Automatic powder distribution and compression system for a semi-automatic coffee machine

Abstract

The application relates to an automatic powder distributing and pressing system of a semi-automatic coffee machine, which is aimed at solving the problems that the powder distributing and pressing of similar products are less likely to adopt an integrated brewing head and brewing assembly, and the powder clumps in the powder bowl of the powder distributing head needle punching and the leveling funnel handle are less likely to be solved by a motor and hydraulic pressure. The main point is that the system is internally isolated to form independent powder distributing and pressing hydraulic chambers in the integrated layered cylinder body structure of the hydraulic cylinder main body, independent powder distributing and pressing water inlets are arranged on the side surface of the hydraulic cylinder main body, correspond to the powder distributing and pressing water paths respectively, and the bottom of the hydraulic cylinder main body is provided with an integrated powder distributing head and pressing surface; the powder distributing driving assembly is installed on the top of the hydraulic cylinder main body, the powder distributing driving assembly comprises a driving motor and a transmission gear, the output end of the driving motor is connected with the transmission gear, the transmission gear meshes with the driving lower powder distributing head to rotate, the driving motor comprises a bidirectional rotation of forward and reverse rotation, and the powder distributing head is provided with powder distributing needles which are equidistantly arranged in inner and outer rings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a powder dispensing and pressing mechanism at the funnel handle of a coffee machine, which is an automatic powder dispensing and pressing system for a semi-automatic coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] A coffee machine is an electrical appliance used for making coffee. It is generally divided into two types: semi-automatic and fully automatic. A semi-automatic coffee machine is a traditional Italian coffee machine. It requires manual operation for grinding, tamping, loading, brewing, and manually removing the residue. At the same time, this type of semi-automatic coffee machine is usually equipped with a steam pipe for frothing milk, heating, or auxiliary cleaning. The existing semi-automatic coffee machines on the market currently have the following technical defects in their funnel handle distribution and tamping mechanisms: 1. Traditional semi-automatic coffee machines lack automatic distribution and tamping mechanisms, requiring manual handling of the distribution needle and tamping hammer. This process is cumbersome, and the evenness of distribution and tamping pressure depend entirely on manual skill, resulting in poor consistency in the final product. 2. Some coffee machines on the market with automatic tamping only have a single tamping function, lacking an automatic distribution process. This leads to clumping, layering, and gaps in the coffee grounds, causing water flow deviation during extraction, unstable coffee extraction concentration, and thin crema. 3. The hydraulic brewing structure of existing semi-automatic coffee machines often integrates sealing and tamping into a single synchronous action. The sealing and tamping strokes cannot be independently controlled, and there is no distribution mechanism. The radial sealing structure is prone to water leakage during high-pressure extraction and has poor adaptability to fine coffee grounds. 4. Existing semi-automatic coffee machines with separate distribution and tamping equipment use two independent power systems (motor and cylinder), resulting in numerous parts, large machine size, complex assembly, and high cost. The synchronous control logic of the two power systems is complex, leading to a high failure rate. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings, the purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic coffee powder dispensing and tamping system for semi-automatic coffee machines, thereby solving the problem that existing similar products rarely use an integrated brewing head and brewing assembly for dispensing and tamping coffee powder. This system integrates motor-driven dispersing and leveling of clumps of coffee powder with hydraulic dispensing and tamping, and particularly addresses the technical problem of minimizing the use of dispensing needles in the dispensing head within the motor and hydraulic cylinder to disperse and level clumps of coffee powder in the portafilter of the funnel handle. This objective is achieved through the following technical solution.

[0004] An automatic coffee powder dispensing and tamping system for a semi-automatic coffee machine is disclosed. The key structural design features a hydraulic cylinder body, a powder dispensing drive assembly, a hydraulic powder dispensing lifting mechanism, a hydraulic tamping mechanism, and a water inlet. The hydraulic cylinder body includes a cylinder support and a brewing head support. The integrated, layered cylinder structure of the hydraulic cylinder body internally isolates and forms independent powder dispensing and tamping hydraulic chambers. Independent powder dispensing and tamping water inlets are located on the side of the hydraulic cylinder body, corresponding to the powder dispensing and tamping water paths, respectively. An integrated powder dispensing head and tamping surface are located at the bottom of the hydraulic cylinder body. The powder dispensing drive assembly is mounted on the top of the hydraulic cylinder body and includes a drive motor and transmission gears. The output end of the drive motor is connected to the transmission gear, which meshes to drive the powder-dispensing head below to rotate. The drive motor includes bidirectional rotation in both forward and reverse directions. The drive motor, transmission gear, and powder-dispensing head of the hydraulic powder-dispensing lifting mechanism inside the hydraulic water cylinder body are assembled as one unit and move up and down with the powder-dispensing head. After the powder-dispensing head of the hydraulic powder-dispensing lifting mechanism inside the hydraulic water cylinder body is pushed down by the water pressure of the powder-dispensing hydraulic chamber inside the hydraulic water cylinder body, the powder-pressing component of the hydraulic powder-pressing mechanism inside the hydraulic water cylinder body is pushed down by the water pressure of the powder-pressing hydraulic chamber inside the hydraulic water cylinder body. After the powder-pressing and rinsing are completed, the water circuit is depressurized, and the powder-pressing component and the powder-dispensing head return to their original position. The powder-pressing surface is located at the bottom end of the powder-pressing component.

[0005] The water pressure in the powder distribution hydraulic chamber of the hydraulic cylinder body pushes the cylinder support and powder distribution head of the hydraulic cylinder body downwards. The powder distribution needle of the powder distribution head inserts into the coffee powder layer in the powder bowl of the funnel handle. After the powder distribution head is pressed down into place, the drive motor starts, and the transmission gear drives the powder distribution head and powder distribution needle to rotate in both directions, breaking up and leveling the clumps of coffee powder in the powder bowl of the funnel handle. After the powder distribution process is completed, water is introduced into the tamping hydraulic chamber. The water pressure pushes the water inlet support of the hydraulic tamping mechanism downwards, and the bottom tamping component simultaneously squeezes the coffee powder in the powder bowl of the funnel handle downwards to achieve uniform compaction. After the tamping and brewing are completed, the water circuit is depressurized, and the tamping component rises and resets through the tamping spring. The powder distribution head and powder distribution needle are reset upwards through the powder distribution spring. The brewing pipeline of the tamping component is connected to the hydraulic cylinder body through the inner liquid pipe in the middle of the water inlet support.

[0006] The powder pressing mechanism of the hydraulic powder pressing mechanism includes a piston support, a piston, a powder dispensing needle gate, and a filter screen. The piston support, piston, powder dispensing needle gate, and filter screen are respectively provided with arc-shaped limiting holes at their aligned end faces. The powder dispensing needle of the powder dispensing head extends out of the powder pressing mechanism of the hydraulic powder pressing mechanism through the water inlet support. At the same time, the powder dispensing needle passes through the arc-shaped limiting holes of the water inlet support, piston support, piston, powder dispensing needle gate, and filter screen. The arc-shaped limiting hole of the powder dispensing needle gate is provided with blades that close or open as the powder dispensing needle rises and falls.

[0007] The powder distribution head is provided with powder distribution needles arranged in an inner and outer ring at equal intervals. The blades of the powder distribution needle gate include inner blades and outer blades. The inner blades are arranged at equal intervals within the inner diameter of the central hole. The inner blades correspond to the inner arc-shaped limiting holes of the piston, piston support, water inlet support, and filter screen, respectively. The outer arc-shaped limiting holes are arranged at equal intervals and distributed in a ring shape outside the central hole of the powder distribution needle gate. The outer blades are respectively provided at the outer arc-shaped limiting holes of the piston, piston support, and water inlet support, respectively. The filter is set at the central hole of the powder distribution needle gate. The powder distribution needles of the powder distribution head extend out of the corresponding inner arc-shaped limiting holes and outer arc-shaped limiting holes, respectively.

[0008] The output end of the motor shaft of the powder application drive assembly is provided with a transmission gear, and the top center of the powder application head is provided with a gear groove. The drive motor is installed on the top of the water cylinder bracket, and the transmission gear meshes with the gear groove in the top hole of the water cylinder bracket where the powder application head is sealed and extends out.

[0009] The drive motor is vertically mounted on the top of the water cylinder bracket, or horizontally mounted on the top of the water cylinder bracket. The output end of the drive motor shaft is connected to the transmission gear at the output shaft through a reduction gear assembly.

[0010] The powder-dispensing head has a raised inner ring sleeve on the outside of the gear groove at the top. The outer diameter of the inner ring sleeve of the powder-dispensing head is provided with a powder-dispensing sealing ring. The inner ring sleeve of the powder-dispensing head fits into the inner ring groove at the top of the water cylinder bracket. The powder-dispensing inlet of the water cylinder bracket is located at the top of the inner ring groove of the water cylinder bracket. The powder-dispensing sealing ring abuts against and seals against the inner wall of the inner ring groove of the water cylinder bracket. The powder-dispensing spring is fitted on the outside of the powder-dispensing head inside the water cylinder bracket. The upper end of the powder-dispensing spring abuts against the powder-dispensing head, and the lower end of the powder-dispensing spring supports the water inlet bracket. The powder-dispensing needle of the powder-dispensing head extends out of the powder-pressing component of the hydraulic powder-pressing mechanism through the water inlet bracket. The powder-dispensing head inside the water cylinder bracket forms a powder-dispensing hydraulic cavity with the water cylinder bracket through the powder-dispensing sealing ring. The powder-dispensing head and the water cylinder bracket slide together.

[0011] The water cylinder bracket has a raised outer ring on the top of the water inlet bracket outside the powder distribution head and the water inlet bracket. The outer diameter of the outer ring is equipped with a powder pressing sealing ring. The top of the outer side of the inner ring groove inside the water cylinder bracket is equipped with an outer ring groove. The outer ring of the water inlet bracket fits into the inner ring groove at the top of the water cylinder bracket. The powder pressing water inlet of the water cylinder bracket is located at the top of the outer ring groove of the water cylinder bracket. The powder pressing sealing ring abuts and seals against the inner wall of the outer ring groove of the water cylinder bracket. The powder pressing assembly is fixed in the middle of the bottom of the water inlet bracket. The powder pressing spring is fitted between the brewing head bracket and the water inlet bracket outside the powder pressing assembly. The lower end of the powder pressing spring abuts against the brewing head bracket outside the powder pressing assembly, and the upper end of the powder pressing spring supports the water inlet bracket. The water inlet bracket inside the water cylinder bracket forms a powder pressing hydraulic cavity with the powder pressing sealing ring and the powder pressing head. The water inlet bracket and the water cylinder bracket slide together. The powder pressing assembly extends into the powder bowl of the funnel handle below.

[0012] The powder distribution inlet on the inner side of the top of the water cylinder bracket is higher than the powder pressing inlet on the outer side of the top. The top of the powder distribution hydraulic cavity in the hydraulic cylinder body corresponding to the powder distribution inlet is higher than the top of the powder pressing hydraulic cavity in the hydraulic cylinder body corresponding to the powder pressing inlet. The powder distribution hydraulic cavity and the powder pressing hydraulic cavity in the hydraulic cylinder body are isolated by an inner and outer annular layered cylinder structure. The annular hydraulic cavity below the powder distribution hydraulic cavity in the hydraulic cylinder body is connected to the outer powder pressing hydraulic cavity.

[0013] The powder-pressing springs are symmetrically arranged in pairs between the water inlet bracket and the brewing head bracket, or the powder-pressing springs are large springs and are arranged in the annular spring cavity between the water inlet bracket and the brewing head bracket.

[0014] The bottom of the brewing head bracket of the hydraulic cylinder body is provided with a buckle for fixing the powder bowl on the funnel handle. One side of the buckle is provided with a top post that extends out of the inner diameter of the buckle through the action of a top post spring. The powder bowl of the funnel handle is screwed into the buckle of the brewing head bracket through one side of the buckle, while the groove on the outer diameter of the symmetrical other side of the powder bowl abuts and locks against the top post.

[0015] This invention features a reasonable structural design, small size, few parts, low cost, high integration, and uniform powder distribution and tamping. In particular, the powder distribution needle and tamping head are integrated, which facilitates the breaking up and leveling of coffee powder clumps. It is suitable for use as an automatic powder distribution and tamping system for semi-automatic coffee machines, and for further improvement of similar products. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure at the bottom of some components.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified schematic diagram of the powder needle gate structure.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the powder needle gate in the open state.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional structural diagram showing the assembly and usage state.

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure.

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A magnified structural diagram of the initial state of the brewing head, with the funnel handle omitted in the diagram.

[0023] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the powder needle in the extended state.

[0024] Figure 9 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the improved structure.

[0025] Attached Figures and Their Names: 1. Drive Motor, 2. Transmission Gear, 3. Water Cylinder Bracket, 301. Powder Inlet, 302. Powder Pressing Inlet, 4. Powder Sealing Ring, 5. Powder Head, 501. Powder Needle, 502. Gear Groove, 503. Inner Ring, 6. Powder Spring, 7. Powder Pressing Ring, 8. Water Inlet Bracket, 801. Outer Ring, 9. Powder Pressing Spring, 10. Inner Liquid Pipe, 11. Piston Bracket, 12. Piston, 13. Powder Needle Gate, 1301. Inner Blade, 1303. Outer Blade, 14. Filter Screen, 15. Brewing Head Bracket, 16. Funnel Handle, 17. Top Column, 18. Top Column Spring. Implementation

[0026] The structure and use of the present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1-9As shown, the system includes a hydraulic cylinder body, a powder distribution drive assembly, a hydraulic powder distribution lifting mechanism, a hydraulic powder pressing mechanism, and a water circuit interface. The hydraulic cylinder body includes a cylinder support 3 and a brewing head support 15. The integrated layered cylinder structure of the hydraulic cylinder body internally isolates and forms independent powder distribution hydraulic chambers and powder pressing hydraulic chambers. Independent powder distribution inlet 301 and powder pressing inlet 302 are opened on the side of the hydraulic cylinder body, corresponding to the powder distribution water circuit and the powder pressing water circuit, respectively. The bottom of the hydraulic cylinder body has an integrated powder distribution head 5 and a powder pressing surface. The powder distribution drive assembly is installed on the top of the hydraulic cylinder body and includes a drive motor 1 and a transmission gear 2. The output end is connected to a transmission gear, which meshes to drive the lower powder-distributing head to rotate. The drive motor includes bidirectional rotation in both forward and reverse directions. The drive motor, transmission gear, and powder-distributing head of the hydraulic powder-distributing lifting mechanism inside the hydraulic cylinder body are assembled together and move up and down with the powder-distributing head. After the powder-distributing head of the hydraulic powder-distributing lifting mechanism inside the hydraulic cylinder body is pushed down by the water pressure of the powder-distributing hydraulic chamber inside the hydraulic cylinder body, the powder-pressing component of the hydraulic powder-pressing mechanism inside the hydraulic cylinder body is pushed down by the water pressure of the powder-pressing hydraulic chamber inside the hydraulic cylinder body to press the powder. After the powder pressing and brewing are completed, the water circuit is depressurized, and the powder-pressing component and the powder-distributing head are reset upward. The powder-pressing surface is located at the bottom end of the powder-pressing component. The water pressure in the powder distribution hydraulic chamber of the aforementioned hydraulic cylinder body pushes the cylinder support and powder distribution head of the hydraulic cylinder body downwards as a whole. The powder distribution needle 501 of the powder distribution head inserts into the coffee powder layer in the powder bowl of the funnel handle 16. After the powder distribution head is pressed down into place, the drive motor starts, and the transmission gear drives the powder distribution head and powder distribution needle to rotate in both directions, breaking up and leveling the clumps of coffee powder in the powder bowl of the funnel handle. After the powder distribution process is completed, water is introduced into the tamping hydraulic chamber, and the water pressure pushes the water inlet support 8 of the hydraulic tamping mechanism downwards as a whole. The bottom tamping component simultaneously squeezes the coffee powder in the powder bowl of the funnel handle downwards, completing the uniform compaction. After the tamping and brewing are completed, the water circuit is depressurized, and the tamping component rises and resets through the tamping spring 9. The powder distribution head and powder distribution needle are reset upwards through the powder distribution spring 6. The brewing pipeline of the tamping component is connected to the hydraulic cylinder body through the inner liquid pipe 10 in the middle of the water inlet support.

[0027] The powder pressing assembly of the aforementioned hydraulic powder pressing mechanism includes a piston support 11, a piston 12, a powder dispensing needle gate 13, and a filter screen 14. The piston support, piston, powder dispensing needle gate, and filter screen are respectively provided with arc-shaped limiting holes at their aligned end faces. The powder dispensing needle of the powder dispensing head extends out of the powder pressing assembly of the hydraulic powder pressing mechanism through the water inlet support. At the same time, the powder dispensing needle passes through the arc-shaped limiting holes of the water inlet support, piston support, piston, powder dispensing needle gate, and filter screen. The arc-shaped limiting hole of the powder dispensing needle gate is provided with blades that close or open as the powder dispensing needle rises and falls.

[0028] The aforementioned powder distribution head is equipped with powder distribution needles arranged in an inner and outer ring at equal intervals. The powder distribution needles have blades including inner blades 1301 and outer blades 1302. The inner blades are evenly distributed within the inner diameter of the central hole and correspond to the inner arc-shaped limiting holes of the piston, piston support, water inlet support, and filter screen, respectively. The outer side of the central hole of the powder distribution needle gate is provided with outer arc-shaped limiting holes arranged in a ring at equal intervals. The outer blades are respectively provided at the outer arc-shaped limiting holes of the powder distribution needle gate and correspond to the outer arc-shaped limiting holes of the piston, piston support, and water inlet support, respectively. The filter screen is located at the central hole of the powder distribution needle gate, and the powder distribution needles of the powder distribution head extend out of the corresponding inner arc-shaped limiting holes and outer arc-shaped limiting holes, respectively.

[0029] The aforementioned powder application drive assembly has a transmission gear at the output end of the motor shaft of the drive motor, and a gear groove 502 in the middle of the top of the powder application head. The drive motor is mounted on the top of the water tank bracket, and the transmission gear meshes with the gear groove inside the hole at the top of the water tank bracket where the powder application head is sealed. The drive motor is mounted vertically on the top of the water tank bracket, or horizontally on the top of the water tank bracket. The output end of the drive motor shaft is connected to the transmission gear at the output shaft through a reduction gear assembly.

[0030] The outer side of the gear groove at the top of the powder-dispensing head is provided with a protruding inner ring sleeve 503. The outer diameter of the inner ring sleeve of the powder-dispensing head is provided with a powder-dispensing sealing ring 4. The inner ring sleeve of the powder-dispensing head fits into the inner ring groove at the top of the water cylinder bracket. The powder-dispensing inlet of the water cylinder bracket is located at the top of the inner ring groove of the water cylinder bracket. The powder-dispensing sealing ring abuts against and seals against the inner wall of the inner ring groove of the water cylinder bracket. The powder-dispensing spring is fitted on the outer side of the powder-dispensing head inside the water cylinder bracket. The upper end of the powder-dispensing spring abuts against the powder-dispensing head, and the lower end of the powder-dispensing spring supports the water inlet bracket. The powder-dispensing head inside the water cylinder bracket forms a powder-dispensing hydraulic cavity with the water cylinder bracket through the powder-dispensing sealing ring. The powder-dispensing head and the water cylinder bracket slide together.

[0031] The water cylinder bracket has a raised outer ring 801 on the top of the water inlet bracket outside the powder distribution head and the water inlet bracket. The outer diameter of the outer ring is provided with a powder pressing sealing ring 7. The top of the outer side of the inner ring groove inside the water cylinder bracket is provided with an outer ring groove. The outer ring of the water inlet bracket fits into the inner ring groove at the top of the water cylinder bracket. The powder pressing water inlet of the water cylinder bracket is located at the top of the outer ring groove of the water cylinder bracket. The powder pressing sealing ring abuts and seals against the inner wall of the outer ring groove of the water cylinder bracket. The powder pressing assembly is fixed in the middle of the bottom of the water inlet bracket. The powder pressing spring is fitted between the brewing head bracket and the water inlet bracket outside the powder pressing assembly. The lower end of the powder pressing spring abuts against the brewing head bracket outside the powder pressing assembly. The upper end of the powder pressing spring supports the water inlet bracket. The water inlet bracket inside the water cylinder bracket forms a powder pressing hydraulic cavity with the powder pressing sealing ring and the powder pressing head. The water inlet bracket and the water cylinder bracket slide together. The powder pressing assembly extends into the powder bowl of the funnel handle below.

[0032] The powder inlet on the inner side of the top of the aforementioned water cylinder bracket is higher than the powder pressing inlet on the outer side. The top of the powder dispensing hydraulic chamber within the corresponding hydraulic cylinder body below the powder dispensing inlet is higher than the top of the powder pressing hydraulic chamber within the corresponding hydraulic cylinder body below the powder pressing inlet. The powder dispensing hydraulic chamber and the powder pressing hydraulic chamber within the hydraulic cylinder body are internally isolated by an inner and outer annular layered cylinder structure. The annular hydraulic chamber below the powder dispensing hydraulic chamber within the hydraulic cylinder body communicates with the outer powder pressing hydraulic chamber. Powder pressing springs are symmetrically arranged in pairs between the water inlet bracket and the brewing head bracket, or the powder pressing springs are large springs and are located within the annular spring chamber between the water inlet bracket and the brewing head bracket.

[0033] The bottom of the brewing head bracket of the above-mentioned hydraulic cylinder body is provided with a buckle for fixing the powder bowl on the funnel handle. On one side of the buckle, there is a top post 17 that extends out of the inner diameter of the buckle through the action of the top post spring 18. When the powder bowl of the funnel handle is screwed into the buckle of the brewing head bracket through one side of the buckle, the groove on the outer diameter of the symmetrical other side of the powder bowl abuts and locks against the top post.

[0034] This system is a semi-automatic coffee machine brewing assembly with hydraulic lifting and rotating powder distribution and hydraulic tamping. The system comprises five core components: a hydraulic water cylinder body, a powder distribution drive assembly, a hydraulic powder distribution lifting mechanism, a hydraulic tamping mechanism, and a water inlet. The specific structures of these five core components are as follows: The hydraulic water cylinder body adopts an integrated layered cylinder structure, internally isolating an independent powder distribution hydraulic chamber and a powder tamping hydraulic chamber. Independent water inlets are opened on the side of the hydraulic water cylinder body, including a powder distribution inlet and a powder tamping inlet, corresponding to the powder distribution water path and the powder tamping water path, respectively. The bottom of the hydraulic water cylinder body integrates the powder distribution head and the tamping surface. The powder distribution drive assembly is installed on the top of the hydraulic water cylinder body. The powder distribution drive assembly includes a drive motor and a transmission gear. The output end of the drive motor is connected to the transmission gear, which meshes to drive the powder distribution head below to rotate. The drive motor can rotate in both forward and reverse directions. The hydraulic powder distribution lifting mechanism includes: a water cylinder bracket, a powder distribution sealing ring, a powder distribution head, a powder distribution spring, and a water inlet bracket. The powder head has multiple powder needles arranged at equal intervals below it. The powder head slides with the water tank bracket. The powder spring is fitted inside the water tank bracket and is located on the outside of the powder head. The upper end of the powder spring abuts against the powder head, and the lower end of the powder spring supports the water inlet bracket. The powder sealing ring seals the powder head and the water tank bracket. The drive motor, transmission gear and powder head are assembled as one unit and move up and down with the powder head.

[0035] The hydraulic lifting principle of the hydraulic powder distribution lifting mechanism is as follows: Water enters the powder distribution hydraulic chamber from the water inlet of the water cylinder bracket. The water pressure overcomes the elasticity of the powder distribution spring, pushing the water cylinder bracket and the powder distribution head to move downward as a whole. The powder distribution needle of the powder distribution head inserts into the coffee powder layer in the powder bowl inside the funnel handle. After the water is depressurized and drained, the powder distribution spring rebounds, driving the powder distribution head and powder distribution needle to return to their original position.

[0036] The rotating powder distribution principle of the hydraulic powder distribution lifting mechanism is as follows: After the powder distribution head is pressed down into place, the drive motor starts, and the transmission gear drives the powder distribution head and powder distribution needle to rotate in both directions, breaking up and leveling the clumps of coffee powder in the powder bowl of the funnel handle; the water inlet bracket and corresponding components have arc-shaped limiting holes, which match the powder distribution needle of the powder distribution head to achieve rotation angle limitation and prevent the powder distribution needle from interfering and being damaged.

[0037] The hydraulic tamping mechanism includes a tamping cylinder sealing ring, a water inlet bracket, a tamping spring, and a tamping assembly. The tamping assembly includes a piston bracket, a piston, a powder distribution needle, and a filter screen. The tamping assembly is fixed to the bottom center of the water inlet bracket, which slides in conjunction with the water cylinder bracket. The tamping spring is fitted between the brewing head bracket and the water inlet bracket on the outside of the tamping assembly. The lower end of the tamping spring abuts against the brewing head bracket on the outside of the tamping assembly, while the upper end supports the water inlet bracket. The tamping cylinder sealing ring seals the tamping hydraulic chamber. The hydraulic tamping principle of the hydraulic tamping mechanism is as follows: After the powder distribution process is completed, water is introduced into the tamping hydraulic chamber of the water inlet bracket. The water pressure pushes the water inlet bracket downwards, and the bottom tamping assembly simultaneously squeezes the coffee powder in the powder bowl of the funnel handle downwards, achieving uniform compaction. After tamping and brewing, the water circuit is depressurized, the tamping spring rebounds, and the tamping assembly rises to its original position.

[0038] The system's workflow is as follows: 1) Filling with coffee powder: Insert the portafilter handle containing coffee powder into the positioning position below the brewing head; 2) Hydraulic distribution and pressing: Open the solenoid valve of the distribution water circuit, and high-pressure water enters the hydraulic chamber of the distribution water circuit. The water pressure compresses the distribution spring, and the distribution head, along with the distribution needle, inserts downward into the coffee powder layer; 3) Rotating distribution: The top drive motor starts, and the transmission gear drives the distribution head to rotate forward and backward. The distribution needle breaks up clumps, fills the coffee powder layer, and eliminates gaps in the powder layer; 4) Distribution reset: After the distribution process is completed, the distribution water circuit is depressurized and drained, the distribution spring rebounds, and the distribution head and distribution needle rise and retract; 5) Hydraulic tamping: Open the solenoid valve of the tamping water circuit, and high-pressure water enters the hydraulic chamber of the tamping water circuit. This pushes the water inlet bracket and the bottom tamping assembly downward, evenly tamping the coffee powder to form a flat coffee cake; 6) Tamping reset: After tamping is completed, the tamping water circuit is depressurized, the tamping spring drives the tamping assembly to rise, completing the entire automated distribution and tamping process. The extraction program can then be started directly.

[0039] The system features the following characteristics: 1) Integrated hydraulic brewing assembly: This system is a semi-automatic coffee machine brewing assembly. The integrated cylinder simultaneously integrates a hydraulic lifting and dispensing mechanism and a hydraulic tamping mechanism, sharing the water pressure of the coffee machine's water circuit as a power source. The top of the cylinder is equipped with a drive motor to rotate the dispensing assembly, allowing one set of equipment to simultaneously achieve two coffee powder pre-processing steps: automatic dispensing and automatic tamping. 2) Hydraulic lifting and drive motor rotation composite dispensing structure: The dispensing action is divided into two levels of linkage: In the first level of linkage, the hydraulic water circuit drives the dispensing head to rise and fall vertically (the water pressure compresses the spring, and the pressure relief spring returns to its original position); In the second level of linkage, the top drive motor and transmission gear drive the dispensing head and dispensing needle to rotate in both directions; the water inlet bracket is equipped with a limiting groove to constrain the rotation angle of the dispensing head, achieving synchronous downward rotation to evenly disperse the coffee powder. 3) Layered dual-chamber independent hydraulic drive structure (powder distribution chamber and powder pressing chamber are isolated). The integrated water cylinder is internally isolated to form independent powder distribution hydraulic chambers and powder pressing hydraulic chambers that are not connected to each other. Each is equipped with a separate water inlet, independent sealing ring, and independent return spring. The two water circuit solenoid valves are controlled separately and execute the sequential actions of "powder distribution lifting → powder distribution rotation → powder distribution reset → powder pressing down → powder pressing reset" in steps. The powder distribution and powder pressing strokes do not interfere with each other.

[0040] The purpose of this system is as follows: 1. To integrate coffee grounds distribution and tamping functions into a single brewing head, relying solely on hydraulic pressure in the water circuit for lifting and tamping actions, coupled with a drive motor for rotation, eliminating manual distribution and tamping operations; 2. The downward rotation of the distribution head breaks up clumps of coffee grounds, eliminating gaps in the coffee layer and ensuring uniform water flow during extraction; 3. Independent hydraulic control of the distribution lifting and tamping strokes ensures stable and controllable pressure, uniform tamping force, and standardized coffee output; 4. The integrated cylinder design reduces the number of parts, shrinks the brewing head size, and lowers production and assembly costs. Furthermore, this system uses a single hydraulic power source in the water circuit, eliminating the need for two separate pneumatic / hydraulic systems, simplifying the overall water circuit control logic.

[0041] In summary, this system relates to the technical field of semi-automatic coffee machine brewing head structures, specifically an integrated brewing head that combines hydraulically driven powder distribution and hydraulically driven tamping functions. It is suitable for semi-automatic espresso machines, enabling fully automated operation of automatic leveling, uniform powder distribution, and uniform tamping of coffee powder. This system is a single integrated cylinder that uses hydraulic power to achieve lifting and rotating powder distribution, while simultaneously using hydraulic power to complete the tamping process. Its simplified structure, unified power, and improved stability of coffee output are all achieved through this integrated brewing assembly.

Claims

1. An automatic coffee powder dispensing and tamping system for a semi-automatic coffee machine, characterized in that... The system includes a hydraulic cylinder body, a powder distribution drive assembly, a hydraulic powder distribution lifting mechanism, a hydraulic powder pressing mechanism, and a water circuit interface. The hydraulic cylinder body includes a cylinder support (3) and a brewing head support (15). The integrated layered cylinder structure of the hydraulic cylinder body forms an independent powder distribution hydraulic chamber and a powder pressing hydraulic chamber. The side of the hydraulic cylinder body has an independent powder distribution water inlet (301) and a powder pressing water inlet (302), which correspond to the powder distribution water circuit and the powder pressing water circuit, respectively. The bottom of the pressure cylinder body is provided with an integrated powder distribution head (5) and a powder pressing surface. The powder distribution drive assembly is installed on the top of the hydraulic cylinder body. The powder distribution drive assembly includes a drive motor (1) and a transmission gear (2). The output end of the drive motor is connected to the transmission gear, which meshes to drive the powder-dispensing head below to rotate. The drive motor includes bidirectional rotation in both forward and reverse directions. The drive motor, transmission gear, and powder-dispensing head of the hydraulic powder-dispensing lifting mechanism inside the hydraulic water cylinder body are assembled as one unit and move up and down with the powder-dispensing head. After the powder-dispensing head of the hydraulic powder-dispensing lifting mechanism inside the hydraulic water cylinder body is pushed down by the water pressure of the powder-dispensing hydraulic chamber inside the hydraulic water cylinder body, the powder-pressing component of the hydraulic powder-pressing mechanism inside the hydraulic water cylinder body is pushed down by the water pressure of the powder-pressing hydraulic chamber inside the hydraulic water cylinder body. After the powder-pressing and rinsing are completed, the water circuit is depressurized, and the powder-pressing component and the powder-dispensing head return to their original position. The powder-pressing surface is located at the bottom end of the powder-pressing component.

2. The automatic coffee powder dispensing and tamping system of the semi-automatic coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that... The water pressure in the powder distribution hydraulic chamber of the hydraulic cylinder body pushes the cylinder support (3) and powder distribution head (5) of the hydraulic cylinder body to move downward as a whole. The powder distribution needle (501) of the powder distribution head is inserted into the coffee powder layer in the powder bowl of the funnel handle (16). After the powder distribution head is pressed down to the position, the drive motor (1) starts and the transmission gear (2) drives the powder distribution head and powder distribution needle to rotate in both directions, breaking up and leveling the clumps of coffee powder in the powder bowl of the funnel handle. After the powder distribution process is completed, water is introduced into the pressing hydraulic chamber. The water pressure pushes the water inlet support (8) of the hydraulic pressing mechanism to press down as a whole. The bottom pressing component simultaneously presses down the coffee powder in the powder bowl of the funnel handle to complete the uniform pressing. After the pressing and brewing is completed, the water circuit is depressurized, and the pressing component is raised and reset by the pressing spring (9). The powder distribution head and powder distribution needle are reset upward by the powder distribution spring (6). The brewing pipeline of the pressing component is connected to the hydraulic cylinder body through the inner liquid pipe (10) in the middle of the water inlet support.

3. The automatic powder dispensing and tamping system for a semi-automatic coffee machine according to claim 2, characterized in that... The powder pressing component of the hydraulic powder pressing mechanism includes a piston support (11), a piston (12), a powder needle gate (13), and a filter screen (14). The piston support, piston, powder needle gate, and filter screen are respectively provided with arc-shaped limiting holes at their aligned end faces. The powder needle (501) of the powder head (5) extends out of the powder pressing component of the hydraulic powder pressing mechanism through the water inlet support. At the same time, the powder needle passes through the arc-shaped limiting holes of the water inlet support (8), piston support, piston, powder needle gate, and filter screen. The arc-shaped limiting hole of the powder needle gate is provided with blades that close or open as the powder needle rises and falls.

4. The automatic powder dispensing and tamping system for a semi-automatic coffee machine according to claim 3, characterized in that... The powder head (5) is provided with powder needles (501) arranged in an inner and outer ring at equal intervals. The blades of the powder needle gate (13) include inner blades (1301) and outer blades (1302). The inner blades are arranged at equal intervals in the inner diameter of the central hole. The inner blades correspond to the inner arc-shaped limiting holes of the piston (12), piston support (11), water inlet support (8) and filter screen (14). The outer arc-shaped limiting holes are arranged at equal intervals and distributed in a ring shape outside the central hole of the powder needle gate. The outer blades are respectively provided at the outer arc-shaped limiting holes of the powder needle gate. The outer blades correspond to the outer arc-shaped limiting holes of the piston, piston support and water inlet support. The filter is set at the central hole of the powder needle gate. The powder needles of the powder head extend out of the corresponding inner arc-shaped limiting holes and outer arc-shaped limiting holes.

5. The automatic powder dispensing and tamping system for a semi-automatic coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that... The output end of the motor shaft of the drive motor (1) of the powder-spreading drive assembly is provided with a transmission gear (2), and the top of the powder-spreading head (5) is provided with a gear groove (502). The drive motor is installed on the top of the water cylinder bracket (3), and the transmission gear meshes with the gear groove in the top hole of the water cylinder bracket where the powder-spreading head is sealed.

6. The automatic coffee powder dispensing and tamping system for a semi-automatic coffee machine according to claim 5, characterized in that... The drive motor (1) is vertically mounted on the top of the water cylinder bracket (3), or the drive motor is horizontally mounted on the top of the water cylinder bracket. The output end of the motor shaft of the drive motor is connected to the transmission gear (2) at the output shaft through a reduction gear assembly.

7. The automatic coffee powder dispensing and tamping system for a semi-automatic coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that... The powder-spreading head (5) has a raised inner ring sleeve (503) at the top. The outer diameter of the inner ring sleeve of the powder-spreading head is provided with a powder-spreading sealing ring (4). The inner ring sleeve of the powder-spreading head fits into the inner ring groove at the top of the water cylinder bracket (3). The powder-spreading inlet (301) of the water cylinder bracket is located at the top of the inner ring groove of the water cylinder bracket. The powder-spreading sealing ring abuts against and seals against the inner wall of the inner ring groove of the water cylinder bracket. The powder-spreading spring (6) is fitted on the outside of the powder-spreading head inside the water cylinder bracket. The upper end of the powder-spreading spring abuts against the powder-spreading head. The lower end of the powder-spreading spring supports the water inlet bracket (8). The powder-spreading head inside the water cylinder bracket forms a powder-spreading hydraulic cavity with the water cylinder bracket through the powder-spreading sealing ring. The powder-spreading head and the water cylinder bracket slide together.

8. The automatic coffee powder dispensing and tamping system for a semi-automatic coffee machine according to claim 7, characterized in that... The powder distribution head (5) inside the water cylinder bracket (3) and the water inlet bracket (8) are connected by a powder distribution spring (6). The top of the water inlet bracket is provided with a raised outer ring sleeve (801). The outer diameter of the outer ring sleeve is provided with a powder pressing sealing ring (7). The top of the outer side of the inner ring groove inside the water cylinder bracket (3) is provided with an outer ring groove. The outer ring sleeve of the water inlet bracket fits into the inner ring groove at the top of the water cylinder bracket. The powder pressing inlet (302) of the water cylinder bracket is located at the top of the outer ring groove of the water cylinder bracket. The powder pressing sealing ring abuts against and seals the water cylinder. The inner wall of the outer ring groove of the bracket, the powder pressing assembly is fixed in the middle of the bottom of the water inlet bracket, the powder pressing spring (9) is fitted between the outer brewing head bracket (15) of the powder pressing assembly and the water inlet bracket, the lower end of the powder pressing spring abuts against the outer brewing head bracket of the powder pressing assembly, the upper end of the powder pressing spring supports the water inlet bracket, the water inlet bracket in the water cylinder bracket forms a powder pressing hydraulic cavity between the powder pressing sealing ring and the powder pressing head, the water inlet bracket and the water cylinder bracket slide together, and the powder pressing assembly extends into the powder bowl of the funnel handle (16) below.

9. The automatic coffee powder dispensing and tamping system for a semi-automatic coffee machine according to claim 8, characterized in that... The powder inlet (301) on the inner side of the top of the water cylinder bracket (3) is higher than the powder pressing inlet (302) on the outer side of the top. The top of the powder-distributing hydraulic cavity in the hydraulic cylinder body corresponding to the powder-distributing inlet is higher than the top of the powder pressing hydraulic cavity in the hydraulic cylinder body corresponding to the powder pressing inlet. The powder-distributing hydraulic cavity and the powder pressing hydraulic cavity in the hydraulic cylinder body are isolated in an inner and outer annular layered cylinder structure. The annular hydraulic cavity below the powder-distributing hydraulic cavity in the hydraulic cylinder body is connected to the outer powder pressing hydraulic cavity.

10. The automatic coffee powder dispensing and tamping system for a semi-automatic coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that... The bottom of the brewing head bracket (15) of the hydraulic cylinder body is provided with a buckle opening for fixing the powder bowl on the funnel handle (16). On one side of the buckle opening, there is a top post (17) that extends out of the inner diameter of the buckle opening through the action of the top post spring (18). When the powder bowl of the funnel handle is screwed into the buckle opening of the brewing head bracket through one side of the buckle opening, the groove on the outer diameter of the symmetrical other side of the powder bowl abuts and locks against the top post.

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