Powder pressing and brewing unit of coffee machine and coffee machine

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of coffee brewing, in particular to a powder pressing and brewing unit of a coffee machine and the coffee machine, the powder pressing and brewing unit comprises a driving assembly, a powder pressing assembly and a pressed powder container, and the pressed powder container is provided with a powder filling port and a liquid outlet; an extraction rod in transmission connection with the driving assembly is arranged at one end of the powder pressing assembly, an extraction head is arranged at the other end of the powder pressing assembly, and the extraction head is connected to the extraction rod and extends into the inner space of the pressed powder container from the powder filling opening under the driving of the extraction rod, so that the coffee powder is compacted; the extraction rod continuously presses down the extraction head, so that in the brewing extraction process, the extraction head continuously compacts the coffee powder, and the coffee powder is kept in a compacted state during brewing extraction. Finally, in the brewing extraction process, the coffee powder can be always kept in a compacted state, the coffee powder is brewed and extracted in the compacted state, and finally the obtained coffee oil is richer, richer in taste and better in flavor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of coffee brewing, in particular to a pressed powder brewing unit of a coffee machine and the coffee machine. Background Art

[0002] The methods of brewing coffee include hand grinding with tools, semi-automatic brewing with machines, and fully automatic brewing with machines. Among them, the equipment used for fully automatic coffee brewing with machines automatically grinds and presses the coffee powder and then brews it. In this way, the brewed coffee uses less powder, is rich in oil and has a better aroma. In the existing technology, the fully automatic coffee brewing equipment is provided with a coffee brewer to realize the automatic connection of various coffee brewing processes. The coffee brewer is an important component of the coffee machine. Its function is to mix hot water and coffee powder evenly to make the coffee with appropriate concentration and smoother taste. During the brewing process, the hot water and coffee powder pass through the filter plate of the brewer, which can filter out impurities and make the coffee more delicious.

[0003] For example, the Chinese patent document with the publication number CN220494821U discloses a coffee machine with a powder compacting function, comprising: a machine body, on which a heating and water supply unit and an extraction unit are provided, the heating and water supply unit being in fluid communication with the extraction unit, the extraction unit comprising an extraction mounting seat and a brewing box for containing coffee powder to be extracted, the brewing box being detachably connected to the extraction mounting seat; the machine body is also provided with a powder compacting device, the powder compacting device comprising a powder compacting chamber with an open lower portion and a powder compacting head movably arranged in the powder compacting chamber, the brewing box being connectable to the lower opening of the powder compacting chamber, and the coffee powder in the brewing box being compacted by moving the powder compacting head downward.

[0004] In the above-mentioned patent solution, the powder pressing device and the extraction unit of the coffee machine are independent of each other. Although it can prevent the coffee powder from getting damp and hardened due to water vapor entering the grinding device during the extraction process, the powder cake will expand and become fluffy after being immersed in high-temperature hot water during the extraction process. The loose coffee powder allows hot water to pass through unimpeded, and cannot pierce the thin wall of the coffee to extract the real coffee oil essence.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the pressed powder brewing unit of the coffee machine. Utility Model Content

[0006] In order to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings, the present invention aims to provide a technical solution that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0007] The utility model provides a powder pressing and brewing unit of a coffee machine, comprising a driving assembly, a powder pressing assembly and a powder cake container, wherein the upper end of the powder cake container is provided with a powder filling port for filling coffee powder into the inner space of the powder cake container, and the lower end thereof is provided with a liquid outlet for discharging coffee liquid after brewing and extraction; one end of the powder pressing assembly is provided with an extraction rod transmission-connected to the driving assembly, and the other end thereof is provided with an extraction head, the extraction head is connected to the extraction rod and, driven by the extraction rod, extends from the powder filling port into the inner space of the powder cake container, thereby compacting the coffee powder; the extraction rod continuously presses the extraction head downward, and then during the brewing and extraction process, the extraction head continuously compacts the coffee powder, so that the coffee powder remains compacted during brewing and extraction.

[0008] As a further solution of the present invention: a sealing ring is provided between the outer wall of the extraction head and the inner wall of the powder container, thereby forming a sealed connection between the extraction head and the powder container.

[0009] As a further solution of the present invention: the extraction rod is hollow inside, and one end of the extraction head extends into the hollow part inside the extraction rod, so that the hot water supply device and the extraction head are connected, thereby providing hot water to the extraction head for brewing and extracting coffee powder.

[0010] As a further solution of the present invention: a water diversion hole is provided at one end of the extraction head, and an adapter is provided at the other end thereof, and the adapter is passed through the internal hollow part of the extraction rod to form a sliding connection; the interior of the adapter is hollow and is connected to the water diversion hole, so that the hot water supply equipment provides hot water to the water diversion hole through the adapter.

[0011] As a further solution of the present invention: the powder pressing assembly is provided with a pre-compression spring, one end of the pre-compression spring abuts against the extraction rod, and the other end thereof abuts against the extraction head.

[0012] As a further solution of the present invention: an annular groove is provided at one end of the extraction rod connected to the extraction head, and the pre-compression spring is inserted into the annular groove.

[0013] As a further solution of the present invention: a limiting screw hole and a limiting bolt are provided at one end of the extraction rod close to the extraction head, and a limiting groove is provided at the position of the adapter corresponding to the limiting screw hole. The limiting groove extends a certain length along the axial direction of the adapter to form a long countersunk hole. The limiting bolt is fixed to the limiting screw hole, and one end of the screw rod extends into the limiting groove for a certain distance, thereby forming a limiting effect on the limiting groove.

[0014] As a further solution of the present invention: the drive assembly is provided with a drive motor, a first gear and a second gear, the first gear is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive motor and forms a transmission connection with the second gear; the second gear is sleeved on the extraction rod and forms a linear transmission connection with the extraction rod.

[0015] As a further solution of the present invention: a back pressure mechanism is provided at one end of the liquid outlet of the powder container, the back pressure mechanism abuts against the powder container, one end of the back pressure mechanism is connected to the liquid outlet, and a certain back pressure is applied to the liquid outlet, so that the coffee liquid after brewing and extraction reaches a certain pressure and is discharged from the liquid outlet into the back pressure mechanism.

[0016] The present invention also provides a coffee machine, comprising the above-mentioned pressed powder brewing unit of the coffee machine, and also comprising a hot water supply device, wherein the hot water supply device provides the hot water required for brewing to the pressed powder brewing unit, thereby brewing and extracting the coffee powder to obtain corresponding coffee liquid.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0018] 1. The coffee is compacted by installing an extraction rod on the top of the extraction head and using a drive assembly to drive the extraction rod downward, driving the extraction head to compact the coffee powder. The extraction rod also continuously presses the extraction head downward, keeping the coffee powder compacted during brewing and extraction. Brewing and extraction in this compacted state results in a coffee with richer crema, a richer taste, and a better flavor.

[0019] 2. By providing an adapter on the extraction head and directly connecting it to the hot water supply equipment, the extraction head can be provided with corresponding hot water while the extraction head remains in a compacted state, so that the coffee powder can be brewed and extracted accordingly in the compacted state, enriching the oily taste of the coffee liquid.

[0020] 3. A back pressure mechanism is provided at the liquid outlet of the powder container, so that a certain sealing pressure can be applied to the liquid outlet. After the coffee powder is brewed and extracted with hot water at a certain pressure, coffee liquid of corresponding pressure is formed, which can break the back pressure applied by the back pressure mechanism and form the corresponding coffee liquid.

[0021] Therefore, after the above-mentioned improvements, the present invention can provide a coffee machine powder pressing and brewing unit and a coffee machine, so that the coffee powder can always be kept in a compacted state during the brewing and extraction process. The coffee powder is brewed and extracted in a compacted state, and the final coffee obtained has richer oil, richer taste and better flavor.

[0022] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and will become apparent from the following description or learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the drive assembly and powder pressing assembly of the utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the powder container of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the powder pressing assembly of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the compacted state of the utility model.

[0028] The reference numerals and names in the figures are as follows:

[0029] 10 driving assembly; 11 driving motor; 12 first gear; 13 second gear; 20 powder pressing assembly; 21 pre-compression spring; 22 extraction rod; 23 spiral groove; 24 annular groove; 25 limiting screw hole; 26 limiting bolt; 30 extraction head; 31 sealing ring; 32 water diversion hole; 33 adapter; 34 limiting groove; 40 powder container; 41 powder filling port; 42 liquid outlet; 50 back pressure mechanism; 60 coffee cup. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following is a clear and complete description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] See also Figures 1 to 4In an embodiment of the present invention, a pressed powder brewing unit of a coffee machine includes a driving assembly 10, a pressed powder assembly 20 and a powder cake container 40. The upper end of the powder cake container 40 is provided with a powder loading port 41 for loading coffee powder into the inner space of the powder cake container 40, and the lower end thereof is provided with a liquid outlet 42 for discharging the coffee liquid after brewing and extraction; one end of the pressed powder assembly 20 is provided with an extraction rod 22 that is transmission-connected to the driving assembly 10, and the other end is provided with an extraction head 30, said extraction head 30 being connected to the extraction rod 22 and, driven by the extraction rod 22, extending from the powder loading port 41 into the inner space of the powder cake container 40 and compacting the coffee powder, and the extraction rod 22 continuously presses the extraction head 30 downward, thereby causing the extraction head 30 to continuously compact the coffee powder during the brewing and extraction process, so that the coffee powder remains compacted during brewing and extraction.

[0032] Specifically, traditional coffee machines use two separate devices for tamping and brewing. After tamping, the tamping device is removed, and the brewing device is placed back in, where hot water is added to the coffee powder to complete the brewing process. However, when hot water soaks into the coffee grounds, they expand. Without continuous compaction, the grounds become fluffy. This loosening allows hot water to pass through unimpeded, preventing them from penetrating the thin coffee walls and extracting the true essence of the coffee crema.

[0033] In other words, the brewing steps of existing coffee machines are filling powder > pressing powder > adding > extraction. The coffee powder is compacted and added, but during the extraction process, the space above the coffee powder is empty. During the extraction process, the coffee powder is actually loose / low back pressure. Therefore, most coffee machines cannot extract good coffee quality.

[0034] Therefore, in order to extract a richer coffee liquid, the coffee machine can be improved by utilizing a combination of the drive assembly 10 and the screw to continuously press down the extraction head 30, thereby keeping the coffee powder in a compacted state during brewing and extraction. The coffee powder is brewed and extracted in a compacted state, and the final coffee obtained has richer oil, richer taste, and better flavor.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, preferably, a sealing ring 31 is provided between the outer wall of the extraction head 30 and the inner wall of the powder container 40 , thereby forming a sealed connection between the extraction head 30 and the powder container 40 .

[0036] Specifically, because the coffee powder needs to be continuously compacted and maintained even after the pressurized hot water is injected, a sealed connection is required between the extraction head 30 and the coffee powder container 40. For example, a sealing ring 31 can be used to provide a corresponding seal, thereby creating a high-pressure and high-temperature environment inside the coffee powder container 40 to extract the coffee powder.

[0037] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, preferably, the extraction rod 22 is hollow inside, and one end of the extraction head 30 extends into the inner hollow portion of the extraction rod 22, so that the hot water supply device and the extraction head 30 are connected, thereby providing hot water to the extraction head 30 for brewing and extracting coffee powder.

[0038] Specifically, since the extraction head 30 is always compacting the coffee powder, it is necessary to consider how to inject hot water into the coffee powder. Preferably, the extraction rod 22 and the interior of the extraction head 30 can be set to be hollow, so that an external hot water supply device can inject hot water into the extraction head 30 through the corresponding hot water pipe, and then inject the hot water relatively evenly into the powder cake of the coffee powder through the water diversion hole 32 of the extraction head 30.

[0039] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, preferably, a water diversion hole 32 is provided at one end of the extraction head 30, and an adapter 33 is provided at the other end thereof. The adapter 33 is passed through the inner hollow portion of the extraction rod 22 to form a sliding connection; the interior of the adapter 33 is hollow and is connected to the water diversion hole 32, so that the hot water supply device provides hot water to the water diversion hole 32 through the adapter 33.

[0040] Specifically, the diameter of the water diversion hole 32 is relatively small, so that during the compaction process of the coffee powder in the extraction head 30, the coffee powder does not enter the water diversion hole 32. An external hot water supply device can be connected to the adapter 33 via a corresponding water pipe and provide hot water with a certain pressure. The hot water can pass through the water diversion hole 32 and enter the powder cake, thereby soaking, brewing, and extracting the coffee powder, thereby extracting the corresponding coffee liquid.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, preferably, the powder pressing assembly 20 is provided with a pre-compression spring 21, one end of which abuts against the extraction rod 22, and the other end abuts against the extraction head 30. An annular groove 24 is provided at one end of the extraction rod 22 connected to the extraction head 30, and the pre-compression spring 21 is inserted into the annular groove 24.

[0042] Specifically, the elastic force of the preload spring 21 can cause the extraction head 30 to initially move a certain distance away from the extraction rod 22. This creates a certain amount of space between the extraction head 30 and the extraction rod 22. When the extraction rod 22 is driven downward by the drive assembly 10, the extraction rod 22 drives the extraction head 30 downward synchronously, causing the extraction head 30 to initially contact the coffee powder, thereby pre-compacting the coffee powder. Subsequently, under the continued downward pressure of the drive assembly 10, the extraction rod 22 continues to move toward the extraction head 30, causing the adapter 33 to slide within the hollow interior of the extraction rod 22, reducing the distance between the extraction rod 22 and the extraction head 30. This increases the compressive force of the preload spring 21, causing it to further contract and simultaneously increasing the pressure on the extraction head 30, allowing the extraction head 30 to more firmly compact the coffee powder. Preferably, the preload spring 21 can be configured to provide a pressure of 20 kg.

[0043] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, preferably, a limiting screw hole 25 and a limiting bolt 26 are provided at one end of the extraction rod 22 close to the extraction head 30, and a limiting groove 34 is provided at the position of the adapter 33 corresponding to the limiting screw hole 25. The limiting groove 34 extends a certain length along the axial direction of the adapter 33 to form a long countersunk hole. The limiting bolt 26 is fixed to the limiting screw hole 25, and one end of the screw extends into the limiting groove 34 for a certain distance, thereby forming a limiting effect on the limiting groove 34.

[0044] Specifically, because the preload spring 21 is provided to continuously eject the extraction head 30, a corresponding limiting device is required to prevent the extraction head 30 from falling off the extraction rod 22. For example, the limiting bolt 26 and the limiting groove 34 can be used to form a disc. After the preload spring 21 ejects the extraction head 30 to a certain distance, the groove wall of the limiting groove 34 can abut against the limiting bolt 26, thereby forming a limiting effect and preventing the extraction head 30 from falling.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, preferably, the drive assembly 10 is provided with a drive motor 11, a first gear 12 and a second gear 13, the first gear 12 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive motor 11, and forms a transmission connection with the second gear 13; the second gear 13 is sleeved on the extraction rod 22, and forms a linear transmission connection with the extraction rod 22.

[0046] Specifically, the outer teeth of the first gear 12 and the outer teeth of the second gear 13 cooperate with each other to form a meshing connection. The outer wall of the extraction rod 22 may be provided with a spiral groove 23, thereby forming a screw mechanism. The inner ring of the second gear 13 may be provided with a spiral protrusion (not shown) that matches the spiral groove 23, thereby forming a nut mechanism. This allows the second gear 13 and the extraction rod 22 to cooperate with each other to form a linear transmission connection. Operation of the drive motor 11 drives the first gear 12 to rotate, thereby driving the second gear 13 to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the extraction rod 22 to move up and down, and driving the extraction head 30 to compact the coffee powder.

[0047] Secondly, to maintain continuous compaction of the coffee powder during brewing and extraction, the drive motor 11 can be operated continuously. To extend the service life of the drive motor 11, a self-locking structure of the extraction rod 22 is preferably employed to maintain downward pressure on the extraction head 30, allowing the extraction head 30 to maintain continuous compaction of the coffee powder. For example, the spiral groove 23 of the extraction rod 22 can be configured with a relatively large pitch to enhance its self-locking properties and increase the friction between the extraction rod 22 and the second gear 13, allowing the second gear 13 to maintain its locking operation on the extraction rod 22 even when the motor is not driving it.

[0048] Furthermore, when the drive motor 11 is running, driving the extraction rod 22 downward, thereby causing the extraction head 30 to perform a corresponding compaction operation on the coffee powder, after the specific compaction pressure reaches a preset pressure, the control circuit board of the drive motor 11 can sense an increase in the current of the drive motor 11. When the current increases to a certain threshold, the motor can be stopped. At this time, under the influence of the rebound force of the preload spring 21, the extraction rod 22 is subjected to upward movement stress, while the second gear 13 remains stationary in the axial direction of the extraction rod 22. Therefore, the extraction rod 22 and the second gear 13 abut against each other and form a self-locking state, preventing the extraction rod 22 from moving up and down. The preload spring 21 is used to maintain continuous pressure on the extraction head 30, causing the extraction head 30 to continuously compact the coffee powder, keeping the coffee powder in a compacted state for brewing and extraction.

[0049] A back pressure mechanism 50 is further provided at one end of the liquid outlet 42 of the powder container 40. The back pressure mechanism 50 abuts against the powder container 40, and one end thereof is connected to the liquid outlet 42, and applies a certain back pressure to the liquid outlet 42, so that the brewed and extracted coffee liquid reaches a certain pressure and is discharged from the liquid outlet 42 into the back pressure mechanism 50.

[0050] Specifically, in order to maintain a certain pressure in the internal space of the powder container 40, thereby better brewing and extracting the coffee powder, it is preferred to use the back pressure mechanism 50 to seal the liquid outlet 42, and use the back pressure structure of the back pressure mechanism 50 itself to form a certain back pressure on the liquid outlet 42, so that the coffee liquid needs to have a certain pressure to break through the back pressure and be discharged from the back pressure mechanism 50, and then discharged from the back pressure mechanism 50 to the external coffee cup 60.

[0051] Secondly, the back pressure mechanism 50 can directly seal the liquid outlet 42 of the powder container 40, or it can connect the liquid outlet 42 with one end of the inlet of the back pressure mechanism 50, thereby forming a corresponding sealed cavity through the back pressure liquid outlet structure inside the back pressure mechanism 50, so that the coffee liquid forms a certain pressure after continuous injection, and finally breaks through the corresponding back pressure liquid outlet structure, and is discharged into the external coffee cup 60.

[0052] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and it is intended that all variations that come within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims be embraced within the present invention.

Claims

1. A pressed powder brewing unit of a coffee machine, characterized in that: The invention comprises a driving component (10), a powder pressing component (20) and a powder cake container (40), wherein the upper end of the powder cake container (40) is provided with a powder filling port (41) for filling coffee powder into the inner space of the powder cake container (40), and the lower end thereof is provided with a liquid outlet (42) for discharging coffee liquid after brewing and extraction; one end of the powder pressing component (20) is provided with an extraction rod (22) connected to the driving component (10) in a transmission manner, and the other end thereof is provided with an extraction head (30), wherein the extraction head (30) is connected to the extraction rod (22) and, under the drive of the extraction rod (22), extends from the powder filling port (41) into the inner space of the powder cake container (40), thereby compacting the coffee powder; the extraction rod (22) continuously presses the extraction head (30), and further, during the brewing and extraction process, the extraction head (30) continuously compacts the coffee powder, so that the coffee powder remains compacted during the brewing and extraction process.

2. The pressed powder brewing unit of a coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing ring (31) is provided between the outer wall of the extraction head (30) and the inner wall of the powder container (40), thereby forming a sealed connection between the extraction head (30) and the powder container (40).

3. The pressed powder brewing unit of a coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The extraction rod (22) is hollow inside, and one end of the extraction head (30) extends into the hollow portion inside the extraction rod (22), so that the hot water supply device and the extraction head (30) are connected, thereby providing hot water to the extraction head (30) for brewing and extracting coffee powder.

4. The pressed powder brewing unit of a coffee machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: One end of the extraction head (30) is provided with a water diversion hole (32), and the other end thereof is provided with an adapter (33). The adapter (33) is inserted into the inner hollow portion of the extraction rod (22) and forms a sliding connection. The adapter (33) is hollow inside and is in communication with the water diversion hole (32), so that the hot water supply device can supply hot water to the water diversion hole (32) through the adapter (33).

5. The pressed powder brewing unit of a coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The powder pressing assembly (20) is provided with a pre-compression spring (21), one end of the pre-compression spring (21) abuts against the extraction rod (22), and the other end abuts against the extraction head (30).

6. The pressed powder brewing unit of a coffee machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: An annular groove (24) is provided at one end of the extraction rod (22) connected to the extraction head (30), and the pre-compression spring (21) is inserted into the annular groove (24).

7. The pressed powder brewing unit of a coffee machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: A limiting screw hole (25) and a limiting bolt (26) are provided at one end of the extraction rod (22) close to the extraction head (30); a limiting groove (34) is provided at a position corresponding to the limiting screw hole (25) of the adapter (33); the limiting groove (34) extends a certain length along the axial direction of the adapter (33) to form a long strip-shaped countersunk hole; the limiting bolt (26) is fixed to the limiting screw hole (25), and one end of the screw rod extends into the limiting groove (34) a certain distance, thereby forming a limiting effect on the limiting groove (34).

8. The pressed powder brewing unit of a coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving assembly (10) is provided with a driving motor (11), a first gear (12) and a second gear (13); the first gear (12) is fixed to the output shaft of the driving motor (11) and forms a transmission connection with the second gear (13); the second gear (13) is sleeved on the extraction rod (22) and forms a linear transmission connection with the extraction rod (22).

9. The pressed powder brewing unit of a coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A back pressure mechanism (50) is provided at one end of the liquid outlet (42) of the powder container (40). The back pressure mechanism (50) abuts against the powder container (40), and one end of the back pressure mechanism (50) is in communication with the liquid outlet (42). The back pressure mechanism (50) applies a certain back pressure to the liquid outlet (42), so that the brewed and extracted coffee liquid reaches a certain pressure and is discharged from the liquid outlet (42) into the back pressure mechanism (50).

10. A coffee machine, characterized in that: The invention relates to a coffee machine comprising a pressed powder brewing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and further comprising a hot water supply device, wherein the hot water supply device provides hot water required for brewing to the pressed powder brewing unit, thereby brewing and extracting the coffee powder to obtain corresponding coffee liquid.

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