravity;

From 7 seconds to 8 seconds, the second electromagnet assembly is powered off, the first electromagnet assembly and the second electromagnet assembly are in a power off state at the same time, because the second electromagnet assembly is powered off, the elastic reset element ( (For example, a reset spring) to return to below the penultimate capsule 20. From 1 second to 8 seconds is a complete working cycle. It should be noted that in this working cycle, the time length specific to each step can be set according to actual needs. The above specific embodiments are only used to explain this application. Becomes a limitation of the scope of protection of this application.

Second embodiment

As shown in FIG. 5, the capsule coffee machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a capsule dropping device 10 and an extraction device 30. The capsule dropping device 10 is configured to automatically supply the capsule 20 to the extraction device 30, and the extraction device 30 is configured to extract coffee powder in the capsule 20 to brew coffee.

The capsule dropping device 10 is substantially the same as the capsule dropping device 10 described in the first embodiment, and the specific implementation of the capsule dropping device 10 will not be repeated here.

Specifically, in conjunction with FIG. 7, the capsule outlet 1113 of the capsule dropping device 10 is used to interface with the extraction device 30. The capsule outlet 1113 may be directly connected to the feeding port of the extraction device 30, or may be indirectly connected to the feeding port of the extraction device 30 through a centered element (such as the guide bin 150).

By repeating the working cycle of the capsule dropping device in the above embodiment 1, the capsule 20 can be automatically supplied to the extraction device 30 to perform the coffee extraction operation, so that the degree of automation of the coffee machine is high, and the operation is fast and convenient. At the same time, the capsule is dropped. The falling device 10 has a reasonable and clever structure design and a simple structure (both the stopper 120 and the telescopic driving component 130 can adopt a simple structure to achieve their respective functions), which is easy to manufacture and effectively reduces the manufacturing cost and the maintenance cost.

The above-mentioned extraction device 30 is specifically described below. As shown in FIG. 6, the extraction device 30 includes a casing 310, an extraction head 320, a capsule compartment 330, and a push-pull component 340. The extraction head 320, the capsule body 330, and the push-pull assembly 340 may be sequentially disposed in the casing 310. The capsule compartment 330 has an opening, and the capsule 20 is adapted to enter the capsule compartment 330 through the opening. The extraction head 320 is relatively fixed to the housing 310. The extraction head 320 faces the opening of the capsule chamber body and is suitable for covering the opening of the capsule chamber body 330. The extraction head 320 is provided with an extraction flow channel 322. The casing 310 is provided with a liquid outlet 315 that is in contact with the extraction flow channel 322. With reference to FIG. 9, a plurality of dense protrusions 321 are provided on a side of the extraction head 320 facing the capsule compartment 330. It should be noted that, when the extraction head 320 is covered on the opening of the capsule chamber body 330, it is in a close state with the capsule chamber body 330, but in order to clearly illustrate the structure of the extraction head 320, the extraction head 320 is shown in FIG. It is separated from the capsule body 330. Please continue to refer to FIG. 6, the capsule storage body 330 is provided with a piercing member 331 opposite to the protrusion 321, and the piercing member 331 has a water inlet channel. The capsule tank body 330 is provided with a water inlet joint 360, which is in communication with the water inlet channel of the piercing member 331. The push-pull component 340 is used to drive the capsule compartment body 330 to move toward or away from the extraction head 320 so that the opening of the capsule compartment body 330 is engaged with or disengaged from the extraction head 320. As shown in FIG. 8, the casing 310 is further provided with a feeding port 311 docking with the capsule outlet 1113 and a capsule fixing position directly below the feeding port 311 (the capsule fixing position is only the casing 310 A virtual body space inside is not a physical object in the housing 310), and the capsule is fixedly located in the moving stroke of the capsule body 330.

When the capsule 20 falls from the capsule dropping device 10 and enters the casing 310, the capsule 20 enters the casing 310 through the feeding port 311 and is stably supported at the capsule fixed position in a horizontal posture, and the push-pull assembly 340 can be driven The capsule chamber body 330 moves in the direction of the extraction head 320. During the movement, the capsule chamber body 330 encases the capsule 20 (the bottom of the capsule 20 enters the capsule chamber body 330 through the opening of the capsule chamber body 330) and drives the capsule 20 to move. When the capsule 20 is in contact with the extraction head 320, the push-pull component 340 squeezes the capsule 20, and the piercing member 331 in the capsule compartment body 330 pierces the bottom of the capsule 20, so that water enters the capsule 20 to brew coffee powder; Under the dual effects of the protrusion 321 on the extraction head 320 and the impact of water pressure, the cover of the capsule 20 is broken, so that the brewed coffee flows to the extraction head 320 and passes through the extraction flow path 322 of the extraction head 320 and the casing. The liquid outlet 315 of 310 flows out.

Further, referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the extraction device 30 further includes two positioning components 350 provided on both sides of the capsule fixing position. In this embodiment, the two positioning components 350 are respectively located at the capsule fixing position. Left and right. Each of the positioning components 350 includes a fixing base 351, a swing arm 352, and a spring (not shown in the drawings). The spring may be a torsion spring. One end of the swing arm 352 is rotatably connected to the fixing base 351, and the other end is provided with a bayonet 3521. The elastic member is disposed between the swing arm 352 and the fixing base 351. When the capsule 20 enters the capsule fixing position from the feeding port 311 from the top to the bottom, the capsule 20 falls between and is supported by the positioning components 350 on both sides, specifically the capsule 20 The cover is clamped in the bayonet 3521 on both sides, and the cover of the capsule 20 is aligned with the protrusion 321. The two positioning components 350 in the extraction device 30 are used to realize the positioning of the capsule 20 when it enters the casing 310, and ensure that the capsule body 330 can successfully encase the capsule 20 when it moves to one side of the extraction head 320, thereby driving the capsule 20 forward mobile. At the same time, during the capsule capsule body 330 moving forward, the swing arm 352 is pushed forward by the capsule capsule body 330 to overcome the spring resistance between the swing arm 352 and the fixed seat 351 and swing forward; the capsule capsule body 330 moves backward In the process, the swing arm 352 can automatically return to the initial swing position under the action of the spring.

After the coffee extraction in a capsule 20 is completed, the push-pull component 340 drives the capsule body 330 back to the side away from the extraction head 320. During the retreating process, the capsule 20 also follows the capsule body 330 and backs to the capsule 20 When in contact with the positioning component 350, the positioning component 350 prevents the capsule 20 from following the capsule compartment body 330 to continue to retreat, the capsule 20 is separated from the capsule compartment body 330, and the capsule 20 automatically drops under the action of gravity and passes through the discharge opening of the casing 310 312 is discharged.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the push-pull assembly 340 specifically includes a motor 341 (which may be a reduction motor) and a link assembly 342. One end of the link assembly 342 is connected to the motor 341. The other end is rotatably connected to the guide seat 332 of the capsule body 330. The connecting rod assembly 342 may be a crank connecting rod assembly, which includes two rod members, and the two rod members are rotatably connected. Referring to FIG. 6, the inner wall of the housing 310 is provided with a guide groove 313, the guide seat 332 is provided in the guide groove 313, and the guide seat 332 and the guide groove 313 are slidably fitted. The cooperation of the guide seat 332 of the capsule chamber body 330 and the guide groove 313 of the housing 310 is used to guide and limit the capsule chamber body 330 to ensure that the capsule chamber body 330 only moves back and forth in the horizontal direction and does not rotate. It should be noted that, in other embodiments, a gear box, a hydraulic movable component, etc. may also be used instead of the motor 341 described above.

Further, please continue to refer to FIG. 6, the connecting rod assembly 342 is provided with a limiting member 3421, and an inner wall of the housing 310 is provided with a supporting table 314, and the supporting table 314 is located at the limiting member 3421. Below. When the link assembly 342 is fully extended, the limiting member 3421 abuts against the support base 314. The cooperation between the stopper 3421 on the connecting rod assembly 342 and the supporting platform 314 on the housing 310 ensures that the connecting rod assembly 342 does not rotate excessively, thereby preventing the capsule compartment 330 from retreating due to the excessive rotation of the connecting rod assembly 342, so that The capsule 20 is separated from the extraction head 320, thereby ensuring that the capsule 20 is tightly pressed on the extraction head 320, and the extracted coffee can flow out through the extraction head 320.

It should be noted that the capsule coffee maker according to the present invention is not limited to using the extraction device 30 described in this embodiment, and can also be used with other extraction devices on the market according to actual needs.

In this embodiment, the capsule coffee machine further includes a controller (not shown in the drawings), and the capsule dropping device 10 and the extraction device 30 are electrically connected to the controller (electrically connected) Can be wired or wireless). The controller can control the capsule dropping device 10 and the extraction device 30 to perform corresponding actions according to a set program, thereby forming a fully automatic capsule coffee machine. Specifically, the controller may control each of the telescopic driving components 130 in the capsule dropping device 10 to perform a telescopic action in sequence according to a program, thereby forming an automated capsule dropping process. At the same time, the controller can control the action of the motor 341 in the extraction device 30 to control the push-pull action of the push-pull assembly, and can control the on-off of hot water.

Further, the capsule coffee machine further includes a plurality of switching elements (not shown in the drawings), and each switching element can send a command to the controller, and the controller generates a corresponding control signal to make each part work in an orderly manner. In addition to the power switch and other conventional switches, the plurality of switching elements also include control switches corresponding to the control mechanism of the capsule dropping device 10 on a one-to-one basis. The control switch is electrically connected to the control mechanism through the controller. The control switch may be disposed on the storage box 110 of the capsule dropping device 10, which is convenient for a user to operate. The control switch is used to correspondingly control the falling of the capsule 20 in each guide channel 1111, and the automatic supply of the capsule 20 can be conveniently controlled.

It should be noted that, in other embodiments, the above-mentioned controller may also be omitted, and the capsule dropping device 10 and the extraction device 30 may respectively perform corresponding actions by manually operating a switch member thereon; Alternatively, the capsule dropping device 10 and the extraction device 30 directly control and execute corresponding work through corresponding buttons on the smart terminal.

Third embodiment

As shown in FIG. 10, a capsule coffee machine with a milking function according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a capsule dropping device 10, an extraction device 30, and a foaming device 40. The capsule dropping device 10 is used to automatically supply the capsule 20 to the extraction device 30; the extraction device 30 is used to extract the coffee powder in the capsule 20 to brew coffee; the foaming device 40 is used to heat a beverage or make milk froth. The heated beverage or milk foam can be mixed with coffee to form beautiful and delicious fancy coffee, such as cappuccino and latte.

The capsule dropping device 10 may be substantially the same as the capsule dropping device 10 described in the first embodiment, and the extraction device 30 may be substantially the same as the extracting device described in the second embodiment. The capsule dropping device 10 The specific implementation of the extraction device 30 is not repeated here. This embodiment also has the effects achieved in the first and second embodiments.

As described above, the capsule outlet 1113 of the capsule dropping device 10 is used to interface with the extraction device 30. The capsule outlet 1113 may be directly connected to the extraction device 30, or may be indirectly connected to the extraction device 30 through a centered element (such as the guide bin 150).

The following describes the foaming device 40 in detail: as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the foaming device 40 includes an upper cover 430, a lower cover 420, a milk box 410, and a foaming component 440. The upper cover 430, the lower cover 420, and the milk box 410 are assembled one above the other in order. The foaming assembly 440 includes a foamer 441, a steam joint 442, an air joint 443, an air intake volume adjustment assembly 444, a milk suction pipe 445, and a milk discharge pipe 446. The foamer 441 is installed in the lower cover 420 and is contained in a cavity between the upper cover and the lower cover. The steam connector 442, the air connector 443, and the milk tube 445 are respectively connected to the corresponding inlets of the foamer 441; the milk outlet tube 446 is connected to the outlet of the foamer 441. An end of the milk tube 445 far from the foamer 441 extends into the bottom of the milk box 410. The air intake volume adjustment component 444 is disposed on the air joint 443 for adjusting the amount of air entering the foamer 441. The milk tube 446, the steam joint 442, and the intake air volume adjusting component 444 are all partially exposed from the upper cover 430. It should be noted that, in other embodiments, for example, the foamer 441 may be installed on the upper cover 430 and accommodated in a cavity between the upper cover and the lower cover.

10, the steam joint 442 and the water inlet joint 360 in the extraction device 30 are both in communication with the hot water system 50. The hot water system may be a boiler or other hot water generating device. Specifically, a three-way valve 60 (which may be a three-way solenoid valve) may be provided between the hot water system 50 and the foaming device 40 and the extraction device 30, wherein the water inlet end of the three-way valve 60 is docked with the hot water system 50 One water outlet end is connected with the water inlet 360 of the extraction device 30, and the other water outlet end is connected with the steam connection 442 of the foaming device. When the extraction device 30 is connected to the hot water system 50, the hot water system 50 supplies hot water of about 90 degrees Celsius to the extraction device for brewing coffee; when the foaming device 40 is connected to the hot water system 50, the hot water The system 50 supplies water vapor at a temperature of about 120 degrees Celsius to the foaming device 40 for heating or emulsifying a beverage, which is not only milk but also yogurt and the like.

The working principle of the foaming device 40 is as follows: During operation, the steam generated by the hot water system 50 reaches the foamer 441 through the steam joint 442, and the steam forms a negative pressure in the foaming cavity in the foamer 441. The beverage is sucked up through the milking tube 445, and is mixed with steam and air to emulsify to form milk foam, which flows out of the container through the milking tube 446. In addition, the amount of air entering the foamer 441 can be adjusted by the air intake volume adjustment component 444, so that the size and fineness of the milk foam can be adjusted, and different types of fancy coffee are brewed. When the air intake volume adjustment component 444 is adjusted to have no air or a small amount of air enters the foamer 441, the water vapor at this time can be used to heat the beverage.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the intake air volume adjustment component 444 is a knob component, and the knob component is matched with the valve cavity 4431 in the air joint 443 to adjust the size of the air passage to achieve the adjustment. The effect of air intake. It should be noted that the knob assembly may be provided with a structure according to a conventional design and actual needs, or an existing mature product may also be adopted. In addition, the intake air volume adjusting component 444 may also be selected from existing products such as a flow regulating valve.

In addition, please continue to refer to FIGS. 11 and 12, the foaming assembly 440 further includes a lever 447, and the foamer 441 is rotatably mounted to the lower cover 420 or the upper cover 430. The lever 447 and the foam 441 is connected. The lever 447 passes through the upper cover 430 so that a part of the lever 447 is exposed from the upper cover 430 and can be rotated relative to the upper cover 430. The lever 447 is rotatably installed for rotating and adjusting the foamer 441 so as to achieve the effect of adjusting the direction of the milk tube 446.

It should be noted that the capsule coffee machine according to the present invention is not limited to using the foaming device 40 described in this embodiment, and can also be used with other milk foam machines on the market according to actual needs.

In this embodiment, the capsule coffee machine further includes a controller (not shown in the drawings). The capsule dropping device 10, the extraction device 30, and the foaming device 40 are all related to the controller. Electrical connection (electrical connection can be wired or wireless). The controller can control the capsule dropping device 10, the extraction device 30, the foaming device 40 and the like to perform corresponding actions according to a set program, thereby forming a fully automatic capsule coffee machine. When the three-way valve is a solenoid valve, the three-way valve may also be electrically connected to the controller. In addition, the hot water system may also be electrically connected to a controller, and the controller controls the hot water system to be heated to a corresponding temperature. Specifically, the controller can control each telescopic driving component 130 in each control mechanism in the capsule dropping device 10 to act in sequence according to a program, thereby forming an automated capsule dropping process. At the same time, the controller can control the operation of the motor 341 and the on / off of the hot water in the extraction device 30. The controller can also control the on and off of the steam in the foaming device 40.

In addition, the capsule coffee machine may further include a wireless communication module (not shown in the drawings), and the capsule coffee machine is connected to an external smart terminal through the wireless communication module. Smart terminals are mobile phones, tablets, and computers. The wireless communication module is a Bluetooth module, a Wifi module, and the like. The user can control the capsule coffee machine directly on the application of the smart terminal, so that the capsule 20 of a certain taste is automatically dropped, and then the extraction device 30 is controlled to automatically brew coffee and the foaming device 40 is automatically configured to make milk foam. Specifically, the external intelligent terminal may send an instruction to the controller through the wireless communication module, and the controller then controls each part to perform the corresponding work.

It should be noted that, in other embodiments, the above-mentioned controller may be omitted, and the capsule dropping device 10, the extraction device 30, and the foaming device 40 may be manually operated thereon directly. The switch can be used to perform corresponding actions; or the capsule dropping device 10, the extraction device 30, and the foaming device 40 can be directly controlled and executed by corresponding buttons on the smart terminal.

The above embodiments only express several implementation manners of the present invention, and the descriptions thereof are more specific and detailed, but cannot be understood as a limitation on the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that, for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the concept of the present invention, several modifications and improvements can be made, which all belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

A capsule dropping device, comprising:

A storage box, the storage box is provided with at least one guiding channel for accommodating a plurality of capsules, the guiding channel is provided with a capsule inlet and a capsule outlet, the capsule outlet is located below the capsule inlet, and the capsule is suitable Moving from the capsule inlet to the capsule outlet under the action of gravity;

Each of the guide channels is respectively provided with a first stopper and a second stopper, and the first stopper is located downstream of the second stopper; the first stopper and the second stopper are respectively connected with a telescope. A driving component for driving the corresponding first stopper or the second stopper to extend into the guide channel to support the capsule and stop the capsule from falling, and to drive the corresponding first stopper Or a second stopper retracted from the guide channel to allow the capsule to fall;

When the first stopper and the second stopper both extend into the guide channel, the first stopper and the second stopper are adapted to receive at least one capsule therebetween.
The capsule dropping device according to claim 1, further comprising a guide bin, the guide bin being provided with a first opening and a second opening, the first opening being in communication with a capsule outlet of each of the guide channels The second opening is located below the first opening and the caliber of the second opening is smaller than the caliber of the first opening, and the guide bin is provided between the first opening and the second opening Guide to the inclined wall.
The capsule dropping device according to claim 1, wherein:

The telescopic driving assembly includes a first telescopic driving assembly drivingly connected to the first stopper, and a second telescopic driving assembly drivingly connected to the second stopper;

The first telescopic driving component and the second telescopic driving component are both electromagnet components including a telescopic sliding rod, and the sliding rod is connected to the corresponding first stopper or second stopper; or, the first Both the telescopic drive assembly and the second telescopic drive assembly are telescopic cylinders, and the piston rod of the telescopic cylinder is connected to the corresponding first stopper or second stopper; or, the first telescopic drive assembly and the second telescopic drive assembly The driving components each include a motor and a rack and pinion mechanism driven by the motor, and the rack is connected to the corresponding first stopper or second stopper.
The capsule dropping device according to claim 3, wherein the electromagnet assembly includes an electromagnetic sleeve and the slide bar, and one end of the slide bar extends into the electromagnetic sleeve, and the slide bar The other end is connected to the corresponding first stopper or second stopper, and the slide bar can move relative to the electromagnetic sleeve when the electromagnetic sleeve is powered on and off.
The capsule dropping device according to claim 1, wherein a storage chamber is further provided in the storage box, and each of the telescopic driving components is provided in the storage chamber; side walls of each of the guide channels are opened There are through holes for the first stopper and the second stopper to pass through during expansion and contraction.
The capsule dropping device according to claim 1, wherein an angle between a tangent of the guide channel or the guide channel and a horizontal direction is 30 ° to 150 °.
The capsule dropping device according to claim 1, wherein a shape of an inner cavity of the guide channel is adapted to receive a capsule; the first stopper and the second stopper each include two steps spaced apart. A lever and a block seat for fixing the two gear levers, the two gear levers are adapted to support the capsule, and the gear seat is connected with the corresponding telescopic driving component.
The capsule dropping device according to claim 1, further comprising a controller, wherein each of the telescopic driving components is electrically connected to the controller and is controlled by the controller to expand and contract.
The capsule dropping device according to claim 8, wherein:

The capsule dropping device has at least one control switch electrically connected to the controller, and the control switches are in one-to-one correspondence with the guide channels for controlling the capsules in the corresponding guide channels to fall;

And / or, the capsule dropping device is adapted to be connected to a smart terminal through a wireless communication module.
A capsule dropping method using the capsule dropping device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first stopper and the second stopper are in an extended state in advance, A capsule is supported on the first stopper and the second stopper, and the method for dropping the capsule includes the following steps:

Control the first stopper to retract, and the second stopper to remain extended, so that the capsule located between the first stopper and the second stopper can fall from the capsule outlet under the action of gravity;

Controlling the first stopper to extend, and during the process of the first stopper extending, the second stopper remains in an extended state;

After the first stopper is extended into position, the second stopper is controlled to retract. At this time, the first stopper remains extended. Each capsule previously supported by the second stopper drops to the first stopper under the action of gravity. On the

The first stopper is maintained in an extended state, and the second stopper is controlled to extend below the corresponding capsule.
A capsule coffee machine, comprising: an extraction device and the capsule dropping device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a capsule outlet of the capsule dropping device is used for extraction with the capsule The inlet of the device is docked.
The capsule coffee machine according to claim 11, wherein:

The extraction device includes a casing, an extraction head, a capsule compartment, and a push-pull assembly, and the extraction head and the capsule compartment are contained in the casing;

The capsule compartment has an opening, the extraction head is relatively fixed to the housing and faces the opening of the capsule compartment, and the push-pull component is used to drive the capsule compartment to move toward or away from the extraction head. The extraction head moves;

The extraction head is provided with an extraction flow channel, and a plurality of protrusions are provided on a side of the extraction head facing the capsule compartment body; the capsule compartment body is provided with a puncture member disposed opposite to the protrusion, The piercing member has a water inlet channel; the capsule body is provided with a water inlet connector which is in communication with the water inlet channel of the piercing member;

The casing is provided with a liquid outlet that is docked with the extraction flow channel, and the casing is also provided with a feeding port that is docked with the capsule outlet and a capsule fixed position located below the feeding port. The capsule fixed position is located in the moving stroke of the capsule body.
The capsule coffee maker according to claim 12, wherein:

The extraction device further includes two positioning components provided on both sides of the capsule fixing position;

Each of the positioning components includes a fixed seat, a swing arm and a spring; one end of the swing arm is rotatably connected to the fixed seat, and the other end is provided with a bayonet, and the capsule enters the capsule from the feeding port. When in a fixed position, the capsule is adapted to be snapped into the bayonet; the elastic member is disposed between the swing arm and the fixed seat; the swing arm is adapted to be pushed by the capsule body Rotation occurs and is adapted to be driven by the elastic member to return to the initial swing position.
The capsule coffee machine according to claim 12, wherein a guide seat is provided on the capsule body, and the push-pull component is connected to the guide seat; a guide groove is provided on an inner wall of the housing, and The guide seat is in sliding cooperation with the guide groove.
The capsule coffee machine according to claim 14, wherein the push-pull assembly includes a motor and a link assembly; one end of the link assembly is connected to the motor, and the other end is rotatably connected to the capsule compartment. A stopper is provided on the connecting rod assembly, and a support table is provided on the inner wall of the housing; when the connecting rod assembly is fully extended, the stopper is in abutment with the support table.
The capsule coffee machine according to claim 11, further comprising a controller, wherein the capsule dropping device and the extraction device are electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is used to control each of the The expansion and contraction of the telescopic drive component and the push and pull action of the push and pull component.
A capsule coffee machine with a milking function, comprising a foaming device and the capsule coffee machine according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the foaming device is used for heating a beverage or making milk foam Both the foaming device and the extraction device are used to communicate with a hot water system.
The capsule coffee machine with a milking function according to claim 17, wherein the foaming device comprises an upper cover, a lower cover, a milk box, and a foaming component, the upper cover, the lower cover, and all components The milk box is assembled from top to bottom; the foaming assembly includes a foamer, a steam joint, an air joint, an intake air volume adjusting assembly, a milk suction tube, and a milk discharge tube; the foamer is installed on the lower cover or The upper cover is received in a cavity between the upper cover and the lower cover; the steam connection, the air connection, and the milk tube communicate with the corresponding inlets of the foamer, and the suction An end of a milk tube that is far from the foamer extends into the bottom of the milk box, and the milk tube is in communication with the outlet of the foamer; the intake air volume adjustment component is provided on the air joint for use To adjust the amount of air entering the foamer; the milk tube, the steam joint, and the intake air volume adjustment component are all exposed on the upper cover.
The capsule coffee machine with a milking function according to claim 18, wherein the foamer is rotatably mounted to the lower or upper cover; the foamer is connected with a lever, and The lever passes through the upper cover to the outside of the upper cover.
The capsule coffee machine with a milking function according to claim 17, further comprising a controller, wherein the capsule dropping device, the extraction device and the foaming device are electrically connected to the controller connection.