Filling components

Abstract

A coffee powder compacting assembly (22) that receives coffee powder to compact the coffee powder in a filter cup (25) having a bottom (39), the coffee powder compacting assembly (22) comprising: an auger (33) having an axis (30), the auger (33) rotating about the axis to compact the coffee powder in the filter cup (25), wherein the auger (33) extends angularly and longitudinally relative to the axis (30); a motor (51) coupled to the auger (33) to rotate the auger (33) about the axis (30); and an auger positioning device (40) engaged with the auger (33) to provide movement of the auger (33) between a starting position and a raised position above the starting position, wherein the starting position is predetermined so that the auger (33) is positioned in a predetermined position within the filter cup (25).

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2019904333, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a tamping assembly for a coffee machine. Background Art

[0004] Many espresso machines include a grinding assembly that receives coffee beans and grinds them to a desired fineness. The ground coffee is then delivered to a tamping assembly, which compacts the ground coffee into a filter cup. The filter cup will be part of a portafilter, which includes the filter cup, a socket that receives the filter cup, and a handle extending from the socket. Typically, the socket will have a lateral protrusion (lug) that engages with the coffee machine brewing head to hold the portafilter in place.

[0005] Typically, the coffee powder is compacted in the filter cup by a rotatably driven auger. Initially, when the filter cup is engaged with the grinding assembly, the auger extends into the filter cup and engages the lower surface of the filter cup when the depth of the filter cup is less than the travel distance of the auger.

[0006] The disadvantage of the auger and filter cup discussed above is that the engagement between the filter cup and the auger may cause damage to the filter cup and / or the auger when the auger rotates. In addition, if the coffee powder is not in full contact with the auger, the coffee powder will not move vertically, so the filling pressure is insufficient.

[0007] Purpose of the Invention

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate the above disadvantages or at least to provide a useful alternative to the above augers. Summary of the invention

[0009] Disclosed herein is a coffee powder compacting assembly, which receives coffee powder to compact the coffee powder in a filter cup having a bottom, the coffee powder compacting assembly comprising:

[0010] an auger having an axis about which the auger rotates to compact the coffee grounds in the filter cup, wherein the auger extends angularly and longitudinally relative to the axis;

[0011] a motor coupled to the auger to rotate the auger about the axis; and

[0012] An auger positioning device engages the auger to provide movement of the auger between a starting position and an elevated position above the starting position, wherein the starting position is predetermined such that the auger is positioned in a predetermined position within the filter cup.

[0013] Preferably, the auger positioning device positions the auger in a starting position so as to minimize contact between the auger and the bottom of the filter cup.

[0014] Preferably, the auger positioning device positions the auger at a position where it will not contact the bottom of the filter cup.

[0015] Preferably, the coffee grounds compacting assembly comprises a first shaft, which is a driven shaft of the motor, and a second shaft, which is attached to the auger and driven by the first shaft, wherein the second shaft is mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the first shaft.

[0016] Preferably, the coffee powder compacting assembly comprises a coupling fixed to the first shaft and slidably engaging the second shaft, and a transmission drive from the first shaft to the second shaft.

[0017] Preferably, the auger positioning means comprises a carriage engaged with the second shaft, wherein the carriage moves to provide longitudinal movement of the second shaft, and hence the auger.

[0018] Preferably, the second shaft passes through the bracket so as to be rotatable relative to the bracket.

[0019] Preferably, the auger positioning means comprises a cam member which moves angularly to provide adjustment of the starting position of the auger.

[0020] Preferably, the auger positioning device comprises a manual lifting method selected from the group consisting of a threaded shaft, a slide block and a ratchet.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment, the auger positioning device comprises a positioning motor, a threaded shaft rotatably driven by the positioning motor, wherein rotation of the threaded shaft causes movement of the second shaft, and thereby movement of the auger.

[0022] The present invention further discloses an espresso machine, which comprises the above-mentioned compacting assembly and a grinding assembly, wherein the grinding assembly is used to convey the coffee powder to the filter cup. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Preferred forms of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is an isometric diagram of an espresso machine;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A series of schematic cross-sectional side views of a filter funnel of an espresso machine for receiving coffee powder to be compacted;

[0026] Figure 3 is with Figure 1 a series of schematic cross-sectional side views of various filter cups used with an espresso machine together with a coffee grounds compacting auger;

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The coffee machine's filter funnel Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional side view of a grinding and compacting assembly of a coffee machine;

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Another schematic cross-sectional side view of the filter funnel, grinding and compacting assembly of FIG.

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 and 5 A schematic cross-sectional side view of an improvement to the filter funnel, grinding and compacting assembly of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In the attached drawings, an espresso coffee machine (10) is schematically depicted. The espresso coffee machine (10) comprises an outer body (11) providing a tray (12).

[0031] Mounted in the body (11) is a steam wand (13) to which pressurized steam is delivered for delivery to a container receiving milk to froth the milk.

[0032] Also mounted in the body (11) is a brewing head assembly (14) which receives a filter funnel (15).

[0033] The front of the espresso machine (10) has user-operable items (such as switches or a touch screen) (16) that the user operates to cause the espresso machine (10) to perform its various functions.

[0034] Mounted within the body (11) is a grinding assembly (grinder) (17) comprising a hopper (18) for receiving coffee beans to be ground. The hopper (18) delivers the coffee beans to a grinder (19) comprising a burr grinder driven by a motor (20).

[0035] Extending from the grinder (19) is a chute (21) which receives ground coffee and delivers it to a ground coffee compacting assembly (22) and a filter funnel (15).

[0036] The filter cup (15) includes a handle (23) with a socket (24) fixed at its end. The socket (24) provides a cavity (44) for receiving the filter cup (25). Coffee powder is delivered to the filter cup (25) and compacted by the coffee powder compacting assembly (22) in the filter cup, and then the filter cup (15) is separated from the assembly (22) and engaged with the brewing head assembly (14) so ​​that hot water is delivered to the coffee powder under pressure to brew coffee. The brewed coffee leaves the filter cup (15) through a drain or nozzle (26) communicating with the cavity (44).

[0037] Typically, the socket (24) will have outwardly projecting lugs (not shown) that engage the assembly (22) to hold the filter funnel (15) in engagement with the assembly (22). These lugs will also engage the brew head assembly (13) to secure the filter funnel (15) in place when pressurized hot water is applied to the coffee grounds.

[0038] In this embodiment, the espresso machine (10) has three different filter cups (25A, 25B, 25C). Figure 3 As shown, the largest filter cup (25) is filter cup (25A), the medium-sized filter cup is (25B), and the smallest filter cup is (25C). As a specific example, filter cup (25A) will provide three cups of brewed coffee, filter cup (25B) will provide two cups of brewed coffee, and filter cup (25C) will provide one cup of brewed coffee.

[0039] exist Figure 4 and 5 In an embodiment, the coffee powder compacting assembly (22) includes a cover (27) to which the chute (21) is attached, the cover (27) covering the open upwardly facing filter cup (25). In addition, the cover (27) will have an outwardly extending flange (28). Fixed to the flange (28) is a mounting member (29) that engages the socket (24) to fix the socket (24) in place when the coffee powder is compacted. Typically, the filter cup (15) will be angularly movable about an axis (30) between a release position and an engaged position relative to the mounting member (29).

[0040] The coffee powder compacting assembly (22) comprises a driven shaft (31) which is rotated about an axis (30) by means of an electric motor (32). Fixed to the lower end of the shaft (31) is a compacting auger or impeller (33) which comprises a spiral fin (34) extending angularly about the axis (30) and longitudinally relative to the axis (30). The spiral fin (34) extends angularly about the axis (30) so as to change counterclockwise from a lowest position to a highest position when viewed from above. The electric motor (32) also drives the shaft (31) counterclockwise when viewed from above.

[0041] The shaft (31) passes through the cover (27) via bearings and / or seals (34).

[0042] The motor (30) has a driven shaft (35) fixed at the lower end to a coupling sleeve (36). The coupling sleeve (36) has an internal passage (37) which is splined and slidably receives the splined upper end of the shaft (31) so that the coupling sleeve (36) drives the shaft (31). However, the shaft (31) is longitudinally movable along the axis (30) within the passage (37) to provide relative longitudinal movement between the shafts (31) and (35).

[0043] Located within the internal passage (37) is a resilient member (eg, a spring) (38) which is compressed to push the shaft (31) downward, ie, to push the auger (33) into the filter cup (25) to compact the coffee grounds within the filter cup (25).

[0044] As ground coffee accumulates in the filter cup (25), the auger (33) moves upward from the starting position to the raised finishing position. The shaft (37) then travels upward in the coupling sleeve (36).

[0045] The spring rate of the resilient member (38) will determine the degree of compression of the coffee powder.

[0046] As previously mentioned, the filter funnel (15) is adapted to receive one of a series of filter cups (25A, 25B, 25C). Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , each of the filter cups ( 25 ) has a lower bottom ( 39 ). The depth of the lower bottom ( 39 ) varies depending on the size of the filter cup ( 25 ).

[0047] In an embodiment, the espresso machine (10) includes an auger positioning device (40) in the coffee powder compacting assembly (22) that positions the auger (33) adjacent to the bottom (39) of the selected filter cup (25). In one embodiment, the auger (33) engages the bottom (39) with minimal pressure, but most preferably, the auger (33) is positioned slightly above the bottom (39) so as not to make contact. This is the auger starting position. Preferably, the auger starting position is between 0.5 mm and 15 mm above the bottom (39). More preferably, the auger starting position is between 1 mm and 10 mm above the bottom (39). Most preferably, the auger starting position is between 1.5 mm and 5 mm above the bottom (39).

[0048] exist Figure 4 and 5In an embodiment of the present invention, the device (40) comprises a user-operated cam member (41) which is angularly movable about an axis (42). The axis (42) is generally parallel to the axis (30).

[0049] The cam member (41) includes a protrusion (handle) (43) that a user engages to move the member (41) about an axis (42), such as by means of a shaft (50), between a number of identified positions. In a first position, the cam member (41) positions the auger (33) adjacent to the bottom (39) of the filter cup (25A). In a second position, the auger (33) positions adjacent to the bottom (39) of the filter cup (25B), and in a third position, the cam member (41) positions the auger (33) adjacent to the bottom (39) of the filter cup (25C).

[0050] The cam member (41) has an inclined cam surface (45) that engages with an inclined cam surface (46) of a fixed cam member (47). Both cam surfaces (45 and 46) are inclined relative to the axis (42) so that angular movement of the cam member (41) about the axis (46) causes relative movement between the cam members (41 and 47).

[0051] Angular movement of the cam member (41) about the axis (42) causes movement of the cam member (47) relative to the bracket (48). However, the cam member (47) engages another bracket (49), which is attached to the shaft (31). However, it should be understood that the shaft (31) can slide through the bracket (49). However, movement of the bracket (49) causes corresponding movement of the shaft (31).

[0052] Thus, by angular movement of the cam member (41), the auger (33) can be positioned in a desired position relative to a selected filter cup (25A, 25B, 25C).

[0053] exist Figure 6 In an embodiment of the invention, the device (40) is motorized. Specifically, the selector (40) includes a motor (51) that rotates a threaded shaft (52) about an axis (53). The shaft (52) is threadably engaged with the bracket (49) so that operation of the motor (51) causes the bracket (59) to be raised or lowered. Thus, by operation of the motor (51), the shaft (31) is moved along the axis (30) to adjust the starting height of the selected filter bowl (25).

[0054] The motor (51) is operated by means of the auger (33) of a control assembly (53) which includes a user operable interface (52) which is operated by the user to select, among other things, a starting height for the auger (33). The starting height is the starting height corresponding to a selected filter cup (25). The user operable interface (52) communicates the selected starting height to the control assembly (53), which controls the operation of the motor (51) and thus the movement of the carriage (49). If desired, the shaft (31) may have a (optical or magnetic) position indicator (54) which cooperates with a detector (55) which provides information to the computer (53) in order to facilitate the operation of the motor (51) and thus the positioning of the auger (33).

[0055] In the above embodiment, the raised completion position can be detected by the load on the motor (32) or the position of the shaft (31). When the auger (33) reaches the raised completion position, a signal will be generated to stop the operation of the motor (32).

[0056] The preferred embodiment described above has such advantages that the auger (33) is positioned to help minimize and most preferably prevent contact between the auger (33) and the bottom (39) of a selected filter cup (25), thereby reducing the possibility of damage due to contact.

Claims

1. A coffee powder compacting assembly, which receives coffee powder to compact the coffee powder in a filter cup having a bottom, the coffee powder compacting assembly comprising: an auger having an axis about which the auger rotates to compact the coffee grounds in the filter cup between a starting position relative to a bottom of the filter cup and an elevated position, wherein the elevated position is higher than the starting position, the auger extending angularly and longitudinally relative to the axis; a motor coupled to the auger to rotate the auger about the axis; an auger positioning device engaged with the auger to position the auger adjacent to the bottom of the filter cup, wherein the starting position is predetermined such that the auger is positioned in a predetermined position within the filter cup, and a first shaft and a second shaft, wherein the second shaft is mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the first shaft, The depth of the bottom of the filter cup can be varied according to the size of the filter cup, and Wherein the auger positioning device includes a bracket engaged with the second shaft, wherein the bracket moves to provide longitudinal movement of the second shaft, and thereby provide longitudinal movement of the auger.

2. The coffee powder compacting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the auger positioning device positions the auger at a starting position so as to minimize contact between the auger and the bottom of the filter cup.

3. The coffee powder compacting assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the auger positioning device positions the auger at a position where it does not contact the bottom of the filter cup.

4. A coffee powder compacting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first shaft is a driven shaft of the motor, and the second shaft is attached to the auger and driven by the first shaft.

5. The coffee powder compacting assembly of claim 4, wherein the coffee powder compacting assembly comprises a coupling fixed to the first shaft and slidably engaged with the second shaft, and a transfer drive from the first shaft to the second shaft.

6. The coffee powder compacting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second shaft passes through the bracket so as to be rotatable relative to the bracket.

7. A coffee grounds compacting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the auger positioning means comprises a cam member which moves angularly to provide adjustment of the starting position of the auger.

8. The coffee powder compacting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the auger positioning device comprises a manual lifting method selected from the group consisting of a threaded shaft, a slider and a ratchet.

9. A coffee powder compacting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the auger positioning device comprises a positioning motor, a threaded shaft rotatably driven by the positioning motor, wherein the threaded shaft rotates to cause movement of the second shaft and thereby cause movement of the auger.

10. The coffee powder compacting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the starting position of the auger is adapted to accommodate different filter cups of a coffee machine.

11. The coffee powder compacting assembly according to claim 10, wherein in the starting position, the auger positioning device positions the auger at a preset position relative to the bottom of the filter cup.

12. An espresso coffee machine comprising the coffee powder compacting assembly and the grinding assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the grinding assembly is used to convey the coffee powder to the filter cup.

Images